WO2021148991A1

WO2021148991A1 - A multimedia table

Info

Publication number: WO2021148991A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/050479
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anna SCALFI EGHENTER
Original assignee: Scalfi Eghenter Anna
Priority date: 2020-01-24
Filing date: 2021-01-22
Publication date: 2021-07-29
Also published as: IT202000001456A1

Abstract

A multimedia table comprising a screen (4), for projecting images and information, and also a load-bearing structure (3) having a support plane (6) and a support element (7). Such a multimedia table (1) also comprising a cover (14) of the support plane (6) removably coupled to allow the removal of the cover as needed by a user, having a transparent plate (15) for protecting the screen (4), and a capacitive film (16) operatively interposed between the transparent plate (14) and the screen (4).

Description

A MULTIMEDIA TABLE

D E S C R I P T I O N

Field of application

The present invention is applicable to the sector of furnishings and relates in particular to a multimedia table.

State of the art

The use of multimedia tables has recently spread in the furnishings sector, which enhance the environment by providing functional tools for work, play, service and interaction.

Such interactive tables were initially designed to make learning more engaging and collaborative for children in classrooms, facilitating study through iteration with videos, games and other multimedia resources.

Subsequently, multimedia tables were also introduced in working environments, as their functionalities are also suitable for use in the medical- scientific field, in museums, in restaurants, in game rooms, at trade fairs and in general in environments where group work and communication with users is particularly important.

The multimedia tables typically comprise a load-bearing support structure on which a screen with capacitive film is fixed to make it multitouch and with which it is possible to interact by means of touching with fingers, or by any means suitable for the purpose, allowing the control of the software of the devices.

However, as mentioned, the screens are typically protected by a glass plate and stably coupled to the load-bearing structure, which makes it difficult to inspect the screens themselves, also complicating regular cleaning and maintenance operations and any repairs and replacements.

In fact, in the known multimedia tables the screen/structure coupling is made by attaching the edges of the screen by joining means, typically screw elements, to the lower surface of the load-bearing structure.

However, considering the dimensions and weights of the screens, a coupling made only at the edges involves bending in the central portions of the screens themselves in the medium to long term, which are not supported in any manner by the load-bearing structures, consequently compromising the respective functionalities of the multimedia tables.

Furthermore, any maintenance, repair or cleaning interventions require the screen to be detached from the load-bearing structure. Since, as mentioned, the screen is typically heavy, such an operation is not only difficult, but subjects the screen to the risk of breakage due to excessive bending or accidental fall.

In addition, US 9204717 B2, DE 202007002561 U1 and EP 3012792 A1 are also known.

Specifically, US 9204717 B2 describes a work plane with an interactive area for accessing a computer device. However, in such a work surface the components are fastened to each other, if not even sealed, to create a hermetically sealed “box” and, therefore, does not allow to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above.

DE 202007002561 U1 describes a computer integrated in a table and EP 3012792 A1 describes a desktop information processing apparatus. However, they also do not improve the inspectability of the screens with respect to the known art.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia table which allows at least partially overcoming the drawbacks highlighted above.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia table in which the inspectability of the screen is easy and free of risks to the integrity of the screen itself, simplifying cleaning and maintenance operations.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia table in which the integrity of the screen is further ensured with respect to the equivalent multimedia tables of the prior art.

In particular, another object of the invention is that the screen is better protected from bending and deformations also deriving from the effect of gravity with respect to what occurs in the known equivalent multimedia tables.

Said objects, as well as others which will become clearer below, are achieved by a multimedia table according to the following claims, which are to be considered an integral part of the present patent. In particular, the multimedia table of the invention comprises a load-bearing structure and at least one screen for projecting images, information or other types of multimedia content.

According to an aspect of the invention, the load-bearing structure has a support plane for the aforementioned screen and at least one support element for sustaining the support plane.

According to another aspect of the invention, the multimedia table also comprises at least one cover arranged resting on the load-bearing structure to cover the support plane. Such a cover has at least one transparent plate, for protecting the screen, and at least one capacitive film operatively interposed between the plate and the screen.

Advantageously, the multimedia table of the invention allows to position and remove the cover from above, allowing easy access to the screen and therefore simplifying cleaning and maintenance operations. In other words, the table of the invention allows an easy inspectability of the screen.

Furthermore, as mentioned, being able to inspect the screen by removing the cover in a simple manner, without having to resort to the removal of the screen from the load-bearing structure, as typically occurs in the prior art, the table of the invention advantageously allows to ensure the integrity of the screen during maintenance.

Still advantageously, the multimedia table of the invention, the screen being placed on the support plane, prevents it from being subjected to bending and deformations deriving from the effect of gravity.

Still advantageously, the weight of the screen rests entirely on the load- bearing structure, thus allowing to freely enhance and manage the design of the cover.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will become more evident in light of the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a multimedia table according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an axonometric exploded view of a multimedia table according to the invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of the multimedia table of FIG. 1 in sectioned view;

FIG. 3 depicts a detail of the multimedia table of FIG. 1 .

Detailed description of some preferred embodiments

With reference to the above-mentioned figures, and in particular to fig. 1 , a multimedia table 1 according to the invention is described herein. It comprises a load-bearing structure 3 and a screen 4 for projecting images, information or other types of multimedia content.

According to an aspect of the invention, the load-bearing structure 3 has a support plane 6 on which to rest the aforementioned screen 4 and a support element 7 to sustain the support plane 6.

According to the described embodiment, the support plane 6 comprises a plurality of holes 9 which advantageously allow an air flow for cooling the screen 4. Furthermore, the screen 4 does not directly come into contact with the support plane 6. This leads, still advantageously, to a better circulation of the aforementioned air flow for cooling.

Obviously, such aspects must not be considered limiting for different embodiments of the invention where, for example, the support plane does not comprise holes or if the screen rests directly on the support plane.

Furthermore, the support element 7 comprises four legs 11 positioned near the edges of the multimedia table 1. Advantageously, such an arrangement of the legs 11 allows an easy use of the table 1 even in the seated position, as there are no structural impediments to the arrangement of chairs or encumbrances which hinder a comfortable seat of the user.

Obviously, such an aspect should also not be considered limiting for different embodiments of the invention where, for example, the support element comprises a different number of legs.

According to another aspect of the invention, the multimedia table 1 also comprises a removable cover 14 for the support plane 6. Such a cover has a transparent plate 15 for the protection of the screen 4, typically but not necessarily consisting of a shatterproof glass, and a capacitive film 16 which allows making the screen 4 of the table 1 multitouch. As can be seen in fig. 2, the capacitive film 16 is operatively interposed between the plate 15 and the screen 4.

Going into more detail of the embodiment described the cover 14 is placed to protect the screen 4, positioning it from above. Obviously, such an aspect must not be considered limiting for different embodiments of the invention where, for example, the multimedia table also comprises rails so as to slide the cover laterally until it covers the support plane.

Advantageously, the multimedia table 1 of the invention allows an easy inspectability of the screen 4. In fact, the arrangement and removal of the cover 14 allows easy access to the screen 4, simplifying cleaning and maintenance operations.

Furthermore, as mentioned, the screen 4 is inspectable by removing the cover 14 in a simple manner, without having to resort to the removal of the screen 4 from the load-bearing structure 3, as typically occurs in the known multimedia tables, a difficult operation and one which subjects the screen to the risk of accidental fall. Thus, still advantageously, the table of the invention 1 ensures greater integrity of the screen 4 with respect to the equivalent tables of the prior art.

Still advantageously, the multimedia table of the invention 1 , the screen 4 being placed on the support plane 6, prevents the screen 4 from being subjected to bending and deformations deriving from the effect of gravity.

Still advantageously, the weight of the screen rests on the load-bearing structure, thus allowing to freely enhance and manage the design of the cover, thus allowing to freely develop the decorative parts.

Still advantageously, the cover 14 allows to maximize the surface of the transparent plate 16, making it easier to use the multimedia features of the table 1. Obviously, such an aspect should not be considered limiting for different embodiments of the invention where, for example, the cover comprises a frame, of any dimension, supporting the transparent plate.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the cover 14 also comprises four extensions 18 shaped to cover each of the four legs 11.

Obviously, such an aspect must not be considered limiting for different embodiments of the invention where, for example, the cover comprises a different number of extensions, it does not comprise them at all or in any case there is a different number of extensions with respect to the number of legs.

According to the embodiment of the invention, which is described, the extensions 18 are made in a single body with the cover 14. Such an aspect must also not be considered limiting for different embodiments of the invention where, for example, the extensions are separate and can cover the legs regardless of the position of the transparent plate.

Furthermore, such extensions 18 are typically, but not necessarily, shaped such that their coupling with the support elements 7 creates a conduit which allows the passage of cables.

In particular, the support elements 7 and the extensions 18 are concavely shaped 20 and the conduit is contained in a space created by the coupling between the respective concavities 20.

Advantageously, the presence of a conduit for the passage of cables allows to improve the aesthetics of the table 1 , to simplify cleaning made difficult by the presence of the cables and to reduce the overall dimensions and the risks of tripping. Obviously, such an aspect must also not be considered limiting for different embodiments of the invention where, for example, the table does not comprise conduits for the passage of cables or if such conduits are made in a different way from what is described.

According to another aspect of the invention, the table 1 also comprises joining means 22 adapted to stably couple the cover 14 to the load-bearing structure 3.

According to the described embodiment of the invention, the joining means 22 comprise screw elements 23, as can be seen in the detail of fig. 3. The latter are stably coupled to the load-bearing structure 3 and are screwed inside threaded holes 24 present in the cover 14.

Obviously, such an aspect must not be considered limiting for different embodiments of the invention where, for example, the screw elements are not stably coupled to the load-bearing structure or the joining means comprise other elements suitable for the coupling. According to an embodiment variant, not depicted in the figures, the support plane is tiltable. Advantageously, this allows to arrange the screen according to an inclination suitable for the work which the user must perform.

According to another embodiment variant, also not depicted in the figures, the load-bearing structure comprises extensions removably couplable to the support plane to increase the operating surface of the multimedia table.

According to a further embodiment variant, also not shown in the figures, the support plane comprises access compartments adapted to implement maintenance and/or replacement operations on the screen. In light of the foregoing, it is understood that the multimedia table of the invention achieves all the intended objects.

In particular, the multimedia table of the invention allows an easy inspectability of the screen, thus simplifying the cleaning and maintenance operations of the same. Furthermore, the table of the invention, since it does not require the removal of the screen from the structure for cleaning and maintenance, limits the risk of its accidental fall and, consequently, ensures a greater integrity of the screen with respect to the equivalent multimedia tables of the prior art.

In addition, the table of the invention prevents bending and deformations of the screen deriving from the effect of gravity.

The invention might be subject to many changes and variants, which are all included in the appended claims. Moreover, all the details and steps may furthermore be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials may be different depending on the needs, without departing from the protection scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

C L A I M S

1 . Multimedia table comprising: at least one screen (4) for projecting images and informations; at least one load-bearing structure (3) having a support plane (6) of said screen (4) and at least one support element (7) of said support plane (6); at least one cover (14) at least of said support plane (6) removably coupled to allow the removal of said at least one cover as needed by a user, said cover (14) having at least one transparent plate (15) for protecting said screen (4) and at least one capacitive film (16) operatively interposed between said transparent plate (15) and said screen (4).

2. Multimedia table according to claim 1 , wherein said cover (14) also comprises one or more extensions (18) shaped to each cover at least a portion of said at least one support element (7).

3. Multimedia table according to claim 2, wherein said extension (18) is shaped to couple to said at least one support element (7) so as to create a conduit for the passage of cables.

4. Multimedia table according to claim 3, wherein said at least one support element (7) and said one or more extensions (18) are concavely shaped (20) and coupled so that said respective concavities (20) create a space adapted to contain said conduit.

5. Multimedia table according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising joining means (22) adapted to stably couple said cover (14) to said load-bearing structure (3).

6. Multimedia table according to claim 5, wherein said joining means (22) comprise screw elements (23).

7. Multimedia table according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support plane (6) comprises a plurality of holes (9) for cooling said screen (4).

8. Multimedia table according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support plane is tiltable.

9. Multimedia table according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said load-bearing structure comprises extensions removably couplable to said support plane to increase the operating surface.

10. Multimedia table according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said transparent plate (15) is a shatterproof glass.