U.S. patent application number 11/629585 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-13 for table construction.
Invention is credited to Egon Brauning, Antonio Citterio.
Application Number | 20080276841 11/629585 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34957640 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080276841 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brauning; Egon ; et
al. |
November 13, 2008 |
Table Construction
Abstract
The invention relates to a table construction comprising a frame
(2) which is provided with at least four base-struts (20) which
form at least one table area (T1,T2), which are in contact in pairs
in the corner regions of the frame (2) and which are connected
together by means of corner angles (27) which are used as binders.
Feet (3) can be mounted in a detachable manner onto the frame (2).
The frame (2) is covered, corresponding to the number and the shape
of table areas (T1,T2), with configured table plates (1) which are
adapted in order to form work surfaces. The corner angles (27) have
two lateral limbs which are arranged at a right angle in relation
to each other and which receive the displaced ends of the base
struts (20). The top ends of the feet (3) supporting the frame (2)
are also fixed to the corner angles (27). Bridge pieces are
provided in order to expand the frame (2), said bridge pieces
connecting the base struts (20) in pairs and arranging them in a
line. Inner struts (23) which are fixed to the base struts (20) or
to one side of another inner strut (23) by connecting pieces (26)
are arranged inside the frame (2) formed by the base struts
(20).
Inventors: |
Brauning; Egon; (Weil Am
Rhein, DE) ; Citterio; Antonio; (Milano, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCCARTER & ENGLISH, LLP
FOUR GATEWAY CENTER, 100 MULBERRY STREET
NEWARK
NJ
07102
US
|
Family ID: |
34957640 |
Appl. No.: |
11/629585 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
June 14, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CH04/00358 |
371 Date: |
December 14, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/154 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 13/02 20130101;
F16B 12/40 20130101; F16B 12/52 20130101; A47B 2200/0082
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/154 |
International
Class: |
A47B 13/00 20060101
A47B013/00 |
Claims
1. A table construction comprising: a) a frame (2) with at least
four basic struts (20,21,22,25) which form at least one table
section (T1) and come together in pairs, and are connected to one
another by means of connectors (27) in the corner regions of the
frame (2); b) legs (3) mounted in a releasable manner on the frame
(2); c) at least one table top (1) seated on the frame (2),
characterized in that d) the connectors (27) are corner angles (27)
which comprise two side limbs (270) arranged at right angles to one
another; e) the side limbs (270) accommodate the pushed-on ends of
the basic struts (20,21,22,25); and f) the top ends of the legs
(3), which bear the frame (2), are fastened on the corner angles
(27) at the same time.
2. The table construction as claimed in claim 1, characterized in
that, in order to extend the frame (2), a) bridge pieces (28) are
provided, these allowing the basic struts (20,21,22, 25) to be
connected to one another in pairs and in a state in which they are
arranged along a line; and b) inner struts (23,24) are provided,
these being fastened by docking parts (26), within the frame (2)
formed by the basic struts (20,21,22,25), on the basic struts
(20,21,22,25) or, at one end, on a further inner strut (23,24).
3. The table construction as claimed in at least one of claims 1
and 2, characterized in that, over and above the one table section
(T1), the following table combinations can be erected: a) two table
sections (T1,T2) lined up one beside the other along the narrow
sides to give an elongate-rectangular work surface; b) two table
sections (T1,T2) lined up one beside the other along the
longitudinal sides to give a square work surface; c) two table
sections (T1,T2) lined up one beside the other along the
longitudinal sides and a relatively narrow add-on section (A1)
fitted along the narrow sides in a more or less T-shaped manner to
form a square work surface; d) two table sections (T1,T2) lined up
one beside the other along the longitudinal sides and one table
section (T3) fitted along the narrow sides in a more or less
T-shaped manner to give a rectangular work surface; e) two table
sections (T1,T2) lined up one beside the other along the
longitudinal sides and two further table sections (T3,T4) fitted
thereon, once again along the longitudinal sides, to give a
rectangular work surface; f) two table sections (T1,T2) lined up
one beside the other along the longitudinal sides and two further
table sections (T3,T4) fitted thereon, once again along the
longitudinal sides, and, on the outside in each case, a relatively
narrow add-on section (A1,A2) fitted along the narrow sides in a
more or less T-shaped manner to form a rectangular work surface; g)
two table sections (T1,T2) lined up one beside the other along the
longitudinal sides and two further table sections (T3,T4) fitted
thereon, once again along the longitudinal sides, and, on the
outside in each case, a table section (T1,T6) fitted along the
narrow sides in a more or less T-shaped manner to give a
rectangular work surface; h) two table sections (T1,T2) fitted on
one another in an L-shaped manner or one table section (T1) and an
add-on section (A1) fitted thereon in an L-shaped manner; or i)
three table sections (T1-T3) fitted on one another in a Z-shaped
manner or a table section (T1), an intermediate section (Z1) fitted
thereon in an L-shaped manner and a table section (T2), fitted
thereon once again in an L-shaped manner, to give likewise a
Z-shaped table combination.
4. The table construction as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to
3, characterized in that a) a basic strut (20,21,22,25) may be
configured as a short longitudinal strut (20), transverse strut
(21), long longitudinal strut (22) or short strut (25), in which
case preferably aa) the length of the short longitudinal strut (20)
is equal to double the length of the transverse strut (21); ab) the
length of the long longitudinal strut (22) is equal to the length
of the short longitudinal strut (20) plus the length of the
transverse strut (21); and ac) the length of the short strut (25)
is equal to half the length of the transverse strut (21); b) the
length of the table top (1) corresponds approximately to the length
of the short longitudinal strut (20) and the width of the table top
(1) corresponds approximately to the length of the transverse strut
(21); c) a panel segment (100) is provided for positioning on the
table frame (2) in order to cover over an intermediate section (Z1)
or an add-on section (A1), the width of the panel segment (100)
corresponding approximately to the length of the short strut (25)
and the length of the panel segment (100) corresponding
approximately to the length of the short longitudinal strut
(20).
5. The table construction as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to
4, characterized in that an inner strut (23,24) may be configured
as a long inner strut (23) or short inner strut (24); in which case
a) the length of the long inner strut (23) corresponds to the
length of the short longitudinal strut (20); b) the length of the
short inner strut (24) corresponds to half the length of the
transverse strut (21); and c) the basic struts (20,21,22,25)
comprise a hollow quadrilateral profile of rectangular cross
section, while the inner struts (23,24) have a square cross
section.
6. The table construction as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to
5, characterized in that a) top boxes (4) are provided for placing
on the work surface, it being possible for these top boxes to be
positioned in a releasable manner preferably by means of adapter
plates (41), which are fastened on the work surface and beneath the
top box (4), and retaining plates (410) which complement the
adapter plates; b) desk containers (45) or floor-level cabinets
(48) are designed for supporting the frame (2) in a load-bearing
manner; c) the table top (1) contains a clearance (10) for cable
lead-through purposes, and a cable system (9) may advantageously be
arranged beneath the work surface in a state in which it is
fastened in a releasable manner at least on one side; d) a
receptacle-outlet unit (8), which is installed in a
receptacle-outlet holder (6) or a multipurpose holder (7), is
accessible via the clearance (10), the multipurpose holder serving,
at the same time, for securing a screen (5) which rises up
vertically from the work surface.
7. The table construction as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to
6, characterized in that a) the bridge piece (28) comprises a
central part (280) to which a respective flank part (285) is
attached on both sides, it being possible for the ends of the basic
struts (20,21,22,25) to be pushed onto these flank parts; b) the
docking part (26) comprises a base (260) and a shank (265) attached
thereto, it being possible for the docking part (26) to be fastened
directly on the frame (2), or on the central part (280) of the
bridge piece (28), by way of the base (260); c) for fastening on
the docking part (26), the ends of the inner struts (23,24) are
pushed onto the shank (265) thereof; d) the ends of the basic
struts (20,21,22,25) and of the inner struts (23,24) are provided
with a mitered cutout (200); and e) a supporting leg (3') can be
mounted beneath a docking part (26) installed in the frame (2), the
supporting leg being connected to the docking part (26).
8. The table construction as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to
7, characterized in that a) the base (260) of the docking part (26)
is screwed onto the central part (280) of the bridge piece (28); b)
the end of the inner strut (23,24) on the shank (265) of the
docking part (26) is fastened by means of a wedge/screw connection
(267,269); c) the top end of the leg (3) is screw-connected to the
corner angle (27) by way of the pushed-on ends of the basic struts
(20,21,22,25); and d) a corner nose (271) is present on the corner
angle (27), this nose engaging in a form-fitting manner in an
arresting slot (34) at the top end of the mounted leg (3).
Description
APPLICATION AREA OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a table construction having
a frame, at least one table top seated thereon, and legs mounted in
a releasable manner on the frame, the frame and the legs comprising
hollow quadrilateral profiles. The invention also relates to
possible ways of extending the table surface area, to methods of
fastening the legs and to the additional ways of fitting out the
table.
PRIOR ART
[0002] A modular load-bearing frame system for a table is known
from DE 102 02 194 A1. Longitudinal and transverse frames are
connected to one another in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner
by a fastening means. The applicant's German Utility Model 202 16
254 U1 discloses a table construction having a frame, a table top
seated thereon, and legs mounted in a releasable manner on the
frame, the frame and the legs comprising, at least in part, hollow
quadrilateral profiles. The frame is of rectangular outline and has
a front strut, a rear strut, located opposite the front one, and
two side struts. In each case one leg is arranged in each inner
corner region formed by the frame and has two adjacent surfaces
butting against the strut inner surfaces running toward one
another. The table top contains a clearance which allows access to
a receptacle-outlet insert mounted beneath the table top. The frame
can be enlarged by lengthening the two mutually opposite side
struts in an identical manner such that the surface area surrounded
by the frame is extended by a multiple. In this case, the surface
area outlined by the frame, when doubled, is divided in two by a
first central strut being inserted into the horizontal plane
defined by the frame. When the surface area is trebled, additional
insertion of a second central strut into the horizontal plane
defined by the frame results in the second central strut being
attached to the first central strut in a T-shaped manner.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The object of the invention is to propose a
further-developed table construction which can be extended in
modular fashion in the form of a modular construction system. The
important factors here are to limit the number of different parts
required and to provide efficient preconditions for mounting or
installation. Even large-surface-area table combinations have to be
distinguished by a high level of stability and loading capability.
In accordance with modern requirements, the intention is for the
table to be capable of being provided with add-on units above and
beneath and to be electrified and to facilitate office work.
OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The table construction comprises a frame with at least four
basic struts which form at least one table section and come
together in pairs, and are connected to one another by means of
connectors in the corner regions of the frame. The legs are mounted
in a releasable manner on the frame. At least one table top is
positioned on the frame. The connectors are formed by corner angles
which comprise two side limbs which are arranged at right angles to
one another and accommodate the pushed-on ends of the basic struts.
The top ends of the legs, which bear the frame, are fastened on the
corner angles at the same time.
[0005] The following features concern specific configurations of
the invention: in order to extend the frame, bridge pieces are
provided, these allowing the basic struts to be connected to one
another in pairs and in a state in which they are arranged along a
line. Inner struts are also provided, these being fastened by
docking parts, within the frame formed by the basic struts, on the
basic struts or, at one end, on a further inner strut.
[0006] Over and above the one table section, in particular the
following table combinations can be erected: [0007] a) two table
sections lined up one beside the other along the narrow sides to
give an elongate-rectangular work surface; [0008] b) two table
sections lined up one beside the other along the longitudinal sides
to give a square work surface; [0009] c) two table sections lined
up one beside the other along the longitudinal sides and a
relatively narrow add-on section fitted along the narrow sides in a
more or less T-shaped manner to form a square work surface; [0010]
d) two table sections lined up one beside the other along the
longitudinal sides and one table section fitted along the narrow
sides in a more or less T-shaped manner to give a rectangular work
surface; [0011] e) two table sections lined up one beside the other
along the longitudinal sides and two further table sections fitted
thereon, once again along the longitudinal sides, to give a
rectangular work surface; [0012] f) two table sections lined up one
beside the other along the longitudinal sides and two further table
sections fitted thereon, once again along the longitudinal sides,
and, on the outside in each case, a relatively narrow add-on
section fitted along the narrow sides in a more or less T-shaped
manner to form a rectangular work surface; [0013] g) two table
sections lined up one beside the other along the longitudinal sides
and two further table sections fitted thereon, once again along the
longitudinal sides, and, on the outside in each case, a table
section fitted along the narrow sides in a more or less T-shaped
manner to give a rectangular work surface; [0014] h) two table
sections fitted on one another in an L-shaped manner or one table
section and an add-on section fitted thereon in an L-shaped manner;
or [0015] i) three table sections fitted on one another in a
Z-shaped manner or a table section, an intermediate section fitted
thereon in an L-shaped manner and a table section, fitted thereon
once again in an L-shaped manner, to give likewise a Z-shaped table
combination.
[0016] A basic strut may be configured as a short longitudinal
strut, transverse strut, long longitudinal strut or short strut. It
is preferably the case here that: [0017] a) the length of the short
longitudinal strut is equal to double the length of the transverse
strut; [0018] b) the length of the long longitudinal strut is equal
to the length of the short longitudinal strut plus the length of
the transverse strut; and [0019] c) the length of the short strut
is equal to half the length of the transverse strut; and [0020] d)
the length of the table top corresponds approximately to the length
of the short longitudinal strut and the width of the table top
corresponds approximately to the length of the transverse
strut.
[0021] A panel segment is provided for positioning on the table
frame in order to cover over an intermediate section or an add-on
section, the width of the panel segment corresponding approximately
to the length of the short strut and the length of the panel
segment corresponding approximately to the length of the short
longitudinal strut.
[0022] An inner strut may be configured as a long inner strut or
short inner strut, in which case: [0023] a) the length of the long
inner strut corresponds to the length of the short longitudinal
strut; [0024] b) the length of the short inner strut corresponds to
half the length of the transverse strut; and [0025] c) the basic
struts comprise a hollow quadrilateral profile of rectangular cross
section, while the inner struts have a square cross section.
[0026] Top boxes are provided for placing on the work surface, it
being possible for these top boxes to be positioned in a releasable
manner preferably by means of adapter plates, which are fastened on
the work surface and beneath the top box, and retaining plates
which complement the adapter plates. Desk containers and
floor-level cabinets are designed for supporting the frame in a
load-bearing manner. The table top contains a clearance for cable
lead-through purposes, and a cable system may be arranged beneath
the work surface, the cable system advantageously being fastened in
a releasable manner at least on one side. A receptacle-outlet unit,
which is installed in a receptacle-outlet holder or a multipurpose
holder, is accessible via the clearance in the table top, this
multipurpose holder serving, at the same time for securing a screen
which rises up vertically from the work surface.
[0027] The bridge piece comprises a central part to which a
respective flank part is attached on both sides, it being possible
for the ends of the basic struts to be pushed onto these flank
parts. The docking part comprises a base and a shank attached
thereto, it being possible for the docking part to be fastened
directly on the frame, or on the central part of the bridge piece,
by way of the base.
[0028] For fastening on the docking part, the ends of the inner
struts are pushed onto the shank thereof. The ends of the basic
struts and of the inner struts are provided with a mitered cutout.
A supporting leg can be mounted beneath a docking part installed in
the frame, the supporting leg being connected to the docking part.
The base of the docking part is screwed onto the central part of
the bridge piece. The end of the inner strut on the shank of the
docking part is fastened by means of a wedge/screw connection. The
top end of the leg is screw-connected to the corner angle by way of
the pushed-on ends of the basic struts. A corner nose is present on
the corner angle, this nose engaging in a form-fitting manner in an
arresting slot at the top end of the mounted leg.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0029] In the drawings:
[0030] FIG. 1A shows a basic illustration of a table with one table
section;
[0031] FIG. 1B shows a basic illustration of a table combination
with two table sections fitted together along the narrow sides;
[0032] FIG. 1C shows a basic illustration of a table combination
with two table sections fitted together along the longitudinal
sides;
[0033] FIG. 1D shows a basic illustration of a table combination
with two table sections fitted together along the longitudinal
sides and a third table section fitted transversely thereon to give
a rectangular work surface;
[0034] FIG. 1E shows a basic illustration of a table combination
with 4 table sections fitted together to give a rectangular work
surface;
[0035] FIG. 1F shows a perspective illustration from the front of a
top box;
[0036] FIG. 1G shows a perspective illustration from the rear of
the top box according to FIG. 1F, with the rear wall in close
proximity thereto;
[0037] FIG. 1H shows a basic illustration of a desk container;
[0038] FIG. 1J shows an exploded illustration of a floor-level
cabinet with components for two different interior fitting
arrangements;
[0039] FIG. 1K shows a basic illustration of the table according to
FIG. 1A with a top box and a container positioned laterally beneath
the table;
[0040] FIG. 1L shows a basic illustration of a table combination
with one table section and an add-on section fitted thereon in the
longitudinal direction and top boxes arranged on the add-on
section;
[0041] FIG. 1M shows a basic illustration of the table combination
according to FIG. 1C with a laterally arranged add-on section and
two top boxes positioned thereon;
[0042] FIG. 1N shows a different perspective view of the table
combination according to FIG. 1M with two additional floor-level
cabinets;
[0043] FIG. 1O shows a different perspective view of the table
combination according to FIG. 1E, the latter being extended at the
two outer flanks by containers positioned beneath the table
combination and top boxes arranged thereabove;
[0044] FIG. 1P shows a basic illustration of a table combination in
a Z-shaped arrangement with centrally installed floor-level
cabinets and top boxes;
[0045] FIG. 2A shows the table according to FIG. 1A with a screen
mounted thereon;
[0046] FIG. 2B shows a basic illustration of the table combination
according to FIG. 1C with the screen mounted between the two table
sections;
[0047] FIG. 2C shows a basic illustration of the table combination
according to FIG. 1D with a respective screen mounted between the
table sections;
[0048] FIG. 3 shows a basic illustration of a Z-shaped table
combination with two table sections, an intermediate section
inserted therebetween, and screens mounted on the respective table
sections;
[0049] FIG. 4A shows the plan view of the table according to FIG.
1A;
[0050] FIG. 4B shows the plan view of the table combination
according to FIG. 1B;
[0051] FIG. 4C shows the plan view of the table combination
according to FIG. 1C;
[0052] FIG. 4D shows the plan view of the table combination
according to FIG. 1D;
[0053] FIG. 4E shows the plan view of the table combination
according to FIG. 1E;
[0054] FIG. 4F shows the plan view of the table combination
according to FIG. 1N;
[0055] FIG. 4G shows the plan view of the table combination
according to FIG. 1O;
[0056] FIG. 4H shows the plan view of the table combination
according to FIG. 1E, in this case extended by two table sections
additionally fitted transversely on the outside;
[0057] FIG. 5A shows the plan view of an L-shaped table combination
with two table sections;
[0058] FIG. 5B shows the plan view of the L-shaped table
combination according to FIG. 5A in a mirror-inverted
arrangement;
[0059] FIG. 5C shows the plan view of an L-shaped table combination
with one table section and an add-on section;
[0060] FIG. 5D shows the plan view of the L-shaped table
combination according to FIG. 5C in a mirror-inverted
arrangement;
[0061] FIG. 5E shows the plan view of the Z-shaped table
combination according to FIG. 3;
[0062] FIG. 5F shows the plan view of the Z-shaped table
combination according to FIG. 5E in a mirror-inverted
arrangement;
[0063] FIG. 5G shows the plan view of a Z-shaped table combination
with three table sections;
[0064] FIG. 5H shows the plan view of the Z-shaped table
combination according to FIG. 5G in a mirror-inverted
arrangement;
[0065] FIG. 6A shows an exploded illustration of the longitudinal
struts and transverse struts in the mounting arrangement for the
frame of the table according to FIG. 1A, with associated table top,
panel holders and screws;
[0066] FIG. 6B shows an exploded illustration of the longitudinal
struts and short struts in the mounting arrangement for the frame
of an add-on section according to FIG. 5C, with associated panel
segment, panel holder and screws;
[0067] FIG. 7A shows an exploded illustration of the transverse
struts and the inner strut in the mounting arrangement for the
frame of an add-on section according to FIG. 1L, with the
associated two panel segments, panel holders and screws;
[0068] FIG. 7B shows an exploded illustration of the mounting
arrangement according to FIG. 7A without the two panel segments,
but supplemented with adapter plates for accommodating the top
boxes;
[0069] FIG. 8A shows an exploded illustration of the table with one
table section according to FIG. 1A;
[0070] FIG. 8B shows an exploded illustration of the table
combination with two table sections according to FIG. 1C;
[0071] FIG. 8C shows an exploded illustration of the table
combination with three table sections according to FIG. 1D;
[0072] FIG. 9A shows a partially transparent perspective
illustration of a leg with a top plate placed in position, for a
first fastening variant, and with the slider removed;
[0073] FIG. 9B shows a perspective illustration from beneath of the
sleeve part of the slider;
[0074] FIG. 9C shows a perspective illustration of the top leg end
from FIG. 9A with the top plate in close proximity thereto;
[0075] FIG. 9D shows a transparent perspective illustration of the
arrangement according to FIG. 9C with the top plate placed in
position;
[0076] FIG. 9E shows a perspective illustration of the arrangement
according to FIG. 9D with the top plate placed in position;
[0077] FIG. 9F shows a partially exploded illustration of a leg
with a corner angle in close proximity thereto, for a second
fastening variant, and with the slider inserted;
[0078] FIG. 9G shows a different perspective view of the
arrangement according to FIG. 9F in the mounted state with struts
fitted;
[0079] FIG. 9H shows an enlarged, transparent illustration of the
corner connection from FIG. 9G;
[0080] FIG. 10A shows a perspective illustration of a corner angle
with a flank covering in close proximity thereto;
[0081] FIG. 10B shows an enlarged perspective illustration of the
flank covering from FIG. 10A;
[0082] FIG. 10C shows a different perspective view of the flank
covering according to FIG. 10B;
[0083] FIG. 11A shows a perspective illustration of the corner
angle from FIG. 9H with struts, shown in part, pushed on
partially;
[0084] FIG. 11B shows a perspective illustration of the corner
angle from FIG. 9H and of the top leg end according to FIG. 9A with
the first fastening variant;
[0085] FIG. 11C shows a perspective illustration of the arrangement
according to FIG. 11B with transverse struts pushed onto the corner
angle;
[0086] FIG. 11D shows a perspective illustration of the arrangement
according to FIG. 11B with the corner angle attached to the top
plate;
[0087] FIG. 11E shows a perspective illustration of the arrangement
according to FIG. 11D with struts pushed onto the corner angle;
[0088] FIG. 12A shows a perspective illustration of a docking
part;
[0089] FIG. 12B shows a different perspective view of the docking
part according to FIG. 12A with screws;
[0090] FIG. 12C shows an exploded illustration of the docking part
according to FIG. 12A with a wedge and wedge screw in close
proximity thereto;
[0091] FIG. 12D shows a perspective illustration of a bridge
piece;
[0092] FIG. 12E shows a perspective illustration of the bridge
piece according to FIG. 12D with the docking part according to FIG.
12A fastened thereon;
[0093] FIG. 13A shows a perspective illustration of the combination
of docking part and bridge piece according to FIG. 12E with a strut
in close proximity thereto;
[0094] FIG. 13B shows a perspective illustration of the arrangement
according to FIG. 13A with the strut pushed onto the bridge piece
and a clamp in close proximity thereto;
[0095] FIG. 14A shows a partially exploded illustration of a leg
with a slider and inner strut, illustrated by dashed lines,
positioned thereon;
[0096] FIG. 14B shows a partially exploded illustration of the leg
and the inner strut from FIG. 14A with the combination of docking
part and bridge piece according to FIG. 12E, and associated
connecting elements, in close proximity thereto;
[0097] FIG. 15A shows a partially exploded illustration of the
arrangement according to FIG. 13B with an inner strut pushed onto
the docking part;
[0098] FIG. 15B shows a different perspective view of the
arrangement according to FIG. 15A with struts pushed onto the
bridge piece on both sides;
[0099] FIG. 16A shows a partially exploded illustration of a strut
with a cover fitted and with a receptacle-outlet holder,
receptacle-outlet unit and attachment frame;
[0100] FIG. 16B shows an enlarged illustration of the
receptacle-outlet subassembly from FIG. 16A;
[0101] FIG. 17A shows a perspective illustration of the
substructure of the table according to FIG. 1A with a screen
mounted thereon;
[0102] FIG. 17B shows a partially exploded illustration of the
arrangement according to FIG. 16B with a multipurpose holder
instead of the recaptacle-outlet holder;
[0103] FIG. 17C shows a different perspective view of the
multipurpose holder from FIG. 17B on an enlarged scale;
[0104] FIG. 17D shows an enlarged illustration of the
receptacle-outlet subassembly from FIG. 17B with the multipurpose
holder;
[0105] FIG. 17E shows an exploded illustration of the screen from
FIG. 17A with the multipurpose holder;
[0106] FIG. 18A shows a perspective illustration of the
substructure of the table according to FIG. 1A with a cable system
fastened on a longitudinal strut; and
[0107] FIG. 18B shows the plan view of the arrangement according to
FIG. 18A.
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
[0108] A detailed description of an exemplary embodiment with
variants will be given hereinbelow, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in respect of the table construction
according to the invention.
[0109] The following applies to the rest of the description. If, in
order to avoid ambiguity in the drawings, a figure contains
designations which are not explained in the directly associated
text of the description, then you are referred to the point at
which they are mentioned in previous descriptions of the figures.
For reasons of clarity, components are not usually designated again
in subsequent figures, provided that it is clear from the drawings
that they are "recurring" components.
FIGS. 1A to 1E
[0110] The modular nature of the table construction makes it
possible to provide for extended table combinations in a wide
variety of different configurations within a modular system with a
corresponding varied work surface overall. In the simplest
configuration (see FIG. 1A), the table with a table top 1 comprises
one table section T1, the table top 1 resting on a frame 2 which is
borne by four legs 3 arranged at the respective corners. The table
top 1 contains a clearance 10 for cable to be fed through. An
elongate work surface is produced here in the case of a table
combination with two table sections T1,T2 fitted together along the
narrow sides (see FIG. 1B). If two table sections T1,T2 are fitted
together along the longitudinal sides, this gives a rather more
square work surface, the clearances 10 butting against one another
(see FIG. 1C). A larger rectangular work surface is achieved by the
combination having two table sections T1,T2 fitted together along
the longitudinal sides and a third table section T3 fitted
transversely thereon (see FIG. 1D). Since the dimensions of the
table tops 1 are selected such that the length corresponds to
double the width, the narrow sides of the section T3 are flush with
the longitudinal sides of the sections T1,T2. A further-enlarged
rectangular work surface is achieved by the combination of two
times two table sections T1-T4 fitted together (see FIG. 1E).
FIGS. 1F and 1G
[0111] This pair of figures shows a top box 4 which is intended for
placing on the work surface formed by the table (see FIGS. 1K to
1P). The top box 4 has a subdivision 40, e.g. two open compartments
located one beside the other, and is covered from the rear by a
rear wall 42.
FIG. 1H
[0112] A desk container 45 with a drawer subdivision 46 may be
provided, at the same time, as a supporting substructure beneath
the frame 2, so that there is then no need for any load-bearing
legs 3 to be arranged on this side of the table (see FIGS. 1K and
1O).
FIG. 1J
[0113] Instead of the desk container 45, a floor-level cabinet 48
comprising a basis structure 480 and different subdivisions 49 for
accommodating shelves 481 or drawers 483 is a possible substructure
beneath a table combination with at least two table sections T1,T2.
The floor-level cabinet 48 is preferably open toward the user or
provided with sliding doors 482 on the front. Use of the
floor-level cabinet 48 is illustrated in FIGS. 1K and 1O.
FIGS. 1K to 1P
[0114] A typical way of fitting out a table having one table
section T1 is to provide a fixed desk container 45 as a supporting
substructure and, above the table top 1 and the desk container 45,
a top box 4 (see FIG. 1K). Two top boxes 4 one beside the other can
be placed on an add-on section A1 opposite the user (see FIG. 1L)
or on an add-on section A1 to the side of two table sections T1,T2
(see FIG. 1M). A further typical way of fitting out a table is to
arrange two load-bearing floor-level cabinets 48 beneath two table
sections T1,T2 and simultaneously to place two top boxes 4 above
the floor-level cabinets 48 (see FIG. 1N). In the case of a work
surface made up of four table sections T1-T4 fitted together in a
rectangle, it is recommended to install desk containers 45 beneath
the table sections on the two outer flanks and top boxes 4
thereabove (see FIG. 1O). In the case of the table combination in a
Z-shaped arrangement with two table sections T1,T2, it is possible
to install load-bearing floor-level cabinets 48 in the center and
top boxes 4 thereabove (see FIG. 1P).
FIGS. 2A to 3
[0115] This series of figures illustrates the ways in which
differently configured work surfaces are fitted out with a screen 5
opposite the user. Such a screen 5 constitutes a delimitation of
the work surface, thus prevents items from falling down and, at the
same time, can have notes attached to it or serves for securing
small items in suitable holders. In the case of the table with one
table section T1, the screen 5 is fitted on the longitudinal side
of the table opposite the user (see FIG. 2A). In the case of two
table sections T1,T2 fitted together more or less in a square, the
common screen 5 is provided in the region of the adjacent table
sections T1,T2 (see FIG. 2B). The three-part combination with the
table sections T1-T3 has two screens 5, which are each mounted on
the abutting table sections T1,T2;T3,T1/T2 (see FIG. 2C). In the
case of the Z-shaped table combination with two table sections
T1,T2 and an intermediate section Z1 inserted therebetween, each
table section T1,T2 has a separate screen 5, the intermediate
section Z1 being covered over by a panel segment 100 (see FIG.
3).
[0116] FIGS. 4A to 5H
[0117] This series of figures shows plan views of the simplest
table with just one table section TI right up to six-part
combinations with six table sections T1-T6 and Z-shaped
configurations.
[0118] The substructure of a table with just one table section T1
(see FIG. 4A) has a frame 2 which is formed from two short
longitudinal struts 20, which are spaced apart parallel to one
another, and two transverse struts 21, which close off the frame 2.
The short longitudinal struts 20 and the transverse struts 21 are
connected to one another, and at the same time the legs 3 are
arranged, in the corner regions of the frame 2. The short
longitudinal struts 20 have, for example, a length of 1800 mm and
the transverse struts 21 have a length of 900 mm. In the case of
the table combination with two table sections T1,T2 which are
fitted together along the narrow sides, i.e. are adjacent to one
another in the longitudinal direction, the frame 2 comprises in
each case two short longitudinal struts 20, which are connected in
alignment with one another, two transverse struts 21, which close
off the frame 2 at the side flanks, and a short inner strut 24 of,
for example, 900 mm in length as a transition between the two table
sections T1,T2 (see FIG. 4B). A long inner strut 23 of, for
example, 1800 mm in length is located in the transition between two
table sections T1,T2 which supplement one another more or less to
form a square (see FIG. 4C). In the basically T-shaped table
combination with the table sections T1-T3, use is made of long
longitudinal struts 22 of, for example, 2700 mm in length, short
longitudinal struts 20 and, within the frame 2, two long inner
struts 23 which are inserted in a T-shaped manner (see FIG.
4D).
[0119] The frame 2 of the rectangular-formation four-part table
combination with the table sections T1-T4 is formed externally by
six short longitudinal struts 20, two pairs of two longitudinal
struts 20 being fitted together, while three long inner struts 23
are arranged in a crosswise manner on the inside (see FIG. 4E). The
table combination with two table sections T1,T2 set up in a square
and a common add-on section A1 has a frame made up of in each case
two short and two long longitudinal struts 20,22 and, on the
inside, two long inner struts 23 arranged in a T-profile (see FIG.
4F). The frames 2 of more complex table combinations are made up
externally of corresponding struts 20,22,23, it also being possible
to connect short longitudinal struts 20, and parts which are
otherwise used as transverse struts 21, to form lengthened
longitudinal-side frame components (see FIGS. 4G and 4H).
[0120] In the case of the L-shaped or Z-shaped table combinations
with the table sections T1,T2 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B), or the
sections T1,A1 (see FIGS. 5C and 5D), or the sections T1,Z1,T2 (see
FIGS. 5E and 5F), or the table sections T1-T3 (see FIGS. 5G and
5H), the respective frame 2 is constructed from short and long
longitudinal struts 20,22, transverse struts 21 and short struts 25
appropriate for the narrow sides of the free ends of the add-on
sections A1. Short longitudinal struts 20 are located alongside
transverse struts 21 in each case in the transitions between the
sections.
FIGS. 6A and 6B
[0121] The frame 2 for the table section T1 (see FIG. 6A) is made
up of two short longitudinal struts 20, which are spaced apart
parallel to one another, and two transverse struts 21, which close
off the frame 2. The ends of the struts, which are formed from
hollow quadrilateral profiles, are provided, in principle, with a
miter cut. A correspondingly cut-to-size table top 1 with the
clearance 10 in the center of one longitudinal edge is provided for
covering the table section T1. An edge covering 11, e.g. a rubber
profile, is provided for covering the periphery of the clearance
10. The table top 1 is fastened by panel holders 29 distributed
along the insides of the struts 20,21. Screws 290, which are
introduced through the panel holders 29 from beneath and engage in
the table top 1 from the underside, are used to retain the table
top 1, which otherwise rests on the fitted-together frame 2. In the
case of the add-on section A1 (see FIG. 6B), use is made of two
short struts 25, instead of the transverse struts 21, for the frame
2, and an intact panel segment 100 is provided as a covering.
FIGS. 7A and 7B
[0122] In order to form a frame 2 with one table section T1 and an
add-on section A1, use is made of two long longitudinal struts 22
located parallel to one another. The delimitation between the
sections T1,A1 is formed by a long inner strut 23 which is inserted
in an H-shaped manner between the longitudinal struts 22 and, at
its two ends, is fastened on the inner flanks of the two
longitudinal struts 22 by means of a docking part 26. The inner
strut 23 is preferably a hollow profile of square cross section,
the shank of the respective docking part 26 being forced into the
ends thereof. The bases of the docking parts 26 are screwed onto
the inner flanks of the longitudinal struts 22. The table top 1 and
the panel segment 100 are intended for covering over the table
section T1 and the add-on section A1. If it is desired to install
top boxes 4 above the add-on section A1, adapter plates 41 are
fitted on the add-on section A1, while complementary retaining
plates 410 are fastened beneath the top boxes 4, so that the top
boxes 4 can be latched in a releasable manner on the adapter plates
41 (see FIG. 7B).
FIG. 8A
[0123] The ends of the short longitudinal struts 20 and transverse
struts 21, which run toward one another at the corners, are
connected to one another by means of corner angles 27. At the same
time, the legs 3 are mounted on the corner angles 27 by way of
their top-fastening head plates 32. At the bottom, the legs 3 are
provided with a slider part 30 and a sleeve part 31 which fits into
the end of the leg and accommodates the slider part 30, which is
used for height-leveling purposes. The legs 3 are preferably made
up of cross-sectionally square hollow profiles. For the corner
angles 27, there is a clamp-like flank covering 278 which is
provided for esthetic reasons and can be latched onto the corner
angle 27 from the outside.
FIG. 8B
[0124] For a table combination with two table sections T1,T2 formed
in a square, the frame 2 is produced from four longitudinal struts
20 with a long inner strut 23 inserted in the center, this inner
strut being fastened once again, by docking parts 26 provided on
both sides. Corresponding to the doubled work surface, two table
tops 1, with clearances 10 directed toward one another, serve for
covering purposes.
FIG. 8C
[0125] For a table combination with three table sections T1-T3
formed in a square, two short longitudinal struts 20 and two long
longitudinal struts 22 are required for producing the frame 2.
Within the frame 2 defined in this way, a first long inner strut 23
is inserted centrally in the longitudinal direction and a second
long inner strut 23 is inserted in a T-shaped manner in relation to
the first. Docking parts 26 are used, once again, for fastening the
inner strut 23 on the outer frame and for fastening the two inner
struts 23 to one another. For covering over the extended work
surface, use is made in this case of three table tops 1 which are
fitted together basically in a T-shaped manner.
FIGS. 9A to 9E
[0126] In order to fasten the leg 3 in the corners of the frame 2,
in a first variant, a head plate 32 is fixed, e.g. welded, to the
top leg end. The head plate 32 has, at the top, a surface which is
in the form of a right-angled triangle and, in the first instance,
tapers toward the right angle from the outside along a horizontal
portion in order, in the region of the depressions 322, to merge
into a slightly downwardly inclined portion. The surface has a
cutout 321 in the right-angled corner region. Provided at the outer
ends of the triangle sides which enclose the right angle between
them are bent-over portions 320 which are angled vertically
downward, are provided with a screw hole 323 and extend inward into
the vicinity of the depressions 322. The head plate 32 is
positioned on the top, open end side of the leg 3 and has the
downwardly inclined portion of the top surface projecting into the
cavity of the leg 3. The outer peripheries of the downwardly
inclined portion end up located on the inner surfaces of the leg 3,
so that the head plate 32 is secured against horizontal
displacement. In the welded-in state, the cutout 321 in the head
plate 32 is located opposite an arresting slot 34 at the top end of
the leg 3.
[0127] For height-leveling purposes, the leg 3 is provided with a
slider 30 which is accommodated by a sleeve part 31 fitted in the
bottom end of the leg 3. The slider 30 and sleeve part 31 have
threads which complement one another, so that the slider 30 can be
adjusted by turning.
FIGS. 9F to 11E
[0128] In a second variant for fastening the leg 3, the head plate
32 is replaced by angles 35 which project into the interior of the
leg 3 through through-passage slots 33 in the top end of the leg.
The angle 35 can be moved partially and has a screw hole and an
inner bent-over portion 230, which stabilizes the position of the
angle 35 in the screwed-on position.
[0129] A corner angle 27 comprises two side limbs 270 which are
arranged at right angles to one another and are of flat rectangular
cross section. At the free ends of the side limbs 270, the outer
surfaces are beveled to give tapered ends. A corner nose 271
projects inward from the corner region in which the two side limbs
270 come together. The side limbs 270 have an internally threaded
bore 272 arranged in the vicinity of their free ends. The ends of
the longitudinal struts 20,22 and of the transverse struts 21 are
cut to form a 45.degree. miter in each case. If the intention is,
for example, for two struts 20,21 to be connected to one another by
a corner angle 27, the short longitudinal strut 20 and the
transverse strut 21 are pushed onto the respective side limb 270
until the miters butt against one another, in each case one
internally threaded bore 272 in the side limbs 270 ending up
coinciding with one of the screw holes 201 in the struts 20,21.
[0130] Provided on the vertically arranged, inwardly oriented
surfaces of the transverse strut 21 and of the short longitudinal
strut 20 is a rectangular end cutout 200 and, when the struts 20,21
are pushed on, these end cutouts together form an opening in which
the corner nose 271 is accommodated and through which the corner
nose 271 of the corner angle 27 projects outward. In the case of
the first leg-fastening variant (see FIGS. 11B to 11E), screws 39
are screwed into the internally threaded bores 272 in the corner
angle 27 through the bent-over portions 320 of the head plate 32
and the screw holes 201 in the struts 20,21. In the case of the
second leg-fastening variant (see FIGS. 9F to 9H), the screws 39
are screwed into the internally threaded bores 272 in the corner
angle 27 through the angles 35 and the screw holes 201 in the
struts 20,21. In both cases, the corner nose 271 of the corner
angle 27 additionally engages in a form-fitting manner, with
arresting action, in the arresting slot 34 which is present at the
top end of the leg 3. The flank coverings 278 are intended to
conceal the gap which remains between the outwardly oriented
surfaces of the struts 20,21 pushed onto the corner angle 27. The
clamp-like flank covering 278 comprises an outer strip 2780, a
latching arm 2782, which is arranged perpendicularly to the outer
strip 2780, projecting from each of the two ends of the latter. In
the direction of the latching arms 2782, the outer strip 2780
merges into a relatively narrow and short inner strip 2781. The
latching arms 2782 and the inner strip 2781 are held in concealed
fashion on the corner angle 27.
FIGS. 12A to 12C
[0131] The docking part 26 comprises, in the first instance, a
hollow base 260 with a cross-sectionally basically rectangular
outer contour. A screw hole 261 is provided in each of the corner
regions of the base 260. The shank 265, which extends from the base
260, has axial hollows in its corner regions, this resulting in a
peripheral surface of basically cross-shaped cross section, which
allows screws 262 to be introduced from the shaft 265 into the
screw holes 261 in the base 260. The shank 265 has running through
it a vertical through-hole 268 and a horizontal wedge
through-passage 266 for the introduction of a wedge 267, which can
be braced in the wedge through-passage 266 by a wedge screw 269 and
a washer 2690. In order to engage the wedge screw 269, the wedge
267 has an internally threaded bore opening out at its tapered end.
The docking part 26 is advantageously a diecasting.
FIG. 12D
[0132] The bridge piece 28 is made up, in one piece, of a central
part 280 and flank parts 285 extending from both sides of the
latter. A cylindrical stub provided with a threaded bore 286 rises
up vertically from the base of each flank part 285.
[0133] Stubs which are arranged in a square, and likewise each have
a threaded bore 282, project upward from the base of the central
part 280. On the inside, the central part 280 has an angular
form-fitting connector 281 directed towards both flank parts 285.
The bridge piece 28 is also advantageously a diecasting.
FIG. 12E
[0134] In order to connect the bridge piece 28 to the docking part
26, the screw holes 261 in the base 260 of the docking part 26 are
made to coincide with the threaded bores 282 in the central part of
the bridge piece 280 on the side of the form-fitting connector 281,
and the screens 262 can then be introduced. Basically a T-shaped
component is produced in the connected state.
FIGS. 13A and 13B
[0135] The bridge piece 28 serves for connecting, for example, two
short longitudinal struts 20 (see the table combination according
to FIG. 4E by way of example) which, for this purpose, are pushed
onto the flank parts 285 of the bridge piece 28 and are then
screw-connected. The form-fitting connector 281 on the central part
280 of the bridge piece 28 has a contour which complements the end
cutout 200 in the short longitudinal strut 20, so that the
longitudinal strut 20 is pushed onto the flank part 285 in a
form-fitting manner, a screw hole 201 in the longitudinal strut 20
ending up coinciding with the threaded bore 286 of the flank part
285. A screw 289, which is guided through the screw hole 201 and
engages in the threaded bore 286 on the flank part 285, secures the
longitudinal strut 20 pushed onto the bridge piece 28. A strut 20
can be fixed in the same way on the remaining flank part 285. The
gap between the miter cuts on the two struts 20 pushed onto the
bridge piece 28 is concealed by a latch-on clamp 288 of
complementary contour.
FIGS. 14A to 15B
[0136] This series of figures illustrates the task of fastening an
inner strut 23 and a supporting leg 3' on the docking part 26. The
inner strut 23, on the two vertical surfaces, has a respective
wedge hole 231, these holes being arranged in alignment with one
another, and it is pushed onto the docking part 26 such that the
wedge holes 231 in the inner strut 23 end up located in front of
the wedge through-passage 266 in the docking part 26. The wedge 267
is then introduced from the outside into the wedge through-passage
266 in the docking part 26 through the wedge hole 231 on one
vertical surface of the inner strut 23. From the other vertical
surface of the inner strut 23, the washer 2690 and wedge screw 269
are introduced through the wedge hole 231 on this side and
screw-connected in clamping fashion to the wedge 267.
[0137] At the top end, on two opposite sides, the supporting leg 3'
has a respective U-shaped cutout 37 and a vertically running
threaded hole 38 which is accessible from above. The vertical
supporting leg 3' accommodates the horizontal inner strut 23 in its
cutout 37. A screw hole 230 passes vertically through the
horizontal surfaces of the inner strut 23. In order to mount the
supporting leg 3', the inner strut 23 is positioned such that the
screw holes 230 and the threaded hole 38 of the leg 3 end up
located one above the other. A screw 389, which is fed through the
screw hole 230 from above, engages in the threaded hole 38 of the
supporting leg 3' and thus secures the latter. Depending on the
configuration, various struts 20-25 may come together on the bridge
piece 28.
FIGS. 16A and 16B
[0138] The receptacle-outlet holder 6 is formed, in principle, by a
U-shaped profile component which contains a receptacle-outlet
window 61 which is open at the front and is intended for
accommodating the receptacle-outlet unit 8. The recaptacle-outlet
unit 8 is of conventional construction and has a plurality of
recaptacle outlets. Screw holes 62 are located on the front side of
the receptacle-outlet holder 6, and threaded bores which complement
these screw holes are present on the longitudinal strut 20 which is
shown here by way of example, these screw holes and threaded bores
together serving for fastening the recaptacle-outlet holder 6. The
receptacle-outlet holder 6 has an inner cavity in which the
receptacle-outlet unit 8 is accommodated. The attachment frame 80
provides an esthetically pleasing facing for the receptacle-outlet
unit 8 and secures the latter in the receptacle-outlet holder 6,
which has hinge eyelets 60 at the top to which a pivotable cover 12
can be fitted.
FIGS. 17A to 17D
[0139] The multipurpose holder 7 has, in addition to the
receptacle-outlet holder 6, a vertical cross piece which supports a
screen holder 75 which is curved in the manner of a shell or tray.
In a manner analogous to the receptacle-outlet holder 6, the
multipurpose holder 7 also has a receptacle-outlet window 71 which
is open at the front and is intended for accommodating the
receptacle-outlet unit 8. Screw holes 72 are provided for fastening
on the longitudinal strut 20. The receptacle-outlet holder 6 and
the multipurpose holder 7 are fastened on the strut 20 beneath the
clearance 10 in the table top 1, the cover 12, which is mounted
such that it can be pivoted in the hinge eyelets 60,70 of the
receptacle-outlet holder 6 and of the multipurpose holder 7,
respectively, covering the clearance 10.
FIG. 17E
[0140] The screen 5 comprises a bracket 50 which is initially open
in the upward direction. Endpieces 58 are fitted onto the vertical
portions of the bracket 50 from above and secured by means of
screws 59 engaging in the bracket ends. Retained at the bracket
ends, and/or between the endpieces 58, are a transverse strut 51,
which closes off the bracket 50 at the top, and a cover rail 55,
which is positioned on the transverse strut. The cover rail 55
contains a longitudinally running insertion groove 56 in which
retaining trays can be fitted in a displaceable manner. The surface
area defined by the bracket 50 is filled with a screen panel or a
covering 52.
FIGS. 18A and 18B
[0141] In order to finish off the table having the table section
T1, a cable system 9 is fastened on the short longitudinal strut 20
at the rear, this cable system having a clearance 92 which is
congruent with the table-top clearance 10. In order for cables to
be led through, annular collars 91 are inserted into the cable
system 9, these collars delimiting through-openings 90 and keeping
them open. Retaining loops 93 can be used to suspend the cable
system 9 in a releasable manner, on its front side, on buttons 94
fastened beneath the table top 1, so that quick access is possible
during mounting or installation work.
* * * * *