iLOK System: Revolutionizing Restaurant Tables

Removable tables designed by Patrick Sarran

Restaurant staff face the daily task of changing the table layout, which can be a time-consuming and cumbersome process. The iLOK system solves this problem by offering a family of tables made from lightweight tops and individual legs that can be easily fixed together using quick mounting brackets. The legs, made of slanted thin pieces of wood, are braced between a stainless steel bushing and the connector, forming a central base. This unique design not only addresses the practical needs of the end user but also takes advantage of new woodworking processes.

The iLOK tables are manufactured using a combination of traditional woodworking techniques and modern technology. The wood is machined on a lathe and then bent like a bow, requiring expertise in working with wood. The table tops are molded under vacuum using a technique derived from aerospace manufacturing, allowing for diameters up to 2.2m. The brackets, cut using a laser machine, are folded using a digital press. These advanced techniques enable small quantity production without the need for expensive stamping tools.

One of the standout features of the iLOK table is the flexibility it offers with its removable legs. Customers can choose from a range of table tops with varying shapes and sizes, allowing for easy customization. Despite its modular design, each table top is lightweight, weighing only 30 kg for a 1.80m diameter table. The tops are shipped in cardboard boxes with wooden frames for added protection, while the legs are packed separately.

The iLOK system not only enhances the dining experience for customers but also simplifies the work of restaurant staff. The staff can easily adapt the table diameter to accommodate the number of guests and store the remaining table tops in a compact upright position, requiring minimal storage space. Additionally, the lightweight nature of each part prevents back pain for employees.

Patrick Sarran began working on the iLOK system in June 2014 and finalized it in January 2015. The design was refined based on feedback received during the Trade Fair Equip’hôtel in Paris in November 2014. Sarran's extensive experience in designing restaurants, combined with his knowledge of woodworking and 3D design software, contributed to the success of this project.

The iLOK system has received widespread recognition and was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in 2016. This prestigious award acknowledges the exceptional creativity, technical expertise, and innovation demonstrated by the design. With its focus on functionality, modularity, and aesthetic appeal, the iLOK system is set to revolutionize the restaurant industry.