(19)
(11) EP 2 174 566 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:
14.04.2010 Bulletin 2010/15

(21) Application number: 09380160.3

(22) Date of filing: 07.10.2009
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A47B 9/10(2006.01)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR
Designated Extension States:
AL BA RS

(30) Priority: 10.10.2008 ES 200802878

(71) Applicant: Abain Components, S.L.
20017 San Sebastian (Gipuzkoa) (ES)

(72) Inventor:
  • Barandiaran Salaverria, Javier
    20.013 San Sebastian Guipuzcoa (ES)

(74) Representative: Urteaga Simarro, José Antonio 
31, Principe de Vergara St.
28001 Madrid
28001 Madrid (ES)

   


(54) Table column with manual locking and unlocking and a lifting mechanism


(57) Table column for a table with a table top and base, which may reach a locked or unlocked position to prevent or allow, respectively, the table top from being raised or lowered in relation to the base. The table column comprises a fixed tube (1) solidary to the base and a cam unit (2) axially solidary to the table top and capable of both moving axially and turning in relation to the fixed tube (1). At least one nipple (5) is disposed radially between the fixed tube (1) and the cam unit (2), becoming pressed between the cam unit (2) and the fixed tube (1) in order to lock the table column, and not being pressed so to unlock the table column. The lifting mechanism used is an expanding gas-operated cylinder (4). The table column is stable and robust thanks to, among other factors, the transverse pressure of the nipples (5).




Description

Technical field



[0001] The invention relates to a table column with manual locking and unlocking and a lifting mechanism based on a gas-operated cylinder.

State of the art



[0002] The prior art contains known table columns that allow the top of a table to be raised and lowered in relation to its base, thereby providing a table offering various uses: for example, a dining table may be raised for use as a tall table or lowered for use as a coffee table. Said table columns generally make use of gas-operated lockable cylinders, i.e. gas-operated cylinders provided with internal locking means to prevent or allow gas to pass between the internal chambers of the cylinder, in other words to prevent or allow the expansion of the gas-operated cylinder. The use of this type of cylinder allows the table user to lock and unlock the table top, once it is raised or lowered to the required point. These solutions based on gas-operated lockable cylinders are characterised in that they offer reduced stability as the gas-operated cylinder generally has to withstand the weight of the table top. This results in the table often wobbling slightly. To address this drawback the parts of the table columns need to be fitted in such a way that they do not wobble but can still slide correctly, a factor that can lead to the cost of manufacturing the table column rising excessively.

[0003] It is an objective of this invention to a provide a design for a table column with manual locking and unlocking and a lifting mechanism based on a gas-operated cylinder, but using an expanding gas-operated cylinder and not a gas-operated lockable cylinder. The final object of the invention is to improve the stability of the table column without this impacting negatively on the cost of its manufacture.

Brief description of the invention



[0004] It is an object of this invention to provide a table column, where the table comprises a base and a table top, which may reach a locked position to prevent the table top from being raised or lowered and an unlocked position to allow the table top to be raised or lowered. The table column comprises a fixed tube connected to the base of the table and a cam unit. The cam unit is axially solidary to the table top, i.e., has no relative axial movement in relation to the table top. The cam unit is situated at least partially inside the fixed tube and is capable of both moving axially and turning in relation to it. The inventive table column also comprises at least one nipple disposed radially between the fixed tube and the cam unit. Said nipple becomes pressed between the cam unit and the fixed tube when the cam unit is turned until the column reaches the locked position, whereas the nipple is not pressed when the cam unit is turned until the column reaches the unlocked position. In other words, the nipple is the member that prevents the cam unit (axially solidary to the table top) from moving in relation to the fixed tube (connected to the base). An expanding gas-operated cylinder is used as the lifting mechanism, connected at one end to the fixed tube and at the other end to the cam unit.

[0005] The inventive table column is robust and stable thanks to the pressure that the nipples exert on the fixed tube. This means that the pressure is not only exerted on a fixed member connected to the base, but also exerted in a transverse direction, therefore helping to make a greater contribution to preventing the gas-operated cylinder from wobbling or oscillating.

Brief description of drawings



[0006] Details of the invention can be seen in the accompanying non-limiting figures:
  • Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of a first embodiment of the invention, in its most extended position.
  • Figure 2 shows the table column of Figure 1 in its most retracted position.
  • Figures 3 and 4 show cross-sectional views of the table column along the A-A plane of Figure 1, with the column in a locked and unlocked position respectively.
  • Figures 5 and 6 show cross-sectional views of the table column along the B-B plane of Figure 1, with the column in a locked and unlocked position respectively.
  • Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of the upper area of the table column.
  • Figure 8 shows an elevation view of the external tube of the preceding figures.
  • Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of a second embodiment of the invention, in its most extended position.
  • Figure 10 shows an enlarged view of the upper area of the table column of Figure 9.

Detailed description of the invention



[0007] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of a first embodiment of the invention. The inventive table column is designed to be fitted between a table top and a base (neither of these two parts of the table are shown in any of the figures). What is shown is a plate (10) in the upper area of the table column, which may be a schematic representation of the table top or an intermediate part comprised in the table column and to which the table top is connected. The table column may reach a locked position to prevent the table top from being raised or lowered and an unlocked position to allow the table top to be raised or lowered, as shown in the continuing figures. The inventive table column comprises a fixed tube (1) and a cam unit (2). The fixed tube (1) is connected to the base of the table. The cam unit (2) is situated inside the fixed tube (1) and is axially solidary to the table top, in other words, it moves in the direction of longitudinal axis (11) along with the table top (as can be seen, in the present embodiment the plate (10) and the cam unit (2) are welded together). In addition, the cam unit (2) is capable of moving axially and of turning in relation to the fixed tube (1).

[0008] Additionally, in the present embodiment the cam unit (2) has no rotational movement in relation to the table top. In other words, the table top turns in conjunction with the cam unit (2), this being achieved, for example, by welding the cam unit (2) to the plate (10), as in the present embodiment. This solution, in which the cam unit (2) is rotationally solidary to the table top, allows the user to easily lock and unlock the table column by turning the table top, as explained below. This embodiment is particularly suitable therefore for round tables, where the user turns the table top to unlock the table column, then allows the table to rise or pushes it down to the required position, and then turns the table top once more to lock the table column.

[0009] The table column also comprises at least one nipple (5) disposed radially between the fixed tube (1) and the cam unit (2). The cam unit (2) presses said nipple (5) against the internal walls of the fixed tube (1) in order to lock the table column, as explained below.

[0010] The table column also comprises an expanding gas-operated cylinder (4), which causes the cam unit (2) to move longitudinally in relation to the fixed tube (1). One end (12) is connected to the fixed tube (1) and the other end (13) is connected to the cam unit (2).

[0011] In the embodiment shown, the table column also comprises an external tube (3) that covers at least part of the cam unit (2) and moves longitudinally with the cam unit (2). The cam unit (2) is capable of turning inside the external tube (3). The function of the external tube (3) is to guide the movement of the cam unit (2) in conjunction with the gas-operated cylinder (4). The external tube (3) slides axially through a cap (18) connected to the fixed tube (1). A part (19) is connected to the end of the external tube (3) closest to the nipples (5). This part (19) acts as a cage housing the nipples (5) and also as a guide for them. Said part (19) is connected to the external tube (3), for example, by means of welding or a pin.

[0012] Preferably, the cam unit (2) is a tube disposed outside the gas-operated cylinder (4) and inside the external tube (3). However, other embodiments wherein a cam-like function is achieved in the area where the nipples are situated (5), so that they may be pressed, are also contemplated.

[0013] Figure 2 shows the table column of Figure 1 in its most retracted position. The gas-operated cylinder (4), the cam unit (2) and the external tube (3) have descended to their lowest position, in which the shaft (14) of the gas-operated cylinder (4) is concealed inside its body (15). The table top, which is not shown in the figures but is connected to the plate (10), is in its lowest position and the table reaches its lowest height to be used, for example, as a coffee table, centre table, etc.

[0014] Figures 3 and 4 show cross-sectional views of the table column along the A-A sectional plane shown in Figure 1, with the column in an unlocked and locked position respectively. Figure 3 shows that the cam unit (2) may be turned in such a way that its areas of greatest diameter (16) do not come into contact with the nipples (5). Gaps (17) thus appear between the nipples (5) and the fixed tube (1), and the nipples (5) are not pressed against the fixed tube (1) by the cam unit (2). As a result, the cam unit (2) is released from to the fixed tube (1) and may be displaced axially in relation to it. Alternatively, Figure 4 shows that the cam unit (2) is turned in such a way that its areas of greatest diameter (16) come into contact with the nipples (5). The nipples (5) are thus pressed against the fixed tube (1) by the cam unit (2), thereby locking the cam unit (2) and preventing it from moving axially in relation to the fixed tube (1).

[0015] Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the table column also comprises a stopper part (6) connected to the cam unit (2) and which restricts the rotation of the cam unit (2) when it comes into contact with a stop. This prevents the cam unit (2) from turning too far and the nipples (5) from projecting out of the areas of greatest diameter (16), unintentionally unlocking the table column. According to the embodiment shown, said stop is provided by the walls of a window (7) situated in the external tube (3), through which the stopper part (6) passes. This mechanism can be seen in greater detail in Figures 5 and 6, which both provide cross-sectional views of the table column along the B-B plane shown in Figure 1, with the column in an unlocked and locked position respectively. Figures 5 and 6 show the positioning of the stopper part (6) in relation to the tubes (1, 2, 3): the stopper part (6) turns in conjunction with the cam unit (2) and its turn is restricted by the walls of the window (7) of the external tube (3).

[0016] Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of the upper area of the table column, showing certain aspects in greater detail. For example, the figure shows more clearly how, in this embodiment, the plate (10), the cam unit (2), the gas-operated cylinder (4) and the stopper part (6) all move together axially due to the fact that the cam unit (2) is welded to the plate (10) and to the fact that the gas-operated cylinder (4) and the stopper part (6) are connected to the plate (10) by means of a screw (9) and an additional part (20). The external tube (3) moves axially with the rest of the members (2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 20), but the six inter-connected members (2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 20) may turn in relation to the external tube (3), said rotation being restricted by the walls of the window (7) inside which the stopper part (6) moves.

[0017] Figure 8 shows an elevation view of the external tube (3) in which the window (7) of the present embodiment can be seen in its actual size.

[0018] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of a second embodiment of the invention, in which the external tube (3) is connected to the table top, in this case by means of the welded connection between the end of the external tube (3) and the plate (10). In this embodiment the table column also comprises an operating lever (8) connected to the cam unit (2). The user must operate said operating lever (8) to turn the cam unit (2) and lock and unlock the table column. In other words, in this embodiment the table top (10) does not turn. As a result, this embodiment is especially suitable for rectangular or square tables, where the user turns the operating lever (8) to unlock the table column, allows the table to rise or pushes it down to the required position, and then turns the operating lever (8) once more to lock the table column.

[0019] Figure 10 shows an enlarged view of the upper area of the table column of Figure 9, showing certain aspects in greater detail. For example, the figure shows more clearly how, in this embodiment, the plate (10), the external tube (3), the gas-operated cylinder (4) and the stopper part (6) (which in this case coincides with the operating lever (8)) are all connected when they move axially due to the fact that the external tube (3) is welded to the plate (10) and to the fact that the gas-operated cylinder (4) and the stopper part (6/8) are connected to the plate (10) by means of the screw (9). As a result, all the members (2, 3, 4, 6/8, 9, 10) move together axially. The cam unit (2), the gas-operated cylinder (4), the screw (9) and the stopper part (6/8) may turn together in relation to external tube (3) and the plate (10). Said rotation is restricted by the walls of the window (7) inside which the stopper part (6) moves.

[0020] Preferably, as can be seen in the two embodiments shown, the external tube (3) has a non-circular cross-section (in this case, square) to prevent it from turning in relation to the cap (18) of the fixed tube (1). This gives stability to the table as only internal parts of the table column (not including the plate (10) and/or the lever (6/8)) may turn.


Claims

1. Table column, wherein the table comprises a base and a table top, the column being capable of reaching a locked position to prevent the table top from being raised or lowered and an unlocked position to enable the table top to be raised or lowered, characterised in that it comprises:

- a fixed tube (1) connected to the base of the table,

- a cam unit (2), axially solidary to the table top, situated at least partially inside the fixed tube (1), and capable of moving axially and turning in relation to the fixed tube (1),

- at least one nipple (5) disposed radially between the fixed tube (1) and the cam unit (2), where said nipple (5) becomes pressed between the cam unit (2) and the fixed tube (1) when the cam unit (2) is turned until the column reaches the locked position, whereas said nipple (5) is not pressed when the cam unit (2) is turned until the column reaches the unlocked position,

- a gas-operated cylinder (4) solidary at one end (12) with the fixed tube (1) and at the other end (13) with the cam unit (2), the gas-operated cylinder (4) causing the longitudinal movement of the cam unit (2) in relation to the fixed tube (1).


 
2. Table column according to claim 1, characterised in that the cam unit (2) is a tube disposed outside the gas-operated cylinder (4).
 
3. Table column according to claim 1, characterised in that the cam unit (2) is also connected rotationally solidary to the table top, with the result that the user has to turn the table top to lock and unlock the table column.
 
4. Table column according to claim 1, characterised in that it also comprises an external tube (3) that covers at least part of the cam unit (2) and moves longitudinally with the cam unit (2), the cam unit (2) being capable of turning inside said external tube (3).
 
5. Table column according to claim 4, characterised in that the external tube (3) is solidary to the table top and wherein it comprises an operating lever (8) solidary to the cam unit (2), with the result that the user has to turn the operating lever (8) to lock and unlock the table column.
 
6. Table column according to claim 4, characterised in that the cam unit (2) is a tube disposed inside the external tube (3) and outside the gas-operated cylinder (4).
 
7. Table column according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a stopper part (6) connected to the cam unit (2) and which restricts the rotation of the cam unit (2) when it comes into contact with a stop.
 
8. Table column according to claim 7, characterised in that the stop is provided by the walls of a window (7) situated in the external tube (3), through which the stopper part (6) passes.
 
9. Table column according to claim 1, characterised in that the external tube (3) has a non-circular cross-section to prevent it from turning in relation to the cap (18) of the fixed tube (1).
 




Drawing
















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