GB2361415A

GB2361415A - A support structure e.g. for a table

Info

Publication number: GB2361415A
Application number: GB0001432A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ben Farren-Price
Original assignee: FARREN PRICE BEN
Current assignee: FARREN PRICE BEN
Priority date: 2000-01-22
Filing date: 2000-01-22
Publication date: 2001-10-24
Anticipated expiration: 2020-01-22
Also published as: GB2361415B; GB0029352D0; GB0001432D0

Abstract

A support structure for a table or desk comprises a rigid surface, at least two fixing points 27, 28; 36, 37 directly or indirectly on said rigid surface 4, a wire 29, 47 arranged therebetween and a rigid member 38, 41; 48, 49 which, in use is arranged between said wire and said rigid surface. The rigid member 38, 41; 48, 49 may be arranged on a hinge (40, Fig. 4) on said rigid surface. The fixing points may be located on a rotatable element 23, 24 which is fixed to the rigid surface such that rotation of said rotatable element in one direction tensions the wire 29, 47 and rotation in the opposite direction relaxes said tension. The structure counteracts bending forces applied to the top of the rigid surface.

Description

BFPOOI 1?-Jan-00 - 13:05 2361415 A SUPPORT STRUCTURE This invention

relates to a support structure and more particularly, but not exclusively to a table and a desk.

Furniture such as tables, folding tables, desks, folding desks, beds and shelves may be strengthened by using thicker or more rigid materials. Alternatively, support structures such as cross braces may be used.

These may have the disadvantages of being heavy, expensive or aesthetically displeasing. The present invention attempts to overcome these disadvantages.

According to the present invention there is provided a support structure which comprises a rigid surface, at least two fixing points located directly or indirectly on is said rigid surface, a wire arranged therebetween and a rigid member which, in use, is arranged between said wire and said rigid surface to pretension said wire. Advantageously, said rigid member is arranged on a hinge on said rigid surface. 20 Preferably, said rigid member extends over the centre of said hinge. The over centre action provides a positive locking position for the rigid member in its operable position. Advantageously, at least one of said fixing points is located on a rotatable element which is fixed to said rigid surface, such that rotation of said rotatable element in one direction tensions said wire, and rotation in the opposing direction relaxes tension in said wire.

Preferably, said rotatable element forms part of a folding leg, such that unfolding said folding leg tensions said wire and folding said folding leg relaxes tension in said wire.

Advantageously, said folding leg comprises a Ushaped tube rotatably arranged in at least one bearing fixed to said rigid member and at least one lug disposed BFPOOI 17-Jan-00 13:05 2 on said tubular, said wire attached to said lug.

Advantageously, said support structure comprises at least one further rigid member spaced from said rigid member along said wire.

Preferably, said support structure further comprises a spacer arranged between said rigid member and said further rigid member.

Advantageously, said spacer comprises a tube through which said wire is located.

Preferably, said rigid surface comprises at least one panel at each of said at least two fixing points.

Advantageously, said rigid surface is provided with at least one panel located at a point at which said rigid member is in line with said rigid surface.

is Preferably, said rigid surface comprises a sheet of plywood. Alternatively, said rigid member comprises a sheet of polycarbonate material.

The present invention also provides a table and desk provided with the support structure of the present invention.

BFPOOI 17-Jan-00 - 13:05 For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a table in 5 accordance with the present invention; Figures 2a, 2b and 2c are respectively a side, bottom and end view of the table of Figure 1; Figures 3a, 3b and 3c are respectively a bottom, side and end pan view of a sindlar table to the table of Figure 1 with legs and the support structure in a folded position; Figure 4 is an enlarge perspective view of part of the table of Figure 1, with a modified part; Figure 5 is an enlarged end view of part of the table of Figure 4 with hidden parts shown in dash lines, showing the support structure in a folded position, an extended position and in an intermediate position; and Figures 6a, 6b and 6c are respectively a side, bottom and end view of a second embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings there is shown a table generally identified by reference numeral 1.

The table 1 comprises a table top 2 having a plywood base 3 approximately 220cm. long, 110cm wide and 15mm thick. A top surface of the base 3 is provided with a 0.5mm hard wood laminate 4, such as oak, beech or maple. The table top 2, the hard wood laminate 4 and at least part of the underside of the table top is coated with at least one layer of lacquer. A chamfer is formed around the perimeter of the table top 2.

The underside of the table top 2 is provided with eight panels 5 to 12 which are adhered thereto using a resin based adhesive and screwed. Each panel 5 to 12 is made from a 15mm thick plywood sheet cut to approximately 20cm by 25an and chamfered around its perimeter.

BFPODI 17-Jan-00 13:05 4 Four panels 5 to 8 are located near to the four corners of the table top 2 spaced equidistant from their respective sides of the table top 2 and equid1stant from their respective ends of the table top 2. Each panel 5 to 8 is provided with a bearing 13 to 16. Each bearing 13 to 16 comprises an upper part 13a, 14a and a lower part 13b, 14b, both made from a rigid plastics material or cast alum:Lnium. The lower part 13a, 14a has a body provided with a semi -cylindrical opening thereacross and two bolt holes arranged in the body each side of the opening. The upper part has a body provided with a corresponding semicylindrical opening and corresponding threaded bolt holes. The upper part has two integral leaves extending from the body having holes facilitating a rigid fixing to the panels 5 to 8 using bolts or wood screws. A pipe clamp suitable for 38.1mm. diameter pipe may be a suitable type of bearing.

Bearings 13 and 14 are arranged substantially centrally on their respective panels 5 and 6, with the longitudinal axis of cylindrical openings 17 and 18 in longitudinal alignment. Similarly, bearings 15 and 16 are arranged substantially centrally on their respective panels 7 and 8, with the longitudinal axis of cylindrical openings 19 and 20 in longitudinal alignment.

Two pairs of table legs 21 and 22 are each formed from a single piece of stainless steel tubing 38.1mm, in diameter! bent into an inverted U-shape having a substantially straight top 23 and 24. In use, the legs are at a slight angle to the vertical, each leg having a foot which is formed by cutting the base of the leg to be parallel to a flat floor, such that the table maintains a sure footing. The top 23 and 24 of each pair of table legs 21 and 22 is rotatably arranged in the aligned bearings 13, 14 and 15, 16 respectively. Each top 23 and 24 has a lug stop 25, 26 welded thereto, such that in BFP001 17-Jan-00 13:05 use, the legs can be rotated from a folded position to an extended position. The lug stop 25, 26 will inhibit the legs from spreading too far, at which point each meets a stainless steel plate 25a, 26a 6mm thick and approximately 7cm square screwed to the underside of the base 3, or the underside of a panel 5 to 8.

Lugs 27 and 28 are welded to near to one end of the flat top 23 and 24 respectively. A length of twisted steel wire 29 is attached at one end to the lug 27 via a coupling 30 which is crimped to the wire and has two spaced arms 31 and 32 which have holes 33 and 34 for retaining a pin 35. The lug 27 is located between the arms 31 and 32. The pin 35 passes through a hole (not shown) in the lug 27. The other end of the steel wire 29 is is similarly attached to lug 28. Two further lugs 36 and 37 are welded near to the other ends of top 23 and 24. The couplings may be provided with a screw adjustment for adjusting the tension in the wire 29.

The panels 9 to 12 are arranged at the corners of a rectangle arranged about the centre of the table top 2.

The centres of panels 9 and 11 lie outside of a line running between the lugs 27 and 28 by 5mm. Similarly, the centres of panels 10 and 12 lie outside of a line running between the and lugs 36 and 37.

A member 38, is shown in Figures 1 to 3 as an H section strut, but is preferably of L-section extruded aluminium, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The member 38 is located at the centre of the panel 9 on a plate 39. The member 38 has a first end having a planar base angled from the longitudinal axis of member 38 in two planes such that in use, when the base is in contacting relation with plate 39, the member 38 leans towards the line running between the lugs 36 and 37 and away from lug 27. One leaf of a hinge 40 (Figure 4) is bolted but may be riveted or glued on an outer side of the f irst end of the BFP001 17-Jan-00 13zO5 6 member 38 and the other leaf is attached to the plate 39 for facilitating movement of the member 38 from a folded position to an in use position, as can best be seen In Figure 4. The first end of the rigid member 38 is substantially in line with the line running between lugs 27, 28 and a pin 48 of the hinge 40 is located outside of said line by approximately 10mm, a force applied to the second end of the member 38 toward the first end may inhibit the hinge from opening.

Similarly, a member 41 is located slightly offset towards the outside of the centre of the panel 11 on a plate 42. The member 38 has a first end having a planar base angled from the longitudinal axis of member 38 in two planes such that in use, when the base is in is contacting relation with plate 42, the member 41 leans towards the line running between the lugs 36 and 37 and away f rom lug 28. One leaf of a hinge 43 is riveted on an outer side of the f irst end of the member 41 and the other leaf is attached to the plate 42 for facilitating movement of the member 41 from a folded position to an in use position.

A hollow rigid tube 44 approximately 1.5cmin than ter, is located between second ends 45 of members 38 and 41. The steel wire 29 runs through hole 46 and (not shown) in the second ends 45 of the members 38 and 41 and runs through the hollow rigid tube 44.

Similarly, a second length of twisted steel wire 47 is arranged between lugs 36 and 37, over corresponding members 48 and 49 and through a hollow rigid tube 50.

The table 1 may be transported with the pairs of legs 21 and 22 folded and the members 38, 41, 48 and 49 folded, (similar to the table shown in Figure 3a to 3c).

Folding the pairs of legs 21 and 22 releases tension on the steel wires 29, 47. This is accomplished due to the lugs 27, 28, 36, 37 being arranged on the lower part of BFPOOI 17-Jan-00 13:05 7 the top 23, 24, such that rotation of each top 23, 24 moves the lugs 27, 36 towards the opposing lugs 28, 37. The members 38, 41 and 48, 49 can then easily be folded from an in use position in which the members 38, 41 and 48, 49 are held in an over centre position by the tension of the steel wire 44 and 50, to being flat against the underside of the table top 2.

When in use, as load is applied to the table top 2, the table top 2 may have a tendency to flex downwardly on the rigid members 38, 41 and 48, 49 and the legs. The legs 21, 22 may be forced further apart, rotating the top 23, 24 thereof, hence tensioning the wires 29, 47. Downward movement of the rigid m ers 38, 41 and 48, 49 with respect to the fixing points 27, 28 and 36, 37 will tension the wires 29, 47. Tensioning of the wires 29, 47 may counteract downward flexing of the table top 2 as the load is increased.

Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c show a table generally identified by reference numeral 101. Table 101 is generally similar to the table 1 of the first embodiment, like reference numerals are used for like parts in the one hundred series. The ends of the wires 129, 147 are connected directly to the bearings 113, 114, 115, 116 or the plates 105, 106, 107, 108 or other rigid f ixing. A coupling, similar to coupling 30 may be provided at each of the end of the wires. The f irst end of the rigid members 138, 141, 148, 149 are substantially inline with the fixing points 127, 128, 136, 137, and the plates are shifted towards the perimeter of the table 101 as compared with the table of Figure 1.

When in use, as load is applied to the table top 102, the table top 102 may have a tendency to flex downwardly on the rigid members 138, 141 and 148, 149 and the legs 121, 122. The legs 121, 122 may be forced further apart which is counteracted by lugs 125, 126 BFP001 17-Jan-00 13:05 8 acting on plates 125a, 126a. Downward movement of the rigid members 138, 141 and 148, 149 with respect to the fixing points 127, 128 and 136, 137 will tension the wires 129, 147. Tensioning of the wires 129, 147 may counteract downward flexing of the table top 2 as the load is increased. the members 138, 141 and 148, 149 could then be moved to a flat position by applying force to the members 138, 141 and 148, 149, stretching the wire 129, 147 in order to move the members 138, 141 and 148, 149 about the over centre hinge, or by relaxing tension In the wire by other means, such as a screw thread in line therewith.

It is envisaged that various modifications and/or improvements may be made to the above referenced specific is embodiment, in particular:

the table top may be made from other materials, such as a polycarbonate material, bMF, chipboard, glass, steel, aluminium honeycomb or compacted paper board; the legs 21, 22; 121, 122 may be made from aluminium, or mild steel; the legs 21, 22; 121, 122 may be provided with moulded feet inserted into the ends of the legs; and the legs may be f ixed in an in use position, with a rigid fixing point at the top thereof.

For the avoidance of doubt, I wires I as used herein means any flexible or semi-flexible material which has a high tensile strength.

BFPOQI 17-Jan-00 13:05 9

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A support structure which comprises a rigid surface, at least two fixing points (27, 28 and 36, 37; 127, 128 and 136, 137) directly or indirectly on said rigid surface (4;104), a wire (29, 47; 129, 147) arranged therebetween and a rigid member (38, 41 and 48, 49; 138, 141 and 148, 149) which, in use, is arranged between said wire and said rigid surface.

2. A support structure as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said rigid member (38, 41 and 48, 49; 138, 141 and 148, 149) is arranged on a hinge (40; 140) on said rigid surface (4; 104).

3. A support structure as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said member (38, 41 and 48, 49; 138, 141 and 148, 149) extends over the centre of said hinge (40; 140).

4. A support structure as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein at least one of said fixing points (27,28 and 36, 37) is located on a rotatable element (23, 24) which is fixed to said rigid surface (4), such that rotation of said rotatable element (23, 24) in one direction tensions said wire (29, 47), and rotation in the opposing direction relaxes tension in said wire (29, 47).

5. A support structure as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said rotatable element (23, 24) forms part of a folding leg (21, 22), such that unfolding said folding leg (21, 22) tensions said wire (29, 47) and folding said folding leg (21, 22) relaxes tension in said wire (29, 47).

6. A support structure as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said folding leg (21, 22) comprises a U-shaped tube 30 rotatably arranged in at least one bearing (13, 14, 15, 16) fixed to said rigid surface (3) and at least one lug (25, 26) disposed on said tube, said wire (29, 47) attached to said lug (27, 28).

7. A support -structure as claimed in any preceding Claim, further comprising at least one further rigid BFPOOI 17,Jan-00 13:05 member (38, 41, 48, 49; 138, 141, 148, 149) spaced from said rigid member (38, 41, 48, 49; 138, 141, 148, 149) along said wire (29, 47; 129, 147).

8. A support structure as claimed in Claim 7, said support structure further compr:. Lses a spacer (44, 50; 144, 150) arranged between said rigid member (38, 41, 48, 49; 138, 141, 148, 149) and said further rigid member (38, 41, 48,49; 138, 141, 148, 149).

9. A support structure as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said spacer (44, 50; 144, 150) comprises a tube through which said wire (29, 47; 129, 147) extends.

10. A support structure as claimed in anypreceding claim, wherein said rigid surface (3; 103) comprises a sheet of plywood.

11. A support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said rigid surface (3; 103) comprises at least one panel (5, 6, 7, 8; 105, 106, 107, 108) at each of said at least two fixing points (27, 28 and 36, 37; 127, 128 and 136, 137).

12. A support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said rigid surface (103) is provided with at least one panel (9, 10, 11, 12; 109, 110, 111,112) located at a point at which said rigid member (38, 41, 48, 49; 138, 141, 148, 149) would otherwise meet said rigid surface (3; 103).

13. A support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said rigid surface (3; 103) comprises a sheet of polycarbonate material.

14. A table comprising the support structure as claimed in any preceding claim.

15. A desk comprising the support structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13.

r,4oolb 9-jul-01 16:38 Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS:

1 A support structure which comprises a rigid surface, at least two fixing points (27, 28 and 36, 37; 127, 128 and 136, 137) directly or indirectly on said rigid surface (4; 104), a wire (29, 47; 129, 147) arranged therebetween and an elongate rigid member (38, 41 and 48, 49; 138, 141 and 148, 149), said elongate rigid member in use, is arranged between said wire and said rigid surface to space said wire from said rigid surface.

2. A support structure as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said elongate rigid member (38, 41 and 48, 49; 138, 141 and 148, 149) is arranged on a hinge (40; 140) on said rigid surface (4; 104). 3. A support structure as claimed in Claim 2, wherein 15 said elongate rigid member (38, 41 and 48, 49; 138, 141 and 148, 149) extends over the centre of said hinge (40; 140). 4. A support structure as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein at least one of said fixing points (27, 28 and 20 36, 37) is located on a rotatable element (23, 24) which is fixed to said rigid surface (4), such that rotation of said rotatable element (23, 24) in one direction tensions said wire (29, 47), and rotation in the opposing direction relaxes tension in said wire (29, 47). 25 5. A support structure as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said rotatable element (231 24) forms part of a folding leg (21, 22), such that unfolding said folding leg (21, 22) tensions said wire (29, 47) and folding said folding leg (21, 22) relaxes tension in said wire (29, 47). 30 6. A support structure as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said folding leg (21, 22) comprises a U-shaped tube rotatably arranged in at least one bearing (13, 14, 15, 16) fixed to said rigid surface (3) and at least one lug (25, 26) disposed on said tube, said wire (29, 47) 35 attached to said lug (27, 28).

B400 I b 16:38 7. A support structure as claimed in any preceding Claim, further comprising at least one further elongate rigid member (38, 41, 48, 49; 138, 141, 148, 149) spaced from said elongate rigid member (38, 41, 48, 49; 138, 141), 148, 149) along said wire (29, 47; 129, 147).

8. A support structure as claimed in Claim 7, said support structure further comprises a spacer (44, 50; 144, 150) arranged between said elongate rigid member (38, 41, 48, 49; 138, 141, 148, 149) and said further elongate rigid 'member (38, 41, 48,49; 138, 141, 148, 149).

10. A support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said rigid surface (3; 103) comprises a sheet of ply-wood.

12. A support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said rigid surface (103) is provided with at least one panel (9, 10, 11, 12; 109, 110, 111, 112) located at a point at which said elongate rigid member (38, 41, 48, 49; 138, 141, 148, 149) would otherwise meet said rigid surface (3; 103).

14. A table comprising the support structure as claimed in any preceding claim.