Support structure for a furnishing object such as a table, small table, seat or other

Abstract

 Support structure (10) for a furnishing object (12) comprising a central body (13) on which three or more legs (14) are pivoted, which act as support members. The legs (14) are able to assume both an inactive position, in which they are substantially parallel, or almost, to the central body (13), and an operative position, in which they are spread apart with respect to the central body (13). For each leg (14), the central body (13) comprises a pin (24) that extends toward the outside, perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis (X) of the central body (13), and on which a corresponding leg (14) is pivoted. The different pins (24) are angularly offset with respect to each other in a uniform way.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns a support structure for a furnishing object, such as a table, small table, seat or other object provided with a support plane. The support structure comprises a central body on which three or more legs are pivoted, that act as support members, and possibly also three or more upper arms. The legs, and possibly also the upper arms, can assume an inactive position, in which they are substantially parallel, or almost, to the central body, or an operative position in which they are inclined and spread out with respect to the central body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the furnishing sector different support structures are known, suitable to support a support plane, that can, for example, be that of a table, a small table, a seat or other object or piece of furniture.

[0003] Among known support structures there are the so-called folding ones, that is, able to assume both an inactive position, in which their bulk is reduced to a minimum, in order to allow the furnishing object to be easily put away, and an operative position.

[0004] Normally, however, known support structures have the disadvantage that they are too complex and not very practical.

[0005] Purpose of the present invention is to make a support structure for a furnishing object, such as a table, small table, a seat or other object provided with a support plane, that is simple, functional and reliable, that is, able to guarantee practicality of use and good stability for the object supported.

[0006] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0008] In accordance with the above purposes, a support structure for a furnishing object, such as a table, a small table, a seat or other object provided with a support plane, according to the present invention, comprises a central body on which three or more legs are pivoted, that act as support members. The legs are able to assume both an inactive position, in which they are substantially parallel, or almost, to the central body, and an operative position, in which they are spread apart with respect to the central body

[0009] In accordance with one characteristic of the present invention, for each of said legs the central body comprises a pin that extends toward the outside, perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the central body itself, and on which a corresponding leg is pivoted, the different pins being angularly offset with respect to each other in a uniform way. In this way, also the parallel legs, both in the inactive position and in the operative position, are angularly offset with respect to each other in a uniform way.

[0010] Thus, for example, if there are four legs, each pin, and therefore each leg as well, will be offset by 90° with respect to the adjacent one. If, on the other hand, there are only three legs, each pin, and therefore each leg, will be offset by 120° with respect to the adjacent one.

[0011] With this new and inventive characteristic, the support structure according to the present invention has the advantage of being simple, functional and very reliable.

[0012] In accordance with another characteristic of the present invention, a device to limit the angular aperture of the leg pivoted thereto is associated to each pin. In this way, each leg, in the operative position, is advantageously inclined, or spread out, by a determinate angle with respect to its corresponding inactive position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of forms of embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

• fig. 1 is a perspective and schematized view of a support structure according to the present invention and in accordance with a first form of embodiment, used to support the support plane of a table and shown in the operative position;
• fig. 2 is a lateral view of the support structure in fig. 1;
• fig. 3 is a view from above of the support structure in fig. 1, indicating the bulk both of a square support plane and a round support plane;
• fig. 4 is an enlarged detail of fig. 3;
• fig. 5 is a lateral view of the support structure in fig. 1 in an inactive position;
• fig. 6 is an exploded view, sectioned and enlarged, of the support structure in fig.1;
• fig. 7 is a lateral and enlarged view of some parts of the support structure in fig. 1;
• fig. 8 is a sectioned view of a first variant of an element of the central body of the support structure in fig. 1,
• fig. 9 is a sectioned view of a second variant of the element of the central body in fig. 8,
• fig. 10 is a lateral view of a support structure according to the present invention and in accordance with a second form of embodiment, also used to support the support plane of a table and shown in the operative position;
• fig. 11 is a view from above of a support structure according to the present invention and in accordance with a third form of embodiment, also used to support the support plane of a table and shown in the operative position.

[0014] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one form of embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other forms of embodiment without further clarifications.

[0015] Furthermore, in the following description, the sole function of the words "vertical", "lower" and "upper" is to better illustrate the present invention and must in no way be used to limit the scope or use thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME FORMS OF EMBODIMENT

[0016] In accordance with a first form of embodiment, shown in figs. from 1 to 7, a support structure 10 according to the present invention is used to support a support plane 11 of a table 12. By way of example, the support plane 11 can be round or square (fig. 3), or any other shape, even irregular.

[0017] The support structure 10 comprises a vertical central body 13, on the lower part of which four legs 14 are pivoted, that act as support members.

[0018] In this first form of embodiment the support structure 10 also comprises four upper arms 15, each pivoted in the upper part of the central body 13.

[0019] Both the legs 14 and the upper arms 15 are able to assume both an inactive position (fig. 5), in which they are substantially parallel, or almost, to a longitudinal axis X of the central body 13, and an operative position (figs. 1 to 4), in which they are spread out with respect to the central body 13 by a determinate angle, for example comprised between 45° and 70°.

[0020] The central body 13 comprises a tubular element 16 with a longitudinal cavity 17 coaxial to the longitudinal axis X, in which a bar 18 is inserted with threaded ends 18a and 18b.

[0021] A first bushing 19 is mounted at the lower end of the tubular element 16 and is held in position coaxial to the longitudinal axis X by a washer 20 and a threaded nut 21, which is screwed onto the threaded end 18a of the bar 18. A first stopper 22 is disposed to close the cavity of the first bushing 19.

[0022] The first bushing 19 is provided with four threaded holes 23 (three of which are visible in fig. 6), disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X, coplanar and angularly offset with respect to each other in a uniform way, that is by 90°. A pin 24 of a corresponding leg 14 is screwed on each threaded hole 23.

[0023] In the first bushing 19, associated to each pin 24 and parallel thereto, a peg 25 is inserted, this also protruding toward the outside. Each peg 25 is inserted in an arched eyelet 26 (figs. 6 and 7) of a corresponding leg 14, in order to angularly limit the rotation of the latter with respect to its pin 14, between the inactive and the operative position.

[0024] Each peg 25 and the corresponding arched eyelet 26 defines a device to limit the angular aperture of a leg 14.

[0025] A second bushing 27 is mounted at the upper end of the tubular element 16 and is held in position in a position coaxial to the longitudinal axis X by a washer 28 (fig. 6) and by a threaded nut 29, screwed onto the threaded end 18b of the bar 18. A second stopper 30 is disposed to close the cavity of the second bushing 27.

[0026] The second bushing 27 is provided with four threaded holes 31 (three of which are visible in fig. 6), coplanar with each other and parallel to the threaded holes 23. On each threaded hole 31 a pin 32 of a corresponding upper arm 15 is screwed.

[0027] In the second bushing 27, associated to each pin 32 and parallel thereto, a peg 33 is inserted, this also protruding toward the outside and inserted in an arched eyelet 34 (figs. 6 and 7) of a corresponding upper arm 15, in order to angularly limit the rotation of the latter with respect to its pin 32 between the inactive and the operative position.

[0028] Each peg 33 and the corresponding arched eyelet 34 defines a device to limit the angular aperture of an upper arm 15.

[0029] A supporting foot 35 (figs. 2 and 6) is mounted at the end of each leg 14, opposite the pivoting one.

[0030] Similarly, a supporting head 36 is mounted at the end of each upper arm 15, opposite the pivoting one, and is configured to contact the lower part of the support plane 11 of the table 12.

[0031] There are friction discs 37 between the first bushing 19 and the legs 14, between the legs 14 and corresponding closing flanges 38, between the second bushing 27 and the upper arms 15, and between the upper arms 15 and corresponding closing flanges 39.

[0032] In possible forms of embodiment of the present invention, not shown in the drawings, it can be provided that, in association with, or possibly as an alternative to the friction discs 37, elastic elements may be present, configured to increase the friction action exerted on the reciprocal contact surfaces with the friction discs 37.

[0033] According to possible solutions, it can be provided, for example, that between each friction disc 37 and each closing flange 38 a cup spring is interposed, with the function of elastic element, and configured to maintain the friction disc 37 pressed against the contact surface of the leg 14.

[0034] In possible solutions it can also be provided that, in correspondence to the friction discs 37, the leg 14 is provided with a housing seating configured to contain inside it at least the cup spring and the friction disc.

[0035] This solution allows to keep the legs 14 in the predetermined operative condition, and only if a closing action is exerted thereon are they brought into the inactive position.

[0036] In accordance with a first simplified variant, shown in fig. 8, a central body 113 is provided that comprises a single tubular element 116 on which two series of threaded holes 123 and 131 are made, a lower one and an upper one, to house the pins 24 and 32 respectively. Circular seatings 125 and 133 are also provided in the tubular element 116, suitable to house the pegs 25 and 33 respectively.

[0037] In accordance with a second simplified variant, shown in fig. 9, a central body 213 is provided that comprises a single solid profiled element 216, with a round or square cross section, on which two series of threaded holes 223 and 231 are made, a lower one and an upper one, to house the pins 24 and 32 respectively. Circular seatings 225 and 233 are also provided in the profiled element 116, suitable to house the pegs 25 and 33 respectively.

[0038] In accordance with a second form of embodiment, shown in fig. 10, a support structure 310 according to the present invention is used to support a support plane 311 of a table 312.

[0039] In this second form of embodiment, unlike the first, there are no upper arms 15, so that a central body 313 comprises only four pins 324 for four corresponding legs 314 provided with supporting feet 335. The central body 313 also comprises an upper plate 340 on which the support plane 311 rests and is attached.

[0040] In accordance with a third form of embodiment, shown in fig. 11, a support structure 410 according to the present invention is used to support a support plane 411 of a table 412.

[0041] In this third form of embodiment, unlike the first and the second, a central body 413 has a triangular cross section, with the sides disposed at 120° with respect to each other and from which three corresponding pins 424 protrude. A corresponding leg 414 provided with a supporting foot 435 is pivoted on each of the three pins 424.

[0042] It is understood that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the support structure 10, 310, 410 as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

[0043] For example, instead of there being three or four legs, there could even be five or more, and disposed equally angularly offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central body.

[0044] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of support structure, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Claims

1. Support structure for a furnishing object (12) comprising a central body (13, 113, 213, 313, 413) on which at least three legs (14, 314, 414) are pivoted, which act as support members, and in which said legs (14, 314, 414) are able to assume both an inactive position, in which they are substantially parallel, or almost, to said central body (13, 113, 213, 313, 413), and an operative position, in which they are spread apart with respect to said central body (13, 113, 213, 313, 413), characterized in that, for each of said legs (14, 314, 414), said central body (13, 113, 213, 313, 413) comprises a pin (24, 324, 424) that extends toward the outside, perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis (X) of said central body (13, 113, 213, 313, 413), and on which a corresponding leg (14, 314, 414) is pivoted, the different pins (24, 324, 424) being angularly offset with respect to each other in a uniform way.

2. Support structure as in claim 1, characterized in that to each of said pins (24, 324, 424) a device to limit the angular aperture of the leg (14, 314, 414) pivoted thereto is associated.

3. Support structure as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said pins (24, 324, 424) are coplanar with each other.

4. Support structure as in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that there are four of said legs (14, 314), and said pins (24, 324) are angularly offset with respect to each other by 90°.

5. Support structure as in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that there are three of said legs (414), and said pins (424) are angularly offset with respect to each other by 120°.

6. Support structure as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said central body (13) comprises a tubular element (16) with a longitudinal cavity (17) coaxial to said longitudinal axis (X), in which a bar (18) is inserted with the ends (18a, 18b) threaded, in that a first bushing (19) is mounted at the lower end of said tubular element (16) and is held in a position coaxial to said longitudinal axis (X) by a first threaded nut (21), which is screwed to a first threaded end (18a) of said bar (18), and in that said first bushing (19) is provided with at least three first holes (23) disposed perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis (X), coplanar and angularly offset with respect to each other in a uniform way, and in which said pins (24) are inserted.

7. Support structure as in claims 2 and 6, characterized in that a first peg (25), also protruding toward the outside, is inserted in said first bushing (19), associated to each pin (24) and parallel thereto, and in that each first peg (25) is inserted in an arched eyelet (26) of a corresponding leg (14, 314, 414), each first peg (25) and the corresponding arched eyelet (26) defining said device to limit the angular aperture of the leg (14, 314, 414).

8. Support structure as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it also comprises at least three upper arms (15), each pivoted in said central body (13, 113, 213, 313, 413) on the opposite side with respect to said legs (14, 414).

9. Support structure as in claim 6 and 8, characterized in that said central body (13) also comprises a second bushing (27) that is mounted at the upper end of said tubular element (16) and is held in a position coaxial to said longitudinal axis (X) by a second threaded nut (29), screwed on a second threaded end (18b) of said bar (18), and in that said second bushing (27) is provided with at least three second holes (31), coplanar with each other and parallel to said first holes (23), the pins (32) of said upper arms (15) being inserted in said second holes (31).

10. Support structure as in claim 9, characterized in that a second peg (33), also protruding toward the outside, is inserted in said second bushing (27), associated with each of the pins (32) of said upper arms (15) and parallel thereto, and in that each second peg (33) is inserted in a corresponding arched eyelet (34) of a corresponding upper arm (15), each second peg (33) and the corresponding arched eyelet (34) defining a device to limit the angular aperture of the corresponding upper arm (15).

Drawing