U.S. patent application number 15/019979 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-10 for table frame and table.
The applicant listed for this patent is Veyhl GmbH. Invention is credited to Wolfgang Bruder, Arthur Oswald.
Application Number | 20170224101 15/019979 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59496751 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170224101 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bruder; Wolfgang ; et
al. |
August 10, 2017 |
Table frame and table
Abstract
A table frame for a table has a first column and a second column
for supporting a table top, a cross member of hollow profile
construction by which the first column and the second column are
interconnected with each other and a first cantilever support
mounted on the top end of the first column and a second cantilever
support mounted on the top end of the second column. The first and
the second column each have two projections at respective top ends
thereof. The cross member, at each end section thereof, has a pair
of oblong holes disposed on its lower side and through which the
two projections of the respective column extend into the cross
member. Each cantilever support has a first and a second flange
which are arranged spaced-apart from one another, each of the
flanges abutting the cross member on a lateral side portion
thereof.
Inventors: |
Bruder; Wolfgang;
(Simmersfeld, DE) ; Oswald; Arthur; (Neubulach,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Veyhl GmbH |
Neuweiler |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
59496751 |
Appl. No.: |
15/019979 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2200/0061 20130101;
A47B 13/06 20130101; A47B 2200/0013 20130101; A47B 9/04 20130101;
A47B 2200/0029 20130101; A47B 2200/0056 20130101; F16B 12/52
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 13/02 20060101
A47B013/02; A47B 9/04 20060101 A47B009/04; A47B 9/20 20060101
A47B009/20; A47B 13/00 20060101 A47B013/00; F16B 12/10 20060101
F16B012/10 |
Claims
1. A table frame for a table, for private or commercial use,
comprising: a first column and a second column for supporting a
table top, each of the columns having a longitudinal axis, an upper
end and a lower end; a cross member of hollow profile construction
by which the first column and the second column are interconnected
with each other in a region of their upper ends, the cross member
having a longitudinal extension; a first cantilever support mounted
on the upper end of the first column; and a second cantilever
support mounted on the upper end of the second column; wherein each
of the cantilever supports has two arms extending in an orthogonal
direction with respect to the longitudinal extension of the cross
member for support of the table top; wherein the first and the
second column each have two projections at the respective upper
ends thereof, the two projections of each column being arranged
opposed to each other and spaced apart from one another, wherein
the cross member, at each end section thereof, has a pair of oblong
holes disposed on its lower side and through which the two
projections of the respective column extend into the cross member,
wherein each cantilever support has a first and a second flange
which each extend downwardly and are arranged spaced apart from one
another, each of the flanges abutting the cross member on opposite
lateral sides thereof, wherein the columns and the cantilever
supports are, detachably screwed together with the cross member by
means of screws, each screw extending through a through-hole of one
of the projections of one of the columns, a through-hole in the
lateral side portion of the cross member at one end thereof, and a
through-hole of the flanges of one of the cantilever supports.
2. Table frame according to claim 1, wherein the columns, at each
of their projections, have a tongue which extends away from the
projection in an axial direction and which engages in a
corresponding recess of an upper side of the cross member.
3. Table frame according to claim 1, wherein in each column, at the
upper end thereof, an insert is seated, said insert having threaded
holes forming screw-in threads for said screws.
4. Table frame according to claim 3, wherein the insert is held in
place by a pressed fit.
5. Table frame according to claim 3, wherein the insert has lugs,
which extend from the insert in a lateral direction, each of the
lugs engaging in a recess provided in a front edge of one of the
columns.
6. Table frame according to claim 3, wherein the insert is made
from cast metal or plastics.
7. Table frame according to claim 1, wherein the projections each
are provided with a top edge which is inclined to a longitudinal
axis of the column at an angle which is different from
90.degree..
8. Table frame according to claim 1, wherein the cantilever
supports each have arms with an L-shaped cross section.
9. Table frame according to claim 3, wherein the table frame is
height-adjustable and wherein each of the columns comprises a
telescopic lower and upper column section.
10. Table frame according to claim 9, wherein, in each of the
columns there is disposed a spindle which is coupled with a motor
which is disposed inside the cross member.
11. Table frame according to claim 9, wherein a spindle is disposed
in each column, said spindle engaging a bearing formed in an
opening in said insert.
12. Table frame according to claim 10, wherein the motor is mounted
inside the cross member by means of a mounting rack.
13. Table frame according to claim 12, wherein the cross member has
a lock pin hole and the mounting rack has a spring loaded lock pin
which secures the mounting rack in said lock pin hole.
14. A table comprising a table top mounted on a table frame
according to claim 1.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to table frames and tables for
both private and commercial use.
[0002] A table is a furniture with a table top forming a flat or
essentially flat upper surface used to support objects, for
storage, show, and/or manipulation. A common type of table is a
desk, which is typically used to hold items that one would need to
do work, such as papers, textbooks, or computers. The surface is
usually supported from below by several vertical columns or "legs,"
which may be adjusted to set the table top of the workstation at a
desired height. The legs are usually interconnected at their upper
ends by a crossbeam for reason of stability.
[0003] The connection between the legs and the crossbeam or cross
member is crucial for keeping the table top stable even under load.
This is why the connection is usually of a rather complex
construction and which may comprise many parts that have to be
welded or screwed together. Further, as the tables or table frames
are usually shipped as a kit disassembled into individual
components to thereby reduce the space required as well as the
transport costs, assembly of the table frames and tables in the
field is, therefore, often rather tedious.
[0004] Thus, a need exists for a new design of table frames and
tables for both private and commercial use that increases
manufacturing efficiency and reduces installation time without
jeopardizing the stability of the construction, and which can be
easily packaged into a single box. The objective of the invention
regarding the table frame is solved by a table frame according the
independent claim. The table according to the invention comprises
the features as given in the respective dependent claim.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The table frame according to the invention is suitable for
private or commercial use and comprises a first column and a second
column for supporting a table top. Each of the columns have a
longitudinal axis, an upper end and a lower end. The table frame
has a cross member of hollow profile construction by which the
first column and the second column are interconnected with each
other in the region of their upper ends, the cross member having a
longitudinal extension. The cross member allows for a high margin
of safety against overturning of the columns and a high grade of
stability. The table frame further comprises a first cantilever
support mounted on the upper end of the first column and a second
cantilever support mounted on the upper end of the second column.
Each of the cantilever supports is having two arms extending in an
orthogonal direction with respect to the longitudinal extension of
the cross member for support of the table top; thereby, table tops
of various sizes may be mounted on the columns without the risk of
tipping over. Also, thinner table tops with reduced stiffness may
be used. The first and the second column are each having two
projections at the respective upper ends thereof, the two
projections of each column being arranged opposed to each other and
spaced apart from one another, wherein the cross member, at each
end section thereof, has a pair of oblong holes disposed on its
lower side and through which the two projections of the respective
column extend into the cross member. Each cantilever support has a
first and a second flange which are arranged spaced apart from one
another, each of the flanges abutting the cross member on a lateral
side portion thereof, wherein the columns and the cantilever
supports are detachably screwed together with the cross member by
means of screws, each screw extending through a through-hole of one
of the projections of one of the columns, a through-hole in the
lateral side portion of the cross member at one end thereof, and a
through-hole of the flanges of one of the cantilever supports. The
table frame can be manufactured in a cost-efficient way, can be
transported in a compact shipping box and can be easily and rapidly
assembled.
[0006] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
columns, at each of their projections, have a tongue which extends
away from the projection in an axial direction and which engages in
a corresponding recess of an upper side of the cross member. This
allows for an even greater stability of the connection of the
columns and the cross member. Also, an unwanted disconnection of
the columns and the cross member can thereby be prevented once the
column has been inserted into the cross member. This further
facilitates assembly of the table frame. Also, assembly of the
table frame can thereby be made safer.
[0007] According to a further preferred embodiment of the
invention, in each column, at the upper end thereof, an insert is
seated, which forms screw-in threads for said screws. This reduces
the overall number of parts required for assembly of the table
frame. Further, the material thickness of the columns/projections
can thereby be chosen more independently.
[0008] According to a yet further preferred embodiment of the
invention, the insert is held in place inside the respective column
by a pressed fit. Thereby, a time-consuming and costly screw
connection is unnecessary. Also, the overall number of parts of the
table frame can be kept low.
[0009] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the
insert has lugs, which extend from the insert in a lateral
direction, each of the lugs engaging in a recess provided in a
front edges of one of the columns. This ensures a proper
positioning and an easy mounting of the insert inside the
respective column.
[0010] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the
insert is made from cast metal or plastic to thereby reduce the
manufacturing costs of the table frame.
[0011] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the
projections of the columns each have an upper edge which is
inclined to a longitudinal axis of the column at an angle which is
different from 90.degree.. This facilitates insertion of the
projections into the oblong holes of the cross member of the table
frame. The inclined edge thus serves as an insertion aid.
[0012] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the
cantilever supports each have arms with an L-shaped cross section.
The load-carrying capacity of the cantilever supports can thereby
be greatly increased.
[0013] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the
table frame is height-adjustable and wherein each of the columns
comprises a telescopic lower and upper column section. In each of
the columns, there can be disposed a spindle which is coupled with
a motor which is disposed inside the cross member.
[0014] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the
spindle engages in a bearing formed by an insert seated inside the
upper end of the respective column. This ensures a durable and
precise height adjustment of the table. The bearing may preferably
comprise or be made out of a PTFE material to minimize friction
between the bearing and the spindle. Alternatively, the bearing may
be formed as a ball bearing. Such ball bearings are readily
available on the market in different shapes and sizes and at an
affordable price.
[0015] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the
motor is mounted inside the cross member by means of a mounting
rack. This further reduces manufacturing costs and allows for
mounting of the motor in cross members of variable size.
[0016] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the
mounting rack is held locked inside the cross member without
screws. The number of parts as well as the manufacturing/assembly
time required can thereby be further reduced.
[0017] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the following
detailed description of an illustrated embodiment accompanied by
the attached drawings wherein identical reference numerals will
refer to like parts in the various use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table with a partially
mounted table frame having a table top supported by two columns
which, in the mounted state of the table frame, are interconnected
by a longitudinal cross member.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view from above of the
fixing area of the table frame designated as "A" in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view from below of the
fixing area of the table frame designated as "A" in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective partial view of the vertical column
of the table frame shown in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cross member of a table
similar to the table shown in FIG. 1, with an electric drive
assembly mounted inside the cross member of the table frame
according to FIG. 1; and
[0023] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the longitudinal cross member
and the electric drive assembly shown in FIG. 5.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a partially mounted table
10 which may serve as an office desk, a workbench or the like. The
table 10 comprises a table top 12 illustrated in a dashed line and
forming a flat working surface 14. The table top 12 is mounted on
and supported by a base or table frame 16. The table frame 16
comprises a first column 18 and a second column 20 which both serve
as so-called legs of the table 10. A respective longitudinal axis
of the columns 18, 20 is designated 22. The columns 18, 20 each
have an upper end 24 and a lower end 26. Each column 18, 20 has a
stabilizing foot part 28 attached to the lower end 26 thereof in
the fully mounted state of table frame 16. The foot part 28 can be
positioned on the lower end 26 of the columns 18, 20 such that the
table frame 16 has the shape of a so-called T-frame as shown in
FIG. 1 or, alternatively, as a so-called C-frame. Guides 30 or
casters may be added to the foot part 28 to aid in leveling the
table and increasing mobility thereof. Said columns 28, 20 may have
a fixed length 32. It needs to be noted, however, that the length
32 of the columns may be adjustable as indicated by arrow 33 shown
in FIG. 1. In the latter case, the columns 18, 20 are each designed
as telescopic columns 18, 20 and feature at least two column
segments 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b that can be moved relative to one
another in an axial direction and which can be locked with respect
to one another when the table 10, that is the table top 12, has
been adjusted to a desired height.
[0025] The table frame 16 further comprises a longitudinal cross
member 34 by which the columns 18, 20 are joined together in the
region of their upper ends 24 when the table is fully assembled.
The cross member 34 is of a hollow profile or tubular construction
and has two end sections 36 with apertures 38.
[0026] The table top 12, in the fully assembled condition of the
table 10, directly rests on at least a first and a second
cantilever support 40 each of which is mounted to the upper end 24
of one of the columns 18, 20. Each cantilever support 40 has two
arms 42 extending in an orthogonal direction with respect to the
longitudinal extension of the cross member 34. The arms 42 of each
cantilever support 40 are interconnected by a middle section 44
which, in the mounted state of the table frame, closes off one of
the apertures of the cross member 36.
[0027] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the table top
12 directly rests on an upper side (surface) 46 of both cantilever
supports 40. The table top 12 may also directly contact and rest on
the cross member 34. Further, the table top 12 is fixed to the
cantilever supports 40 and/or the cross member 34 by means of
screws or any other suitable fixing means not shown in FIG. 1.
[0028] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2 and 3 which show a detailed
partial view of the table frame 16 corresponding to the region
designated "A" in FIG. 1. Each column 18, 20 has two axial
projections 48 at the respective upper end 24 thereof. The two
projections 48 are arranged opposed to each other and spaced apart
from one another to thereby form a receptacle for accommodation of
the cross member 34.
[0029] The cross member 34, at each end section thereof, has a pair
of oblong holes 50 disposed on its lower side 52 and through which
the two projections 48 of the respective column 18, 20 extend into
the cross member 34 in the fully mounted condition of the table
frame 16.
[0030] Each of the cantilever supports 40 of the table frame 16 has
a first and a second mounting flange 54 which are arranged spaced
apart from one another. The mounting flanges 54 are structured and
designed to directly abut against cross member 34 on a lateral side
portion 56 thereof as is shown in FIG. 1 with regards to the fully
mounted second cantilever support 40 depicted on the right side.
The arms 42 of the cantilever support 40 all have an L-shaped cross
section for reasons of an improved load-bearing capability.
[0031] The two projections 48 of each column 18, 20 each have an
upper (leading) edge 58 that is arranged inclined at an angle
different from 90.degree. with respect to side edges 60 of the
respective column 18, 20 associated therewith. Interposed between
the two projections 48 of each column 18, 20 are front edges 62,
which are preferable arranged horizontally, that is orthogonally to
said side edges 60 of the column 18, 20. By the inclined upper
edges 58, the projections 48 of each column 18, 20 can be inserted
(fed) into the corresponding oblong holes 50 of the cross member 34
with ease when assembling the table frame 16 or table 10,
respectively.
[0032] The projections 48 of the columns 18, 20 of the table frame
16 each are provided with at least one first through-hole 64 and a
screw-in thread 66 associated therewith for anchoring, that is
screwing in, a screw 67 or the like as is exemplarily shown for the
column 18 depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0033] The cross member 34, likewise, on both of its end sections,
has at least one second through-hole 68 disposed in each of its
opposing lateral side portions 36. Further, each mounting flange 54
of the cantilever supports 40 is provided with at least a third
through hole 70. Each screw-in thread 66, one of the first
through-holes 64 and one of the third through-holes 70 of the
cantilever supports 40 are arranged such that they are aligned with
each other when the respective column 18, 20, with its projections
48, is inserted into its predefined mounting position within the
cross member 34 and the respective cantilever support 40 is
positioned on the cross member 34 in its designated mounting
position. The cantilever support may, for this, be slid onto the
cross member 34 in the direction of arrow 72. Thereby,
corresponding fixing screws 67 may be quickly and easily screwed
into the respective screw-in thread 66 during assembly of the table
frame 16 for detachably joining the aforesaid components of the
table frame 16 together. Moreover, a reduced number of arts is
required for the connection of the columns 18, 20 and the
cantilever supports 40 with the cross member 34.
[0034] Further, as can be seen in FIG. 4, each projection 48 of the
columns 18, 20 may be provided with a profiled (axial) extension
74, in particular a tongue, which, in the assembled state of the
table frame 16, engages in a corresponding recess 76 provided in
the upper side 78 of the cross member 34 (FIGS. 2 and 3). The
profiled extensions 74 and the corresponding recesses 76 of the
respective column 18, 20 are designed/positioned such that the
column 18, 20, with its projections 48, is held in a form-locking
and, preferably additionally in a force-locking manner, within the
cross member 34 once the profiled extensions 72 of the column 18,
20 have been inserted into the corresponding recess 74 of the cross
member 34. The connection of the columns 18, 20 with the cross
member 34 can thereby be realized free of play. Also, assembly of
the table frame 16 can thereby be further simplified as an unwanted
disengagement of the parts can be prevented even before the
respective columns 18, 20, the crossbar and the cantilever supports
40 have been screwed together by said fixing screws 72 (FIGS. 2,
3).
[0035] Further, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the screw-in
threads 66 provided on the upper end 22 of each column 18, 20 can
be formed by an insert 80, which is seated within the tubular
column 18, 20. The insert 80 is shown in FIG. 4 in detail and can
be made of metal or any suitable plastic material. Further, for
manufacturing reasons, the insert 80 can be of a two-part design.
Preferably, the insert, once it has been inserted into the column,
is held in the column 18, 20 in a clamped manner. Other ways for
securing the insert to the column 18, 20, such as welding, gluing,
are conceivable. The insert 80 preferably has lateral lugs 82 which
are provided for an e.g. press-fitted engagement in recesses 84
provided in the front edges 62 of the column 18, 20 and by which
the insert 80 is safely held in a desired position.
[0036] The supporting columns 18, 20 contain a drive mechanism to
render the table 10/table frame 16 height-adjustable. The drive
mechanism may be a known mechanical drive such as a chain or
spindle 84 as is shown in FIG. 2 in dotted lines. The spindle 84 is
oriented vertically within the column 18. As is shown in FIG. 4,
the inserts 80 each may form a bearing 86 to stabilize the upper
end of spindle 86 within the column 18, 20. The lower end (not
shown) of the spindle 84 may, for instance, be attached to the
lower column segment 18a, 20a, with screws or any other suitable
fixing means.
[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of a height-adjustable
table frame 16 shown in FIG. 5, at least one motor 90 may be
mounted inside the tubular cross member 34. In a preferred
embodiment, two motors 90 are mounted inside of the cross member
34. One motor 90 is placed at each end section 36 of the cross
member 34. In the preferred embodiment, a mounting rack 92
comprising a top and a bottom motor attachment 94, 96 is used to
stabilize the motor 90 within the cross member 34. The mounting
rack 92 is shown in FIG. 6 in an exploded view of its parts.
[0038] The top motor attachment 94 is configured with two pins 98
that are inserted into two corresponding gear box holes 100 in the
gearbox of the motor 90. The top motor attachment 94 also is
configured with a drive shaft cup 102 that snaps over the front of
the drive shaft 104 of the motor 90 when the top motor attachment
94 is attached to the motor 90. The bottom motor attachment 96 also
is configured with two pins 98, which fit into the lower end of
gear box holes 100. The bottom motor attachment 96 also is
configured with a drive shaft hole 106 that fits over the rear end
of the drive shaft 104 when the bottom motor attachment 96 is
attached to the motor 90. The bottom motor attachment 96 also is
configured with two guides 108 that serve to properly orient the
motor 90 over the spindle hole 110 of the cross member 34 when the
motor is inserted into the cross member 34. A spring loaded lock
pin on the bottom motor attachment 96 secures the mounting rack 92
in the cross member 34 by pressing into the lock pin hole 112 of
cross member 34 shown in FIG. 3 when the motor 90 is properly
positioned in the cross member 34. Cross member 34 is provided with
a spindle hole 110 for spindle 86 depicted in FIG. 3.
[0039] To assemble the table frame 16, the inserts 80 are first
inserted into the columns 18, 20. Then the columns 18, 20 are
inserted with their upper end projections into the respective
oblong holes 50 of the cross member 34. In a following step, the
cantilever supports 40 are each positioned so that the
through-holes in the flanges 54 of the cantilever supports 40 are
aligned with the corresponding through holes of the cross member 34
and the column screw holes corresponding therewith. A plurality of
screws 73 are then inserted to attach the columns 18, 20 and table
cantilever supports 40 to the cross member 34. The table top 12 and
foot parts 28 are then connected to the assembled table frame 16
with, e.g. screws.
* * * * *