FR2589698A1 - TABLE WITH EXTENSIONS - Google Patents

Abstract

THE INVENTION RELATES TO AN EXTENSION TABLE. IT INCLUDES A PLATE 24 ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF WHICH ARE ARTICULATED TWO FLAPS 26, 26 THAT CAN PIVOT BY MEANS OF HINGES 30, 30A, 30, 30A. THE FLAPS 26, 26 MAY TILT DOWN OR UP AND BE LOCKED IN EACH OF THEIR THREE POSITIONS. FIELD OF APPLICATION: SERVICE TABLES FOR HOTELS, ETC.

Description

The invention relates to tables with folding extensions or

flaps, and it has

  in particular to an improved mechanism of articulation

  tion by which the extensions are pivotally connected to a table top.

  Tables with folding extensions, or

  tants, are well known in the prior art. Such tables are commonly used in hotels where tables are used with flaps that can take one of two or three positions. The flaps can be horizontal and in the table top of the table for service, or they can be tilted down or up to allow the table to be moved in the corridors of hotels or to be tucked away. . Tables with flaps that can pivot to a vertical position above the table top are desirable because, while the table is moved in the hallways of the hotel,

  the flaps or extensions hold the dishes, usten-

  siles and food transported on the table top.

  In addition to having pivoting extensions, such tables are commonly equipped with a tray that pivots on a support between a flat horizontal position and a vertical tilted position of 90. This

  inclination on a support is desirable for

  when not in use. An example of such a table of the prior art is described

  in U.S. Patent No. 4,446,796.

  Although a table as described in the aforementioned patent is very useful in the industry, it has emerged that such tables can present

  some disadvantages in certain circumstances.

  As described in the aforementioned patent, the flaps are connected to the table top by several hinges which comprise a fixed pivot subject to the table and

  a sliding element which is fixed to the flap. The the-

  It is slidable relative to the pivot, but the two elements are biased towards each other by a spring connecting them to each other. When moving the flaps from a position in which they are in the plane of the table top, one must

  pull them off the board for a predetermined distance

  completed, then rotate them down or towards

  the top. In any case, when the slaughter

  from the table top, we expose the

  hinges. This can have undesirable consequences

  because, during use, the table tops

  are covered with tablecloths that are usually white

  ches. When the flaps are removed by pulling them to expose the hinges, the tablecloth can

  go down to the hinges and get dirty.

  In addition, the web can be stuck when returning the flap in horizontal position. Another problem associated with these table tops of the prior art is that, when the table is to be brought from a disposition in which the flap is raised to a disposition in which it is in the plane of the board, the flap

  must be moved against the return force of the spring.

  This can result in a difficult maneuver table when trying to bring the flaps in the plane of the table top. In general, this action takes place in the reception lounge of a hotel when the service table is prepared in the presence of the residents of the hotel. At this time, it is very desirable for the hotel, that the maneuvering of the table top is as sweet and discreet as possible so as not to interfere in any way with the hotel guests. Another problem of the table of the prior art is that, when the extension or the flap is brought to the low position, it moves substantially away from the table top, which requires more space for transport or

the storage of the table.

  In a preferred embodiment of

  the invention there is provided a table comprising a

  port and a table top connected to the support. A strap or flap is provided for the table top, to which it is hinged so that it can be moved from a first position in which it is aligned with the table to a second position in which the table flap is generally perpendicular to the plateau. The hinge includes a first member that is attached to the flap and a second member that is connected to the table top. The first and second elements are articulated between them and the second element

  the hinge is slidably connected to the

water from the table.

  More particularly, in a pre-form

  embodiment of the invention, two flaps or extensions are articulated on opposite edges of a

  table top by means of several hinges.

  Hinges include a connected element

  flap and a second element connected in a sliding

  health at the table top. Sliding and opposite hinge elements, located on the table top, can slide in a profile and are connected to each other by a spring. A hinge slider and a first hinge member are connected by a pivot axis received in an oblong hole of the first hinge member. A stop is

  attached to the second hinge element, close to

  diate the pivot axis which it is spaced a distance allowing pivoting of the flap when the first hinge element is arranged so that a first end of the oblong hole is adjacent to the axis. The stopper prevents pivotal movement when the first hinge member is disposed so that a second end of the hole

oblong is adjacent to the axis.

  The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of nonlimiting example and in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a service table according to the invention; Figure 2 is an elevation of the service table according to the invention, the tray is tilted in the storage position; Figure 3 is an elevation of the service table according to the invention, the tray is tilted to a position of use; Figure 4 is an end view of the table whose tray is in the use position and whose flaps are lifted vertically above the tray;

  FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view.

  enlarged scale of a hinge mechanism;

  FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view

  a profile and a locking element protruding towards the profile;

  Figure 7 is a partial view in perspective.

  pivoting and locking mechanisms of the flaps or extensions of the table; and

  Figures 8 to 10 are elevations

  the sequence of movements of a flap from a position raised vertically above the board

  from the table to a vertically lowered position

below the table top.

  The figures represent a table 20 com-

  taking a support 22 and a table top 24 mounted on the support 22 so as to be pivotable, as described more fully hereinafter. Two extensions or flaps 26 and 26 'are mounted on opposite edges 28 and 28' by means of hinges 30, 30a, 30 'and 30a'.

  The support 22 comprises two longitudinal elements

  tudinal, parallel and spaced 32 and 32 'base which are equipped with rollers 34, 34a, 34' and 34a 'placing the base elements 32 and 32' in a horizontal plane

  above a horizontal surface 36. The

  port 22 further comprises two vertical uprights 38 and 38 'which rise vertically from the base members 32 and 32' to which they are attached, respectively. The

  38 and 38 'are linked together by a

horizontal pour 40.

  A lower surface 24a of the table top 24 is provided with two parallel and spaced sections 42 and 42 ', adjacent and parallel to the edges 28 and 28', respectively. The profiles 42 and 42 'are spaced a distance greater than the spacing of the uprights 38 and 38'. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 4, the profiles 42 and 42 'are identical and the description

  section 42 (as shown in FIGS.

  4 and 6) is sufficient to also describe the profile 42 '. The profile 42 is an extruded part comprising a portion 44 of U-section. A vertical portion 46 of bracing connects this profiled portion 44 to a horizontal mounting flange 48 which is attached to the lower surface 24a in any suitable manner, for example by several screws. The profiles 42 and 42 'are attached to the lower surface 24a so that their respective profiled portions 44 and 44' are

arranged face to face.

  Figures 1, 2 and 5 show a rod 52 fixed to the top of the uprights 38 and 38 '. The rod 52 is dimensioned so that its free ends 54 and 54 'protrude beyond the uprights 38 and 38' and

  penetrate the profiled parts 44 and 44 ',

  tively. The free ends 54 and 54 'are equipped with sliders 56 and 56' of plastic material which are sized to be slidably accommodated

  in the profiled portions 44 and 44 ', respectively.

  Two support arms 58 and 58 'are articulated on the sections 42 and 42', at 60 and 60 ', as well as on the

amounts 38 and 38 ', in 62 and 62'.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a latch 64 is attached to the profile 42. The latch comprises a locking surface 66 which is generally in abutment with an outer surface of the profile 42. An outwardly protruding section 66a connects the locking surface 66 to a handle portion 68 which is spaced from the outer surface of the profile. The latch 64 is pivotally connected to the profile 42 by a bolt 67 passing through this section 42 and surrounded by a spring 69 disposed between the profile 42 and a retaining nut 65. A portion of the profiled portion 44, opposite to the locking surface 66, is cut to form an opening 70 passing through the profiled portion 44. The opening 70 is located on

  the profiled portion 44 so as to allow communication with

  cation through the profile 42 and to expose the slide 56 of plastic material when the table is tilted to the horizontal position as

  shown in Figure 5. The locking surface 66

  the door carries a locking element 72 which is

  sioned to pass into the hole 70 and engage with a locking edge 74 of the slide 56 of plastic. When grasping the handle 66 and moving it towards the profile 42, this handle pivots on the bolt 67 so that the element 72 of

  locking is released by sliding from its grip

  with the edge 74. Once this clearance is

  read, the tray 20 of the table can be tilted to

  a vertical storage position.

  The extensions or flaps 26 and 26 'are connected by hinges 30, 30a, 30' and 30a 'which are

  identical to each other, only the description

  hinge 30 being sufficient to describe the other hinges. The elements common to all hinges have the same numerical references, except that they are followed by the letter "a" or the sign prime to identify an association with a particular hinge. As best seen in FIG. 5 and FIGS. 8 to 10, the hinge 30 (or hinge 30 'in FIGS. 8 to 10) comprises

  a first element 80 comprising a plate 82 of

  floor intended to be fixed to the lower surface of a flap. A tab 84 extends perpendicularly from the mounting plate 82 and extends longitudinally beyond the plate 82 to a rounded free end 86. An oblong hole 88 is formed through

  the tongue 84 and its longitudinal direction is parallel

  leles to the mounting plate 82. A first end 87 of the oblong hole 88, which is the furthest apart from the

  plate 82, coincides with the center of a circle.

  key of which is the contour of the free end 86. A second element 90 of the hinge is

  intended to be attached to the lower surface 24a of the

  water 24 of the table (as described below). The second element 90 of the hinge is a rectangular bar

  elongate dimensioned to be slidably housed

  in a groove or profile having dimensions

  such as those of the profiled portion 44 '. The

  second element 90 has a rotatable end 92

  through a hole for receiving a pivot axis 96 which is oriented approximately parallel to the edge 28 of the table top and perpendicularly

  at the tongue 84 of the first element 80 of the hinge.

  The axis 96 passes into the hole of the end 92 and into the oblong hole 88, thus pivotally joining

  the first and second members 80 and 90 of the hinge.

  54 The axle is held in position by a nut and a snap

  A stop, including a steel bar 100, is attached to the second member 90 of the hinge on one side of the pivot axis 96 opposite that of the pivot end 92. The stop is aligned with the second member 90 so as to have a vertical abutment surface 102 when the second member 90 is attached to the table top as described. The abutment surface is spaced from the pivot axis 96 by a distance which is only slightly greater than the radius of the rounded free end 86 of the first element

  hinge. The distance from the pivot axis 96

  to the abutment surface 102 is smaller than the

  radial pitch of the second end 89 of the oblong hole

  88 at one end 85 of the tongue 84.

  Two parallel and spaced sections 104 and 104 'are arranged to extend approximately perpendicular to the edges 28 and 28'. The profiles 104 and 104 'extend over almost the entire length

  of the lower surface of the plate 24 of the table.

  The hinges are aligned with the extensions or

  26 and 26 'so that the hinges 30 and

  are arranged in such a way that their first

  80 and 80a are fixed to the flap 26. Similarly, the hinges 30 'and 30a' are mounted so that their first elements 80 'and 80a' are fixed to the flap 26 '. The hinges are fixed to

  their respective flaps so that the second element

  90 is opposed to the second element 90 'and aligned with it. Similarly, the second hinge member 90a is opposed to the second member 90a 'with

which it is aligned.

  The profiles 104 and 104 'are of one embodiment

  identical to that of profile 42 and they include

  each a profiled portion 106 and 106 ', respectively.

  The second hinge members 90, 90a, 90 'and 90a' are sized to be slidably accommodated in the profiled portions of the profiles 104 and 104 'so that the second members 90 and 90' are slidably accommodated in opposite ends. of section 106 of section 104. Similarly,

  second members 90a and 90a 'are slidably housed

  in opposite ends of the portion 106 'of the profile 104', the opposite ends of the second

  elements 90, 90a, 90 'and 90a' of hinges comprising

  buttons 108, 108a, 108 'and 108a', respectively

  is lying. Springs 110 and 110 'connect, respectively, the buttons 108 and 108' and the buttons 108a and 108a ',

  tending to bring closer to one another the second

  hinges to which they are attached.

  As best seen in FIG. 9, the profiled portions 106 and 106 'are spaced apart from the bottom surface of the table top by the same distance as that of which the elongate hole 88 of the first hinge member 80 is spaced from below the flaps, so that when the flaps are in the horizontal position, in the plane of the plateau

  of the table, the opposite edges of the board and

  tants are aligned and abutting. In addition, it should be noted from the figures that the opposite edges of the table top and the flaps are rounded to the upper surface of the flaps and the table.

  and that they are chamfered inwards.

  As can be seen better in FIG. 2, two supports 112 and 112 'of flaps are provided.

  to support each of the flaps 26 and 26 ', respectively

  in a position such as the flaps

  are aligned on the plate 24 of the table. The sup-

  flap ports are identical and the description

  of the flap support 112 also applies to the support

112 '

  The support 112 comprises a profiled element

  114 which is formed by extrusion and whose cross-section

  Versale is identical to that of the profile 42. The profile 114 is aligned so that its profiled portion extends generally transversely to the opposite edges of the flap 26 and the table top. The flap support 112 includes a rod 118 dimensioned to be slidably accommodated in the channel 114 and passing through an opening 120 formed in the profile 42. A free end of the support rod 118 includes a handle 122 which is bent inwardly of the support rod 118, to form with it a suitable angle of about 900 or so

  other appropriate angle. The support rod 118 can cover

  smooth in the profile 114 between a first position in which the handle 122 is below the plate 24 of the table to allow free pivoting of the flap 26, and a second position in which

  it is brought by extension and in which the po-

  Figure 122 is disposed below the flap 26. A stop 124, attached to an inner end of the support rod 118 and abutting the profile 114 when

  rod 118 was pulled on a desired maximum stroke.

  tee, accurately establishes the extended position of the support rod 118. In the full extension position, the handle 122 is aligned with a spacer

  opposite 126 fixed to the lower surface of the slaughterhouse

  26. The spacer has a surface opposite the handle 122, spaced from the flap 26 a distance sufficient for the flap to rest on the door.

  handle 122 using the spacer, the flap 26-

  being then in the plane of the plate 24 of the table.

  The spacer 126 has an inclined surface 128 oppo-

  section 42. Each of the flaps 26 and 26 '

  carries a handle 130 and 130 ', which can be gripped by an operator and fixed to a lower surface of this flap, in a position centered on an outer edge

  lower surfaces of the flaps 26 and 26 ',

  tively. The support 22 comprises two shelves 140 and 140 'disposed on either side of the uprights 38 and 38'. As can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 1 and 7, the shelves 140 and 140 'are identical and

  the description of only one of these tablets applies

  to the other. The tablet 140 comprises two side walls

  the parallel and spaced 142 and 144 which are pivotally mounted on the base members 32 and 32 '

  by pivot axes 146 and 148. As shown in FIG.

  The pivot axes 146 and 148 pass through oblong holes 150 and 152 of the sidewalls 142 and 144, respectively. The axes 146 and 148 are spaced

  vertical posts 38 and 38 'of a sufficient distance

  so that the side walls 142 and 144 can freely pivot on the pins 146 and 148 when the latter bear against the first ends 151 and 153 of the oblong holes 150 and 152. When the pivot axes 146 and 148 bear against the second ends 155 and 157 oblong holes 150 and 152, the side walls 142 and 144 abut against the vertical uprights 38 and 38 ', thus preventing the pivoting of these side walls. The latter are connected by a cross member 149 and a second cross member 158 having a central recess 160. Horizontal legs 162 of the rollers support the side walls 142 and 144 when the shelves are tilted

in the lowered position.

  An explanation of how the

  preferred embodiment of the table according to the invention.

  tion will bring out the advantages of the invention.

  When the table is in its position of use in a room of a hotel, the flaps or extensions 26 and 26 'are fully deployed and placed in the plane of the table top 24. The shelves and 140 'can be raised or lowered, as is preferred and as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3. To tilt the shelves from a raised position to a lowered position, the cross member 158 is grasped and lifted. until the pivot axes 146 bear against the first

  ends 151 and 153 of the oblong holes 150 and 152.

  At this point, the tablets can be rotated to the lowered position, the side walls 142 bearing against the tabs 162. It should be noted that during the transport of the table, the tablets can remain

  in the lowered position, the recess 160 providing a clearance

  appropriate for the ankles and feet of a

  operator pushing the table in a corridor.

  When the table is in a position of use

  in a room, the flaps are in the

  plane of the table top and tab 84 of the first

  hinge element 80 extends in a horizontal plane

  zontal coinciding globally with the second hinge element. In this position, the spring 120 recalls the opposite hinge elements 90 towards each other, the pivot axes 96 being disposed below the plate 24 of the table. The opposite rounded edges of the table top and flaps are mutually abutting. The handle 122 of the support rod 118 bears against the spacer 126, keeping the flaps in proper alignment with the table top. In addition, the tray of the table is brought into its horizontal position, the element 72 of the lock 64 engaging with the locking edge 74 of the

  slide 56 of plastic material for establishing a

  blocked clutch. Figure 9 shows the hinge

  when the flap 26 'is in a decent position

  bent in which he is in the plane of the board

24 of the table.

  From the position described above, the flaps can be brought to a raised position or a lowered position. To return the flap 26 'to the lowered position, for example as shown in FIG. 10, an operator grasps the handle 130' of the flap with one hand and grasps the handle 122 'of the support 112' with its other hand, pushing the rod

  118 'support to a position in which the po-

  122 is located below the plate 24 of the table.

  Gravity causes the flap 26 ', which is no longer supported, to pivot about the axes 96' and 96a 'and to move to a position in which it is oriented approximately vertically, its edge being disposed below the edge 28 'of the table top as the pivot point is below the table top. In such positions, the sliding elements 90 'and 90a' of hinges are completely housed in the profiles 104 and 104 ', so that

  the stops 100 'and 100a' apply against the overruns

outer faces of the profiles.

  When one has to bring the flap

  a position in which it rises almost vertically

  calmly above the table top (as shown

  in FIG. 8 where the flap 26 'approaches the vertical

  hold), the operator grasps the handle 130 'of the slaughter

  and tilts the latter on the axes of pivots-

  96 'and 96a'. When the flap 26 'approaches a generally horizontal position, its edge abuts against the opposite rounded edge 28' of the table top, and

  the flap continues to rotate, the rounded edges oppo-

  rolling on one another. In this way, the edges of the flap and table top become

  integral part of the hinge mechanism. In con-

  to rise to a globally

  the flap 26 'pivots by the opposite edges, the tabs 84' and 84a 'pulling the sliding elements 90' and 90a 'of hinges outwardly of the sections 104 and 104'. The sliding movement of elements 'and 90a' of hinges is authorized by the springs

  and 110 '. When the seat is vertical, the

  Sliding members 90 'and 90a' are in their fully extended position and the elongated holes 88 'and 88a' of the tongues 84 'and 84a' are vertical. The figure shows the hinge 30 in a totally vertical position above the plate 24 of the table. On point

  as shown in Figure 5, the tabs and the slaughter

  both descend vertically until the pins 96 and 96a abut against the second ends 89 of the

  oblong holes 88, the edge of the flap 26 being

  is lower than the opposite edge 28 of the plate 24 of the table. In this position, the stops 100 and 100a bear against the tabs, preventing the elements

  hinges to rotate further. To bring back the slaughter

  both in a horizontal position, the operator

  sit the handle 130 of the flap and lifts the assembly of the flap 26 until the tongues are

  moved in such a way that the first

  Moved oblong holes 88 and 88a bear against the axes 96 and 96a. At this stage, the spacing between the pivot axes and the stops 100 and 100a is sufficient to allow the rounded ends of the tongues to pivot. When the operator returns the flap to the horizontal position, by pivoting it, the opposite edges of the flap and the table roll over one another and the sliding elements 90 and 90a of the hinges are brought back inside the profiles 104 and 104 'by the springs 110 and 110'. If an operator wishes to tilt the table top from the horizontal position to a generally vertical position, he grasps the handle 68 of the latch 64 and pushes it toward the profile 42.

  because of the articulation of the lock, the element of ver-

  rust 72 is released from the hole 70, so that the

  profiled portion 44 and the slider 56 in plastics

  tick can slide freely relative to each other.

  It can be seen that the present invention provides many advantages over the prior art.

  laughing. First, to move the flaps from a vertical position above the table to a position in which they are aligned in the plane of the table, it is sufficient for an operator to lift the flaps, against the weight of the of the table, without this operator having to perform this lifting against the additional force exerted by a spring, as

  this was necessary with the tables of the prior art.

  The design of the table according to the invention allows a relatively easy and smooth operation of the flaps or extensions, in a reception room, and therefore a

  discreet and elegant installation of a service table

  vice. In addition, since the flaps move from the vertical position above the table top to a horizontal position in the plane of the board in such a way that the opposite edges of the board and the flaps form the point of articulation.

  for the pivoting action, the mechanisms of the

  are not exposed during this maneuver.

  vre, which avoids any risk of contamination of the tablecloth

  as well as the need to make visible to pensioners

  the hotel's disgraceful mechanism

  res. Moreover, when they are switched to a low

  the flaps are less voluminous than in the prior art, which makes it easier to

  moving the table in frequent hotel corridors

  quentés and narrow and also reduces the space requested

  for the storage of the table. Finally, the table is

  cheap because all profiles can be

  cut in the same extruded pieces.

  It goes without saying that many modifications can be made to the table described and represented

  without departing from the scope of the invention.

2589698-

Claims (4)

  1. Table, characterized in that it comprises   a support (22), a plate (24), means connecting the plate to the support, a flap or an extension (26, 26 ') for the plate, hinge means (30, a, 30', 30a). ') by which the flap is articulated   on the board to be able to move from one   first position in which it is aligned   to a second position, these means of articula-   comprising a first hinge member (80) attached to the flap and a second hinge member (90) connected to the tray, an element (96) for connecting   swiveling way the first and second elements of char-   means to link in a sliding way.   the second hinge element to the tray, and means for locking the flap in said second position.   2. Table according to claim 1, characterized   characterized in that the table top and the flap have opposite edges connected by said hinge means and having opposed surfaces which roll against each other when the flap is   moved from the first position to the second position.   3. Table according to claim 1, characterized   characterized in that the means for locking the flap in the second position comprise a stop (100) fixed to the second element, on one side of the pivot remote from the first element, the pivot comprising an axis (96).   carried by the second element, the first element   a tongue (84) having an elongate hole (88) extending from a first end (87) to a second end (89), the tongue being spaced from the stop a sufficient distance to pivot when the gate axis against the first end of the oblong hole, and less than the distance sufficient to allow pivoting when the axis bears against the second end of the oblong hole.   4. Table according to claim 3, characterized   characterized in that it comprises two flaps (26, 26 ') located on opposite sides of the table top and articulated on the table top by means of articulation means comprising second elements (90) connected slidably to the table top, the second elements of the first flap being aligned with the second elements of the second flap, in a   plan coinciding with the direction of the movement of   second flaps, springs (110, 110 ')   interconnecting the opposite sliding elements.