WO2009062221A1

WO2009062221A1 - Convertible piece of furniture

Info

Publication number: WO2009062221A1
Application number: PCT/AT2008/000410
Authority: WO
Inventors: Markus Rumpold
Original assignee: Markus Rumpold
Priority date: 2007-11-14
Filing date: 2008-11-14
Publication date: 2009-05-22
Also published as: WO2009062221A9; AT505969A2; AT505969A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a convertible piece of furniture that is essentially closed towards the outside, that can be opened as required and comprises a seat (11) in the inside. Said seat can be extracted and opened during or after opening the piece of furniture or can be folded out when opening the piece of furniture. Said piece of furniture can be embodied as a table that has a table top and several lateral parts (4, 6). Said table top is split into two parts and one lateral part (4) can be introduced into the horizontal position that is close to the ground. One part (7) of the table top that is adjacent to the lateral part (4) remains fixed in relation thereto or can be introduced into a corresponding position. The invention relates to a table that can be used in the conventional manner, and as required can be quickly converted into a piece of furniture that resembles a cockpit and that can be used to play computer or video games.

Description

Transformable furniture

The invention relates to a transformable, outwardly substantially closed piece of furniture that can be opened if necessary and has a seat inside, which can be pulled out or hinged at or after opening of the piece of furniture or at opening of the piece of furniture.

Various transformable pieces of furniture have become known from the prior art, which on the one hand can serve a normal use in everyday life, but on the other hand can be used after conversion for a different purpose.

With regard to convertible pieces of furniture that can be adapted for computer or video games such as car racing simulations when needed, it has become known from document FR 2 838 314 A1 to make a cabinet so that a side part thereof can be unfolded, after which a seat can be extended from the cabinet and a steering wheel pulled out. In this construction, however, is disadvantageous that in the activated for a game state no cockpit-like situation is reached, which is particularly desirable in the computer-aided playing of car races. In addition, such a construction builds up, which is also disadvantageous in relation to a desired cockpit-like situation.

The object of the invention is to provide a piece of furniture of the type mentioned, which is used in everyday life as usual, but with a few simple steps in a piece of furniture is convertible, which can be used for computer or video games and generates a cockpit-like atmosphere.

This object is achieved by a piece of furniture of the type mentioned above, when the piece of furniture is formed as a table comprising a table top and a plurality of side parts, wherein the table top is divided into two parts and a side part in a ground level horizontal position can be brought, with a to the side part adjacent part of the table top remains fixed relative to this or can be brought into a corresponding position. The advantages achieved by the invention are in particular to be seen in the fact that a piece of furniture is provided which can be used predominantly as a table, but can be converted in a few simple steps into a realistic, sports car-like seat for a simulation of car racing by computer or the like. Since the piece of furniture or the table is closed to the outside through the side walls, the additional function of the table remains basically undetected and the table can look like. B. have an ordinary coffee table. The proposed multi-part design of the table top brings when activating the cockpit-like seat with the advantage that the table is extended on the bottom side and shortened deck, the side walls, however, remain unchanged in position and a steering wheel can be positioned in the wegbewegten part of the table top, so this protrudes over the other part of the table top. As a result, z. B. in unfolding the one side part and the associated part of the table top a fuselike hollow body are created in which find the legs of a gambling person playing games, whereby when attaching a steering wheel in the wegbewegten part of the table top a particularly realistic or cockpit-like Situation is created. The same applies to a slightly more complex to be converted variant in which the corresponding side part and the part of the table top together or optionally separately removable and can be coupled in an analogous position on the piece of furniture or for example a variant in which the side panel folds out, the part of

However, tabletop removable and then attachable to the side panel, z. B. by inserting into a groove of the side part.

For a realistic simulation of a cockpit it can be provided that a ratio of a length of the table to a width of the table is at least 1.5: 1, preferably at least 2: 1.

The piece of furniture according to the invention is preferably designed as a table with a height of less than 80 cm, preferably less than 65 cm. Such training proves to be particularly useful. On the one hand, the said heights correspond to maximum heights of common coffee tables, which in contrast to z. B. dining tables do not necessarily have to be leg free. As a result, a piece of furniture according to the invention can be placed in the living area without this being perceived as disturbing due to a visible multifunctionality. On the other hand, then the piece of furniture in the converted Condition, so as a seat for computer games, designed with low height, so that a gambling person looks over the deck remaining part of the table top, which leads to a particularly realistic cockpit-like situation when playing.

With regard to a cockpit-like situation that is as close to reality as possible in the state activated for a game, it may also be provided that the side parts are formed over the whole area. To best conceal the additional function of the piece of furniture when the table is used as such, the side pieces may be formed from a non-transparent material. But it is also possible to cause a certain interest in the table, that at least parts of the side parts are made of a transparent material.

Because of a quick and easy conversion, it is preferably provided that the side part is rigidly connected to the part of the table top and can be folded out about a ground-level axis into a horizontal position. It can be provided in order to increase the effects achieved according to the invention, that the piece of furniture is designed as an elongated table, wherein a arranged on a broad side side part is folded out.

Although not mandatory, the table may include a bottom plate that faces the table top, and the side part, after unfolding, may be an extension of the bottom plate. The bottom plate reinforced on the one hand again a cockpit-like impression in the converted state of the piece of furniture. On the other hand, the bottom plate can also be used for attaching, for example, gas and brake pedals. It is preferably provided that the bottom plate is attached to non-fold-out side panels and has a distance from the ground. This makes it possible to move the piece of furniture in a simple manner, since a contact surface of the piece of furniture is minimized at the bottom. For example, two or more side parts may protrude toward the bottom over the bottom plate and thus form a small contact surface on the bottom. The piece of furniture can then be easily moved by pulling.

If a bottom plate spaced from the ground is provided, it also proves to be expedient that the fold-out side part has compensation elements on the outside, so that the side part and the bottom plate after opening the side part a form stable horizontal plane. As a result, an optimal appearance of the piece of furniture in the unfolded state of the side part is achieved. The compensating elements are usually glued or screwed on the side part, with additional cover small thickness can be provided for the balancing elements to hide screws when the table is used as such.

In order to simplify a further dislocation, it can also be provided that the piece of furniture or the table in the region of a side surface with two rollers, if necessary more, but on a opposite side surface is provided with a spacer made of a rubber. The table then needs to be slightly raised when moved only on the side at which the spacer is arranged and can be pulled to any position. The spacer made of rubber is provided in particular to prevent displacement of the furniture, whether in the closed or opened state, in the remote state. If the piece of furniture or the table is elongated, it is expedient that the rollers or the spacer are arranged on broad sides of the piece of furniture or table.

Alternatively, the piece of furniture or the table near the ground several, z. B. four wheels and optionally have at least one parking brake for the wheels. In this case, the piece of furniture or the table can be easily moved. In addition, there is also the advantage that the piece of furniture or the table in the activated state for a game also has wheels, which in turn benefits a realistic as possible replica of a cockpit or a race car. The wheels provided are also not particularly disturbing when the table is designed with a low height or as a coffee table, if the table is used as such or represents an object of a living space.

It can also be provided that the hinged side part and the opposite side part are preferably formed to extend obliquely parallel, wherein the fold-out side part in the region of the axis with the bottom or the bottom plate forms an acute angle. As a result, particularly large space for the extendable and / or fold-out seat can be created. In addition, the seat can be ajar in the unfolded state of the obliquely backward extending part of the table top. Finally, this results in this Variant also that the furniture or the table in the activated state for a game on the side opposite the seat similar to some vehicles has a bevelled front, which corresponds to a realistic as possible replica of an automobile.

It is preferably provided that the seat can be positioned on the unfolded side part. It can be provided that the seat is extendable and hinged. For example, the seat can be positioned folded in a coffee table and extended by unfolding the side part and the associated part of the table top first and then opened. In this case, the seat can be pushed or rolled on an optionally provided base plate and the unfolded side part, whereby guide elements such as rails can also be provided for guiding the seat when pulling it out.

Alternatively it can be provided, and this is preferred that the seat is fixed to the fold-out side part and can be folded out together with this. In this case, it is expedient that the unfolded part of the table top can be lifted off and / or slid onto the side parts, with which it is connected. Alternatively, it can also be provided that this part, which rests on the side parts, can be folded out in order to completely release an interior of the table and to allow a high seat to unfold.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments. In the drawings, to which reference is made, show:

1 shows a first variant of a piece of furniture according to the invention in different perspectives or states;

Fig. 2 in partial cross-section of the furniture shown in Figure 1 in the state of a table. Figure 3 is a partial cross-section of the furniture shown in Figure 1 in the activated for a game state.

4 shows a second embodiment variant of a piece of furniture according to the invention in different perspectives or states; Fig. 5 in partial cross section the furniture shown in Fig. 4 in the state as

Table;

Fig. 6 in partial cross-section of the furniture shown in Fig. 4 in the activated state for a game.

In Fig. 1, a first variant of a piece of furniture according to the invention is shown in different perspectives or situations. The piece of furniture is designed as a table 1, which comprises a table top 2 and four side parts 3, 4, 5, 6 connected to the table top 2. The table 1 has a height of less than 80 cm, as is customary for a coffee table. The side elements 3, 4, 5, 6 are formed over the entire surface, wherein the side surfaces 3, 5 viewing window 13 have. These viewing windows 13 are optional and can be provided to allow a view into the interior of the table 1. If an additional functionality of the table 1, which will be discussed below, even if only indicated, should not be recognizable, the viewing windows 13 are dispensable.

If necessary, the table 1 can be converted into another piece of furniture which has a cockpit-like appearance. For this purpose, the side part 4 and thus firmly connected part 7 of the table top 2 is folded out about an axis 14, which is possible because the table top 2 next to the part 4 connected to the part 7 has another part 8, in the state of the table. 1 as a piece of furniture while on part 7 rests, but not firmly connected to this. After completed folding around the axis 14, the ground-level position is indicated in Fig. 2, the already elongated table 1 is extended. On the side part 4, which is now in a horizontal position, a seat 11 stored in the interior of the table 1, preferably a seat simulated to a car seat or the like, can be positioned. In order for this to be possible in a simple manner, the table 1 has, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a bottom plate 9 and on the outside on the side part 4 compensation elements 10. By this constructive measures a stable continuous horizontal plane is created after unfolding of the side part 4, on which the seat 11 from the inside of the table 1 is movable. For this purpose, the seat 11 may be equipped in particular with rollers or wheels 19. As can be seen from Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the bottom plate 9 is connected to the side parts 3, 5, 6 and has a distance to the ground. The pivotally mounted in the region of the axis 14 on the bottom plate 9 side part 4 forms after unfolding with the bottom plate 9 a horizontal plane. Also, the bottom plate 9 helps to create a cockpit-like situation. Further, 9 additional instruments can be mounted on the bottom plate, which are required for certain computer or video games, z. B. a pedestal 18 for pedals. The bottom plate 9 is also also expedient to allow easy removal of the seat 11, for which, for example, rails for guiding the seat 11 may be mounted on the bottom plate 9.

As shown in Fig. 3, further components may be provided within a table 1, which may be useful when playing computer games. For example, a compartment 17 may be provided that is optionally mounted horizontally displaceable and a partially over the part 8 of the table top 2 z. B. by unfolding positionable steering wheel 12 and optionally carries fittings. Furthermore, in addition to the already mentioned pedals, other components such as shifter or the like may be provided. When playing an electronic connection of the components to z. B. a game console, for which a barely visible location of the table 1 is provided a sufficiently large opening for cables.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 3, a table 1 according to the invention in the embodiment described above can be easily converted into a seat for computer games, in particular racing car simulation games. It is particularly advantageous that a particularly realistic, cockpit-like situation is created for a gambling person. Since the table 1 has only a small height, but a headrest of the seat 11 is clearly above the part 8 of the table top 2, a monitor can be placed in front of the converted table 1, so that the player has a field of view, as for example in a Formula 1 car is given. It is above all also of advantage that the legs of the playing person virtually dive into the fuselage of the table 1 and the unfolded steering wheel 12 between the side parts 3, 5, but at least partially higher than the part 8 is located. The player is, as it were, in a constrained position and looks over a front end, thus finding a situation like in a real cockpit. According to a further constructional measure, rounded portions 15 of the side parts 3, 5 are provided, which are compensated by corresponding extensions 16 on the side part 4 or part 7 of the table top 2. By rounding 15 corners are avoided, which could be annoying when playing. In addition, a freedom of movement for the arms of a player is greater. However, if a particularly simple production of the furniture is required, can be dispensed with such rounding 15 also.

The mentioned advantages are also given in the further embodiment variant of the invention shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. In this embodiment of the

Invention, which is preferred, the part 8 of the table top 2 is displaceable. This makes it possible, when turning the table 1, to pull the part 8 of the table top 2 in the direction of the arrow (FIG. 4) and then to fold out the side part 4 with the part 7 of the table top 2. Thereafter, the part 8 can be pushed back. The part 8 may have on its underside a stop which on the side part 6 at

Move back abuts so that the part 8 can not be moved beyond its original position.

In this variant, it is advantageous that the seat 11 is already attached to the side part 4 and neither extended nor has to be opened by itself. There are thus fewer handles required to bring the seat 11 when needed in an exact position. In this variant, as shown in Fig. 6 it can be seen, a support 20 for the steering wheel 12 to be fixed to the side members 3, 5 with locking means not shown and fixed as required with the locking means in a required position for a game. The table 1 can also be formed, which can be seen in particular from FIG. 5, with a small volume, since the height, length and width of the table 1 are essentially dimensioned only according to the dimensions of the seat 11.

The table 1 shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 can have recesses 21 in the side part 4 and possibly also in the opposite side part 6, so that a space requirement is further optimized. A device 22 with accelerator and brake pedals can be longitudinally displaceable as indicated by one of the arrows shown in FIG. In addition, a base for the device 22 may be angularly adjustable, so that an adaptation to a height of a playing person can be done in a simple manner. Next to it is Also, a guide rail 23 is provided, on which the seat 11 is displaceable within certain limits, which allows to set a position of the seat 11 relative to the device 22 variable.

Although not shown, a table 1 in the region of the side part 6 on the bottom plate 9 may have a spacer, so that the bottom plate 9 is spaced from the bottom. In this case, are mounted on the side part 4 in the area of the rollers, so that the table 1 can be moved by lifting in the region of the side part 6 and pulling in a simple manner. A height of the spacer on one side and the rollers on the other side is dimensioned so that the bottom plate 9 and the unfolded side parts 4 again form a horizontal plane.

Claims

claims

1. Transformable, outwardly substantially closed piece of furniture that can be opened if necessary and inside a seat (11), which is extendable and hinged on or after opening of the piece of furniture or hinged when opening the piece of furniture, characterized in that Furniture piece as a table (1) is formed, which comprises a table top (2) and a plurality of side parts (3, 4, 5, 6), wherein the table top (2) is divided into two parts and a side part (4) in a ground level horizontal position can be brought in which a part (7) of the table top (2) adjoining the side part (4) remains fixed relative to it or can be brought into a corresponding position.

2. Piece of furniture according to claim 1, characterized in that a ratio of a length of the table (1) to a width of the table (1) at least 1, 5: 1, preferably at least 2: 1, is.

3. Piece of furniture according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the table (1) has a height of less than 80 cm, preferably less than 65 cm.

4. Piece of furniture according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the side parts (3, 4, 5, 6) are formed over the entire surface.

5. Piece of furniture according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the side part (4) with the part (7) of the table top (2) rigidly connected and about a ground-level axis (14) in a horizontal position is folded out.

6. Piece of furniture according to claim 5, characterized in that the piece of furniture as an elongated table (1) is formed, wherein a arranged on a broad side side part (4) is folded out.

7. Piece of furniture according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the table (1) comprises a bottom plate (9) which is opposite the table top (2), and the side part (4) after unfolding an extension of the bottom plate (9).

8. Piece of furniture according to claim 7, characterized in that the bottom plate (9) is fixed to non-fold-out side parts (3, 5, 6) and has a distance from the ground.

9. Piece of furniture according to claim 8, characterized in that the hinged

Side part (4) on the outside compensation elements (10), so that the side part (4) and the bottom plate (9) form a stable horizontal plane after opening the side part (4).

10. Piece of furniture according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the hinged side part (4) and the opposite side part (6) are preferably formed to extend obliquely parallel, wherein the fold-out side part (4) in the region of the axis (14) the bottom or the bottom plate (9) forms an acute angle.

11. Piece of furniture according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the seat (11) on the unfolded side part (4) is positionable.

12. Piece of furniture according to claim 11, characterized in that the seat (11) is extendable and hinged.

13. Piece of furniture according to claim 12, characterized in that the seat (11) on the unfolded side part (4) is pushed or rollable.

14. Piece of furniture according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the seat (11) is fixed to the fold-out side part (4) and can be folded out together with this.

15. Piece of furniture according to claim 14, characterized in that a part (8) of the table top (2) which rests on the side parts (3, 5, 6), can be lifted from these and / or slidable on this or is foldable.