WO2006027526A1

WO2006027526A1 - Support device for a drinks container

Info

Publication number: WO2006027526A1
Application number: PCT/FR2005/050698
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Michel Allibert
Original assignee: Jean-Michel Allibert
Priority date: 2004-09-07
Filing date: 2005-09-01
Publication date: 2006-03-16
Also published as: FR2874800A1; EP1793705A1; FR2874800B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a support device (1; 50) which is used to support a drinks container and which is intended to be fixed to a chair (2) comprising a seat (7), a front leg (3) and, optionally, an armrest (4). The inventive device is designed to be fixed to at least one of the following: the seat (7), close to the front edge thereof; the front leg (3); and the optional armrest (4) below the part (5) on which the arm rests. The device is characterised in that it comprises a tray (16) which is designed to receive objects and in that device is designed to be fixed to the chair such that the tray (16) is essentially at the height of the seat (7).

Description

The present invention relates to a support device, in particular a container containing a drink, intended to be fixed on a seat.

International application WO 98/42236 discloses a drinking support comprising a receptacle connected to a flexible arm. The latter is provided with a return to fix it on the armrest of a seat and more precisely on the part of it that receives the arm of the seated person. The ergonomics of this drink holder is not entirely satisfactory because the user must pivot his shoulders backwards or pass the forearm completely over the armrest to recover his drink. All these movements make the support impractical to use. In addition, the receptacle being cantilevered on the armrest, outwardly, excessive loading thereof can accidentally tilt the seat to the side when no one is sitting on it.

Also known from US Pat. No. 5,257,765 is a support device comprising a plate which is located above the seat of a seat on which the device is mounted. The hook portion is provided under the plate to cooperate with a seat post and bear against the seat cushion.

The invention aims to further improve the ergonomics of support devices that can be fixed on a seat, in particular to receive a container containing a drink. The invention thus has, according to one of its aspects, a support device, in particular a container containing a drink, intended to be fixed, in particular in a removable manner, on a seat comprising a seat, a front foot and optionally an armrest, the device being characterized in that it is arranged to be attached to at least one of the seat, in the vicinity of a front edge thereof, the front foot and a armrest, below the part on which the arm rests.

The support device according to the invention can be more ergonomic than that described in the aforementioned international application WO 98/42236 and is less likely to destabilize the empty seat.

Indeed, when the support device according to the invention is attached to the seat cushion, in the vicinity of a front edge thereof and / or on the front foot, the support is towards the front of the seat and relatively low, which allows the seated user to seize an object placed on the support device without having to rotate his shoulders or to move back his elbow or forearm.

When the support device is attached to the armrest, below the part on which the user's arm is resting, the device can be located sufficiently towards the front of the seat to allow the user to grasp an object on the support device without having to contort, which contributes to the ergonomics of it.

In an exemplary embodiment, the invention also advantageously allows the user to grasp an object on the support device without, if necessary, taking off the elbow of the armrest. Preferably, the support device comprises a receptacle for receiving a container containing a beverage, including a glass, a cup, a mug, a cup, a bowl, a can or a bottle.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the device comprises a tray arranged to receive objects such as a book, a pencil, a cap, a remote control, keys or other accessories. The tray may be provided with an opening opening into the aforementioned receptacle, to allow to introduce a container containing a drink.

If desired, the device may include an ashtray formed for example by a reported cup, which can be engaged in another opening of the tray. The device may comprise a single receptacle or, alternatively, a plurality of receptacles, in particular superposed receptacles, with for example the highest one arranged to receive a receptacle containing a beverage and, below, one or more receptacles arranged to receive for example a remote control or a pack of cigarettes. The tray may have an available surface included for example between

100 and 500 cm ² , for example still between 250 and 350 cm ² .

Advantageously, the receptacle comprises a perforated side wall, in particular for hanging objects or spectacles such as glasses, for example.

The receptacle may have a bottom wall substantially plumb with the corresponding opening of the tray, which allows the receptacle to more easily receive various sizes of containers or objects. In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the device is arranged to be fixed on the seat so that the plate is disposed substantially at the height of the seat, the plate can, if necessary, rest on the seat.

Advantageously, the plate has a rounded edge on the side of the seat, so as to avoid pinching the thigh of the user between the device and the seat. The device is, in general, advantageously devoid of sharp angle likely to injure the user.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the seat having an armrest with an amount, the support device is arranged to engage the amount of the armrest.

In particular, when the upright has a U-shaped cross-section, the device, in particular the abovementioned plate, may comprise at least one notch arranged to engage one of the flanges of the upright, in particular two notches arranged to engage respectively on the uprights. two wings of the U. In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the support device comprises a support leg arranged to bear on the front foot of the seat when the device is in place on the seat.

When the support device comprises a receptacle, the support leg can be connected thereto and include, where appropriate, at least one stiffening rib disposed for example between the receptacle and the support leg. The latter can form with a bottom wall of the receptacle an angle of about 45 °, for example.

When the foot of the seat has a rib extending in the longitudinal direction of the foot, the aforementioned support leg may advantageously comprise a notch arranged to engage the rib of the foot. When the device is in place on the seat, the support leg can form a housing for receiving objects such as magazines.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the support device is at least partially elastically deformable so as to be fixed on the seat by snapping. In a variant, the device does not have an elastically deformable part, the holding being for example ensured by friction.

The support device according to the invention can advantageously be put in place on the seat without any tools, in a relatively simple manner, and can be adapted to a wide range of seats. In addition, the support device can be set up and removed repeatedly without damaging the seat.

Advantageously, the device can be arranged so that, once set up on the seat, a shock, including a person, on the device with a force exceeding a predefined intensity, for example of the order of 100 daN approximately, causes a separation of the seat device. This reduces the risk of injury.

The aforementioned uncoupling may be consecutive to an alteration, in particular a break, and / or a deformation of at least a portion of the device. When the latter comprises at least one notch cooperating with the seat post, the device can be arranged so that a shock exceeding the predefined intensity causes a break initiation in the extension of this notch.

The support device may be entirely of plastic or cardboard. Alternatively, it comprises at least two different materials. The device may comprise, if desired, a sheet of a metal, for example steel. Preferably, the support device is made of a recyclable material.

The support device can be made at least partially by thermoforming or by injection molding of a plastic material.

The tray and the receptacle of the device can be made in one piece or be separated and include means for their snap-fitting assembly for example.

The device can be arranged to receive, once put in place on the seat, a load greater than 1 kg, for example about 1.5 kg.

The support device according to the invention can be marketed by being already assembled or, alternatively, in the form of a kit to be assembled by the customer. The kit may for example comprise a support leg, a receptacle and a tray, these elements being initially separated from each other. The elements may for example be arranged to be assembled by snapping, the support leg and the plate may for example each comprise resiliently deformable tabs arranged to engage in corresponding holes of the receptacle. The kit may optionally comprise elements to be assembled arranged so that they can be assembled in two different ways, one to obtain a device to be fixed on the left side of the seat and the other to obtain a device to be fixed on the right side of the seat, depending on whether the seated person is left-handed or right-handed.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the device comprising a plate, a receptacle and a support leg, at least two of these elements being made separately from one another.

The receptacle may be assembled with the tray, in particular by gluing, for example using an acetone-based glue.

Advantageously, the receptacle carries fastening means arranged to allow mounting, preferably removably, the support leg in the use position, these fastening means comprising for example longitudinal grooves for sliding the leg of support relative to the receptacle during assembly.

These fixing means comprise in particular at least one attached element, in particular glued, on the receptacle. In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the tray and the receptacle are previously assembled and comprise fixing means arranged to allow the temporary fixing of the support leg in the storage position, position in which the leg of support extends for example opposite the underside of the plate. These fixing means comprise for example at least one stud iàisant projecting on the lower face of the tray and at least one tab extending on a side wall of the receptacle.

The device according to the invention can thus be stored with a small footprint, in particular to be presented for sale. The invention also allows easy and fast mounting of the support leg on the rest of the device for its use, and its disassembly.

The separate embodiment of the various elements of the device can simplify the molds used in their manufacture.

In the absence of elements to assemble, the device can be arranged to attach to one side of the seat or, alternatively, to attach indifferently to two sides of the seat.

The kit can be marketed with a drink or a seat, if any. The device according to the invention can receive an information vector, for example an advertising vector, such as a label stuck on the device.

The support device may have a solid color or be multicolored. The support device may in particular comprise one or more colored plastics, in particular with a color matching that of the seat. For example, the support device and the seat are both white or green.

The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, an assembly comprising a seat and a support device as aforesaid, intended to be fixed on said seat. The seat may be a garden seat, including a garden chair or a deck chair, foldable or not, and be made for example at least partially, or entirely, by molding a plastic material.

The seat can be a child seat or an adult seat.

The device may, if necessary, be made in one piece with the seat, for example by molding, in particular in a molding position different from a position of use of the device.

According to another of its aspects, the invention also relates to a method for promoting the sale of a device as defined above, the method comprising the following step: presenting the device, the leg, for sale support being in the storage position being fixed temporarily opposite the underside of the plate of the device.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which: FIG. 1 represents, schematically and partially, in perspective, a support device according to the invention, attached to a garden chair, Figure 2 shows, schematically and partially, in perspective, in isolation, the support device of Figure 1, - the FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic and partial view along III-III of the device of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 schematically and partially shows the device of FIG. 2, along line IV-IV; FIGS. 5 to 8 show, schematically and partially, a device according to an exemplary implementation of the invention, FIGS. and 6 representing the device in a position of use and FIGS. 7 and 8 in a storage position, FIG. 9 schematically and partially showing, in a bottom view, the plate of the device of FIGS. 5 to 8, FIG. schematically and partially, in perspective, the receptacle of the device of Figures 5 to 8, Figure 11 illustrates, schematically and partially, a device according to the invention, made in one piece by molding with the seat, and the Figure 12 shows, schematically and partially, the device of Figure 11 in isolation. There is shown in Figure 1 a support device 1 according to the invention, attached to a seat 2 made of plastic, the seat preferably having a shape for stacking.

In the example considered, the seat 2 is a conventional garden chair having four legs, including a front foot 3. The seat 2 further comprises an armrest 4 with an upper part 5 on which can rest the arm of the seated user and an amount 6 connecting to the foot 3.

The amount 6 has, in the example considered, a U-shaped cross section with two wings 9.

The foot 3 comprises a rib 11 extending in its longitudinal direction.

The seat 2 further comprises a seat 7 and a backrest 8. In a variant not shown, the seat 2 can be a lounge chair arranged to allow a user to lie on it.

The support device 1 comprises a receptacle 15 arranged to receive an object such as a container, for example a glass, a cup, a mug, a cup, a bowl, a can or a bottle, this list not being limiting . The device 1 comprises a plate 16 with a substantially flat upper face 17, for placing objects thereon. This face 17 may have an area of about 310 cm ² for example and comprise for example one or more non-slip elements, for example a portion provided with micro-reliefs. The plate 16 may comprise, if desired, a slightly raised edge to serve as a stop for objects placed on the plate 16.

The plate 16 has an opening 18 opening on the receptacle 15 and, optionally, orifices 19 separated from the opening 18, for receiving objects such as pens or hanging objects. In the example considered, the plate 16 is provided with a marginal portion 20 arranged to rest on the seat 7 of the seat 2 when the device 1 is in place thereon.

This marginal portion 20 comprises a rounded edge 22, as illustrated in FIG. 4, making it possible to prevent the user's thigh from pinching between the plate 16 and the seat 7.

The plate 16 further comprises two notches 25 and 26, substantially parallel, arranged to engage respectively on the wings 9 of the upright 6.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the plate 16 is provided, on its underside, with stiffening ribs 27, and with a tab 30 at the edge of the plate 16, intended to be applied on an edge of the plate. seat 7 to stabilize the device 1 when it is in place on the seat 2.

The receptacle 15 has a perforated lateral wall 31 and a bottom wall 32 in line with the opening 18.

The device 1 comprises a support leg 34, substantially flat in the example, making with the bottom wall 32 an angle of about 45 °, as shown in Figure 4 in particular. This support leg 34 has an aperture 35 for hanging objects.

The device 1 comprises stiffening ribs 37 and 38 disposed between the support leg 34 and the bottom wall 32 of the receptacle 15. The support leg 34 has at its lower end a notch 40 arranged to engage the rib 11 of the foot 3. In the example considered, the device 1 is made entirely of plastic material, for example by thermoforming or injection molding.

Alternatively, the device 1 can be made of cardboard.

The device 1 can be marketed by being already assembled or, alternatively, in the form of a kit. The kit may comprise, if desired, sheet elements, in particular cardboard, to assemble by gluing, folding or latching for example.

The notches 25 and 26 of the plate 16 and that 40 of the support leg 34 may result from the removal of breakable portions of the plate 16 and the support leg 34.

These breakable portions may, where appropriate, be multiple, allowing notches more or less wide and / or spaced apart to adapt the device 1 to a particular type of seat and / or adjust the height of the positioning of the device 1 on the seat 2.

The device 1 is put in place on the seat 2 in the following manner.

First, the user engages the notches 25 and 26 of the plate 16 on the wings 9 of the upright 6.

The marginal portion 20 of the plate 16 bears on the seat 7.

Then, by slightly deforming the device 1, the user engages the notch 40 of the support leg 34 on the rib 11, which immobilizes the device 1 on the seat 2.

In the example considered, the device 1, once set up on the seat 2 and in normal use, is not articulated or moved.

The device 1 can be arranged to receive a load of up to about 1.5 kg at the end of the boom.

In order to avoid injuries in the event of a person impacting the device 1, the device 1 can be arranged so that, during an impact of a force exceeding a predefined intensity, for example 200 daN, a breakout primer occurs. produces in the extension of the notch 25, causing the separation of the device 1 of the seat 2.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the support device 1 may comprise a not shown locking element arranged to cooperate for example with the plate 16 or the support leg 34 to lock the mounting of the support device 1 on the seat 2. The device 1 can receive an information vector, in particular an advertising vector, such as a label 45 shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2, stuck on the plate 16.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the implementation example which has just been described.

The support device may for example not come into engagement with the upright 6 of the seat, the plate 16 may comprise for example a tab arranged to engage in an eventual opening of the seat 7.

Alternatively, the plate 16 may comprise an adhesive element arranged to be fixed on another adhesive element integral with the seat 7, these adhesive elements may for example comprise VELCRO ^® strips.

In another variant, the support device has no marginal portion resting on the seat 7, for example engaging solely on the upright 6. The support device may comprise, for example, a snap-on tab on the upright 6.

The support device may still be devoid of supporting leg, for example when the device must support only a low load.

Alternatively, the support leg can be replaced by a specific relief made on the seat. In this case, the support device and the seat can be marketed together.

The support device can also be arranged to be fixed only on a seat foot, without contact with the seat or the armrest.

FIGS. 5 to 8 show a device 50 according to another embodiment of the invention. The plate 16 ', the receptacle 15' and the support leg 34 'are made separately.

The receptacle 15 'is fixed to the plate 16' by gluing, in particular using an acetone-based glue. Alternatively, the receptacle 15 'can be attached to the tray 16' by any other suitable means. As can be seen in Figure 9, the plate 16 'has on the underside a lug 30' at the edge of the plate 16 'intended to be applied on an edge of the seat 7 to stabilize the device. In the illustrated example, the tab 30 'has, in section along a plane parallel to the plate 16', a U-shape, the concavity of the U being directed towards the inside of the plate 16 '.

This further comprises pads 51, for example three in number as in the example of Figure 9, projecting on the underside of the plate 16 '.

The receptacle 15 'carries two elements 53 attached to the bottom wall 32' of the receptacle 15 ', these elements 53 being for example glued to this bottom wall 32'.

Each element 53 defines with the bottom wall 32 'a longitudinal groove 54. As illustrated in Figure 8, the support leg 34' has two ribs

55 extending in parallel. Each rib 55 has a free edge having a tab 56 arranged to be slidably engaged in a corresponding groove 54 on the bottom wall 32 'of the receptacle 15'.

As can be seen, the introduction and disassembly of the support leg 34 'on the bottom wall 32' can be made relatively easily.

The bottom wall 32 'has a recess 57 arranged to cooperate with a protrusion 58 on the support leg 34', snap-fastening, at the end of sliding of the support leg 34 'with respect to the bottom wall 32' .

The support leg 34 'has an orifice 60 located near one of the ribs 55 and whose role will be explained later.

The support leg 34 'further comprises a notch 40' having an edge 61 adjacent to a free end of the support leg 34 ', this edge 61 being substantially rounded.

This rounded edge 61 extends inwardly of the notch 40 'by a slightly converging portion 62 followed by a substantially straight edge 63.

This form of the notch 40 'makes it possible to fix the support leg 34' on seats of different size and / or size.

The notch 40 'can of course have a different shape.

The receptacle 15 'has a tab 65 extending on a side wall 31'. The device 50 can be stored in a configuration in which the support leg 34 'is disposed opposite the lower face of the plate 16'. In this configuration, the support leg 34 'is maintained thanks to the pads 51, one of which engages in the orifice 60 of the support leg 34', the other pads 51 holding the support leg 34 ' on the outer edges thereof.

The lug 65 of the receptacle 15 'is applied to the support leg 34' to maintain the leg 34 'against the plate 16'.

The support leg 34 'can be easily separated from the plate 16' and then assembled on the bottom of the receptacle 15 'for the use of the device.

In the examples described above, the device 1 or 50 is made separately from the seat 2. FIGS. 11 and 12 show a support device 80 made in one piece with the seat 2, in a mold presenting a set of drawers for forming the device 80.

The device 80 may have a molding position different from the use position. For example, after demolding the molded assembly, the device 80 is folded against the seat 7 of the seat 2.

The device 80 is connected to the seat 2 by a rod 81, this device 80 also being free of support leg.

The device 80 is applied against the seat 2 by means of two ribs 82 situated under a plate 83 of the device 80.

In an example not shown, the support device can be fixed on a seat with a strap, this device may in particular be devoid of support leg.

Claims

1. Support device (1; 50), in particular a container containing a drink, intended to be fixed on a seat (2) comprising a seat (7), a front foot (3) and optionally an armrest (4) , the device being arranged to be attached to at least one of the seat (7), in the vicinity of a front edge thereof, the front foot (3), and a possible armrest (4). ), below the part (5) on which the arm rests, the device being characterized in that it comprises a plate (16) arranged to receive objects, and in that the device is arranged to fix itself on the seat so that the plate (16) is disposed substantially at the height of the seat (7).

2. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a receptacle (15) for receiving a container containing a drink.

3. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the plate (16) has an opening (18) opening into the receptacle (15).

4. Device according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the receptacle (15) has a perforated side wall (31).

5. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the receptacle (15) has a bottom wall (32) substantially in line with the opening (18) of the tray.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is arranged to be fixed on the seat so that the plate (16) rests on the seat.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the seat comprising an armrest with a post (6), characterized in that the device is arranged to engage the upright (6).

8. Device according to the preceding claim, the upright (6) having a U-shaped cross section, characterized in that the device, in particular the tray

(16), comprises at least one notch (25) arranged to engage a wing (9) of the U, in particular two notches (25, 26) arranged to engage each on a wing of the U.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a support leg (34) arranged to bear on the front foot (3) when the device is in place on the seat.

10. Device according to claim 2 and optionally any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support leg (34) is connected to the receptacle (15), the device preferably comprising at least one stiffening rib. (37; 38) between the receptacle and the support leg.

11. Device according to one of the two immediately preceding claims, the foot (3) having a rib (11) extending in the longitudinal direction thereof, characterized in that the support leg (34) comprises a notch (40) arranged to engage the rib of the foot.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is entirely plastic.

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plate (16 '), a receptacle (15') and a support leg (34 '), at least two of these elements. being made separately from one another.

14. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the receptacle is assembled with the plate by gluing.

15. Device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle carries fastening means arranged to allow mounting, preferably removably, the support leg in the use position.

16. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said fixing means comprise longitudinal grooves (54) for sliding the support leg (34 ') relative to the receptacle (15') during assembly .

17. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fixing means comprises at least one insert (53), in particular glued, on the receptacle (15 ').

18. Device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, the tray

(16 ') and the receptacle (15') being previously assembled, characterized in that the tray and the receptacle comprise fixing means arranged to allow the temporary fixing of the support leg (34 ') in the storage position position in which the support leg extends in particular under the plate (16 ').

19. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said fixing means comprise at least one stud (51) iàisant projecting on the lower face of the plate and at least one lug (65) extending on a side wall (31). ') of the receptacle.

20. An assembly comprising a seat and a device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, intended to be fixed on said seat.