DK2366308T3 - Frame device for a furniture piece - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The invention relates to a frame device for an item of furniture, in particular a frame device for a student’s desk or a student’s chair of a school furnishing with at least one furniture leg that can be variably adjusted with respect to its length.

[0002] The invention further relates to a desk leg for a student’s desk.

[0003] In particular in connection with the equipment of school rooms or class rooms etc. with school furnishings, the flexible and need-based deployability of items of furniture such as, for example chairs or desks, is increasingly required. In particular, it can be necessary to adapt the particular items of furniture, particularly chairs and desks, to the particular size of the students. Furthermore, there is the desire to make items of school furniture accessible, usable and adaptable to the individual needs also for teaching staff, non-teaching staff, visitors to schools and for persons who attend the school for extracurricular use, with or without disability.

[0004] In order to meet these requirements, for example, flexibly configurable items of furniture are known from the prior art, which in particular can be adapted to the body size of users. For example, desks or chairs are known from the prior art, which have a frame device with which the height of the item of furniture can be variably adjusted. In particular, the height of the corresponding item of furniture can be accomplished, for example, by adjusting the length of the respective furniture legs. One possibility for variable length adjustment of a furniture leg known from the prior art consists, for example, in moving or displacing furniture leg elements relative to one another and coupling to one another by means of a latching device. Flowever, in this connection there is the problem that when using a quick connection such as the aforesaid latching connection for the flexible configuration or adjustment of the length of the respective furniture leg, the same can unintentionally be released. This results in an increased risk of injury for persons using the item of furniture. For example, when using latching connections the case can arise in connection with a spring-loaded engaging element, for example, a spring-mounted pin or bolt, of a furniture leg element which engages in a corresponding counter-latching element, for example, a notch or recess in another furniture leg element, that the spring mounting the pin becomes worn in such a manner that the pin automatically disengages or emerges from the recess. This can lead to an unintentional release of the corresponding furniture leg elements of the furniture leg. Thus, there is an increased risk of injury in these items of furniture which are flexibly adjustable in height, known from the prior art.

[0005] A frame device having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1 is known from US 3 469 870 A.

[0006] It is therefore the object of the invention to further develop the generic frame devices for items of furniture in such a manner that the safety from unintentional release is increased for furniture legs which can be variably adjusted with respect to length.

[0007] This object is solved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are obtained from the dependent claims.

[0008] The frame device according to the invention is based on the generic prior art in that the length of the furniture leg can be adjusted by means of furniture leg elements that can be moved relative to one another and coupled by one another by means of a coupling realized in the form of a bayonet-type coupling. By means of this configuration according to the invention of the coupling or the closure of the corresponding furniture leg elements of a single furniture leg, the safety of the coupling from unintentional release can be increased appreciably. As a result of the coupling realized in the form of a bayonet-type coupling, the connection can be released quickly and easily but an increased safety of the connection is nevertheless ensured. One of the furniture leg elements which, for example, can be pushed over the other of the furniture leg elements, can have a longitudinal slot into which a plurality of short transverse slots substantially spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal slot open. The other of the furniture leg elements can on the other hand have a projection or a pin which in particular can be realized in the form of a button, where the projection is guided through the longitudinal slot and is introduced into a corresponding transverse slot to lock the two furniture leg elements to one another. A firm and secure connection can thereby be achieved. Consequently, the firm connection is achieved by a plug-in and subsequent turning movement of the respective furniture leg elements. In other words, the furniture leg elements are initially placed inside one another, where when the desired positioning of the furniture leg elements in their longitudinal direction is achieved, a subsequent turning of a furniture leg element is performed so that the pin is introduced into the corresponding transverse slot. In addition, in order to increase the safety of this coupling realized in the form of a bayonet-type coupling, a latching connection can further be provided so that the pin introduced into the transverse slot is additionally pushed into a latching pin locking via the transverse slot; for example, the latching pin locking can be formed by a curved thin plate which is disposed on the respective transverse slots and under which the pin of the furniture leg element can be pushed in an engaging manner. Since a turning movement of the respective furniture leg elements for the mutual fixing thereof is additionally accomplished on the plug-in movement, an increased safety from unintentional release of the furniture leg elements is ensured. An unintentional release of the coupling realized in the form of a bayonet-type coupling can thus be avoided even when a frequent adjustment of the length of the corresponding furniture legs is made.

[0009] A first furniture leg element is realized in the form of a tubular element that forms a first section of the coupling and a second furniture leg element is realized in the form of a tubular element that forms a second section of the coupling that can be coupled to the first section. Consequently, a part of the coupling realized in the form of a bayonet-type coupling is provided on the first furniture leg element, for example, the longitudinal slot as well as the transverse slots, whereas the other part of the coupling realized in the form of a bayonet- type coupling realized in the form of a bayonet-type coupling is provided in the second furniture leg element, for example, one or a plurality of pins or projections.

[0010] Furthermore, the frame device according to the invention can be implemented so that the first section of the coupling is formed at least partially by a first recess running in the longitudinal direction of the first furniture leg element and a plurality of several second recesses that are spaced apart in and extend transverse to the longitudinal direction and end in the first recess. Accordingly a coupling realized in the form of a bayonet-type coupling is achieved with which a plurality of different lengths of the furniture leg can be variably adjusted corresponding to the number of transversely running recesses and by appropriate selection of the spacing of the transversely running recesses. Preferably the longitudinally and transversely running recesses are realized in the form of slots, as explained hereinbefore.

[0011] Furthermore, the frame device according to the invention can be realized in such a manner that the second section of the coupling comprises at least one projection that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second furniture leg element and can be engaged with the first section in order to lock the second section. As mentioned hereinbefore, a latching device can additionally be provided on the first section, into which the projection of the second section engages after the projection is disposed in the corresponding transversely running recess. Preferably the projection is realized in the form of the aforesaid button. Naturally it is also feasible that a plurality of projections realized in the form of buttons are provided, which each engage in a corresponding transversely running recess. As a result, the stability of the variably adjustable furniture leg can be further increased.

[0012] Furthermore, the frame device according to the invention can be implemented such that the first furniture leg element is realized in the form of a hollow tubular element that receives the second furniture leg element realized in the form of a sleeve. In this case, it is preferred that the hollow tubular first furni- ture leg element comprises the first section which has the longitudinally and transversely running recesses. On the other hand, the second furniture leg element realized in the form of a sleeve comprises the second section which has the pin guided by the recess running in the longitudinal direction which can be brought into engagement with a corresponding transversely running recess of the first section.

[0013] Furthermore, the frame device according to the invention can be designed in such a manner that the first furniture leg element comprises a scale that indicates several different furniture leg length ranges referred to different body size ranges and the third furniture leg element comprises means that mark a corresponding furniture leg length range of the scale in dependence on the relative position between the first furniture leg element and the third furniture leg element. For example, the scale can be configured according to DIN EN 1729-1 which provides a table for rough orientation for the provision of furniture, in particular of chairs and desks for educational establishments. Accordingly the scale can be divided into corresponding colour ranges, where each colour range is assigned to a specific body size range, for example, of a student etc. Consequently, the students who know their colour coding assigned to their size can make the corresponding height adjustment of the chair or desk themselves. The marking of the scale can be made, for example, via a viewing window provided in the third furniture leg element, which for example is realized by a hole at a suitable place in the third furniture leg element; likewise, it is also feasible that the marking of the scale is made by reference to the edge of the third furniture leg element that receives the first and the second furniture leg element; namely by the edge of an opening for receiving the first furniture leg element functioning as corresponding marking of the scale.

[0014] The third furniture leg element is realized in the form of a hollow tubular element that at least partially receives the first furniture leg element and the second furniture leg element. In this way, the coupling realized in the form of a bayonet-type coupling is completely covered by the third hollow furniture leg element whereby the risk of injury for students at the coupling realized in the form of a bayonet-type coupling, for example, the risk of injury starting from the recesses provided on the first furniture leg element can be reduced.

[0015] The second furniture leg element can be firmly connected to a frame element and the first furniture leg element can be mounted movably relative to the frame element. Preferably the second furniture element realized in the form of a sleeve is connected firmly to the frame element of the frame device of the item of furniture, for example, via an axially running coupling. Likewise it is also feasible that the second furniture leg element realized in the form of a sleeve is coupled to the third furniture leg element by means of a coupling running transversely to the longitudinal direction of the second furniture leg element. In this case, it is necessary to provide the first furniture leg element with a corresponding recess for the transversely running coupling so that the first furniture leg element can nevertheless be moved axially and rotationally for fixing with the second furniture leg element realized in the form of a sleeve.

[0016] Furthermore, the frame device according to the invention can be configured in such a manner that the furniture leg is realized in such a manner that its length can only be adjusted in different predefined body size ranges. Accordingly, the corresponding height adjustment of the respective furniture can specifically be made easily by reference to the colour assignment by reference to the scale. Since the length adjustment can only be made in different predefined body size regions, i.e. specifically not continuously, the students can make the relevant height adjustment to the item of furniture themselves according to their respective colour coding. Naturally in this case it is necessary to fix the spacing of the transversely running recesses accordingly so that the length of the furniture leg can be adjusted only in the body size ranges indicated in the scale.

[0017] Furthermore the frame device according to the invention can be configured so that the frame device is realized by a desk frame or chair frame for school furniture.

[0018] Furthermore, the frame device according to the invention can be implemented in such a manner that a profile part forming a lateral or longitudinal brace of the frame device is realized in such a way that the profile part can support and/or guide accessory desk attachments along a direction of extension of the profile part. Preferably the profile part is configured with a C-shaped cross-section so that attachment parts for desk accessories can, as it were, be suspended in the C-shaped profile part. Accordingly the C-shaped profile part supports these attachment parts. Furthermore, the attachment parts can be guided and/or moved by the C-shaped profile part along the direction of extension of the profile part, whereby the item of furniture can be adapted flexibly to the needs of the user.

[0019] Furthermore the frame device according to the invention can be designed such that means for moving the item of furniture, preferably castors or gliders, are provided, wherein a locking device is preferably provided for disabling or enabling the mobility of the item of furniture. Preferably castors or gliders are disposed at one end of each furniture leg of the item of furniture whereby the item of furniture is movable. In order to prevent an unintentional moving of the item of furniture, a locking device known to the person skilled in the art can furthermore be provided by which means, for example, the castors can be locked or released for disabling or enabling the mobility of the item of furniture.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained as an example hereinafter with reference to the figures.

[0021] In the figures:

Figure 1 shows a side view of an item of furniture with a frame device according to the invention according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of a furniture leg of the frame device from Fig. 1;

Figure 3 shows a front view of the item of furniture from Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of a section of the item of furniture from Fig. 3;

Figure 5 shows a side view of an item of furniture with a frame device according to the invention according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 shows a side view of an item of furniture with a frame device according to the invention according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Figure 1 shows a side view of an item of furniture with a frame device 10 according to the invention according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the case shown, the item of furniture is a desk, in particular a student’s desk with a frame device 10 configured as a desk frame for school furniture. The frame device 10 according to the invention configured as a desk frame comprises in this case four furniture legs 12, in particular desk legs, that can be variably adjusted with respect to their length, whereby the desk can be variably adjusted with respect to its height. Furthermore, the frame device 10 comprises longitudinal and transverse braces which interconnect the corresponding furniture legs 12 in the manner known to the person skilled in the art. Preferably the transverse braces or cross-pieces running in the width direction of the desk are configured as steel tubes having a rectangular cross-section. On the other hand, the horizontal beams running in the longitudinal or depth direction are configured as C-shaped metal tubes. Preferably the horizontal beams and cross-pieces are welded to the desk leg 12, in particular a third furniture leg element 20 explained in detail hereinafter. Furthermore a desk or working plate is disposed on the frame device 10 realized in the form of a desk frame and is attached to the same.

[0023] For the length adjustment of the furniture leg and therefore for the height adjustment of the item of furniture, in particular the desk, the frame device 10 according to the invention comprises corresponding furniture legs 12 which comprise furniture leg elements 16, 18 which can be moved relative to one an other and coupled to one another by means of a coupling 14 realized in the form of a bayonet-type coupling, which will be discussed in detail hereinafter in connection with Fig. 2.

[0024] Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of a furniture leg 12 of the frame device 10 from Fig. 1. As can be seen from Fig. 2, the furniture leg 12 realized in the form of a desk leg comprises a first furniture leg element 16 that is realized in the form of a hollow tubular element and comprises a first section 26 of the coupling 14 and a second furniture leg element 18 that is realized in the form of a tubular element realized in the form of a sleeve and comprises a second section 28 of the coupling 14 that can be coupled to the first section 26 and guides the first section 26. The first furniture leg element 16 realized in the form of a hollow tubular element is completely received by the second furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve, wherein the furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve can, for example, be coupled to a frame section of the frame device 10 not described in detail, in particular by a coupling running in the axial direction. In the case shown, on the other hand the furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve is coupled to a third furniture leg element 20 described in detail hereinafter by means of locking screws 30, 32. As a result, the second furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve is stationary with respect to the third furniture leg element 20 of the frame device 10 whereas the first furniture leg element 16 is movable relative to the furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve and with respect to the frame section of the frame device 10 along its longitudinal axis.

[0025] The first section 26 of the coupling 14 which is formed on the first furniture leg element 16 is at least partially realized in the form of a first recess that extends in the longitudinal direction of the furniture leg element 16, preferably a longitudinal slot and several second recesses that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction and extend transverse to the longitudinal direction and end in the first recess, preferably transverse slots. Preferably the longitudinal slot and the respective transverse slots are milled into the first furniture leg element 16.

[0026] The second section 28 of the coupling 14 of the second furniture leg element 18 is realized in the form of a projection or locking pin 28 running perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the second furniture leg element 18, which can be brought into engagement with the first section 26 for locking the first furniture leg element 16; in particular, the first furniture element 16 can be moved in a restricted manner by means of the longitudinal recess and the corresponding transverse recesses by the locking pin provided in the corresponding recesses. Furthermore, the second furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve can have the afore-mentioned clamping or locking screws 30, 32 which serve to fix the second furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve to the third furniture leg element 20. By means of the locking screws 30, 32, the furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve is pressed against an inner wall of the furniture leg element 16 whereby the furniture leg element 16 is again pressed against an inner wall of the third furniture leg element 20 described in detail hereinbelow. Accordingly, the furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve is realized in the form of a loose sleeve inserted in the furniture leg element 16, which is held by the locking screws 30, 32 and which by means of the locking pin 28 guides the first furniture leg element 16 over the corresponding recesses. Preferably the locking screws 30, 32 are disposed in such a manner on the furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve that they extend through corresponding recesses of the first furniture leg element 16. Accordingly the locking screws 30, 32 in the case shown function at least as fixing of the furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve on the third furniture leg element 20 whilst the locking pin is used for locking the first furniture leg element 16 on the second furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve.

[0027] As is further apparent from Fig. 2, the first furniture leg element 16 comprises a scale 34 that indicates several different furniture leg length ranges according to DIN EN 1729-1. For marking the scale 34 and for covering the entire coupling 14, another or the previously mentioned third furniture leg element 20 is provided which will be explained in detail hereinafter.

[0028] In the case shown, the third furniture leg element 20 at least partially receives the first and the second furniture leg element 16, 18. In particular, the third furniture leg element 20 receives the first furniture leg element 16 at least partially (in the partially extended position) or completely (in the completely inserted position) depending on its position. In other words, the first furniture leg element 16 dips into the third furniture leg element 20 accordingly in different insertion depths depending on the position of the first furniture leg element 16. Furthermore, the third furniture leg element 20 completely receives the stationary second furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve. A lower edge or a lower edge section (see in Fig. 2) of the third furniture leg element 20 serves to mark a corresponding body size range of the scale 34 in dependence on the relative positional relationship between the first furniture leg element 16 and the second furniture leg element 18. In addition, remaining sections of the third furniture leg element 20 function for covering the coupling realized in the form of a bayonet-type coupling. Furthermore, corresponding holes for the locking screws 30, 32 explained in detail hereinbefore, which fix the furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve, are provided at a suitable position in the third furniture leg element 20.

[0029] As is further apparent from Fig. 2 and mentioned previously, the third furniture leg element 20 as a hollow tubular element receives the second furniture leg element 18 completely and the first furniture leg element 16 at least partially according to its positioning. When the first furniture leg element 16 is disposed in its completely inserted position, the third furniture leg element 20 receives the first furniture leg element almost completely. If on the other hand the first furniture leg element 18 is in an extended position, the further or third furniture leg element 20 marks the corresponding body size range of the scale 34 and simultaneously surrounds the coupling 14 realized in the form of a bayonet-type coupling, whereby the safety from injuries through the bayonet-type coupling is increased.

[0030] As mentioned previously the second furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve is preferably coupled to the third furniture leg element 20 by means of the previously explained locking screws 30, 32. However, it is also feasible that the furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve is connected to the frame section of the frame device 10 [by means of] a coupling running in the axial direction. Furthermore, it is also feasible that the second furniture leg element 18 realized in the form of a sleeve is firmly connected to the further third furniture leg element 20 by means of a different coupling. In this case, it is necessary to provide additional recesses in the first furniture leg element 16 surrounding the second furniture leg element 18 in such a manner that its rotatability and axial displaceability for fixing by means of the coupling realized in the form of a bayonet-type coupling can nevertheless be ensured.

[0031] In particular, it can be further deduced from Fig. 2 that the transversely running recesses of the first section 26 are spaced apart from one another in such a manner that the length adjustment of the furniture leg 12 can only be made in different predefined body size ranges according to the scale 34.

[0032] Figure 3 shows a front view of the item of furniture from Fig. 1. As can be seen from this, the frame device 10 according to the invention further comprises a profile part 22 which is provided in a brace of the frame device in a manner known to the person skilled in the art, which connects the corresponding furniture legs 12 to one another.

[0033] Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the profile part 22 of the item of furniture from Fig. 3. The profile part 22 is formed as a C profile and in the case shown is realized in the form of a longitudinal brace or horizontal beam (running perpendicular to the width direction of the item of furniture) and is configured in such a manner that further devices can be coupled onto the C-profile on the frame device 10 of the student’s desk. Such devices can, for example, be superstructures for laboratory work, trays, screen holders, filing trays etc. These superstructures can preferably be guided displaceably along a horizontal direction through the C-profile.

[0034] Figure 5 shows a side view of an item of furniture with a frame device 10 according to the invention according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. The item of furniture of Fig. 5 merely differs from that of the first exemplary embodiment in that the castors 24 are only provided on the right furniture legs 12 but not on the left furniture legs 12 so that the item of furniture or the desk can be moved in the manner of a wheelbarrow.

[0035] Figure 6 shows a side view of an item of furniture with a frame device 10 according to the invention according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. The item of furniture of Fig. 6 merely differs from that of the first exemplary embodiment in that all the furniture legs 12 are provided with castors 24 so that the item of furniture can easily be moved without the item of furniture needing to be lifted on one side.

[0036] In connections with Figures 5 and 6 it should be noted that instead of castors 24, gliders, in particular furniture or desk gliders, can be used on the furniture legs 12. It is furthermore feasible that the castors 24 or gliders can be provided with or without a braking device where the braking device either serves to fix the castors 24 or to cooperate with the gliders in such a manner that a movement of the item of furniture is prevented or to release the castors 24 or gliders so that the item of furniture 12 can be moved on the castors 24 or the gliders. REFERENCE LIST Γ00371 10 Frame device 12 Furniture leg 14 Coupling realized in the form of a bayonet-type coupling 16 First furniture leg element 18 Second furniture leg element 20 Third furniture leg element 22 C-profile 24 Castors 26 First section of the coupling 28 Second section of the coupling 30 Locking screw 32 Locking screw

Claims (8)

A frame device (10) for a piece of furniture, with at least one variable leg adjustable furniture leg (12), the length of the furniture leg (12) being adjustable via furniture leg elements (16, 18) which are movable relative to each other and arranged to be coupled to one another via a lock (14) of the type a bayonet lock, whereby a first furniture leg member (16) is formed by an element having the shape of a hollow tube and forming a first section (26) of the lock (14), and which receives a second furniture leg element (18) formed as a sleeve, whereby the second furniture leg element (18) forms a second section (28) interconnected with the first section (26) of the lock (14), and is provided with having a third furniture leg element (20) formed as an element having the form of a hollow tube and at least partially accommodating the first furniture leg element (16) and the second furniture leg element (18), the second furniture leg element (18) being thus connected with the third e furniture leg member (20), said second furniture leg member (18) being fixed relative to said third furniture leg member (20), and said first furniture leg member (16) being movable relative to said second furniture leg member (18), characterized in that said second furniture leg member (18) is coupled to the third furniture leg member (20) via locking screws (30, 32) which extend through corresponding recesses in the first furniture leg member (16). Frame device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first section (26) of the lock (14) is formed at least partly by a first recess extending in the longitudinal direction of the first furniture leg element (16) and several transversely longitudinally extending other recesses which open in the first recess and which have a longitudinal section between them. Frame device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second section (28) of the lock (14) comprises at least one projection perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second furniture leg element (18), is engaged with the first section (26) for locking the second section (28). Frame device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first furniture leg element (16) has a scale which shows several different furniture leg length regions in relation to different body size areas, and the third furniture leg element (20) has means, which, depending on the relative position relationship between the first furniture leg member (16) and the third furniture leg member (18), mark an appropriate furniture leg length range on the scale. Frame device (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the furniture leg (12) is formed such that its length adjustment can be made exclusively in different predetermined body size ranges. Frame device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the frame device is formed by means of a table frame or chair frame for school devices. Frame device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a profile part which forms a transverse or longitudinal stiffener in the frame device (10) is formed such that the profile part can support table accessories and / or can pass along a extension direction of the profile part. Frame device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that means are provided on the furniture leg (12) for moving the piece of furniture, preferably rollers (24) or sliders, whereby a locking device is preferably provided, by means of by which the movement of the piece of furniture may be impeded or permitted.