DE202021003956U1 - Folding furniture, in particular tables or benches - Google Patents

Abstract

Folding furniture, comprehensive
a. a preferably elongated plate (2, G1), in particular made of wood;
b. two leg members (4, F4) mounted on an underside of the panel, each of which is between
i. a landscaped and
ii. an unfolded position
c. is pivotable about a respective axis of rotation (D, D') oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction (L), wherein
i.e. each of the two leg elements comprises two bearing surfaces (41, 41'), on which in the unfolded position a bearing area (21) on the underside of the panel comes to rest, and wherein
e. a recess (42, F5) is formed in the respective leg member between the bearing surfaces;
f. one, in particular precisely one, preferably elongated stabilizing element (5, 5', S1) provided on an underside of the plate, in particular made of wood, which is between
i. one folded away and
ii. a posted position
G. about a parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) oriented third axis of rotation is pivotable, wherein
H. the stabilizing element (5, 5', S1) in the unfolded position
i. into the recesses (42, F5) of the two leg elements (4, F4) and
ii. extends into an area (40) between the two leg elements (4, F4).

Description

The invention relates to foldable furnishings. It relates in particular to folding furniture such as a folding table or a folding bench seat, also referred to below as a table or bench for short.

Stackable folding tables and folding benches are often used at folk festivals, city festivals, church dedications and similar events. A combination of a folding table and two folding benches is often referred to as a set, in particular as a marquee set, and is also very popular in the private and/or smaller environment. Folding or swiveling legs or leg elements of both the table and the bench are often made of metal. This construction, which 1 shown by way of example on the basis of a conventional folding bench seat, usually comprises two at least essentially U-shaped metal brackets 1, which are mounted on an underside of an at least essentially planar bench seat plate 2 in the form of a wooden plate and placed between an attached and an unfolded (in 1 shown) position are pivotable. In the unfolded position, the U-shaped metal brackets 1 form leg elements, each with two legs. They are supported and locked in this position by two substantially V-shaped brackets 3 which are pivotally attached to the U-shaped metal brackets 1 and can be snapped into place on the underside of the plate. The top forms either a tabletop or, as shown in the example in 1 shown a bench plate, the top of which forms a seat. Since the table and bench should usually offer space for a larger number of people, and on the other hand - not least with a view to usability in tent pavilions, marquees or the like - should be designed to save as much space as possible, the corresponding panels are usually designed in a pronounced longitudinal shape, with a Length l in the longitudinal direction L is usually at least approximately between 1.60m and 2.40m. A width b _T of a table top in the transverse direction Q is usually at least approximately between 0.60 m and 0.80 m; a width b _B of a panel of a bench panel is usually at least approximately between 0.20 m and 0.35 m. A thickness d _plate of the plates is usually at least approximately between 20mm and 40mm, whereby support elements provided on the underside of the plates, in particular for mounting the legs and/or to relieve the legs when the folding furniture is stacked, are not taken into account or their thickness is not taken into account is included. Due to the pronounced longitudinal design, benches in particular tend to sag under a load of 5 or even more people, which is not unusual at boisterous folk festivals. A similar problem arises with the tables. It is true that the weight load from food and drinks is significantly lower, even in the quantities usual at folk festivals; However, in some cases it cannot be completely ruled out that large numbers of people will climb onto the tables, especially as the hour progresses. An axis of rotation about which a leg or leg element can be pivoted is therefore significantly removed from both ends - with respect to the longitudinal direction L - of the plate, with a distance from the nearer end usually being at least approximately between 0.25 m and 0.40 m, or between 15% and 25% of length I to minimize bowing.

However, this means that benches in particular can tip over in a dangerous way if only one person is (still) sitting in an area between one end (in the longitudinal direction) of the bench plate and the axis of rotation of the leg or leg element mounted closer to this end Or try to sit there.

Since there is a similar problem for tables and benches as explained above, access to the middle seats of a bench seat, i.e. those seats between (in the longitudinal direction) the axes of rotation of the two legs or leg elements, results in a hindrance by the latter due to the fact that for table and benches, at least approximately identical distances between the axes of rotation and the nearest end of the table or bench must be selected. Choosing a greater distance, in particular greater than at least approximately between 0.25 m and 0.40 m, or between 15% and 25% of the length l, would not be practicable, since with such a choice the table or bench would tip over even under comparatively slightly uneven loads could.

According to a folding piece of furniture 1 to be able to fold out and lock the leg elements easily and without risk of injury, for example by pinching, it is advisable to turn the folding piece of furniture upside down so that a vertical direction V of the same points vertically upwards. Furthermore, locking requires careful positioning of the V-shaped brackets 3 with respect to latching elements 31 on the underside of the panel. Setting up a larger number of sets, for example for a larger folk festival, can therefore be very strenuous and/or time-consuming.

A configuration with legs or leg elements made of metal is also not very sustainable, expensive and complex, since different materials, ie wood and metal, have to be processed differently, so that complete production is possible even in a medium-sized wood processing company is not easily possible.

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying improved folding furniture, in particular a folding table and/or a folding bench seat, which does not have the disadvantages mentioned above.

Brief description of the invention

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a piece of folding furniture according to the independent patent claim.

1. a. eine, vorzugsweise langgestreckte, Platte, insbesondere aus Holz;
2. b. zwei an einer Unterseite der Platte, insbesondere in einer Längsrichtung L voneinander beabstandet, montierte Beinelemente, von welchen jedes zwischen
   1. i. einer angelegten und
   2. ii. einer ausgeklappten Position
3. c. um jeweils eine senkrecht zu einer, insbesondere der, Längsrichtung L (und senkrecht zu einer Vertikalrichtung V) orientierte Drehachse, insbesondere eine erste bzw. zweite Drehachse, verschwenkbar ist, wobei
4. d. jedes Beinelement zwei Auflageflächen umfasst, auf welchen in der ausgeklappten Position ein Auflagebereich an der Unterseite der Platte zu liegen kommt (und diese vorzugsweise berührt) und wobei
5. e. zwischen den Auflageflächen eine Aussparung im jeweiligen Beinelement gebildet ist;
6. f. ein an einer Unterseite der Platte vorgesehenes, vorzugsweise langgestrecktes, Stabilisierungselement, insbesondere aus Holz, welches zwischen
   1. i. einer weggeklappten und
   2. ii. einer aufgestellten Position
7. g. um eine parallel zu der Längsrichtung L orientierte dritte Drehachse verschwenkbar ist, wobei
8. h. das Stabilisierungselement in der ausgeklappten Position
   1. i. sich in die Aussparungen der beiden Beinelemente
   2. ii. sowie in einen Bereich zwischen den beiden Beinelementen erstreckt.

A piece of folding furniture according to the invention can include:

1. a. a preferably elongated plate, in particular made of wood;
2. b. two on an underside of the plate, spaced apart in particular in a longitudinal direction L, mounted leg members, each of which between
   1. i. a landscaped and
   2. ii. an unfolded position
3. c. is pivotable about a respective axis of rotation oriented perpendicularly to one, in particular the, longitudinal direction L (and perpendicularly to a vertical direction V), in particular a first or second axis of rotation, wherein
4. i.e. each leg member comprises two bearing surfaces on which, in the unfolded position, a bearing area on the underside of the panel rests (and preferably touches), and wherein
5. e. a recess is formed in the respective leg member between the bearing surfaces;
6. f. a preferably elongated stabilizing element, in particular made of wood, provided on an underside of the plate, which is between
   1. i. one folded away and
   2. ii. a posted position
7. G. is pivotable about a third axis of rotation oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction L, wherein
8. H. the stabilizing element in the unfolded position
   1. i. into the recesses of the two leg elements
   2. ii. and extends into an area between the two leg members.

The folding piece of furniture can in particular be a folding table or a folding bench seat for indoor and/or outdoor use. However, foldable modules for shelves, modules for constructing mobile stages, in particular for use in concert or theater events, or modules for constructing scaffolding, in particular scaffolding, etc., can also be designed according to the invention, with the latter also being used in this sense are to be understood as folding furniture within the meaning of the invention as claimed below.

The folding piece of furniture includes a panel, in particular a table top or bench top. This can in particular be made of wood, but other materials are also conceivable, in particular composite and/or fiber materials or even plastic. In the case of a board made of wood, a closed board is preferably selected, for example a 3-layer board or multiplex board, in which the fibers in successive layers are oriented at least approximately perpendicular to one another, which in particular prevents changes in shape due to swelling or shrinkage of the wood material or at least be minimized. In particular, the plate can be elongated, with a length l of the plate in the longitudinal direction L substantially greater than a width b in a transverse direction Q oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction L, ie l>>b. A thickness, in particular a maximum thickness dmax, of the plate in a vertical direction V oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and to the transverse direction is generally significantly less than the width, ie b>> _dmax . The plate can have a rectangular base, upper side and/or a rectangular projection in the vertical direction V, with a length of the longer sides at least approximately corresponding to length l and a length of the shorter sides at least approximately corresponding to width b. In professional circles, the aforementioned length is sometimes also referred to as width, while the width is referred to as depth. Such terminology shall not be used in the following.

The terms “top”, “bottom”, “top side”, “bottom side”, etc. refer in particular to a piece of folding furniture in a position determined by its usual use in an unfolded state, ie with leg elements in the unfolded position, and/or Orientation, as exemplified by the seat in 1 shown. In this case, a seat surface of a bench or a top or work surface of a table points upwards, the legs or leg elements downwards; and the vertical direction V vertically downwards.

1. i. einer angelegten und
2. ii. einer ausgeklappten Position, nachfolgend auch als Endposition bezeichnet,

um jeweils eine senkrecht zu der Längsrichtung orientierte dritte Drehachse verschwenkbar ist.Mounted on an underside of the panel are two leg members, each between

1. i. a landscaped and
2. ii. an unfolded position, hereinafter also referred to as the end position,

is pivotable about a third axis of rotation oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction.

If both leg elements are in the applied position, the folding furniture is in a folded state.

One or more leg elements can be at least essentially plate-shaped and extend at least essentially parallel to the plate in the put-on position and at least essentially perpendicular to the plate in the unfolded position.

One or more leg elements can also be formed from two individual legs rigidly connected to one another, in particular by means of one or more webs, struts or the like, in particular with an at least essentially rectangular, square or circular cross-section.

Each leg element can be mounted in particular by means of one and/or more straps or hinges on the underside of the panel. The straps and/or hinges may be mounted on a mounting block which in turn may be rigidly connected to the underside of the panel. The straps or hinges can on the one hand serve as a fastening for the respective leg element, on the other hand they can also form or specify the axis of rotation running perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical direction - and parallel to the transverse direction - about which the respective leg element can be pivoted. The straps and/or hinges can also make it difficult or prevent the leg elements from pivoting beyond the end position.

The leg members are mounted longitudinally spaced from each other. In particular, a distance a between the axes of rotation, in particular between the first and second axes of rotation, can be so large that the leg elements do not touch in the applied position and/or do not lie on top of each other, not even partially.

Each leg element has two contact surfaces at an upper end in the unfolded position, wherein in the unfolded position of the respective leg element a contact area comes to rest on each contact surface on the underside of the plate, with the contact area being able to touch the contact surface in particular. At least individual support areas can be slightly spaced vertically from the corresponding support surface in an unloaded state of the folding piece of furniture, in particular if this is or is being turned upside down for the purpose of unfolding, in particular due to tolerances, whereby a distance can be a maximum of 2.0 mm, in particular maximum 0.5mm. In a loaded state, in particular under a nominal load, which depending on the type of folding furniture can be several hundred kg, in particular at least 500 kg, 1000 kg or 2000 kg, the support areas lie on the respective support surfaces, with a weight acting on the plate being able to be transferred to the leg elements . A frictional connection can be formed between the leg elements and the plate, which prevents or at least makes it more difficult for the leg elements to pivot out of the unfolded position and/or in the direction of the laid-on position.

A recess is formed between the two bearing surfaces of each leg element, through which the two bearing surfaces can be spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction. Each recess can extend in the vertical direction over only a part of the respective leg element, in particular a maximum depth tmax of the recess - measured in the vertical direction V on a leg element in the unfolded state - being less than a height h _leg of the unfolded leg element in the vertical direction, with in particular 0.3 h _leg > t _max > 0.05 h _leg can apply. The recess can be sawn out, filed and/or milled, in particular in the case of a leg element which is at least essentially plate-shaped. In the case of a leg element formed from two individual legs rigidly connected to one another, in particular by means of one or more webs, struts or the like, the recess can be formed by an area between the two legs and above an uppermost web or an upper strut, the two legs limit the cut-out in the transverse direction, while the bridge in the vertical direction.

The leg elements can be made from a starting plate which in particular has at least approximately the shape of a cuboid with a width b _leg , a height h _leg , and a thickness d _leg , where b _leg >>d _leg and/or h _leg >> d _leg can apply. The recess can be made by removing material from a broad side with the width b _leg by means of saws, milling and/or files, etc., in order to get to the leg element. A boundary surface is created between the recess formed in this way and a remaining part of the starting plate, which limits or defines the recess in the leg element formed in this way in the unfolded position in (positive and negative) transverse direction and in (positive) vertical direction V F . The boundary surface can serve as a sliding surface for the stabilizing element when it is pivoted. On to the boundary surface (immediate) adjacent area of the remaining part of the starting plate forms an edge of the recess.

A stabilizing element is provided on the underside of the plate. This in turn can in particular be at least essentially made of wood, in particular made of a covered panel, but other materials are also conceivable, in particular composite and/or fiber materials or even plastic.

1. i. einer weggeklappten und
2. ii. einer aufgestellten Position

um eine parallel zu der Längsrichtung orientierte dritte Drehachse verschwenkbar, wenn sich beide Beinelemente in ihrer ausgeklappten Position befinden. Befinden sich ein oder beide Beinelemente in der angelegten Position, kann eine Verschwenkbarkeit des Stabilisierungselement eingeschränkt, gehemmt oder vollständig blockiert sein. Das Stabilisierungselement kann einstückig ausgeführt sein, so dass es insbesondere nur als Ganzes zwischen der weggeklappten und der aufgestellten Position verschwenkt werden kann.The stabilizing element is between

1. i. one folded away and
2. ii. a posted position

pivotable about a third axis of rotation oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction when both leg elements are in their unfolded position. If one or both leg elements are in the applied position, pivoting of the stabilizing element can be restricted, inhibited or completely blocked. The stabilizing element can be designed in one piece, so that it can in particular only be pivoted as a whole between the folded-away and the set-up position.

The stabilizing element can be designed in such a way that, in the unfolded, in particular an upright, position, it prevents or makes it more difficult for the leg elements, in particular both, to pivot out of the unfolded position and/or in the direction of the put-on position, in particular blocks the leg elements in the unfolded position and/or locked. For this purpose, the stabilizing element can have a stop, projection, an edge or the like, which in the unfolded position of the stabilizing element stands in the way of pivoting the leg elements out of the unfolded and/or in the direction of the applied position, but not in the folded away position Position. The stop can be part of a groove or notch.

The stabilizing element can be designed at least essentially as an elongated plate, as a flattened beam, or as a web, with recesses or grooves being able to be provided in particular on a side that is lower or facing away from the plate in the erected position. A length l _web of the stabilizing element in the longitudinal direction is preferably greater than the distance a between the axes of rotation, but smaller than the length l of the plate, in particular at a lower end of the stabilizing element in the erected position. A correspondingly designed stabilizing element prevents or impedes pivoting of both leg elements out of the unfolded position and/or in the direction of the put-on position in the raised position

The stabilization element can be mounted on the underside of the plate by means of one or more fittings such as straps and/or hinges, which on the one hand serve to fasten the stabilization element, and on the other hand also form or can specify the third axis of rotation running parallel to the longitudinal direction L, around which the Stabilizing element is pivotable. Alternatively, the folding piece of furniture can also be designed without fittings provided for fastening the stabilizing element on the underside of the panel, in particular without straps, hinges or the like. The stabilizing element can thus be designed without attachments to and/or connections to the panel; This reduces the amount of material used in production and can simplify assembly of the folding piece of furniture.

The stabilizing element efficiently counteracts bending of the plate under load, in particular weight loading in an area in the longitudinal direction L between the leg elements, in particular by dissipating forces caused by the load on the plate onto the leg elements, in particular in a direct manner, i.e. bypassing and /or parallel to a power transmission between bearing surfaces and bearing areas. The stabilizing element can bring about and/or provide a non-positive connection between the plate and the leg elements. This can be done in that the stabilizing element in the erected position rests on the corresponding leg element in one area (lower in the vertical direction V) of the two recesses (with a side of the stabilizing element facing away from the plate), and the plate (on a vertical direction V opposite side) rests on the stabilizing element, in particular on a side of the stabilizing element facing the plate. The reduced tendency to sag in this way allows a free choice of a position of the leg elements or the (first and second) axes of rotation with respect to the longitudinal direction L. In particular, a distance a _End of the respective axis of rotation from the nearer end of the plate (in the longitudinal direction L) can be selected , which is between 0 and 0.25m or between 0% and 15% of the length /; preferably between 2.0cm and 0.15m or between 1.5% and 10% of the length l, most preferably between 3.0cm and 0.10m or between 2% and 5% of the length l.

For a set comprising a folding table and two folding benches, the distance between the benches can be chosen as stated above, while for the table it can be between 0.25m and 0.45m, or between 15% and 25% of the length l; or vice versa for the table as indicated above is between 0 and 0.25m or between 0% and 15% of the length /; preferably between 2.0cm and 0.15m or between 1.5% and 10% of the length I, most preferably between 3.0cm and 0.10m or between 2% and 5% of the length l, but for the benches between 0, 25m and 0.45m, or between 15% and 25% of the length l.

In its folded-away position, the stabilizing element can be fitted into a recess formed on the underside of the plate and/or on the upper side of the leg elements - in their applied state. As a result, falling out, removing or sliding out of the same can be made impossible or ruled out. This can be achieved in particular by the plate being designed with a greater thickness d ₂ in areas at the ends—seen in the longitudinal direction—than a thickness d ₁ in the area of the recess, it being possible for d ₂ =d _max in particular to apply. In this configuration in particular, no fittings are required for fastening the stabilizing element. If no fittings such as straps, hinges or the like are provided, the stabilizing element can be pivoted about a third axis of rotation, which is spaced from the underside of the plate in the vertical direction, whereby a side of the stabilizing element facing the plate performs a translational movement in the transverse direction during pivoting can. This makes it possible to choose a (maximum) height h _web , max of the stabilizing element (measured in the erected position in the vertical direction V) that is relatively large, in particular greater than half the width of the plate b/2, but the stabilizing element in the erected position is still in the transverse direction to be positioned in the middle under the plate, which further increases the stability of the folding piece of furniture when it is unfolded and particularly effectively prevents bending under load, especially with (comparatively narrow) benches.

Alternatively and/or additionally, other means can also be provided to prevent or make it impossible for the stabilizing element to fall out, be removed or slide out in the folded-away position, the raised position and/or during the pivoting of the stabilizing element, in particular interacting first ones and second stops or engagement elements provided on the plate or stabilizing element, which in particular can form a positive connection between plate and stabilizing element in the folded away position, the raised position and/or during pivoting of the stabilizing element.

The recess can be formed in that, starting from a plate with a thickness d ₂ , in which case d ₂ =d _max can apply in particular, material can be removed in the region of the recess to a thickness d ₁ <d ₂ , for example by milling. Alternatively, the recess can be formed by providing various elements on the underside of a carrier plate with a thickness d ₁ outside and/or next to the recess, as explained in particular below in connection with the second exemplary embodiment, so that in the area of the Said elements result in a thickness d ₂ , where in particular d ₂ =dmax can apply.

The recesses can be designed, in particular shaped, in such a way that when the stabilizing element is pivoted, they form a guide for the same, in particular limit, limit and/or define mobility of the stabilizing element when pivoting, in particular the erected position being at least approximately exactly, in particular by a Shape of the recess, can be predetermined, for example at least approximately in a related to the transverse direction Q center of the plate; in particular if there are no fittings such as hinges, straps or the like by means of which the stabilizing element is mounted on the underside of the panel, in particular if a side of the stabilizing element facing the panel (in the raised position) is fixed with respect to the transverse direction Q.

The recesses can be designed, in particular shaped, in such a way that they allow the stabilizing element to pivot only in one orientation about the third axis of rotation oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction, in particular either clockwise or counterclockwise; particularly when there are no hinges or straps by which the stabilizing element is mounted to the underside of the panel. For this purpose, at least one recess can have an area with a minimum depth t _min that is only slightly larger than a width b _web of the stabilizing element, in particular less than 200% larger, preferably less than 100%, most preferably less than 50% larger than a width b _web of the stabilizing element in the erected position in the transverse direction Q, in particular on or in the area of a first side of the recess with respect to the transverse direction Q.

The recesses can be designed in such a way that the width of each recess in the transverse direction V has a maximum in an upper region, in particular one adjacent to the plate, and initially decreases downwards and then increases again. If no hinges or straps are present, by means of which the stabilizing element is mounted on the underside of the plate, this allows a relatively large height of the stabilizing element (in the erected position) to be selected, in particular greater than b/2, but the stabilizing element in the erected position nevertheless to be positioned at least approximately exactly in the middle under the plate in the transverse direction, which further increases the stability of the folding piece of furniture in the unfolded state.

In the unfolded position, the stabilizing element protrudes or extends into the recesses of the two leg elements and into an area located in the longitudinal direction between the two leg elements.

Through a suitable choice, in particular of a shape for the recesses and the stabilizing element, which can be determined by trying it out if necessary, the folding furniture can be designed in such a way that the leg elements can be moved independently by gravity, if necessary with slight shaking and/or shaking between the put-on and the folded-out position, and at the same time and/or subsequently the stabilizing element also pivots independently under the influence of gravity from the folded-away position in the direction of and finally into the set-up position if the folding furniture is in the folded-up state in an upright orientation, in particular with the Top of the plate pointing against the direction of gravity is lifted. This can be achieved in particular by the stabilizing element being mounted on the underside of the plate by means of hinges and/or straps, and/or the recess being sufficiently wide at least in an upper area adjoining the underside of the plate to allow unhindered pivoting allowed under the influence of gravity. Such an embodiment enables a large number of pieces of folding furniture to be set up very quickly and with little effort, which are stored and/or delivered in an upright orientation in a stack. Suitable locking means can be provided, which secure the leg elements and/or the stabilizing element in the unfolded or raised position, for example in the form of (sprung) bolts or spring steel elements, which also act independently under the influence of gravity and/or the pivoting leg elements and / or the pivoting stabilization element are activated. Furthermore, securing elements can be present, which secure or lock the leg elements and/or the stabilizing element in the attached or folded-away state. These can preferably be designed in such a way that they can be released with a simple movement, in particular by pressing or pulling on a lever.

The folding piece of furniture can in particular have exactly two leg elements and/or exactly one stabilizing element. Alternatively, the folding piece of furniture can have two further leg elements and a further stabilizing element, which can be provided on the underside next to, in particular in the transverse direction Q, the leg elements described above together with the (first) stabilizing element and are constructed or designed and function in an analogous manner.

Advantageous configurations of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims and/or result from the following description in conjunction with the drawings.

A preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines herkömmlichen Klappmöbels
• 2 einen beispielhaften Aufbau eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemässen Klappmöbels,
• 3a einen beispielhaften Aufbau eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemässen Klappmöbels;
• 3b-e das Klappmöbel aus 3a, wobei aus Gründen der Übersichtlichkeit und Erkennbarkeit von Details jeweils nur ausgewählte Elemente bzw. Merkmale gezeigt sind; und
• 4 ein Detail aus 3.

Show it

• 1 a perspective view of a conventional folding furniture
• 2 an exemplary structure of a first embodiment of a folding piece of furniture according to the invention,
• 3a an exemplary structure of a second embodiment of a folding piece of furniture according to the invention;
• 3b-e the folding furniture 3a , only selected elements or features being shown for reasons of clarity and recognizability of details; and
• 4 a detail out 3 .

Ways to carry out the invention

2 shows an exemplary structure of a first embodiment of a piece of folding furniture according to the invention, using the example of a bench shown in a perspective view. The bench seat is shown turned upside down so that a vertical direction V points vertically upwards.

On an underside of a plate designed as a bench plate 2, two leg elements 4 are mounted, each of which is positioned between an applied and a - in 2 shown - unfolded posi tion can be pivoted about an axis of rotation D or D′ oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction L (and perpendicularly to the vertical direction), each leg element 4 comprising a first bearing surface 41 and a second bearing surface 41′, on each of which a Supporting area 21 comes to lie on the underside of the plate and touches it, and a recess 42 is formed in the respective leg element 4 between the supporting surfaces 41, 41'. On the underside of the plate, an elongated stabilizing element 5 is provided, which is between a folded away and a - in 2 shown - erected position about a parallel to the longitudinal direction L oriented - in 2 not shown - third axis of rotation is pivotable. In the raised position, the stabilizing element 5 extends into the recesses 42 of the two leg elements 4 and into a region 40 between the two leg elements. First and second inner stops 51, 51' formed on the stabilizing element prevent the leg elements 4 from pivoting out of the unfolded position and/or in the direction of the put-on position. First and second outer stops 52, 52' prevent the leg elements from pivoting further beyond the unfolded position, support and/or stabilize the leg elements 4 in the unfolded position and/or reduce or reduce mobility and/or play of the bench seat panel parallel to the Longitudinal L. In particular, a so-called "rocking" of the folding furniture in the longitudinal direction L is reduced or avoided. The first inner and outer stop 51, 51' and the second inner and outer stop 52, 52' each form a groove which, when the stabilizing element 5 is in the raised position, engages with an edge of the recess 42 of the respective leg element, with each groove in particular a leg member 4 in a region below a lower end of the corresponding recess 42 embraces or encloses.

An (optional) second stabilization element 5' is designed at least essentially identically to the stabilization element 5 and has an at least essentially identical functionality. In the folded-away position, the two stabilizing elements 5, 5' can come to rest one on top of the other and can be pivoted one after the other into the set-up position.

Other types of folding furniture, in particular a folding table, can be designed and/or constructed in a similar manner.

the 3 and 4 show an exemplary structure of a second embodiment of a piece of folding furniture according to the invention using the example of a folding table shown in a perspective view. The folding table is shown turned upside down, so that a vertical direction V points vertically upwards.

On the underside of a plate of the folding piece of furniture designed as a table top, two leg elements F4 can be pivoted between an attached and an unfolded position by means of hinges B1 - in 3 shown - mounted position, each leg element F4 comprises two bearing surfaces, on which in the unfolded position a respective bearing area on the underside of the plate comes to rest. In a longitudinal direction L running perpendicularly to the vertical direction V, a radial sliding surface F3 is provided laterally on each bearing surface. A recess F5 is formed between the two bearing surfaces of each leg element, into which a stabilizing element can extend. A shaping and/or processing of the recess F5 and thus of a remaining residual area of the leg elements formed from a starting plate can be given or limited at least partially by static requirements, in particular a desired weight-bearing capacity. An end position contact surface F2 is formed in a lower area of the recess.

A load bar S1 is provided as a stabilizing element, which is positioned between a folded away and a - in 3 shown - erected position about a parallel to the longitudinal direction L oriented - in 3 not shown - third axis of rotation is pivotable. Two grooves, each in the form of a sliding notch S2, are provided on a side of the load web S1 which faces away from the tabletop in the erected position, spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction L. Each sliding notch S2 has an opening width which is greater than a thickness of the leg member, particularly in the region of an edge of the recess F5, the difference being less than 5.0 mm, preferably less than 2.0 mm. A functional free space formed in this way enables the load bar S1 to slide effortlessly, in particular without jamming, from the folded-away to the set-up position. Only when the erected position is reached is the functional free space reduced to a minimum by flange plates of a bracing bolt B2, preferably to less than 1.0 mm.

• • Eine Vielzahl von Verstärkungslatten V10, welche es ermöglichen, eine Dicke d₁ der Tischträgerplatte (G1) in Vertikalrichtung V unabhängig von einer maximalen Dicke dmax der Platte gering zu halten, ohne dass dies zu nennenswerten Stabilitätseinbussen führt. Die Dicke d₁ kann somit insbesondere zwischen 20mm und 50mm, vorzugsweise zwischen 25mm und 35 mm gewählt werden, wodurch ein Gesamtgewicht des Klapptisches sowie ein Materialbedarf für dessen Herstellung reduziert wird. Durch eine geeignete Wahl von Position, Anzahl, Dimension und/oder Beschaffenheit der Verstärkungslatten V10 ist es möglich, eine Belastbarkeit der Platte genau zu definieren.
• • Zwei Anschlaglatten V9, welche die Aufgabe haben, eine Position des Laststegs S1 in Längsrichtung L zu definieren, wenn dieser sich in der aufgestellten Position befindet, insbesondere dem Laststeg S1 auf einer selben Tiefe wie der Tischschwalbenschwanz Anschlagplatte V3 Halt zu geben.
• • Zudem verhindern die beiden Anschlaglatten V9 ein Herausgleiten des Laststeges S1 in einer weggeklappten Position, und können als Führungshilfe bei einem Verschwenken, insbesondere Aufrichten des Laststeges S1 aus einer weggeklappten in eine aufgestellte Position dienen.
• • Mehrere als Doppelscharnierhalteblock V1 ausgeführte Montageblöcke für die Scharniere B1, mit jeweils einer Scharnieraussparung entsprechend Ausmassen der Scharniere B1 in einem geschlossenen Zustand. Durch die Scharnieraussparung erfolgt bei einem Stapeln von mehreren Klapptischen eine Gewichtsableitung vertikal an jeweils einer identischen Stelle, ohne dass Abstände, insbesondere Luftzwischenräume, ein Verbiegen der Tischträgerplatte G1 oder des Beinelements F4 verursachen können.
• • Mehrere Verschlussgleitplatten V8, welche jeweils eine exzentrisch bezüglich Drehachse eines zugehörigen Beinelements der Scharnierachse angeordnete radiale Gleitfläche V11 aufweisen. Durch diese exzentrische Auslegung kommt das Beinelement F4 erst in einer vollständig ausgeklappten Position kraftschlüssig mit der Tischträgerplatte G1 und dem Doppelscharnierhalteblock V1 in Berührung und/oder Verbindung. Dies hat den Grund, dass durch Feuchtigkeitsschwankungen ein radiales Reiben von Beinelement F4 und Verschlussgleitplatte V8 stark reduziert werden kann. Ferner wird die Belastung der Scharniere B1 vermindert.
• • Eine Mehrzahl von ersten Eingriffselementen in Form von Schwalbenschwanz-Anschlagplatten V3, die dazu ausgebildet sind, beim Verschwenken des Laststegs mit zweiten, an einer in der aufgestellten Position der Tischplatte zugewandten Seite des Laststegs S1 vorgesehenen zweiten Eingriffselementen in Form von Schwalbenschwanz-Aussparungen S3 in Eingriff zu treten. Durch ein Zusammenwirken von ersten und zweiten Eingriffselementen kann, insbesondere bei Belastung des Klappmöbels, eine kraftschlüssige Verbindung zwischen Platte und Stabilisierungselement bewirkt sein bzw. werden.
• • Eine Anzahl von Beabstandungselementen in Form von Distanzhalterlatten V6. Diese dienen dazu, die Beinelemente F4, insbesondere deren untere Enden, in angelegtem Zustand in definiertem Abstand von der Unterseite der Tischplatte und/oder der Tischträgerplatte G1 zu halten, wodurch insbesondere bewirkt wird, dass Tischträgerplatte G1 und Beinelemente in angelegtem Zustand zumindest annähernd exakt parallel zueinander ausgerichtet sind und/oder verlaufen, um insbesondere ein Überdrehen oder gar Ausreissen der Scharniere B1 zu verhindern. Dies ist wichtig im Zusammenhang mit einer Lagerung mehrerer Klappmöbel insbesondere in gestapelter Form. Aus diesem Grund können die Distanzhalterlatten V6 eine zumindest annähernd identische Höhe aufweisen wie eine Maximalhöhe der Doppelscharnierhalteblöcke V1.

The table top includes a table support plate G1. The elements listed below are provided, mounted and/or fastened on an underside of the table support plate G1:

• • A large number of reinforcement slats V10, which make it possible to keep a thickness d1 of the table support plate (G1) small in the vertical direction V, regardless of a maximum thickness _dmax of the plate, without this leading to any significant losses in stability. The thickness d ₁ can thus in particular be selected between 20 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm, whereby the total weight of the folding table and the material required for its manufacture are reduced. A suitable choice of position, number, dimension and/or nature of the reinforcing slats V10 makes it possible to precisely define the load-bearing capacity of the panel.
• • Two stop slats V9, which have the task of defining a position of the load bar S1 in the longitudinal direction L when this is in the erected position, in particular to give support to the load bar S1 at the same depth as the table dovetail stop plate V3.
• • In addition, the two stop slats V9 prevent the load bar S1 from sliding out in a folded-away position, and can serve as a guide when pivoting, in particular when the load bridge S1 is raised from a folded-away to a set-up position.
• • Several assembly blocks designed as a double hinge holding block V1 for the hinges B1, each with a hinge recess corresponding to the dimensions of the hinges B1 in a closed state. When several folding tables are stacked, the hinge cut-out means that the weight is dissipated vertically at an identical point in each case, without distances, in particular air gaps, causing the table support plate G1 or the leg element F4 to bend.
• • A plurality of closure sliding plates V8, each having a radial sliding surface V11 arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of an associated leg element of the hinge axis. Due to this eccentric design, the leg element F4 only comes into contact and/or connection with the table support plate G1 and the double-hinged holding block V1 in a force-fitting manner when it is in a fully unfolded position. This is because radial rubbing of leg member F4 and shutter slide plate V8 can be greatly reduced by humidity fluctuations. Furthermore, the load on the hinges B1 is reduced.
• • A plurality of first engagement elements in the form of dovetail stop plates V3, which are designed to engage with second engagement elements in the form of dovetail recesses S3 in to intervene. A non-positive connection between the plate and the stabilizing element can be effected by the interaction of the first and second engagement elements, in particular when the folding piece of furniture is loaded.
• • A number of spacing elements in the form of spacer battens V6. These are used to hold the leg elements F4, in particular their lower ends, in the attached state at a defined distance from the underside of the table top and/or the table support plate G1, which has the effect in particular that the table support plate G1 and the leg elements in the attached state are at least approximately exactly parallel are aligned with one another and/or run in order in particular to prevent the hinges B1 from being over-twisted or even torn out. This is important in connection with the storage of several pieces of folding furniture, especially in a stacked form. For this reason, the spacer slats V6 can have an at least approximately identical height to a maximum height of the double-hinge holding blocks V1.

Each leg member F4 includes a brace bolt B2 having a flange plate adjacent each, specifically at each end of a continuous solid core positioned adjacent a lower end of the recess. When the leg member F4 is in the unfolded position and the load bar S1 is in the raised position, the slide notch S2 comes to rest on the final position contact surface F2 and the brace bolt B2 in the slide notch S2. The corresponding leg element F4 is clamped between the two flange plates by the strut bolt B2, which reduces or eliminates negative influences, e.g. Under load, the sliding notch S2 resting on the end position contact surface F2 generates such a high frictional resistance that an unintentional pivoting of the load bar S1 out of the raised position and/or in the direction of the folded away position can be prevented and/or ruled out, in particular with the help of the Spring steel locking catch B5.

A large number of storage buffers B3 have the task of protecting one surface of the panels from an otherwise slightly protruding flange plate B2 when the folding furniture is stacked on top of one another with leg elements in place.

A retaining plate B4 protects the load bar S1 from mechanical wear at the point of the dovetail recess S3, where a retaining bolt H1 secures and/or locks the erected position. The retaining bolt H1 can hold the load bar S1 in the erected position F2 with a force fit on the dovetail stop plates V4. Unlocking the load bar requires gentle pressure on a spring steel locking catch B5, particularly in the vicinity of the retaining bolt H1, until the retaining bolt is pushed under a thickness of the retaining plate B4. After that, the load bar can be shifted away from the stop plate, in particular with a gentle tap on the rear side of the load bar, as a result of which the spring steel locking catch B5 with the retaining bolt H1 can no longer find its way back into the locking position. A corresponding procedure must be carried out for each intended spring steel locking device.

A sliding surface F1 for the load bar S1 is provided on each leg element, which at least partially forms and/or defines a delimitation of the recess. This defines and/or limits mobility of the load bar when pivoting from the folded away to the set up position, in particular when raising a piece of folding furniture that is turned upside down, and can in particular enable a dynamic sliding movement of the righting load bar S1.

The dimensions of the recesses F5 formed on the leg elements F4 are designed for a height (in the upright position in the vertical direction V) h _web , groove of the load web S1 in the area of the sliding notches S2. The shape of at least one recess F5 can be selected in such a way that the load bar S1 is held in any position when pivoting from the folded away to the raised position and vice versa, on both sides of the load bar S1 with appropriate functional freedom, in particular a suitably selected play to be led. This reduces or even eliminates the risk of the load bar S1 tilting, which can result in particular in the event of asymmetrical manual actuation during pivoting.

Other types of folding furniture, in particular a folding bench seat, can be designed and/or constructed in a similar manner.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by means of the figures and the associated description, this illustration and this detailed description are to be understood as illustrative and exemplary and not as limiting the invention. In order not to unnecessarily obscure the invention, in certain instances well-known structures and techniques may not be shown and described in detail. It is understood that changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further exemplary embodiments with any combination of features that can deviate from the feature combinations explicitly described.

The present disclosure also includes embodiments with any combination of features that are mentioned or shown above or below for different embodiments. It also includes individual features in the figures, even if they are shown there in connection with other features and/or are not mentioned above or below. The alternatives of embodiments described in the figures and the description and individual alternatives their features can also be excluded from the subject matter of the invention or from the disclosed objects. The disclosure includes embodiments that exclusively include the features described in the claims or in the exemplary embodiments, as well as those that include additional other features.

Furthermore, the term "comprising" and or derivatives thereof does not exclude other elements or steps. Likewise, the indefinite article “a” or “an” and derivatives thereof do not exclude a large number. The functions of several features listed in the claims can be fulfilled by a unit or a step. The terms “essentially”, “approximately”, “approximately”, “roughly” and the like in connection with a property or a value in particular also precisely define the property or the value. The terms "about", "approximately", "approximately", etc., in the context of a given numerical value or range may refer to a value or range that is within 20%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 2% of given value or range. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. An indication that a ≈ b applies or that a is approximately equal to b can be understood to mean that |ab|/(|a|+|b|) < 0.2, preferably |ab|/(|a|+ |b|) < 0.05, most preferably |ab|/(|a|+|b|) < 0.01, where a and b are anything defined and/or described anywhere in this document or otherwise equivalent Can represent variables or sizes known to those skilled in the art.

The fact that a feature or a property, for example a specific, in particular geometric, shape, is at least approximately formed, provided or present can mean in particular that there are manufacturing specifications that provide a specification according to which the feature is formed accordingly, with the usual scope , Manufacturing tolerances known to those skilled in the art can result in a deviation from the specification.

Features, properties, etc. placed in brackets in the description may be present and/or required, but do not have to be, and are generally to be regarded as optional. Such features can serve to better understand the invention by hiding implicit aspects that are not essential to the invention. Such features, properties, etc. can be advantageous.

In particular, that an element or feature is extended or extends in one direction can mean that dimensions of the element or feature are greater in that direction than in other, in particular all other, directions, in particular orthogonal directions.

The terms "above", "below", "upper side", "underside" refer in particular to the folding furniture in the orientation in which it is in 1 are shown.

A length/of an object can correspond to a length of a longest edge, where the longitudinal direction can be parallel to the corresponding edge. A length/of an object can also correspond to a maximum extent of the object, in which case the longitudinal direction can run parallel to a direction of this maximum extent. A width b of the object can then correspond to a maximum extent in a transverse direction running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; a thickness d of the object of maximum extension in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions.
A length / of an object can also correspond to the longest edge length of a cuboid circumscribing the object with minimal volume; a thickness d of the object of shortest edge length. In this case, l≧b≧d, in particular l>b>d, can apply in all cases. In particular, l>>b>>d can apply to a plate-shaped object.

Claims (14)

Folding furniture, comprehensive a. a preferably elongated plate (2, G1), in particular made of wood; b. two leg members (4, F4) mounted on an underside of the panel, each of which is between i. a landscaped and ii. an unfolded position c. is pivotable about a respective axis of rotation (D, D') oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction (L), wherein i.e. each of the two leg elements comprises two bearing surfaces (41, 41') on which, in the unfolded position, a bearing area (21) each comes to rest on the underside of the panel and wherein e. a recess (42, F5) is formed in the respective leg member between the bearing surfaces; f. one, in particular precisely one, preferably elongated stabilizing element (5, 5', S1), in particular made of wood, provided on an underside of the plate, which is between i. one folded away and ii. a posted position G. about a parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) oriented third axis of rotation is pivotable, wherein H. the stabilizing element (5, 5', S1) in the unfolded position i. into the recesses (42, F5) of the two leg elements (4, F4) and ii. extends into an area (40) between the two leg elements (4, F4). folding furniture claim 1 wherein the stabilizing element (5, 5', S1) in the unfolded position at least partially prevents the leg elements (4, F4) from pivoting out of the unfolded position and/or in the direction of the put-on position. Folding furniture according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing element (5, 5', S1) in the unfolded position when the plate (2, G1) is loaded, in particular in an area between the leg elements (4, F4), a non-positive connection between of the plate and the leg elements. Folding furniture according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing element (5, 5', S1) in the raised position rests on the corresponding leg element (4, F4) in a region of the two recesses (42, F5), and the plate on the Stabilizing element rests. Folding furniture according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stabilizing element (5, 5', S1) comprises, on a side facing away from the panel (2, G1) in the unfolded position, two grooves (S2) which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction (L) and which in the erected position of the stabilizing element with a respective recess (42, F5), in particular an edge of the recess, engaged. Folding furniture according to one of the preceding claims, in which the two leg elements form an intermediate space with the panel in the laid-down position, in which the stabilizing element (5, 5', S1) comes to rest in the folded-away position. Folding furniture according to one of the preceding claims, wherein fixing means are present which prevent displacement of the stabilizing element (5, 5', S1) in the longitudinal direction (L) in the folded away and/or set up position. Folding furniture according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recesses (42, F5) are designed, in particular shaped, in such a way that they form a guide for the stabilizing element (5, 5', S1) when it is pivoted, the erected position in particular being controlled by a the shape of the recess is predetermined at least approximately in a center of the panel relative to the transverse direction Q; and wherein there are no fittings, in particular no hinges, straps or the like, by means of which the stabilizing element is mounted on the underside of the panel. Folding furniture according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stabilizing element (5, 5', S1) is made in one piece. Folding furniture according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the folding furniture comprises two further leg elements (4, F4) mounted on the underside of the panel, each of which is between i. an applied and ii. an unfolded position a. can be pivoted about an axis of rotation (D, D') oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (L), b. each of the two further leg elements comprises two support surfaces (41, 41'), on which in the unfolded position a further support area (21) each comes to rest on the underside of the plate and wherein c. a recess (42, F5) is formed in each of the further leg members between the bearing surfaces; i.e. and a further, in particular one-piece, stabilizing element (5, 5', S1) provided on the underside of the plate, which between iii. one folded away and iv. a posted position e. is pivotable about a fourth axis of rotation oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction (L), f. the further stabilizing element in the unfolded position v. into the recesses of the two other leg elements vi. and extending into an area (40) between the two further leg members, and preferably vii. in the unfolded position, pivoting of the further leg elements out of the unfolded position and/or in the direction of the applied position is at least partially prevented. Folding furniture according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the folding furniture is designed in such a way that the leg elements pivot independently from the put-on and unfolded position under the influence of gravity, and at the same time and/or subsequently the stabilizing element also independently pivots from the folded away position under the influence of gravity in the direction of and finally pivoted into the deployed position. Folding furniture according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance a _end of each of the axes of rotation (D, D') oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (L) from a respective nearer end of the panel is between 0 and 0.25 m or between 0% and 15% length / of the plate is; preferably between 2.0cm and 0.15m or between 1.5% and 10% of the length l, most preferably between 3.0cm and 0.10m or between 2% and 5% of the length l. Set comprising a first piece of folding furniture, in particular a folding table claim 12 and two second folding furniture, in particular two folding benches, after one of Claims 1 until 11 , at which a distance a _end of each of the axes of rotation (D, D') oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (L) from a respective nearer end of the respective bench plate is between 0.25m and 0.45m, or between 15% and 25% the length is /. Set comprising two folding furniture, in particular two folding benches, after claim 12 and further folding furniture, in particular a folding table, according to one of Claims 1 until 11 , at which a distance a _end of each of the axes of rotation (D, D') oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (L) from a respective nearer end of the table top is between 0.25m and 0.45m, or between 15% and 25% of the length / amounts to.

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