AUTOMATICALLY DOWNFOLDING SLAB

Abstract: The invention refers to an object's device with a mainly horizontal top or slab (1), e.g. a bench or something similar. The slab is mounted in such a way that it pivots from a slight, horizontal axis of rotation (2). The centre of gravity of the slab differs from the axis of rotation so that the slab, when not in use, takes on a mainly vertical position with the top of the slab facing outward, and is in such a position that it is protected from dirt, water, sun, etc. The device consists of an attachment (4) which, whenever the slab is used, supports the slab (1) in its horizontal position.

Description: AUTOMATICALLY DOWNFOLDING SLAB Inventor. Ingrid Bredberg, Skelleftea, Sweden DESCRIPTION Background Outdoor wooden surfaces e.g benches that are exposed to rain. dirt, temperature \ariations- exposure to sun, etc are rapidly damaged if their maintenance is neglected. Small and big cracks, a weathered surface makes algae, dirt and moisture stay in the wood. The bench looses its quality as a seat or workbench In Scandinavia there has been a tradition of using wood for the construction of lo benches and other outdoor furniture It would therefore be a pity if metal-net - constaictions would take over As far as I know, no solution has yet been found where the bench automatical^ takes on a position that protects it from exposure, when it is not used The Product l.s A slab e.g for a wooden bench with fittings which, when the bench is not in use, allow it to fold down into a mainly vertical position, with its top slightly pointing downwards, so that it is sheltered from rain. dirt, etc Figures 1 and 2 The slab ( I ) is made of heavier material in front of the pivoting point (2 ) As a 0 consequence the slab folds down into a vertical position when there is not pressure on it. its top slightly pointing downwards so as to be protected from rain and dirt The fittings on the slab C3) and on the side supports (4) pivot on a peg. up to a stabilising point, on which the slab rests, when the slab is used Using the slab Turn it up into its horizontal position - sit on it or place a burden on the slab so that it rests against the stabilising point Because the slab folds forwards and downwards and because there is no need for am support for the back to stop a sitting person from falling backwards, the construction differs from earlier patents DE-C 4 " ?5 842. Ch-C-124 724. FR-A 676530. US-A-3 850 476 The fittings (3 and 4) are shaped to fit different kinds of side supports (6). made of e g. wood, iron, concrete, stone or logs, and with an arrangement for the adjustment of distance and angle .Another use besides sitting, e.g. for tables in picnic areas where you do not want the slab to return automatically to the vertical position, the fittings or side supports can be supplemented with a bar to secure the horizontal position There might be situations where you are more interested in turning the bench upwards. The fitting is then mounted in such a way that the stabilising point is on the upper side of the bench. Fiu. 3.

Claims: PATENT CLAIMS 1 An object's device with a mainly horizontal top or slab ( 1 ). e.g a bench or something similar, characterized bv the following: • the slab is mounted in such a way that it pivot from a mainly horizontal axis of rotation (2) • the centre of gravity of the slab differs from the axis of rotation As a consequence the slab, when not in use. takes on a mainly vertical position with the top of the slab facing outward, and is in such a position that it is protected from dirt, water, sun, etc • the dev ice consists of an attachment (4) which, w hene er the slab is used, supports the slab ( l ϊ in its horizontal position 2 The de ice in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact that the supporting attachment consists of at least one stopper (4 ) 3 The dev ice in accordance with claim 1 or 2. characterized by the fact that the device consists of an attachment for temporarily fixing the slab in its horizontal position

Inventors: BREDBERG INGRID, BREDBERG, INGRID
Applicants: BREDBERG INGRID, BREDBERG, INGRID
Application year: 1996
Main classification: A47C1
IPC codes: A47C1, A47C7, A47C11