EP2081466A1

EP2081466A1 - Folding table

Info

Publication number: EP2081466A1
Application number: EP06804827A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Egon Bräuning
Original assignee: Vitra Patente AG
Current assignee: Vitra AG
Priority date: 2006-10-23
Filing date: 2006-10-23
Publication date: 2009-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-23
Also published as: EP2081466B1; ATE526848T1; WO2008049243A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a folding table comprising a tabletop (1) that is supported by legs (2) and has a top surface (10) and a bottom surface (11). The legs (2), each of which encompasses two bases (20), can be swiveled about a first axis (A1), i.e. between a releasably locked operational position (G) in which the lower ends of the legs are to be placed on a floor and a releasably locked folded position (K) in which the legs (2) lie under the bottom surface (11) of the tabletop (1), at least in principle, parallel thereto. A mechanism (6) which is mounted on the bottom surface (11) of the tabletop (1) and is fitted with a guide rail part is assigned to each leg (2) in order to releasably lock the leg (2) in the operational position (G) and the folded position (K). The mechanism (6) has an actuator for releasing the lock. A brace (4) is hingedly connected in the upper region of the legs (2) in a second axis (A2) while being hinged to the mechanism (6) in a third axis (A3). The second axis (A2) can be swiveled about the first axis (A1), and the third axis (A3) runs along the guide rail part. The guide rail part of the mechanism (6) is at least substantially recessed in a cavity within the tabletop (1) that has internal hollow spaces in a sandwich-type structure. The first axis (A1) is formed by a pin (3) on which the two bases (20) of each leg (2) are arranged so as to be pivotable between the operational position (G) and the folded position (K) and be axially movable along the pin (3) such that the distance between the two bases (20) of a leg (2) can be adjusted within a range extending from a minimum span (s<SUB>min</SUB>) to a maximum span (s<SUB>max</SUB>).

Description

folding table

Field of application of the invention

The present invention relates to a folding table having a table top supported by benches, which has a tabletop top as a work surface and a table top bottom. The legs, each having two feet, are pivotable about a first axis. The legs can be moved between a releasably locked use position - in which the lower ends are intended for placement on a floor - and a releasably locked folded position - in which the legs come to rest at least in principle parallel to the underside of the tabletop. For releasable locking in the position of use and folding position each leg is mounted on the underside of the tabletop and equipped with a link mechanism equipped. To cancel the lock, the mechanism has an actuator. At the upper portion of the legs, a strut is articulated in a second axis, which is articulated on the other hand on the mechanism in a third axis. The second axis is pivotable about the first axis, and the third axis is guided along the link part.

State of the art

Folding tables are known in many versions; They have the advantage that they can be stored and transported to save space. The basic requirements of folding tables are that on the one hand in the unfolded state they represent a stable piece of furniture and on the other hand they can be opened and closed as simply and quickly as possible. Furthermore, such tables must not only fulfill functional aspects, but also meet aesthetic demands.

A first type of table, such as known from DE 298 24 248 U1, US 4,974,525 and US 5,509,360, has scissor-like up and zuklappbare legs that have an X-shaped, bock-like base. In a second type of table, the legs can be individually locked in the position of use and the folding position, which according to EP 0 906 736 A2, for example, by a due to gravity acting latch is realized. In DE 10 2004 054 934 B3, a third type of table is disclosed in which below the table top two U-shaped pairs of legs are arranged, which can be fixed in the vertical position of use and in the horizontal folding position, to which serves a spring loaded batches ,

Object of the invention

In relation to the prior art, the invention has for its object to improve the stability of folding tables without a built-under carrier and at the same time reduce the effort to increase legroom and freedom to expand. Another object is to propose an improved mechanism for folding tables, which simplifies the change in the other position, while ensuring a very solid state of the table and can be efficiently produced in series. Furthermore, the mechanism must allow the lowest possible stacking height of tables positioned one above the other, folded together, and in the position of use should in principle not restrict the legroom of the user.

Summary of the Invention The folding table has a table top supported by legs, which has a tabletop top as a work surface and a table top bottom. The legs, each having two feet, are pivotable about a first axis. The legs can be moved between a releasably locked position of use - in which the lower ends are intended for placement on a floor - and a releasably locked folding position - in which the legs come to rest at least in principle parallel to the table top underside - move. For releasable locking in the position of use and folding position each leg is mounted on the underside of the tabletop and equipped with a link mechanism equipped. To cancel the lock, the mechanism has an actuator. At the upper portion of the legs, a strut is articulated in a second axis, which is articulated on the other hand on the mechanism in a third axis. The second axis is pivotable about the first axis and the third axis is guided along the linkage. The backdrop part the mechanism is sunk at least substantially in a recess in the sandwiched with internal cavities table top. The first axis is formed by a pivot pin on which the two feet of each leg between the use position and the folding position are pivotally mounted and also axially displaceable along the axle pin. As a result, the distance between the respective two feet of a leg in the range of minimum to maximum span is adjustable.

The following features relate to specific embodiments of the invention: The mechanism further comprises first a carriage upper part, which is embedded in the link part arranged longitudinally displaceable therein. A slide lower part is longitudinally displaceably guided on the outer underside of the slide member, is in communication with the carriage upper part and forms the third axis. A locking element can be solved by means of the actuator from locked position. The locking element has the shape of a sliding block, and the actuator is a arranged in the carriage base push button. The locking element comes to lie in the use position and the folding position in a respective recess in the gate part. Between the locking element and the actuating member acts a spring which holds the locking element in the occupied recess.

The guide member comprises: a) a flange which is intended for placement on the table underside underside; b) a circumferentially closed collar which rises from the flange in the interior of the table top; c) an intermediate bottom, which is offset as compared to the plane of the flange and the upper edge of the collar in the interior of the guide member; d) a longitudinal groove in the intermediate floor, the longitudinally connected to the locking member pin part of the actuator longitudinal guide and

Passage offers; and e) two pairs of opposed recesses located on the top of the false floor, extending from the longitudinal groove into the intermediate groove. - A - rule floor extend into, near the two ends of the longitudinal groove are arranged and each receive two opposite outer regions of the locking element.

The carriage upper part has a cavity facing the locking element, in which, when the actuating element is operated, i. with unlocked locking, which finds room pressed from the depressions locking element, whereupon the carriage base can be moved from the current position and thus also the leg from the position of use or folding position in the other locked position. In the other locked position locked by the force acting on the locking spring, the locking element in the other, previously unoccupied wells automatically.

The axle pin forming the first axle is clamped at its ends respectively into a bearing part mounted on the underside of the tabletop. The foot has at the upper end of the foot a sleeve-shaped axle portion through which the axle protrudes into the respective bearing part. The two feet of a leg each have a mutually directed approach to which a second extension of the strut is articulated on the second axis, while a first extension of the strut is articulated on the carriage base on the third axis. The arranged on the axle bolts feet of each leg can preferably be fixed to at least two different spans, which is particularly matched to the selectable width of the table top to be used. A table is typically constructed with two legs and respective associated axle, struts, bearing parts and mechanics, which are mounted far enough away from each other so that in the folded position of the legs all facing feet come to rest in a single plane.

Brief description of the attached drawings It shows:

Figure 1 A - a folding table in the use position, in perspective view from above; Figure 1 B - the table according to Figure 1 A, in a longitudinal view; Figure 1 C - the table according to Figure 1A, in narrow-side view; Figure 1 D - the table according to Figure 1A, with maximum span of the legs, in the view from below;

Figure 2A - a leg according to Figure 1 A, with associated axis, struts, bearing parts and mechanics, in an exploded view;

Figure 2B - the enlarged detail X1 of Figure 2A with the mechanism; Figure 2C - the arrangement according to Figure 2B, in a view from below; Figure 2D - the mechanism of Figure 2A ₁ assembled, in Perspektivan- looks from below;

Figure 3A - the arrangement according to Figure 2A, assembled, with maximum

Span of the leg, in perspective view from above;

FIG. 3B shows the arrangement according to FIG. 3A, with dissolved floor elements, in perspective view from below;

Figure 3C - the enlarged detail X2 of Figure 3A;

Figure 4A - a table top underside, with recesses, unmounted

Bearing part and mechanism, in perspective view; FIG. 4B shows the arrangement according to FIG. 4A with completely assembled bearing parts and mechanisms;

Figure 5A - the table according to Figure 1 A, with one leg in minimum span and folding position, and the other leg in the maximum span and position of use, in perspective view from below;

FIG. 5B shows the arrangement according to FIG. 5A, viewed from below;

Figure 5C - the arrangement according to Figure 5A, in longitudinal partial section;

Figure 5D - the arrangement according to Figure 5A, in narrow-side view; Figure 5E - the enlarged detail X3 of Figure 5C;

Figure 5F - the enlarged detail X5 of Figure 5E;

Figure 5G - the enlarged detail X4 of Figure 5C;

Figure 6A - a bottom element of Figure 3B, in a perspective view from above; Figure 6B - the arrangement according to Figure 6A ₁ in front view; FIG. 6C - the arrangement according to FIG. 6A, in a perspective exploded view; and FIG. 6D - the arrangement according to FIG. 6C, in a changed perspective.

Working Example

Reference to the accompanying drawings, the detailed description of an embodiment of the inventive folding table follows.

The following definition applies to the entire further description. If reference numerals are included in a figure for the purpose of graphic clarity, but are not explained in the directly associated description text, reference is made to their mention in the preceding description of the figures. For the sake of clarity, the repeated designation of components in subsequent figures is generally dispensed with, as long as it is clearly recognizable in the drawing that they are "recurring" components.

FIGS. 1A to 1 D

The folding table consists essentially of the table top 1 with the working surface serving as the upper side 10 and the bottom 11 and the tabletop 1 supporting legs 2 together, which are here in the unfolded position of use G. Each leg 2 has two feet 20 with floor elements 21 arranged on their lower extensions 202. In the upper area, each foot 20 has an extension 201 facing the opposite foot 20, through which the second axis A2 extends and on which a strut 4 is articulated. The struts 4 extend in pairs to the third axis A3. The second axis A2 moves when folding the leg 2 in the radius about the first axis A1. On the other hand, the strut 4 is articulated on a third axis A3, which extends transversely through a slide lower part 62 of an associated mechanism 6 and is longitudinally displaceable thereon. The slide part 60 of the mechanism 6 is sunk into a recess 13 of the table top 1 so far that only the flange plate 606 rises from the table top 11 bottom. The tabletop 1 is sandwiched with internal cavities and thus has a high flexural strength, without the need for a supporting frame.

The leg 2 with its two feet 20, which are positioned in the manner of a block, is arranged on a fixed first axis A1, which is formed by the axle rod 3. Each of the two ends of the axle rod 3 first passes through an axle section 200 of the adjacent leg 20 and is inserted in a bearing part 5, which is mounted on the underside 11 of the tabletop. Typically, the table is equipped in duplicate with the arrangement of leg 2, axle bar 3, struts 4, bearing parts 5 and mechanism 6, which are mirror-symmetrically located on the underside of the table top 11. The axle sections 200 of the respective two feet 20 of both legs 2 are currently positioned on the axle rods 3 at a maximum distance d _max , so that the feet 20 assume their maximum span s _max . The positioning of the axle portions 200 is fixed, for example, by pinning or wedging with the Achsstab 3. At least two different distances between the Achsabschnitten 200 and thus two different spans of the feet 20 are provided, which in particular to the selectable width of the tabletop to be used. 1 is tuned.

FIGS. 2A to 3C

The bottom elements 21 have an upwardly projecting axle pin 214, which is intended for insertion into the lower extension 202 on the foot 20. For the purpose of articulating the strut 4 on the second axis A2, on the projection 201 of the individual foot 20, the strut 4 has a second extension 42 and sleeve inserts 48 and connecting elements 49 are provided for this purpose. For the articulation of the strut 4 with its first extension 41 and on the third axis A3 on the carriage base 62 again sleeve inserts 48 and connecting elements 49 are used. The elongate arm part 40 extends between the extensions 41, 42. The bearing part 5 has a cuboid housing 50 with a lateral axle opening 51, which is framed by a collar 52 like a collar. In the bearing part 5 are sleeve-shaped screw seats 53, the serve the inclusion of screws by means of which the bearing parts 5 are fixed to the table top underside 11.

The mechanism 6 has in addition to the slide member 60 and the carriage base 62 also the carriage upper 61, the locking member 63, the frame 64, the spring 67, the actuator 65 and the screws 69. The actuator 65 has a button to be pressed by the user's hand 650 and a centrally and vertically extending pin 651. The spring 67 has the shape of a spiral spring. Through the cap-shaped slide lower part 62 extends a vertical passage 621 and a horizontal passage 622 for the formation of the third axis A3. In addition, the slide lower part 62 has screw bushings 623. The rectangular frame 64 in principle has an outer edge 640, which is adjoined quasi-concentrically by an upwardly curved inner edge 641, which leaves a recess 642. The elongated cooling member 60 has at the bottom a rectangular flange plate 606 in which a plurality of screw holes 608 are located and from which a closed collar 600 rises. Internally of the collar 600, offset parallel from the plane of the flange plate 606, lies an intermediate floor 602, which is traversed by a longitudinal groove 603. On the upper side of the intermediate bottom 602, at each end of the longitudinal groove 603, a pair of recesses 604 are provided, each extending from the longitudinal groove 603, opposite to each other, into the intermediate bottom 602.

The locking element 63 has the shape of a cuboid sliding block with a central through hole 630. The carriage upper part 61 has a central screw passage 614, which widens downwards into a cavity 612 which is complementary to receive the locking element 63. On both sides of the screw passage 614 is ever a pin-shaped screw bearing 613 available. The vertical passage 621 in the carriage base 62 is congruent with the screw passage 614. Also congruent with each other are the screw bushes 623 and the screw bearings 613 positioned. In the assembled state, the button 650 is inserted with the seated on the pin 651 spring 67 in the vertical passage 621 of the slide lower part 62, which is placed with the interposition of the frame 64 from below on the flange plate 606. The carriage upper part 61 is inserted into the collar 600 and rests on the intermediate bottom 602, the screw bearings 613 projecting through the longitudinal groove 603 and meeting the two screw bushes 623. By means of a screw 69 inserted through the screw passage 614 and the through hole 630, a connection with the pin 651 is made. Screws 69 hold the carriage upper part 61 and the slide lower part 62 together. The tension of the spring 67 causes the locking element 63 to snap into the currently adjacent depressions 604, otherwise two opposite edge regions of the locking element 63 rest on the intermediate bottom 602.

In the situation according to FIGS. 3A to 3C, the illustrated leg 2 is in the use position G and the axle sections 200 of the two legs 20 of the leg 2 are positioned on the axle bar 3 at maximum distance d _max , so that the feet 20 are at maximum span s _max are arranged. The feet 20 are directed towards the ground on which the bottom elements 21 sit, and the struts 4 were pivoted on moving the leg 2 from the folded position K to the use position G at most around the third axis A3 and now assume a supporting inclined position , In the use position G, the second axis A2 lies below the stationary first axis A1 and the third axis A3 and the slide parts 61, 62 have approximated the first axis A1 to a maximum. The slide parts 61, 62 are moved farthest outwards in the guide element 60, wherein the locking element 63 latched into the depressions 604 stably holds the use position G.

FIGS. 4A and 4B For inserting the mechanisms 6, in the tabletop underside 11 a respective recess 13 is made, which receives the slotted part 60, wherein the flange plate 606 rests on the edge of the recess 13. For screwing through the screw holes 608 present in the flange plate 606, complementarily arranged threaded inserts 12 are present in the underside of the tabletop 11. Such threaded inserts 12 are also provided for attachment of the bearing parts 5. The recesses 13 have the form of blind holes and thus do not occur on the table top 10 top.

FIGS. 5A to 5G

In this sequence of figures, the differences between the use position G and the folded position K and between the maximum span s _max and the minimum span s _m j _{n of} the two feet 20 of the legs 2 are illustrated. In the position of use G (see Figures 5E ₁ 5F), the feet 20 are almost perpendicular to the table top 1, the struts 4 are angled and the slide lower part 62 with the third axis A3 is visible in the mechanism 6 maximum outward. The locking element 63 is engaged in the recesses 604 located outside.

In the folded position K (see Figure 5G), the feet 20 and the struts 4 are in principle in a plane immediately below the table top 1 and the carriage base 62 with the third axis A3 has moved maximally towards the center of the table. Now, the locking member 63 is engaged in the other recesses 604, which face the center of the table top 1.

At maximum distance d _max between the axle sections 200 on the axle rod 3, the feet 20 assume their maximum span s _max . This setting will be selected if a wide table top 1 is to be mounted. With a narrow table top 1, the distance between the axle sections 200 on the axle rod 3 can be reduced to a zero distance do, with the result that the feet 20 are set to their minimum span s _m j _n . At least one will provide two distance settings and associated spans between the feet 20, which can be fixed for example by pinning or wedging the axle sections 200 on the axle 3. When swinging the legs 2, the Achsstäbe 3 rotate in the same direction. Figs. 6A to 6D

A bottom element 21 consists of three parts, namely the base plate 210, the axle pin 214 and the cover 217. The base plate 210 has a flat underside which is seated on the ground in the erected state, as well as an upwardly open bearing recess 211. The axle pin 214 has at the bottom a head 215 positioned in the hopper 211 according to the leveling of the base 210 according to the inclination of the soil. About the Achsstift 214, the cover 217 is inserted with its opening 218. Cover 217 and base plate 210 form an interconnected capsule. When mounted, the axle pin 214 is firmly seated in the extension 202 at the lower end of the foot 20.

Claims

claims

1. Folding table with a legs (2) carried table top (1), which has a table top (10) as a work surface and a table top underside (11); wherein: a) the legs (2), each having two feet (20) are pivotable about a first axis (A1), namely between a releasably locked use position (G), in which determines their lower ends for placement on a floor are, and a releasably locked folding position (K), in which the legs (2) come to lie at least in principle parallel to the table top underside (11) underneath; b) for releasable locking in the position of use (G) and folding position (K) each leg (2) on the table top underside (11) mounted and with a link part (60) equipped mechanism (6) is assigned; c) to release the lock the mechanism (6) has an actuating member (65); d) at the upper region of the legs (2) in a second axis (A2) a strut (4) is articulated, on the other hand on the mechanism (6) in a third axis (A3) is articulated; e) the second axis (A2) about the first axis (A1) is pivotable and the third axis (A3) along the guide member (60) is guided, characterized in that f) the slide member (60) of the mechanism (6) at least essentially sunk in a recess (13) in the sandwiched with inner cavities table top (1); and g) the first axis (A1) is formed by an axle bolt (3) on which the two feet (20) of each leg (2) pivot between the use position (G) and the folding position (K) and also axially along the axle pin (3) are arranged displaceably, whereby the distance between the respective two feet (20) of a leg (2) in the range of a minimum span (s _m j _n ) up to a maximum span (s _max ) is adjustable.

2. folding table according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanism (6) further comprises: a) a carriage upper part (61) embedded in the link part (60) arranged longitudinally displaceable therein; b) a carriage lower part (62), which is guided longitudinally displaceably on the outer underside of the link member (60), in communication with the carriage upper part (61) and forms the third axis (A3); and c) a locking element (63) which can be released from the locked position by means of the actuating member (65).

3. Folding table according to at least one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that a) the locking element (63) has the shape of a sliding block and the actuating member (65) is arranged in a slide lower part (62) push button; b) the locking element (63) in the position of use (G) and the folding position (K) comes to lie in a respectively associated recess (604) in the link part (60); and c) between the locking element (63) and the actuating member (65) a spring (67) acts, which holds the locking element (63) in the occupied recess (604).

4. folding table according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the guide member (60) comprises: a) a flange (606) which is intended for placement on the table top underside (11); b) a circumferentially closed collar (600) which rises from the flange (606) in the interior of the table top (1); c) an intermediate floor (602) which is offset as compared to the plane of the flanges (606) and the upper edge of the collar (600) in the interior of the guide member (60); d) a longitudinal groove (603) in the intermediate floor (602), which offers a longitudinally extending guide and passage to a pin part (651) of the actuating member (65) connected to the locking element (63); and e) two pairs of opposed recesses (604) lying on the top of the intermediate bottom (602) extending from the longitudinal groove (603) into the intermediate bottom (602) are disposed near both ends of the longitudinal groove (603) and each receive two opposite outer regions of the locking element (63).

5. Folding table according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a) the carriage upper part (61) has a locking element (63) facing cavity (612), in which operated actuator (65), i. when the lock is unlocked, the locking element (63) pushed out of the depressions (604) has room, whereupon the slide lower part (62) moves out of the current position and thus also the leg (2) from the use position (G) or folding position (K) to move into the other locked position (K or G); and b) in the other locked position (K or G) by the spring (67) acting on the locking element (63), the locking element (63) engages automatically in the other, previously unoccupied recesses (604).

6. Folding table according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a) of the first axis (A1) forming the axle pin (3) is clamped at its ends in each of the tabletop underside (11) mounted bearing part (5); b) the foot (20) at the upper end of the foot has a sleeve-shaped axle portion (200) through which the axle pin (3) projects into the respective bearing part (5); and c) the two feet (20) of a leg (2) each have a mutually directed projection (201) on which a second extension (42) of the strut (4) on the second axis (A2) is hinged, while a first Extension (41) of the

Strut (4) on the carriage base (62) on the third axis (A3) is articulated.

7. Folding table according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the on the axle pin (3) arranged feet (20) of each leg (2) can be fixed to at least two different spans, which in particular to the selectable width of matching table top (1) is tuned.

8. Folding table according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a table with two legs (2) and respectively associated axis (3), struts (4), bearing parts (5) and mechanism (6) is constructed, the are mounted so far apart that in the folded position (K) of the legs (2) all facing feet (20) come to lie in a single plane.