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(11) | EP 0 818 967 B1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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| (54) |
AUTOMATICALLY DOWNFOLDING SLAB SELBSTTÄTIG WEGKLAPPENDER SITZ PLANCHE SE RABATTANT AUTOMATIQUEMENT |
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| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). |
Background
[0001] Outdoor wooden surfaces e.g. benches that are exposed to rain, dirt, temperature variations, exposure to sun, etc. are rapidly damaged if their maintenance is neglected. Small and big cracks, a weathered surface makes algae, dirt and moisture stay in the wood. The bench looses its quality as a seat or workbench.
[0002] In Scandinavia there has been a tradition of using wood for the construction of benches and other outdoor furniture. It would therefore be a pity if metal-net-constructions would take over.
[0003] As far as I know, no solution has yet been found where the bench automatically takes on a position that protects it from exposure, when it is not used.
[0004] The document US-A-3 850 476 discloses a slab having the features of the preamble of claim 1. But the top surface of this slab is strait vertical, when the slab is not in use, and rotates in a different direction.
The Product
[0005] A slab e.g. a wooden bench with fittings which, when the bench is not in use, allows it to fold down into a mainly vertical position, with its top surface slightly pointing downwards, so that it is sheltered from rain, dirt, etc. Such a slab is defined by the features of the characterising portion of claim 1.
Figures 1 and 2
[0006] The slab (1) is made of heavier material in front of the pivoting point (2). As a consequence the slab folds down into a vertical position when there is not pressure on it, its top surface slightly pointing downwards so as to be protected from rain, dirt etc.
[0007] The fittings on the slab (3) and on the side supports (4) pivot on a peg, up to a stabilising point, on which the slab rests, when the slab is used.
[0008] Using the slab: Turn it up into its horizontal position - sit on it or place a burden on the slab so that it rests against the stabilising point.
[0009] Because the slab folds forwards and downwards, and because there is no need for any support for the back to stop a sitting person from falling backwards, the construction differs from earlier patents DE-C 475 842, Ch-C-124 724, FR-A 676559, US-A-3 850 476.
• the slab is mounted in such a way that it pivots about a horizontal axis of rotation (2).
• the centre of gravity of the slab differs from the axis of rotation; as a consequence the slab, when not in use, takes on a mainly vertical position,
• said device comprises an attachment (4), which, whenever the slab is used, supports the slab (1) in its horizontal position.
• characterised by , that in the vertical position, the top surface of the slab (1) is facing outward and slightly pointing downwards, resulting in such a position that it is protected from dirt, rain, sun, etc.
• wo die Platte (1) ringsum einer wesentlich horizontale Drehachse (2) drehbar einrichtet ist,
• wo der Schwerpunkt an genannte Platte von seiner Drehachse auf solche weise verschieben ist, dass die Platte von eine hauptsächlich horizontale Gebrauchs-Lage ausgehend, unbelastet zu eine hauptsächlich vertikale Erholungslage wiedergeht,
• wo die genannte Anordnung ein Anschlag (4) einbegriffen, die wirksam ist um die Platte in eine horizontale Position zu unterstützen sofort sie benützt wird.
• dadurch gekennzeichnet dass, als in ihre vertikale Erholungslage, die Oberfläche der Platte in Richtung vorwärts ist, und leicht nach unten zeigend in so eine Stellung dass sie von Regen, Schmutz u.s.w. beschützt wird.
• La planche (1) est montre de telle façon quelle se tourne autour d un axe de rotation horizontal (2)
• Le centre de la gravite de la planche se diffère de l'axe de rotation; afin que la planche, quand inutilisé, prendre une position essentiellement verticale, avec la surface supérieure (le côté sur lequel vous êtes assis) en avant et légèrement descendante, à telle une position quelle à l'abri de la pluie, de la boue, le soleil etc.
• L'invention comprenne des attachements (4) qui, quand la planche est chargé, elle support dans sa position horizontal.
• Caracterisé par le fait que la planche dans sa position repos (c'est à dire vertical) pend verticalement avec la surface supérieure (le côté sur lequel vous êtes assis) en dehors et légèrement descendante, à telle une position quelle à l'abri de la pluie, de la boue etc.