US20080276841A1

US20080276841A1 - Table Construction

Info

Publication number: US20080276841A1
Application number: US11/629,585
Authority: US
Inventors: Egon Brauning; Antonio Citterio
Original assignee: Vitra Patente AG
Current assignee: Vitra AG
Priority date: 2004-06-14
Filing date: 2004-06-14
Publication date: 2008-11-13
Also published as: CN1968623A; EP1761140A1; WO2005120288A1

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).

Description

APPLICATION AREA OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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.
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.
Over and above the one table section, in particular the following table combinations can be erected:

a) two table sections lined up one beside the other along the narrow sides to give an elongate-rectangular work surface;
b) two table sections lined up one beside the other along the longitudinal sides to give a square work surface;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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;
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
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.

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:

a) the length of the short longitudinal strut is equal to double the length of the transverse strut;
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
c) the length of the short strut is equal to half the length of the transverse strut; and
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.

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.
An inner strut may be configured as a long inner strut or short inner strut, in which case:

a) the length of the long inner strut corresponds to the length of the short longitudinal strut;
b) the length of the short inner strut corresponds to half the length of the transverse strut; and
c) the basic struts comprise a hollow quadrilateral profile of rectangular cross section, while the inner struts have a square cross section.

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.
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.
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

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A shows a basic illustration of a table with one table section;

FIG. 1B shows a basic illustration of a table combination with two table sections fitted together along the narrow sides;

FIG. 1C shows a basic illustration of a table combination with two table sections fitted together along the longitudinal sides;

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;

FIG. 1E shows a basic illustration of a table combination with 4 table sections fitted together to give a rectangular work surface;

FIG. 1F shows a perspective illustration from the front of a top box;

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;

FIG. 1H shows a basic illustration of a desk container;

FIG. 1J shows an exploded illustration of a floor-level cabinet with components for two different interior fitting arrangements;

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;

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;

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;

FIG. 1N shows a different perspective view of the table combination according to FIG. 1M with two additional floor-level cabinets;

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;

FIG. 1P shows a basic illustration of a table combination in a Z-shaped arrangement with centrally installed floor-level cabinets and top boxes;

FIG. 2A shows the table according to FIG. 1A with a screen mounted thereon;

FIG. 2B shows a basic illustration of the table combination according to FIG. 1C with the screen mounted between the two table sections;

FIG. 2C shows a basic illustration of the table combination according to FIG. 1D with a respective screen mounted between the table sections;

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;

FIG. 4A shows the plan view of the table according to FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4B shows the plan view of the table combination according to FIG. 1B;

FIG. 4C shows the plan view of the table combination according to FIG. 1C;

FIG. 4D shows the plan view of the table combination according to FIG. 1D;

FIG. 4E shows the plan view of the table combination according to FIG. 1E;

FIG. 4F shows the plan view of the table combination according to FIG. 1N;

FIG. 4G shows the plan view of the table combination according to FIG. 1O;

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;

FIG. 5A shows the plan view of an L-shaped table combination with two table sections;

FIG. 5B shows the plan view of the L-shaped table combination according to FIG. 5A in a mirror-inverted arrangement;

FIG. 5C shows the plan view of an L-shaped table combination with one table section and an add-on section;

FIG. 5D shows the plan view of the L-shaped table combination according to FIG. 5C in a mirror-inverted arrangement;

FIG. 5E shows the plan view of the Z-shaped table combination according to FIG. 3;

FIG. 5F shows the plan view of the Z-shaped table combination according to FIG. 5E in a mirror-inverted arrangement;

FIG. 5G shows the plan view of a Z-shaped table combination with three table sections;

FIG. 5H shows the plan view of the Z-shaped table combination according to FIG. 5G in a mirror-inverted arrangement;

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;

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;

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;

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;

FIG. 8A shows an exploded illustration of the table with one table section according to FIG. 1A;

FIG. 8B shows an exploded illustration of the table combination with two table sections according to FIG. 1C;

FIG. 8C shows an exploded illustration of the table combination with three table sections according to FIG. 1D;

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;

FIG. 9B shows a perspective illustration from beneath of the sleeve part of the slider;

FIG. 9C shows a perspective illustration of the top leg end from FIG. 9A with the top plate in close proximity thereto;

FIG. 9D shows a transparent perspective illustration of the arrangement according to FIG. 9C with the top plate placed in position;

FIG. 9E shows a perspective illustration of the arrangement according to FIG. 9D with the top plate placed in position;

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;

FIG. 9G shows a different perspective view of the arrangement according to FIG. 9F in the mounted state with struts fitted;

FIG. 9H shows an enlarged, transparent illustration of the corner connection from FIG. 9G;

FIG. 10A shows a perspective illustration of a corner angle with a flank covering in close proximity thereto;

FIG. 10B shows an enlarged perspective illustration of the flank covering from FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C shows a different perspective view of the flank covering according to FIG. 10B;

FIG. 11A shows a perspective illustration of the corner angle from FIG. 9H with struts, shown in part, pushed on partially;

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;

FIG. 11C shows a perspective illustration of the arrangement according to FIG. 11B with transverse struts pushed onto the corner angle;

FIG. 11D shows a perspective illustration of the arrangement according to FIG. 11B with the corner angle attached to the top plate;

FIG. 11E shows a perspective illustration of the arrangement according to FIG. 11D with struts pushed onto the corner angle;

FIG. 12A shows a perspective illustration of a docking part;

FIG. 12B shows a different perspective view of the docking part according to FIG. 12A with screws;

FIG. 12C shows an exploded illustration of the docking part according to FIG. 12A with a wedge and wedge screw in close proximity thereto;

FIG. 12D shows a perspective illustration of a bridge piece;

FIG. 12E shows a perspective illustration of the bridge piece according to FIG. 12D with the docking part according to FIG. 12A fastened thereon;

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;

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;

FIG. 14A shows a partially exploded illustration of a leg with a slider and inner strut, illustrated by dashed lines, positioned thereon;

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;

FIG. 15A shows a partially exploded illustration of the arrangement according to FIG. 13B with an inner strut pushed onto the docking part;

FIG. 15B shows a different perspective view of the arrangement according to FIG. 15A with struts pushed onto the bridge piece on both sides;

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;

FIG. 16B shows an enlarged illustration of the receptacle-outlet subassembly from FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17A shows a perspective illustration of the substructure of the table according to FIG. 1A with a screen mounted thereon;

FIG. 17B shows a partially exploded illustration of the arrangement according to FIG. 16B with a multipurpose holder instead of the recaptacle-outlet holder;

FIG. 17C shows a different perspective view of the multipurpose holder from FIG. 17B on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 17D shows an enlarged illustration of the receptacle-outlet subassembly from FIG. 17B with the multipurpose holder;

FIG. 17E shows an exploded illustration of the screen from FIG. 17A with the multipurpose holder;

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

FIG. 18B shows the plan view of the arrangement according to FIG. 18A.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

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.
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

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

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

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

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

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

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).
FIGS. 4A to 5H
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.
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).
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).
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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
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

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.
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° 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.
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

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

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.
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

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

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

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.
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

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

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

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

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.

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).