EP2446772B1 - Folding table - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a folding table, in particular a staggered table.

STATE OF THE ART

A folding table with a pivoting table top is used for example in the US 2009/0283020 A1 described. At a bottom of the table top, a first bracket is attached. A locking mechanism is attached to the first bracket. On a frame for setting up the table top, an axis is fixed to which a base is attached. The locking mechanism comprises a sliding block and a bearing, wherein the sliding block is movable in a passage of the bearing. The sliding block may extend into an opening in the base to lock the bearing to the base. The locking mechanism further includes a rod connected to the sliding block, the sliding block being disengaged from the base when a user pulls the rod a predetermined distance.

The US 2004/0083932 A1 also concerns a folding table. A tabletop is connected in the described folding table with a support member via a hinge. In the US 2004/0083932 A1 a latch assembly is described with a hook portion, wherein the hook portion can engage under a step of the support member. The latch assembly is installed in a recess in a bottom of the table top.

Furthermore, in the DE 10 2008 037 285 A1 a table with a pivotable table top described, wherein by means of a pivoting mechanism on a table frame, the table top is rotatably mounted and lockable.

Further, for example, the document describes DE 102 47 926 A1 a folding table. The folding table described in this document comprises a table frame, a table top, which is provided pivotable about the table frame between a substantially horizontal and a substantially vertical position thereof, and a locking mechanism, which in a locking position of the same a pivoting of the table top to the table frame locks and the same releases the pivoting of the table top in a release position. The locking mechanism has transverse arms which are pivotally mounted on the table frame and pivotable for the locking position of the locking mechanism under flat double wedges fixed to the table top in the horizontal position of the table top, thereby pivoting the table top from its horizontal position into its position to lock vertical position. The cross booms are connected to each other via a connecting rod.

The cross arm together with the connecting rod are relatively large and bulky, which is associated with a high manufacturing cost in terms of material and a cumbersome handling by an operator. Furthermore, the cross arm and connecting rod are visible to an operator and act on this often unaesthetic.

The object of the present invention is to at least partially reduce the disadvantages described above.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a folding table having the features of patent claim 1.

Accordingly, it is provided:

A folding table, in particular a staging table, with a table frame, with a table top, which is provided pivotably about the table frame between a substantially horizontal and a substantially vertical position thereof, with a mounted on the table frame locking mechanism, which in a locking position of the same a pivoting of Table top locks around the table frame and in a release position thereof releases the pivoting of the table top; and an operator-operable gripping member mounted on the table top which in the horizontal position of the table top engages the locking mechanism for displacing the same from its locking position to its disengaged position and which is disengaged from the locking mechanism in the vertical position.

The idea underlying the present invention is to provide a handle operable by an operator person for actuating the locking mechanism spatially separable from the latter. The handle can thus be firmly attached to the table top. On the other hand, the locking mechanism can be attached to the table frame substantially invisibly for the operator person, in particular integrated into the table frame. For the operator then only the handle part can be seen on the underside of the table top, when the table top is in its vertical position.

From the dependent claims, advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

In the folding table according to the invention, the handle part has a nose, which passes during pivoting of the table top from its vertical position in its horizontal position with a recess of the locking mechanism for adjusting the same from its locking position in its release position into engagement. Thus, the handle part automatically comes into operative connection when pivoting the table top with the locking mechanism. In addition, the locking mechanism preferably locks automatically when pivoting the table top from its vertical position in its horizontal position, the table top in its horizontal position. This can be done, for example, that the table top or a support profile of the same and the table frame are formed with at least one engagement and a receiving element, which automatically engage each other when the table top is pivoted to its horizontal position. The at least one engagement and receiving element of the locking mechanism then lock the table top in its horizontal position by positive engagement. If the handle part in the locked by means of the locking mechanism, horizontal position of the table top with the locking mechanism for adjusting the same from its locking position in its release position automatically engaged, so there is a simple handling of the table for the operator. Furthermore, it is provided in the folding table according to the invention that the locking mechanism has a carriage which has the recess and substantially parallel to the table top in its horizontal position by means of the handle part for adjusting the locking mechanism from the locking position is provided movably in the release position. This results in a mechanically simple constructed locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the carriage is operatively connected to the at least one engagement and receiving element mentioned above by way of example, such that movement of the carriage by means of the grip part causes the positive connection between the engagement element and the receiving element to be released.

According to a further embodiment of the folding table according to the invention, the locking mechanism on a cable mechanism, which is actuated by means of the carriage. This results in a further simplified structure of the locking mechanism. Preferably, the carriage actuates the at least one engagement and receiving element by means of the cable pull in order to thereby release it from its positive connection.

The at least one receiving element and the at least one engagement element can be provided spring biased to each other so that they automatically engage positively during pivoting of the table top from its vertical position in its horizontal position and thereby prevent pivoting the table top from its horizontal position to its vertical position , This is only possible when the positive connection between the receiving and engaging element is resolved. This is done by means of the handle part or in a closer embodiment by means of the carriage and / or the cable.

According to a further development of the folding table according to the invention, the cable pull on a cable which is connected at its ends with one engagement element, the carriage preferably acts approximately centrally on the rope, thereby shortening the distance between the engagement elements, whereby they get out of engagement with receiving elements on the table top and release a pivoting of the table top from its horizontal position in its vertical position. An eccentric arrangement of the carriage with respect to the length of the rope is therefore also possible. The rope preferably lies in a non-straight path around a portion of the carriage, at least in the locking position of the locking mechanism.

Alternatively, two ropes could be provided by means of which the carriage actuates the corresponding two engagement elements to bring them out of engagement with the receiving elements on the table top. In principle, a cable, which is operatively connected at one end to the carriage and at its other end with only one engagement element, to thereby bring the engagement element out of engagement with the receiving element, a conceivable solution.

The locking mechanism can be easily integrated into the table frame, that is accommodated in this record. Preferably, the cable, the carriage and / or the at least one engagement element is integrated in the table frame. As a result, damage to the locking mechanism can be reliably avoided and also an optically advantageous solution can be achieved.

According to a further embodiment of the folding table according to the invention, the receiving elements are each formed in a mounted on the table top support profile. Such receiving elements are easier to integrate in a support profile as in the tabletop itself.

According to a further embodiment of the folding table according to the invention, the carriage is slidably held on the table frame.

According to a further embodiment of the folding table according to the invention, the table frame has two profiles, which are connected to each other by means of a connector transverse to the profiles, wherein the connector holds the carriage slidably. The connector can be inserted in each case in a form-fitting manner in the profiles at its ends. The connector is thus advantageously associated with a double function: Once it connects the longitudinal profiles with each other and thus ensures a stiffening of the table frame. He also serves as a guide for the sled.

According to a further embodiment of the folding table according to the invention, the handle part on the table top for the adjustment of the locking mechanism is movable, in particular parallel to the table top slidably mounted. This results in an ergonomically simple operation of the handle part or the locking mechanism by means of the handle part. For example, the handle part may be formed with at least one elongated hole, which is held with an element having an undercut, for example a screw together with screw head, in a direction perpendicular to the tabletop form fit to the table top, whereby the mobility of the handle member is parallel to the table top slidably guaranteed.

According to a further embodiment of the folding table according to the invention, the handle part on a handle and an associated with this operating portion, which is formed with the nose. Such a handle can be actuated by an operator ergonomically simple.

In particular, the grip part, the carriage, the connector and / or the engagement and receiving element can each be formed as a plastic part, in particular plastic casting.

CONTENT OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments specified in the figures of the drawing.

Show it:

Fig. 1

in a perspective view and only partially a folding table according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2

a section AA FIG. 1 , wherein a table top of the folding table is in its vertical position;

Fig. 3

the cut AA FIG. 2 but with the table top in its horizontal position;

Fig. 4A

in a perspective view obliquely from above a carriage of the folding table;

Fig. 4B

in a perspective view obliquely from below the carriage FIG. 4A ;

Fig. 5

a cut BB off FIG. 3 wherein a locking mechanism of the folding table is in its locking position;

Fig. 6

in an enlarged view of the lower assembly FIG. 5 ;

Fig. 7

a cut CC off FIG. 5 ;

Fig. 8

the view FIG. 6 , wherein the locking mechanism is in its release position; and

Fig. 9

the view FIG. 7 , wherein the locking mechanism is in its release position.

In all figures of the drawing, identical or functionally identical elements - unless otherwise indicated - have been given the same reference numerals.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 only partially shows a folding table 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The folding table 1 is formed symmetrically about the section line AA.

The folding table 1 is designed as a staggered table, that is, a plurality of folding tables 1 can be placed behind each other to save space when the folding tables 1 are not used.

The folding table 1 has a table frame 2 and a table top 3. The table top 3 is provided pivotally about the table frame 2 between a horizontal position and a vertical position. FIG. 1 shows a vertical position of the table top 3, which occupies an angle of approximately 45 ° to a horizontal line 4. Of course, however, the table top 3 can also bring into a fully vertical position in which it forms an angle of approximately 90 ° with the horizontal line 4. In figure 3 is the table top 3 in its horizontal position, but the table top 3 is not shown as such, but a support section 5 of the same. The support profile 5 of the table top 3 is also in FIG. 1 to see. In FIG. 3 is the angle between the horizontal line 4 and the table top 3 and the profile 5 in about 0 °.

To pivot the table top 3 between its horizontal position and its vertical position is a bearing 6, see FIG. 5 , intended. The bearing 6 is composed of a formed on a corner profile connector 7 of the support frame 2 pin 11 and a socket 12 in the support section 5 together. The bush 12 is rotatably mounted about the formed pivot axis 13 on the pin 11th

The corner profile connector 7, see FIG. 1 , connects two horizontally extending, parallel profiles 14, 15 with two vertically extending, parallel profiles 16, 17. The pivot axis 13 preferably extends along the profile 14. The profiles 14, 15 parallel to the long side 21 of the table top 3. An the profiles 16, 17 join legs 22 with rollers 23.

The folding table 1 also has a locking mechanism 24 attached to the table frame 2, see FIG. 1 , on. The locking mechanism 24 locks in a locking position of the same a pivoting of the table top 3 to the table frame 2 and the pivot axis 13. The locking position of the locking mechanism 24 is shown in Figures 6 and 7 and will be explained later in more detail. The locking mechanism 24 also has a release position in which it releases a pivoting of the table top 3 about the table frame 2 and the pivot axis 13. The release position of the locking mechanism 24 is in the FIGS. 8 and 9 is shown and will too later explained in more detail. The locking mechanism 24 is in FIG. 1 only partially seen, since a majority of the components of the locking mechanism 24 for an operator invisible in the table frame 2 is integrated.

The folding table 1 still has a grip part 25. The grip part 25 is attached to the table top 3, preferably on its underside 27. The handle portion 25 is operable by the operator to in the horizontal position of the table top 3, see FIG. 3 , the locking mechanism 24 from its locking position, see FIGS. 5 to 7 , in its release position, see FIGS. 8 and 9 to adjust. In the horizontal position of the table top 3, the grip part 25 is engaged with the locking mechanism 24, see FIG. 3 so that the adjustment of the locking mechanism 24 is possible. In contrast, the handle member 25 is in the vertical position of the table top 3 with the locking mechanism 24 disengaged, see FIG. 1 , so that an adjustment of the locking mechanism 24 is not possible.

The handle member 25 is slidably mounted on the table top 3 for adjusting the locking mechanism 24 parallel to the table top 3. For this purpose, the handle part 25, for example, three slots 26, see FIGS. 1 and 6 , on. The elongated holes 26 are in each case with screws (not shown) in engagement, which are screwed with its threaded portion in the table top 3 and engage with their respective screw heads the slots 26 in a direction perpendicular to the table top 3. This results in a displaceability of the grip part 25 in the longitudinal direction L, see FIG. 6 , the elongated holes 26. The longitudinal direction L is preferably parallel to the broad side 31, see FIG. 1 , the tabletop 3.

The grip part 25 is composed of a handle 32, see FIGS. 1 and 6, and an actuating portion 33. The handle 32 can be easily gripped by the operator, so that the operating portion 33 connected to the handle 32 is ergonomically simple along the longitudinal direction L, see FIG. 6 , Actuate, thereby to adjust the locking mechanism 24 between its locking position and its release position.

The operating portion 33 of the handle portion 25 has a nose 34, see FIGS. 1 and 2 , which, when pivoting the table top 3 from its vertical position, see FIGS. 1 and 2 , in its horizontal position, see FIG. 3 , with a recess 35 (see Figures 3 and 4A ) of the locking mechanism 24 automatically, ie without further action by the operator person, engages. By the operator, the handle part 25 along the longitudinal direction L, see FIG. 3 Pulls to itself, the locking mechanism 24 is moved from its locking position in its release position, as explained in more detail later.

The locking mechanism 24 has a good in the FIGS. 2 to 4B to be detected carriage 36. The carriage 36 is in a cross connector 37, see FIG. 1 , movably guided in the longitudinal direction L. For this purpose, the carriage 36 lateral sliding surfaces 41, see FIGS. 4A and 4B , on which along corresponding sliding surfaces 42, see FIG. 6 , the cross connector 37 slip. In the vertical direction of the carriage 36 is by means of elastic hooks 43 with the cross connector 37 positively engages, so that only a movement of the carriage 36 along the longitudinal direction L is released, see also FIG. 4A , The cross connector 37 is at its ends 38, see FIG. 1 , positive fit in the transverse direction to the profiles 14, 15 attached to this.

The locking mechanism 24 further includes a pulley mechanism 44, see Figures 2 and 4 on, which is actuated by means of the carriage 36, thereby to adjust the locking mechanism 24 from its locking position to its release position. For this purpose, the carriage 36 has an extension 45 extending in the longitudinal direction L, see FIG. 4B , on. The extension 45 is at its end with a rounding 46, see also FIG. 6 , educated. Opposite the rounding 46, the carriage 36 has an elastic hook 47. The rounding 46, together with the hook 47, forms an all-round closed opening 48. A rope 52, see FIG. 6 , the cable mechanism 44 is introduced by means of elastic deformation of the hook 47 in the opening 48 and there by means of then back to its starting position, see FIG. 4B , held hook 47 in the opening 48 in a direction radially relative to the cable 52 held in a form-fitting manner. The carriage 36 or its extension 45 is positioned approximately centrally with respect to the total length of the cable 52. The rope 52 lies in a non-straight path with a portion thereof around the curve 46 of the carriage 36, as in FIG FIG. 6 clearly visible. Moving the carriage 36 in the longitudinal direction L, see FIG. 6 , Transverse to the clamping direction S of the rope 52, thus leading to a shortening of the rope 52 in the clamping direction S. The rope 52 extends within the profile 15 protected to engaging elements 53 at its opposite ends 56, as in the Figures 5 and 7 for the in FIG. 1 left side of the table 1 shown. The right end of the rope 52 and the right engagement element are not seen correspondingly in the figures. A respective engagement element 53, see FIG. 7 is hinged at a pivot point 54, for example, within the Eckprofilverbinders 7 pivotally. FIG. 7 shows the engagement member 53rd in the locking position of the locking mechanism 24, in which it is spring-biased in a receiving element 55 in the support section 5 of the table top 3 and positively engages in the vertical direction. Thus, the engagement member 53 in cooperation with the receiving member 55 in the locking position of the locking mechanism 24 prevents pivoting of the table top 3 from its horizontal position.

Due to the spring bias (a corresponding spring is not shown) and a suitable slope 57, see FIG. 7 , the engaging member 53 automatically engages with the receiving member 55 when the table top 3 is pivoted from its vertical position to its horizontal position.

The receiving element 55 can, as in FIG. 7 represented as an insert, for example, be designed as a plastic insert in the support section 5.

Now draws an operator person on the handle 32, see Figure 5, so the rounding 46 acts, see FIG. 6 , the carriage 36 on the rope 52 and thus shortens this in the clamping direction S (imaginary, straight connecting line between the opposing engagement elements 54), so that the engagement elements 53 are pivoted about the pivot point 54 and thus out of engagement with a respective receiving element 55th devices. Thereafter, the table top 3 can be around the table frame 2 and the pivot axis 13 from its horizontal position to its vertical position, see FIG. 1 , swing upwards. The corresponding position of the grip part 25, the carriage 36, the rope 52 and the engagement elements 53 in the release position of the locking mechanism 24 is in the FIGS. 8 and 9 shown.

Due to a suitable spring bias (a corresponding spring is not shown), the carriage 36 and thus the handle portion 25 after pulling the same by the operator person returns to its original position, see FIGS. 5 to 7 which corresponds to the locking position of the locking mechanism 24.

Although the invention has been described herein with reference to preferred embodiments, it is by no means limited thereto, but modifiable within a variety of ways within the scope indicated by the claims.

In particular, it should be noted that "a" in this case excludes no variety.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

folding table

2

table support

3

tabletop

4

horizontal line

5

support section

6

camp

7

Corner profile

11

spigot

12

Rifle

13

swivel axis

14

profile

15

profile

16

profile

17

profile

21

long side

22

leg boom

23

role

24

locking mechanism

25

handle part

26

Long hole

27

bottom

31

broadside

32

handle

33

actuating section

34

nose

35

recess

36

carriage

37

cross-connector

38

The End

41

sliding surface

42

sliding surface

43

hook

44

cable mechanism

45

extension

46

curve

47

hook

48

opening

52

rope

53

engaging member

54

articulation

55

receiving element

56

The End

57

slope

L

longitudinal direction

S

tensioning direction

Claims (8)

1. Folding table (1), in particular stowable table,

   - having a table frame (2);

   - having a table top (3) that is provided in such a manner that it may pivot about the table frame (2) between an essentially horizontal and an essentially vertical position of said table top;

   wherein the folding table (1) comprises a locking mechanism (24) that is attached to the table frame (2) and that in a locking position of said locking mechanism blocks the table top (3) from pivoting about the table frame (2) and in a released position of said locking mechanism allows the table top (3) to pivot; and
   wherein the folding table (1) comprises a handgrip (25) that is attached to the table top (3) and that may be actuated by an operating person and that is provided in such a manner that said handgrip may be spatially separated from the locking mechanism (24), said handgrip being in engagement with the locking mechanism (24) when the table top (3) is in the horizontal position for an adjustment of said table top out of its locked position into its released position and when the table top (3) is in the vertical position said handgrip is not in engagement with the locking mechanism (24);
   wherein the handgrip (25) comprises a lug (34) and when the table top (3) is pivoted out of its vertical position into its horizontal position said lug comes into engagement with a recess (35) of the locking mechanism (24) for the adjustment of said locking mechanism out of its locked position into its released position;
   characterised in that
   the locking mechanism (24) comprises a slide (36) that comprises the recess (35) and is provided in a movable manner essentially parallel to the table top (3) in the horizontal position of said table top for the adjustment of the locking mechanism (24) by means of the hand grip (25) out of the locked position into the released position of said locking mechanism.
2. Folding table according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the locking mechanism (24) comprises a cable pull mechanism (44) that may be actuated by means of the slide (36) .
3. Folding table according to claim 2,
   characterised in that
   the cable pull mechanism (44) comprises a cable (52) that is connected respectively on its ends to an engagement element (53), wherein the slide preferably acts approximately centrally on the cable (52) in order to consequently shorten the distance (S) between the engagement elements (53), as a result of which said engagement elements are brought out of engagement with receiving elements (55) on the table top (3) and allow the table top (3) to pivot out of its horizontal position into its vertical position.
4. Folding table according to claim 3,
   characterised in that
   the receiving elements (55) are respectively embodied in a carrier profile (5) that is attached to the table top (3).
5. Folding table according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
   characterised in that
   the slide (36) is held on the table frame (2) in a displaceable manner.
6. Folding table according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the table frame (2) comprises two profiles (14, 15) that are connected to one another by means of a connector (37) in a transverse manner with respect to the profiles (14, 15), wherein the connector (37) holds the slide (36).
7. Folding table according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the handgrip (25) is attached to the table top (3) for the adjustment of the locking mechanism (24) in a movable manner, in particular in a manner in which it may be displaced parallel to the table top (3).
8. Folding table according to claim 7,
   characterised in that
   the hand grip (25) comprises a handle (32) and an actuating section (33) that is connected to said hand grip, said actuating section being formed by the lug (34).

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