EP1212963A1

EP1212963A1 - Base for tables

Info

Publication number: EP1212963A1
Application number: EP01125405A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Luigino Gallina
Original assignee: Gaber Srl
Current assignee: Gaber Srl
Priority date: 2000-11-16
Filing date: 2001-10-31
Publication date: 2002-06-12
Also published as: ITPD20000093U1; IT249438Y1

Abstract

A base for tables comprising a load-bearing metallic core (10) over which a plastic cladding (12) is molded in place.

Description

The present invention relates to a base for tables.
Bases for pedestals that support tables, substantially constituted by two or more elements that protrude from a central portion to which the pedestal is fixed, are already known.
These bases are normally made of metal, particularly in many cases cast iron.
This is done so that the base constitutes a counterweight that gives stability to the assembly.
However, metallic bases have a number of drawbacks, the foremost of which is the formation of rust, which coating with paints does not eliminate entirely.
Furthermore, the contact of the metal with the surfaces of floors easily damages such floors, unless appropriate protections such as plugs made of rubber, felt or the like are applied.
Furthermore, metallic bases, particularly those produced by casting, are not particularly flexible from the point of view of the shapes that can be produced and therefore in terms of the aesthetic impact the bases can have.
The aim of the present invention is to provide a base for tables that is practically unalterable over time.
Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a base for tables that requires no bottom protections to avoid damage to floors.
Another object is to provide a base that can be used even outdoors without any danger of damage caused by weathering.
A further object is to provide a base whose structure allows a variety of solutions having various kinds of aesthetic impact.
A still further object is to provide a base that can be obtained at low cost and with conventional equipment and systems.
This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a base for tables, characterized in that it comprises a load-bearing metallic core on which a plastic cladding is molded in place.
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description of some embodiments thereof, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a three-footed base according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a top view of the base of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view of one of the feet of the base of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the base of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a four-footed base according to the invention;
Figure 6 is a top view of the base of Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the base of Figure 5;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a two-footed base according to the invention;
Figure 9 is a top view of the base of Figure 8.
With reference to Figures 1 to 4, a base for tables, in a first three-footed configuration, comprises a metallic core 10 constituted by flattened elements 11 that protrude from a common central part in which they are mutually welded; a cladding 12 made of injection-molded plastics is molded in place over the core.
As shown in the figures, the cladding 12 has outer edges 13 that protrude downward so as to visually simulate a greater-than-actual thickness.
The cladding 12 has, in the central region where the elements 11 of the core 10 join, a raised rim 14 that has a circular contour and forms the seat for the corresponding end of a table pedestal, not shown in the figures.
Correspondingly, at the center there is a through hole 15 for the insertion of a threaded fixing pin, not shown.
With reference now to Figures 5 to 7, in a four-footed embodiment the base according to the invention has the same constructive characteristics as the above described three-footed embodiment: it, too, comprises substantially a metallic core 10a made of flattened elements 11a and an external cladding made of plastic material 12a that is molded in place over the core 10a.
Again, the outer edges 13a are directed downward so as to simulate a greater-than-actual thickness, and there is a rim 14a in an upward direction at the center and a through hole 15a for the positioning and fixing of a pedestal, not shown.
With reference to Figures 8 and 9, in a two-footed embodiment there are the same constructive solutions already cited. In Figures 8 and 9 the same reference numerals of Figures 1 to 4 are used.
From the above it is therefore evident that the plastic cladding molded over the metallic core makes the base unalterable over time, with an excellent finish, without the slightest danger of possible presence of rust (which is always present for cast iron or other ferrous materials).
Moreover, the plastics eliminates any danger for floors and makes said base practically immune to weathering.
In practice, the materials employed, so long as they are compatible with the contingent use, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements.
The disclosures in Italian Utility Model Application No. PD2000U000093 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

A base for tables, characterized in that it comprises a load-bearing metallic core (10;10a) over which a plastic cladding (12;12a) is molded in place.
The base for tables according to claim 1, characterized in that said metallic core (10;10a) is constituted by flattened elements (11;11a) that protrude from a common central part in which they are mutually welded.
The base for tables according to claim 1, characterized in that said cladding (12;12a) is made of injection-molded plastics.
The base for tables according to claim 1, characterized in that said cladding (12;12a) has outer edges (13;13a) that protrude downward so as to visually simulate a greater-than-actual thickness.
The base for tables according to claim 1, characterized in that said cladding (12;12a) has, in the central region where the elements of the core join, a raised rim (14) so as to form a seat for the corresponding end of a table pedestal.
The base for tables according to claim 5, characterized in that at the center of said seat there is a through hole (15) for the insertion of a threaded fixing pin of the end of a table pedestal.