EP0804887A1 - Superstructure for worktables - Google Patents

Abstract

The attachment has a support surface (14) held above the desk surface (11) of the work desk (10) via a number of height-adjustable spacers (15,19). The support surface has a reduced depth relative to the desk surface. Fold-out sections (16,17) allow it to be extended forwards, to match the depth of the desk surface, to form a standing desk surface.

Description

The invention relates to a table attachment for work tables, with a storage plate and spacing devices for positioning the storage plate above the rear area of the worktop of the work table facing away from the user, the storage plate having a smaller depth with respect to the worktop.

Such table attachments are known, for example, in computer work tables, in particular to position the monitor at a certain height. The known table attachments are usually fixed in a height-adjustable manner on the worktop or on the work table.

In the office in general, but especially for people with certain disabilities or back problems, more and more standing desks are being used again, especially when the usual sitting position at work tables leads to problems and an intermediate standing position when working at the standing desk is suitable to reduce these problems or to prevent. However, especially in small offices, it is often hardly possible to accommodate a standing desk next to the desk, and often optical, space technology and interior design considerations also speak against such a solution.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to enable an upright working position on a standing desk even in the event of cramped predetermined conditions.

This object is achieved in that the table top is equipped with means for reversibly increasing the depth of the storage plate to the front to the front worktop area for optional formation of a desk-like table arrangement.

Existing work tables can also be retrofitted with the table attachment according to the invention, so that a standing desk can be realized with relatively little conversion work and financial outlay, even when space is limited. Of course, the table top can also be provided from the start for new tables. The table top according to the invention gives a work table a double function: in the enlarged state, the table top converts the work table into a standing desk, and in the non-enlarged state it forms an additional part of the normal use of the work table when the user is seated increased second storage space. This is also retained in the enlarged state, so that, for example, a monitor located on the storage plate can maintain its position when enlarged relative to the standing desk. The table attachment can also be completely removed from the work table at least temporarily, for example if its entire area is required for spreading out large drawings or the like.

The measures listed in the dependent claims advantageous refinements and improvements of the table attachment specified in claim 1 are possible.

In a first advantageous embodiment, plate-like or strip-like fold-out elements are arranged on the storage plate, which are preferably connected to one another and to the storage plate via joints or hinges.

As an alternative to this, the storage plate can also be provided with at least one plate-like or strip-like pull-out element, the storage plate preferably having a cavity for receiving the at least one pull-out element, or this at least one pull-out element is arranged below the storage plate in the inserted state. In particular, a plurality of pull-out elements which can be pulled apart in a scale-like manner can also be provided be.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a plurality of lamella-like pull-out elements can also be lined up in the manner of a roller shutter curtain.

In order to ensure the use as a standing desk, means are advantageously provided for stiffening the folded-out fold-out elements or extended pull-out elements to form an overall panel. These means can in particular be designed as telescopically extendable guide tubes or as pivotable articulated arms, or the fold-out elements or pull-out elements are connected to one another with connecting means which, together with the fold-out or pull-out elements, form a self-supporting plate.

A particularly favorable constructive embodiment consists in that the pivotable articulated arms are horizontally pivotably arranged on rear holding feet for the storage plate and are attached or coupled with their free end regions to the foremost pull-out element. As a result, when the foremost pull-out element is pulled out, the articulated arms are also pivoted out at the same time, and the foremost pull-out element and the subsequent pull-out elements lie securely and firmly on the articulated arms.

At least one further pull-out element is coupled to the foremost pull-out element in such a way that when the foremost pull-out element is pulled out, it is pulled out at the same time.

In the extended state, the pull-out elements lie against one another via inclined surfaces, which offers a double advantage. On the one hand, a pushing force is transmitted during insertion, so that the following pull-out elements are also pushed in by the foremost one, and on the other hand, these inclined surfaces allow one of the pull-out elements to push this and the next front pull-out element one under the other when a rear stop is reached.

The spacing devices are expediently designed as holding feet, at least some of the holding feet being provided with fixing devices for fixing to the worktop. For quick and easy enlargement of the depth, the storage plate is equipped with fixable feet on the worktop and the free end area of the fold-out or pull-out elements with slidable feet so that only the latter feet are moved to increase the depth towards the user or then pushed away again have to. However, it is also an alternative to this It is possible to provide the shelf with holding feet that can be fixed on the worktop and preferably with additional holding feet that are supported on the worktop.

In order to adapt to the desired working height, the holding feet are advantageously at least partially height-adjustable. It is therefore also possible to a limited extent to implement an inclined surface, for example.

Fig. 1

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Tischaufsatzes mit herausklappbaren Ausklappelementen auf einem Arbeitstisch in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,

Fig. 2

dasselbe Ausführungsbeispiel in einer seitlichen Darstellung bei eingeklappten Ausklappelementen,

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels mit einem aus der Abstellplatte herausziehbaren Ausziehelement,

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels mit rolladenpanzerartig herausziehbaren Ausziehelementen,

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht eines vierten Ausführungsbeispiels mit unterhalb der Abstellplatte angeordneten, herausziehbaren Ausziehelementen im ausgezogenen Zustand,

Fig. 6

das in Fig. 5 dargestellte vierte Ausführungsbeispiel in einer Draufsicht von oben und

Fig. 7

dasselbe Ausführungsbeispiel in einer Draufsicht von oben bei eingeschobenen Ausziehelementen.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1

1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a table attachment with fold-out fold-out elements on a work table,

Fig. 2

the same embodiment in a side view with the fold-out elements folded in,

Fig. 3

2 shows a side view of a second exemplary embodiment with a pull-out element which can be pulled out of the storage plate,

Fig. 4

2 shows a side view of a third exemplary embodiment with pull-out elements which can be pulled out in the manner of roller shutters,

Fig. 5

a side view of a fourth embodiment with pull-out pull-out elements located underneath the shelf when pulled out,

Fig. 6

the fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 5 in a plan view from above and

Fig. 7

the same embodiment in a plan view from above with inserted pull-out elements.

In the first exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a work table 10, for example a conventional desk or computer desk, consists of a worktop 11 which is supported by two feet 12 arranged on the narrow side areas. Instead of the worktable 10 shown, other conventional worktables can of course also be used, for example worktables with four feet.

A table top 13 is arranged on the worktop 11 of the worktable 10. This essentially consists of a storage plate 14 which is spaced apart by means of holding feet 15 and is arranged essentially parallel to the worktop 11 above it. This storage plate 14 has a length which corresponds essentially to that of the worktop 11, but a substantially smaller depth, and is above the rear region of the worktop which faces away from the user of the worktable 10 11 positioned. The holding feet 15 are fixed in a manner not shown on the worktop 11, for example by holding screws, holding brackets, screw terminals or the like.

On the storage plate 14, two plate-like or strip-like fold-out elements 16, 17 are arranged such that they can be folded out via joints or hinges 18, these fold-out elements 16, 17 being positioned under the deposit plate 14 in the folded state, as shown in FIG. 2. Holding feet 19 are also arranged on the free corner regions of the fold-out element 17 removed from the storage plate 14, the height of which essentially corresponds to the height of the holding feet 15. However, these holding feet 19 are not fixed to the worktop 11, but are arranged displaceably thereon, for which purpose sliding elements 20 are arranged at the lower end region.

In the unfolded state, the two fold-out elements 16, 17 together with the storage plate 14 form a flat plate, the size of which essentially corresponds to that of the worktop 11. The hinges 18 are designed such that the fold-out elements 16, 17 together with the storage plate 14 form a self-holding plate. 2, the work table 10 has its usual function and the table attachment 13 creates an additional storage space in a higher level only by the storage plate 14, the table attachment 13 transforms the work table 10 into a standing desk according to FIG. 1 in its unfolded state, in order to be able to carry out the work either sitting or standing. If it is desired to return to the sitting activity, it is only necessary to restore the state shown in FIG. 2 by folding in the fold-out elements 16, 17 and pushing back the holding feet 19. Objects placed on the storage plate 14 can remain there in the folded and unfolded state.

Both the holding feet 15 and the holding feet 19 are adjustable in height in order to be able to adapt the height of the table top 13 to the desired requirements. It is also possible to set different heights, for example to implement an inclined surface.

Instead of specially designed hinges 18, simpler hinges can also be used, and the flat surface of the plate formed by the folded-out fold-out elements 16, 17 and the storage plate 14 is formed by telescopically extendable guide tubes, on which the fold-out elements 16, 17 rest. Here, for example, the holding feet 19 on the free End regions of these extendable guide tubes can be attached. Such telescopically extendable guide tubes are known, for example, in connection with pull-out tables, and other pull-out table fittings can also be used here.

According to the second exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a storage plate 21 which is modified compared to the first exemplary embodiment has a cavity for receiving a plate-like or strip-like pull-out element 22. FIG. 3 shows the extended state in which the pull-out element 22 together with the storage plate 21 form an enlarged area which corresponds essentially to that of the worktop 11 of the worktable 10. In the inserted state of the pull-out element 22, the usual function of the work table 10 is again established, and the storage plate 21, which is now considerably less deep than the work surface 11, merely serves as an additional storage surface in an elevated plane. The displaceable holding feet 19 are fixed to the free corner areas of the pull-out element 22.

Instead of a single pull-out element 22, a plurality of pull-out elements 22 can of course also be used here, which are designed to be telescopically pushed into one another or pulled apart. In another variation A plurality of pull-out elements can also be arranged in a scale-like overlapping manner above or below the storage plate 21 or the storage plate 14 and can be designed to be extractable. Even with such an embodiment, at least one telescopically extendable guide tube is suitable for stabilizing the plate surface formed.

In the third exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of lamella-like pull-out elements 23 are lined up in the manner of a roller shutter curtain. Rear holding feet 24, on which a storage plate 25 is fixed, have a curvature 26 in the upper region, along which the pull-out elements 23 lined up in the manner of a roller shutter can slide downward behind these holding feet 24, so that this curvature 26 is designed as a guide curvature. There is an intermediate space for the pull-out elements 23 between the upper horizontal region of the holding feet 24 and the storage plate 25. FIG. 4 shows the extracted state, that is to say the state in which the work table 10 can be used as a standing desk. The front holding feet 19 are fixed to the front free end region of the pull-out elements 23 lined up. If these holding feet 19 are pushed rearwards, the roller shutter-like pull-out elements 23 slide down along the rear holding feet 24 behind the worktop 11. Here too the pull-out elements 23 can again be arranged in a self-supporting, articulated manner, or additional means for stiffening are provided, for example telescopic guide tubes or the like.

In a simpler version, rigid holding feet can of course also be used instead of height-adjustable holding feet. The sliding elements 20 on the front holding feet 19 can also be designed as rollers, for example.

In the fourth exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, two vertical holding feet 30 are fixed on the rear edge of the worktop 11 by means of conventional clamping devices 31. An articulated arm 32 is pivotally mounted on each of the holding feet 30, in which the holding feet 30 extend through corresponding bearing tubes 33, on which the articulated arms 32 are rigidly fixed. These bearing tubes 33 rest on height-adjustable bearing rings 34 arranged on the holding feet 30. To adjust the height of the bearing rings 34 and thus the articulated arms 32, plug-in elements 35 are used, which can be variably inserted horizontally through the bearing rings 34 and through transverse bores 36 arranged in different height positions. Of course, the bearing rings 34 can also have other known height adjustment devices.

Holding tubes 37 are placed on the holding feet 30 above the bearing tubes 33 and are supported downward on the bearing tubes 33. A holding wall 38, for example made of sheet metal, is fixed to each of these holding tubes 37, the two holding walls 38 being aligned parallel to one another and holding a storage plate 39 between them, which thus overlaps the worktop 11 from behind at the desired height. The holding tubes 37 are connected to one another above the storage plate 39 by a stabilizing cross bar 40. In addition to fixing the storage plate 39, the holding walls 38 also serve as a lateral holding wall for objects placed on the storage plate 39. Accordingly, the cross bar 40 serves as a rear stop and rear support for such objects.

Vertical holding feet 41 are fixed to the vertical end edges of the holding walls 38, which are distant from the holding tubes 37, which also have a height adjustment device 42 and are supported with their lower end on the worktop 11.

Two pull-out plate-shaped pull-out elements 43, 44 are arranged below the storage plate 39. In this case, the front pull-out element 44 in the extended state always rests on the articulated arms 32, while the rear one Pull-out element 43 has at the rear end region two laterally projecting guide bolts 45 which are guided in horizontal slots 46 of the holding walls 38. The two pull-out elements 43, 44 are connected to one another via a flexible band 47, which is fixed to the undersides of the two pull-out elements 43, 44, but only to the rearmost area on the rear pull-out element 43, so that the front pull-out element 44 is pushed under the rear pull-out element 43 can. For this purpose, the abutting edges of the two pull-out elements 43, 44 lying against one another in the extended state according to FIG. 5 run obliquely. Furthermore, the slots 46 are arranged so far above the support plane on the articulated arms 32 so that the front pull-out element 44 can be pushed under the rear pull-out element 43. Holding bolts or holding screws 48 are arranged on the two front corner regions of the front pull-out element 44 and engage in an articulated manner in the front free end regions of the articulated arms 32. The articulated arms 32 have a swivel joint 49 approximately in the middle, the length of the articulated arms 32 being dimensioned such that, in the fully extended state according to FIGS. 5 and 6, the articulated arms 32 are still not stretched, but are somewhat buckled in order to be high To ensure stability of the arrangement and problem-free insertion of the pull-out elements.

Starting from the extended position shown in FIG. 6 the front pull-out element 44 is pushed in the direction of the storage plate 39, the articulated arms 32 are pushed together in such a way that their two swivel joints 49 come closer and closer together. First, the rear pull-out element 43 is pushed in by the front pull-out element 44 until the guide bolts 45 have reached the rear end of the slots 46, that is to say until the rear pull-out element 43 is fully inserted. As a result of the oblique abutting edges between the pull-out elements 43, 44, the front pull-out element 44 now slides under the rear pull-out element, which is thereby raised from its inclined position into a horizontal position above the front pull-out element 44. The front pull-out element 44 can now also be fully inserted.

The reverse process takes place when you pull out. First, starting from the inserted position shown in FIG. 7, the front pull-out element 44 is pulled out, the articulated arms 32 stretching. If the rear end edge of the front pull-out element 44 reaches the front end edge of the rear pull-out element 43, the rear pull-out element 43 slides with its front region downward, and the two oblique abutting edges lie against one another again. When the front pull-out element 44 is pulled out further, the rear pull-out element becomes 43 pulled out, since the band 47 is tensioned at the time the rear pull-out element 43 slides down. The pull-out movement ends when the front end of the slots 46 is reached by the guide bolts 45. However, the table attachment 13 is also fully functional in any intermediate position.

In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible to allow the slots 46 to run obliquely downward in such a way that the rear pull-out element 43 likewise lies horizontally on the articulated arms 32 in the extended state. In principle, instead of two pull-out elements, a larger number of pull-out elements or only a single pull-out element can be provided.

Instead of the band 47, other corresponding coupling devices can also occur between the pull-out elements 43, 44, which ensure a non-positive connection when pulling out and pushing one over the other, e.g. Locking devices.

It is of course also possible to attach movable holding feet according to the previous exemplary embodiments to the front ends of the articulated arms 32 or to the front pull-out element 44. Accordingly, all holding feet on the the respective storage shelf can be fixed, or combined solutions can be implemented.

In deviation from the first exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the width of the entire table attachment 13 can also be less than the width of the worktop 11, for example to include a screen or the like on the side. to set up.

According to FIG. 6, swiveling quiver 50 for receiving writing utensils can also be arranged on the front area of the front pull-out element 44, which can be swiveled under this pull-out element 44 when they are not required. Instead of quivers, shells or other holding devices can also be used, which can also be implemented in a corresponding manner in the other exemplary embodiments,

On the storage plate 39, stackable or non-stackable trays for accommodating forms or other things can be arranged in a manner not shown, which can be fixed, for example, to the crossbar 40.

Claims (15)

Table attachment for work tables, with a storage plate and spacing devices for positioning the storage plate above the rear area of the worktop of the work table facing away from the user, the storage plate having a smaller depth in relation to the work surface, characterized in that the table attachment is used to optionally form a desk-like table arrangement (13) is equipped with means for reversibly increasing the depth of the storage plate (14; 21; 25 39) towards the front up to the front worktop area. Table attachment according to Claim 1, characterized in that plate-like or strip-like fold-out elements (16, 17) are arranged on the storage plate (14), which are preferably connected to one another and to the storage plate (14) via joints or hinges (18). Table attachment according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage plate (21; 39) is provided with a plurality of lamella-like pull-out elements (23) lined up and extendable in the manner of a roller shutter curtain or with at least one plate-like or strip-like pull-out element (22; 43, 44), which in the inserted state is preferably arranged below the storage plate (39). Table attachment according to claim 3, characterized in that the storage plate (21) has a cavity for receiving the at least one pull-out element (22). Table attachment according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a plurality of pull-out elements (43, 44) which can be pulled apart like a scale are provided. Table attachment according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that means are provided for stiffening the folded-out fold-out elements or extended pull-out elements to form an overall plate. Table attachment according to claim 6, characterized in that the means are designed as telescopically extendable guide tubes or as pivotable articulated arms. Table attachment according to claim 7, characterized in that the pivotable articulated arms (32) are arranged on horizontally pivotable on rear holding feet (30) for the storage plate (39) and are attached or coupled with their free end regions to the foremost pull-out element (44). Table attachment according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one further pull-out element (43) is coupled to the front pull-out element (44) in such a way that when this front pull-out element (44) is pulled out, it is pulled out along with it. Table attachment according to claim 9, characterized in that the pull-out elements (43, 44) abut against one another in the extended state via inclined surfaces which transmit a pushing force when pushed in and when one of the pull-out elements (43) reaches a rear stop, pushing one of these and the next one forward Allow pull-out element (44). Table attachment according to claim 6, characterized in that the fold-out elements (16, 17) or pull-out elements (22, 23) are connected to one another with connecting means which, together with the fold-out or pull-out elements, form a self-supporting plate. Table attachment according to one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the pull-out elements (22; 23; 43, 44) are designed to be continuously pull-out. Table attachment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacing devices designed as holding feet (15; 24; 30) are at least partially provided with fixing devices (31) for fixing to the worktop (11), and / or that the holding feet (15; 19; 24; 30; 41) are at least partially height-adjustable and / or can be folded inwards. Table attachment according to claim 13, characterized in that the storage plate (14, 21, 25) with holding feet (15, 24) which can be fixed to the worktop (11) and the free end region of the fold-out or pull-out elements (16, 17, 22, 23) are provided with sliding holding feet (19). Table attachment according to claim 13, characterized in that the storage plate (39) is provided with holding feet (30) which can be fixed on the working plate (11) and preferably with additional holding feet (41) which are supported on the working plate (11).

Images