EP3311691B1

EP3311691B1 - A furniture assembly for supporting one or more electronic devices

Info

Publication number: EP3311691B1
Application number: EP16194842.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gilles Borremans; Martijn Joris
Original assignee: Twikit NV
Current assignee: Twikit NV
Priority date: 2016-10-20
Filing date: 2016-10-20
Publication date: 2020-01-01
Anticipated expiration: 2036-10-20
Also published as: EP3311691A1

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a furniture assembly such as a standing desk or an add-on standing desk for supporting one or more electronic devices.

Background of the Invention

ES2265802A1 describes a piece of furniture which can be used for example as a table or a chair. FR 2 865 365 A1 describes an A-frame shelf structure. While many studies have examined the risks of prolonged sitting due to a sedentary lifestyle or prolonged standing due to working conditions, standing may have been found to be more efficient in terms of burning calories, in terms of reducing musculoskeletal discomfort and in terms of lowering a metabolic risk which is associated for example with diabetes and heart disease. Indeed, prolonged stationary periods have been linked with problems of blood glucose control and reduced production certain enzymes, both of which contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. In other words, sitting for extended periods of time has been linked to detrimental health effects.
To solve this issue, height-adjustable desks or sit-stand desks which can be adjusted to both sitting and standing positions have caught major public attention. A standing desk or stand-up desk is a desk conceived for writing, reading, working while standing up or while sitting on a high stool. Some standing desks may only be used while standing while others allow users to sit or stand by adjusting the desk height with an electric motor, hand crank, or counterbalance system. Standing desks may be specialized to suit particular tasks, such as certain variations of the telephone desk and desks for architectural drafting. The standing desk can rest on the ground or can be constructed to be set on top of an existing desk for standing, or can be removed for sitting, or can hang from a wall or a door or a ceiling. While height of most seated desks is standardized, standing desks are made in many different heights in order to be able to fulfil ergonomics requirements for each user of the standing desk. In order to adjust the height relative to the user, a standing desk may be made with adjustable parts. For writing or drafting, the angle or slant of the surface may be adjustable. If the desk is made for computer use, the length of the legs may be adjustable.
Several solutions for standing desks exist on the market. For example, IKEA commercializes a BEKANT Ergonomi model of sitting and standing desk which comprises a desk and one or more modules which can be positioned on the desk as add-ons to allow a user to stand instead of sitting. The height of the desk itself may also be adjusted to the height and the position of a user, for example to the height of the elbows of the user, the height of his stare with respect to a computer screen, etc.. Other examples of such desks are commercialized by companies such as Varidesk, Ergotron, Updesk,etc..
The desk and the modules of the BEKANT Ergonomi model comprise several elements which are coupled to each other via screws and bolts which require a complex and time-consuming assembly. Additionally, the adjustment of the height of the desk itself requires the user to unscrew the bolts of the desk and to raise or lower the feet of the desk individually before screwing the bolts again at a different height. This is not user-friendly. Other examples commercialized by companies such as Varidesk, Ergotron, Updesk comprise a motor used to switch between a sitting position and a standing position. The assembly of the desks is therefore made complex.
The design application number 5000032 with registration office code GB of I Want A Standing Desk Limited entitled "Retrofit Standing Desk" published on October 6, 2015 describes an add-on standing desk for supporting one or more electronic devices and comprising four panels coupled to each other without screws and bolts. A first panel comprising a longitudinal direction comprises a plurality of slots, and the slots are defined perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction. A second panel is coupled to the first panel via one of the slots such that the assembly of the first panel and the second panel forms a crossing point at one of the slots of the first panel. This way, the first panel rests at a position inclined with respect to a vertical direction. A third panel and a fourth panel are then coupled to the first panel via a respective slot and at the opposite side of the first panel than the second panel. For example, a laptop can rest on the third or the fourth panel and a keyboard can rest of the other panel of the third or the fourth panel.
As the first panel of the design application number 5000032 comprises a plurality of slots, the height of the standing desk is adjustable without the need for a motor and the heights of the third and fourth panels are also adjustable without the need for a motor. However, there exists a risk that the add-on standing desk tilts frontwards under the weight of the third and the fourth panels when for example the second panel is coupled to a slot at the bottom of the first panel and when the third panel and/or the fourth panel are coupled to a slot at the bottom of the first panel. The position of the second panel therefore has to be carefully chosen with respect to the positions of the third and fourth panels so that the mechanical strength and the stability of the add-on standing desk is not jeopardized. Additionally, the ergonomics achievable with such a design are rather limited. As the position of the second panel with respect to the first panel also influences the possible positions of the third and fourth panels, a user may not be able to couple the third and/or fourth panels to the first panel as desired for a given inclination of the first panel with respect to the vertical direction without risking seeing the add-on standing desk tilt frontwards. The third and fourth panels may therefore be too low or too high to comply with requirements for an ergonomic position of the user.
It is an objective of the present invention to disclose a furniture assembly that overcomes the above identified shortcomings of existing solutions. More particularly, it is an objective to disclose a furniture assembly which complies with ergonomics requirements and which demonstrates an improved mechanical stability.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above defined objectives are realized by a furniture assembly for supporting one or more electronic devices, the furniture assembly comprising:

a table top panel comprising a longitudinal direction;
two side elements, each of the two side elements comprising a coupling point configured to couple to the table top panel;

The furniture assembly according to the present invention demonstrates a strong mechanical stability. The table top panel maintains the two side elements locked together in a releasable manner when the two side elements are coupled together at the crossing point. This way, the table top panel prevents the furniture assembly and more particularly each side element from sliding or tilting sideways under the weight applied by the one or more electronic devices on the furniture assembly. This way, when one or more electronic devices are positioned on the furniture assembly, thanks to the specific coupling between the two side elements of the furniture assembly, none of the two side elements tilts or slides sideways, the furniture assembly does not tilt sideways, and the furniture assembly also does not tilt frontwards or backwards. Additionally, thanks to the coupling of the two side elements together at the crossing point, the furniture assembly is also more resistant to torsion under the weight of the one or more devices. In other words, the mechanical stability of the furniture assembly is guaranteed by the triangular arrangement in projection defined between the crossing point created when the two side elements are coupled together and the two coupling points of the coupled side elements to the table top panel. Additionally, the two side elements are coupled together in a releasable manner and the two side elements are coupled to the table top panel in an interlocking slot engagement which is also releasable. This way, the furniture assembly can be very easily assembled and disassembled without requiring any screws or bolts, thereby ensuring that the mounting and the dismounting of the furniture assembly stays simple and user-friendly.
The furniture assembly according to the present invention is fully customizable before it is manufactured. Indeed, a user of the furniture assembly can request to customize the desk based for example input parameters such as his body height, his elbow height, his upper body length, the length of his forearms, the length of his face, etc., but also on input parameters related to the one or more electronic devices, such as for example the brand and the model of screen, of laptop, of tablet, etc. and particularly their dimensions and their thicknesses. This way, the dimensions of the furniture assembly are determined prior to manufacturing in order to manufacture a furniture assembly which is fully custom-made per specific user and which complies with ergonomics requirements in function of the input parameters of this specific user. For example, the height of the coupling of the two side elements together with respect to the length of the two side elements determines the height of the crossing point with respect to the total height of the two side elements. Additionally, the height of the two coupling points on the two side elements with respect to the length of the two side elements also determines the height of the table top panel with respect to the crossing point. The fully customizable aspect of the furniture assembly according to the present invention helps reducing musculoskeletal discomfort and lowers a metabolic risk which is associated for example with diabetes and heart disease, while enjoying a manufacturing method which makes it compatible with a large variety of electronic devices. The furniture assembly according to the present invention can comprise a material comprising for example one or more of the following: wood, plywood, cardboard, acrylic, Plexiglas, medium-density fibreboard also referred to as MDF, etc.. The furniture assembly according to the present invention may be manufactured with for example laser cutting and/or computer numerical control milling also referred to as CNC milling. Alternatively, the furniture assembly comprises any material which is suitable for example to be laser cut or CNC milling and which demonstrates suitable mechanical properties to support the one or more electronic devices. Alternatively, the furniture assembly is manufactured using any suitable manufacturing technique. For example, in the context of mass production, moulding techniques could be developed to produce the two side elements and the table top panel of the furniture assembly according to the present invention. In this case for example, a range of different moulds could be fabricated to manufacture different sizes of furniture assemblies.
The furniture assembly can be a standing desk adapted to rest on the ground. This way, a user of the furniture assembly can use to the one or more electronic devices while standing. Alternatively, the furniture assembly can be an add-on standing desk adapted to rest on an existing desk. This way the user of the furniture assembly can switch between working at a sitting position at the existing desk and working at a standing position at the add-on standing desk. The one or more electronic devices according to the present invention are for example one or more screens, one or more laptop computers, one or more tablets, one or more keyboards, one or more smartphones, etc.. The table top panel can for example be a board, a plank, a panel or a clipping element to which the two side elements are coupled in a releasable manner at the two coupling points. The two side elements according to the present invention are for example planks or boards or panels. The two side elements for example demonstrate the same length. The longitudinal direction of the table top panel is for example parallel to a horizontal direction. Alternatively, the longitudinal direction of the table top panel is for example parallel to a vertical direction. The dimensions of the two side elements and of the table top panel ensure the design of the furniture assembly stays lightweight and transportable by hand.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, each of the two side elements further comprises a slot defined through the side element and extending along the lateral direction of the side element and configured to cooperate with the slot of the other side element to form the crossing point.
The furniture assembly then demonstrates a strong mechanical stability. The table top panel maintains the two side elements locked together in a releasable manner when the two side elements are slotted together at the crossing point. This way, the table top panel prevents the furniture assembly and more particularly each side element from sliding or tilting sideways under the weight applied by the one or more electronic devices on the furniture assembly. This way, when one or more electronic devices are positioned on the furniture assembly, thanks to the specific coupling between the two side elements of the furniture assembly, none of the two side elements tilts or slides sideways, the furniture assembly does not tilt sideways, and the furniture assembly also does not tilt frontwards or backwards. Additionally, thanks to the coupling of the two side elements together at the crossing point, the furniture assembly is also more resistant to torsion under the weight of the one or more devices. In other words, the mechanical stability of the furniture assembly is guaranteed by the triangular arrangement in projection defined between the crossing point created when the two side elements are slotted together and the two coupling points of the slotted side elements to the table top panel. Additionally, the two side elements are slotted together in a slot-to-slot interlocking engagement which is releasable and the two side elements are coupled to the table top panel in an interlocking slot engagement which is also releasable. This way, the furniture assembly can be very easily assembled and disassembled without requiring any screws or bolts, thereby ensuring that the mounting and the dismounting of the furniture assembly stays simple and user-friendly.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, the two side elements are coupled together by means of the respective slots at the crossing point.
This way, the two side elements cooperate with each other at their respective slots in order to form a crossing point. The two side elements are slotted together in a slot-to-slot interlocking engagement at the crossing point, which makes their assembly easy and which also allows to release their coupling easily. Additionally, the crossing point ensures the design of the furniture assembly remains compact. The scale of the furniture assembly is determined by the scale taken by the two side elements when the two side elements are coupled together by means of the respective slots at the crossing point.
According to an optional aspect of the invention:

the crossing point comprises a hinge configured to rotate around the lateral direction of the side elements and wherein the hinge comprises two pairs of opposite wings; and
each of the two side elements further comprises a support portion and a coupling portion, wherein the support portion is adapted to fit in a wing of one of the two pairs of opposite wings such that the support portion extends above the crossing point along a longitudinal direction of the respective side element and wherein the coupling portion is adapted to fit in the other wing of the one of the two pairs of opposite wings such that the coupling portion extends below the crossing point along the same longitudinal direction of the respective side element;

The furniture assembly then demonstrates a strong mechanical stability. The table top panel maintains the two side elements locked together in a releasable manner when the two side elements are coupled together by means of the hinge at the crossing point. This way, the table top panel prevents the furniture assembly and more particularly each side element from sliding or tilting sideways under the weight applied by the one or more electronic devices on the furniture assembly. This way, when one or more electronic devices are positioned on the furniture assembly, thanks to the specific coupling between the two side elements of the furniture assembly, none of the two side elements tilts or slides sideways, the furniture assembly does not tilt sideways, and the furniture assembly also does not tilt frontwards or backwards. Additionally, thanks to the coupling of the two side elements together at the crossing point, the furniture assembly is also more resistant to torsion under the weight of the one or more devices. In other words, the mechanical stability of the furniture assembly is guaranteed by the triangular arrangement in projection defined between the crossing point created when the two side elements are coupled together by means of the hinge and the two coupling points of the coupled side elements to the table top panel. Additionally, the two side elements are coupled together by means of the hinge at the crossing point in a fitting engagement which is releasable and the two side elements are coupled to the table top panel in an interlocking slot engagement which is also releasable. This way, the furniture assembly can be very easily assembled and disassembled without requiring any screws or bolts, thereby ensuring that the mounting and the dismounting of the furniture assembly stays simple and user-friendly.
A hinge according to the present invention is for example a barrel type hinge with two pairs of opposite wings also called leaves that are coupled to each other and can rotate with respect to each other around the lateral direction. The two pairs of opposite wings are coupled to each other via the core of the hinge extending along the lateral direction and around which the two pairs of opposite wings rotate. The two pairs of opposite wings are able to rotate around the lateral direction thanks to intertwined knuckles. Preferably, each pair of opposite wings of the hinge according to the present invention comprises two intertwined knuckles on each side of the hinge. According to an alternative embodiment, each pair of opposite wings of the hinge according to the present invention comprises one or more than two intertwined knuckles on each side of the hinge, for example three, four, five, six etc.. The hinge is for example 3D-printed with suitable 3D-printing techniques. The hinge for example comprises one or more of the following: a plastic material, a polymer material, etc.. Alternatively, the hinge is for example moulded for example by injection moulding.
The hinge according to the present invention allows the two side elements by its rotation to be positioned in an open position wherein both side elements may be coupled to a table top panel in order to form the furniture assembly according to the present invention and a folded position wherein the two side elements are parallel to each other.
Alternatively, the crossing point of the furniture assembly according to the present invention comprises a crossing element extending along a lateral direction and comprising two pairs of opposite wings. Each of the two side elements further comprises a support portion and a coupling portion, wherein the support portion is adapted to fit in a wing of one of the two pairs of opposite wings such that the support portion extends above the crossing point along a longitudinal direction of the respective side element and wherein the coupling portion is adapted to fit in the other wing of the one of the two pairs of opposite wings such that the coupling portion extends below the crossing point along the same longitudinal direction of the respective side element. The two side elements are then coupled together by means of the crossing element at the crossing point. The crossing element positions the two side elements under a predetermined fixed angle.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, each of the two side elements further comprises an inward side and an opposite outward side; and
the two side elements are coupled together such that the longitudinal direction of each of the two side elements comprises, at the respective inward side a sharp angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the table top panel.
This way, the mechanical stability of the furniture assembly is guaranteed. The furniture assembly may not comprise a crossing point defined such that the longitudinal direction of one of the two side elements comprises an obtuse angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the table top panel. If the furniture assembly would comprise a crossing point defined such that the longitudinal direction of one of the two side elements comprises an obtuse angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the table top panel, there would exist a risk that the furniture assembly would tilt sideways in the direction of the side element corresponding to the longitudinal direction. This is prevented by the present invention.
This way, an electronic device can for example be positioned above the crossing point and another electronic device can for example be positioned on the table top panel. For example, a screen or a laptop can be positioned above the crossing point and a keyboard may be positioned on the table top panel. This allows a user of the furniture assembly to look at the screen or at the laptop while simultaneously typing on the keyboard while keeping an ergonomic position.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, the crossing point is equidistant from the respective coupling points.
This way, the mechanical stability and the strength of the furniture assembly are guaranteed by the isosceles triangular arrangement in projection defined between the coupling point created when the two side elements are coupled together, for example by means of their respective slots or by means of the hinge or by means of the crossing element, and the two coupling points of the coupled side elements to the table top panel. This prevents one of the two or the two side elements from sliding inwards or outwards thereby making the furniture assembly tilt sideways. Alternatively, the furniture assembly may comprise two side elements with identical lengths or non-identical lengths and wherein the two side elements are not coupled at the same height on the respective side elements with respect to the total height of the side elements. In order words, the two sharp angles with respect to the longitudinal direction of the table top panel may not be identical. The height of the crossing point with respect to the respective coupling points is determined to comply with ergonomics requirements for a user of the furniture assembly.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, each of the two side elements further comprises a front edge and an opposite back edge both defined along the respective longitudinal direction of each respective side element.
This way, the furniture assembly is defined such that a user faces both the front edges of the two side elements.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, the slot of one of the two side elements is defined at the respective front edge and wherein the slot of the other side element is defined at the respective opposite back edge.
This way, the two slots of the two side elements are defined in the two side elements such that they can cooperate with each other in order to lock the two side elements in a slot-to-slot engagement. The longitudinal direction of each of the two side elements comprises a sharp angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the table top panel. The furniture assembly may comprise two side elements with identical lengths or non-identical lengths and wherein each side element comprises a slot but wherein the slots are not at the same height on the respective side elements with respect to the total height of the side elements. In order words, the two sharp angles with respect to the longitudinal direction of the table top panel may not be identical. Alternatively, the furniture assembly comprises two side elements with identical lengths or non-identical lengths and wherein each side element comprises a slot but wherein the slots are at the same height on the respective side elements with respect to the total height of the side elements. The slots of the two side elements are preferably defined at a position on each respective side element comprised between the half and the third of the total length of the side element.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, the two side elements are coupled together at the crossing point in a releasable manner and wherein the two side elements are coupled to the table top panel at their respective coupling points in a releasable manner.
This way, the furniture assembly can be very easily assembled and disassembled without requiring any screws or bolts, thereby ensuring that the mounting and the dismounting of the furniture assembly stay simple and user-friendly.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, each of the two side elements further comprises a foot.
This way, the mechanical stability of the furniture assembly is guaranteed as the two feet prevent the furniture assembly from twisting in a torsion movement under the weight of the one or more devices.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, each of said two side elements further comprises a support edge extending from the respective front edge to the respective opposite back edge, such that the furniture assembly is adapted to support an electronic device resting on both support edges.
This way, at least one electronic device can rest on the support edges of the furniture assembly. The support edges may be manufactured for example by laser cutting or by CNC milling. Support edges manufactured by laser cutting are defined substantially perpendicular to the side elements, i.e. are defined parallel to the thickness of the respective support edge. Support edges manufactured by CNC milling may be defined such that they are substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the table top panel. This way, the support edges form a flat surface on which one or more electronic device can rest.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, each respective foot is aligned along a direction with the respective support edge at the respective opposite back edge of the respective side element.
This way, the mechanical stability of the furniture assembly is guaranteed as the furniture assembly cannot tilt backwards under the weight of the one or more electronic devices. Each of the feet is preferable aligned along a vertical direction with the respective support edge of the side element comprising a slot defined at the respective opposite back edge. Alternatively, each feet is preferably aligned along a vertical direction with the respective support edges at the opposite back edges of the side elements.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, the respective support edges are defined under an angle with respect to the lateral direction such that the respective support edge of the respective side element at the respective opposite back edge is above the respective support edge of the respective side element at the respective front edge along the longitudinal direction of the respective side element and such that the respective support edge of the respective side element at the respective opposite back edge is above the respective support edge of the respective side element at the respective front edge along the longitudinal direction of the respective side element.
This way, an electronic device resting on the support edges is tilted. For example, a user of the furniture assembly may request and/or ergonomics requirements may impose that the user looks at a tablet or a screen or a screen of a laptop under a vision angle with respect to the lateral direction. Alternatively, the respective support edges are not tilted with respect to the lateral direction and are manufactured such that they are substantially parallel to the lateral direction. This way, an electronic device can rest on the respective support edges and a user of the furniture assembly can himself decide of his vision angle.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, the respective support edges comprise a notch at the respective front edges.
This way, the height of the notch may be chosen such that an electronic device may be slid between the support edges and the notch, thereby fixing the electronic device in a releasable manner to the furniture assembly and preventing the electronic device from falling. The notches may have a rectangular shape. Alternatively, the notches may have a circular shape.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, the respective support edges comprise an anti-slip material.
This way, an electronic device is fixed to the furniture assembly in a releasable manner and is prevented from falling thanks to the anti-slip material. The anti-slip material comprises for example one or more of the following: grip material, plastic, polymer, rubber, fabric, etc.. This anti-slip material further protects the electronic devices from scratches and further protects the support edges of the furniture assembly from chipping.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, the longitudinal direction of the table top panel is substantially perpendicular to a plane comprising the longitudinal direction of each of the two side elements.
This way, the table top panel is coupled perpendicularly to the two side elements. Alternatively, the table top panel is tilted with respect to a direction perpendicular to the two side elements. For example, the table top panel is tilted with 5°, 10°, 15°, 20° or 25° with respect to the direction perpendicular to the two side elements.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, each of the two side elements comprises a panel support extending along the lateral direction and adapted to support the table top panel.
This way, the table top panel rests on the respective panel supports, thereby preventing the table top panel from tilting downwards under the weight of one or more electronic devices.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, the table top panel further comprises two locking hooks.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, the two locking hooks lock said table top panel to the two side elements when the two side elements are coupled to the table top panel at their respective coupling points.
This way, the table top panel ensures the coupling of each of the two side elements to the table top panel. Additionally, the locking hooks prevent the table top panel from tilting upwards when the table top panel is pushed upwards. Alternatively, the table top panel comprises at least one locking hook, or a plurality of locking hooks, for example three hooks, four hooks, five hooks, six hooks, etc..
According to an optional aspect of the invention, the two side elements are coupled to the table top panel at their respective coupling points when the table top panel is coupled to the respective coupling points from the inward sides to the opposite outward sides or when the table top panel is coupled to the respective coupling points from the inward sides to the opposite outward sides.
This way, the interlocking engagement of the two side elements to the table top panel is performed for example by a tight-fit engagement. In other words, the support edges of the two side elements slotted together via their slots or coupled together via the hinge or coupled together via the crossing element are brought closer together, thereby allowing the table top panel to fit between the two respective inward sides of the two side elements and releasing the pressure on the support edges, thereby coupling the table top panel to the two side elements. Alternatively, the interlocking engagement of the two side elements to the table top panel is performed for example by a press-fit engagement. In other words, the feet of the two side elements slotted together via their slots or coupled together via the hinge or coupled together via the crossing element are brought closer together, thereby allowing the table top panel to cast the two respective outward sides of the two side elements and releasing the pressure on the feet, thereby coupling the table top panel to the two side elements.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, the respective coupling points comprise a low friction material.
This way, the coupling of the table top panel to the two side elements is made easier. The low friction material for example comprises one or more of the following: fabric, rubber, polymer, plastic, etc..
According to an optional aspect of the invention, the table top panel is adapted to support one or more electronic devices.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, at least one of the respective opposite back edges comprises one or more indentation teeth.
This way, electronic cables and/or power cables of the one or more electronic devices can be clipped in the one or more indentation teeth of the furniture assembly, thereby putting them away and keeping the furniture assembly compact. One or more indentation teeth can for example extend along the lateral direction. Alternatively, one or more indentation teeth for example extend along a direction tilted with respect to the lateral direction. One or more indentation teeth may be defined at the opposite back edges of the feet of the two side elements, and/or at the opposite back edges of one or both of the two side elements above the crossing point, and/or at the opposite back edges of one or both of the two side elements between the crossing point and the table top panel and/or at the edges of the table top panel.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, each of the two side elements and the table top panel further comprises a handle.
This way, the furniture assembly may be compactly and easily transported by hand. The furniture assembly may further comprise Velcro fixations in order to couple the handles of each side element and of the table top panel together to be able to transport the furniture assembly more easily.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, the furniture assembly is adapted to rest on a furniture element.
Alternatively, the furniture assembly is adapted to rest on the ground.
According to an optional aspect of the invention, each of the coupling portions comprises the respective coupling point.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a furniture assembly according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a furniture assembly according to the present invention.
Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of the coupling of two side elements to a table panel according to the present invention.
Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a back perspective view of an embodiment of a furniture assembly according to the present invention.
Fig. 5A schematically illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a furniture assembly according to the present invention. Fig. 5B schematically illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a furniture assembly according to the present invention.
Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a furniture assembly according to the present invention.
Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a back perspective view of an embodiment of a furniture assembly according to the present invention.
Fig. 8A schematically illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a furniture assembly according to the present invention. Fig. 8B schematically illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a furniture assembly according to the present invention in a folded position.
Fig. 9A schematically illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a furniture assembly according to the present invention manufactured with CNC milling. Fig. 9B schematically illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a furniture assembly according to the present invention comprising a handle. Fig. 9C schematically illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a furniture assembly according to the present invention comprising a handle.

Detailed Description of Embodiment(s)

According to an embodiment shown in Fig. 1, a furniture assembly 100 comprises a table top panel 10 comprising a longitudinal direction 1 and two side elements 21;22. The longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a horizontal direction. According to an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a direction 9. The direction 9 is for example parallel to a vertical direction. Alternatively, the direction 9 is parallel to a horizontal direction. The side element 21 comprises a longitudinal direction 3. The side element 22 comprises a longitudinal direction 4. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises a slot 201;202 defined through the respective side element 21;22 and extending along a lateral direction 2 of the side element 21;22. Each slot 201;202 is configured to cooperate with the slot 202;201 of the other side element 21;22 to form a crossing point 203. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises an inward side 32;33 and an opposite outward side 31;34. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a coupling point 301;302 configured to couple the respective side element 21;22 to the table top panel 10. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 in a releasable manner. The two side elements 21;22 are further slotted together at the crossing point 203 such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 1. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the respective slots 201;202 at the crossing point 203. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together such that the respective inward sides 32;33 face each other and such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises, at the respective inward sides 32;33, a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is defined between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 5 is equal to 20°, or 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45°, or 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. The angle 5 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. The angle 6 is defined between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 6 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 6 is equal to 20°, or 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45°, or 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. The angle 6 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. The table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the opposite outward sides 31;34 to the inward sides 32;33. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the inward sides 32;33 to the opposite outward sides 31;34. When the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table to panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 and when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together, the crossing point 203 is above the table top panel 10. The crossing point 203 is equidistant from the respective coupling points 301 ;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when slotted together are substantially identical and equal. According to an alternative embodiment, the crossing point 203 is not equidistant from the respective coupling points 301 ;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when slotted together are not identical. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 301 when the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 is larger than the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 and the side element 22. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 302 when the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 is larger than the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 and the side element 21. Each of the two side elements comprises a front edge 204;206 and an opposite back edge 205;207 both defined along the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each respective side elements 21;22. In other words, the edge 204 is defined along the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. The edge 206 is defined along the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. The side element 21 comprises a slot 201 defined at the opposite back edge 205 and extending along the lateral direction 2. The side element 22 comprises a slot 202 defined at the front edge 206 and extending along the lateral direction 2. This way, the two slots 201;202 are configured to cooperate with each other when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together to form the crossing point 203. The two side elements 21;22 are slotted together at the crossing point 203 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements further comprises a respective support edge 208;209. The support edge 208 extends from the front edge 204 of the side element 21 to the opposite back edge 205 of the side element 21. The support edge 209 extends from the front edge 206 of the side element 22 to the opposite back edge 207 of the side element 22. The support edges 208;209 have substantially the same length along the lateral direction 2. The furniture assembly 100 is adapted to support an electronic device resting on both support edges 208;209. The support edges 208;209 are inclined with respect to the lateral direction 2 such that the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective opposite back edge 205 is above the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective front edge 204 along the longitudinal direction 3 of the respective side element 21 and such that the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective opposite back edge 207 is above the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective front edge 206 along the longitudinal direction 4 of the respective side element 22. Each of the support edges 208;209 comprises a notch 211;212 extending from their respective front edges 204;206 along their respective longitudinal directions 3;4, thereby forming a slot. When an electronic device rests on both the support edges 208;209, the electronic device may be slid in the notches 211;212 in order to fix its position on the furniture assembly 100 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a panel support 213;214 extending along the lateral direction 2 and adapted to support the table top panel 10. In other words, when the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301 ;302, and when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together at the crossing point 203, the table top panel 10 rests on both panel supports 213;214 of the respective two side elements 21;22. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a foot 401;402. Each respective foot 401;402 is aligned along the direction 9 with the respective support edge 208;209 at their respective opposite back edges 205;207 of their respective two side elements 21;22. The foot 401 of the side element 21 extends as far as the support edge 208 of the side element 21 extends along the lateral direction 2. The foot 402 of the side element 22 extends as far as the support edge 209 of the side element 22 extends along the lateral direction 2. The table top panel 10 extends along the lateral direction 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 is inclined with respect to a plane comprising the longitudinal directions 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22. For example, the table top panel may be inclined with 5°, or 10°, or 15° with respect to the lateral direction 2 in a direction opposite to the direction 9. The panels supports 213;214 extend along the lateral direction 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the panel supports 213;214 are then also inclined with 5°, or 10°, or 15° with respect to the lateral direction 2 in a direction opposite to the direction 9. The table top panel 10 is adapted to support one or more electronic devices.
According to an embodiment shown in Fig. 2, a furniture assembly 100 comprises a table top panel 10 comprising a longitudinal direction 1 and two side elements 21;22. Components having identical reference numbers to Fig. 1 fulfil the same function. The longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a horizontal direction. According to an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a direction 9. The direction 9 is for example parallel to a vertical direction. Alternatively, the direction 9 is parallel to a horizontal direction. The side element 21 comprises a longitudinal direction 3. The side element 22 comprises a longitudinal direction 4. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises a slot 201;202 defined through the respective side element 21;22 and extending along a lateral direction 2 of the side element 21;22. Each slot 201;202 is configured to cooperate with the slot 202;201 of the other side element 21;22 to form a crossing point 203. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises an inward side 32;33 and an opposite outward side 31;34. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a coupling point 301;302 configured to couple the respective side element 21;22 to the table top panel 10. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 in a releasable manner. The two side elements 21;22 are further slotted together at the crossing point 203 such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 1. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the respective slots 201;202 at the crossing point 203. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together such that the respective inward sides 32;33 face each other and such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises, at the respective inward side 32;33, a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is defined between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 5 is equal to 20°, or 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45°, or 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. The angle 5 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. The angle 6 is defined between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 6 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 6 is equal to 20°, or 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45°, or 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. The angle 6 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. The table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the opposite outward sides 31;34 to the inward sides 32;33. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the inward sides 32;33 to the opposite outward sides 31;34.. When the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table to panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 and when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together, the crossing point 203 is above the table top panel 10. The crossing point 203 is equidistant from the respective coupling points 301 ;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when slotted together are substantially identical and equal. According to an alternative embodiment, the crossing point 203 is not equidistant from the respective coupling points 301 ;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when slotted together are not identical. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 301 when the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 is larger than the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 and the side element 22. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 302 when the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 is larger than the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 and the side element 21. Each of the two side elements comprises a front edge 204;206 and an opposite back edge 205;207 both defined along the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each respective side elements 21;22. In other words, the edge 204 is defined along the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. The edge 206 is defined along the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. The side element 21 comprises a slot 201 defined at the opposite back edge 205 and extending along the lateral direction 2. The side element 22 comprises a slot 202 defined at the front edge 206 and extending along the lateral direction 2. This way, the two slots 201;202 are configured to cooperate with each other when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together to form the crossing point 203. The two side elements 21;22 are slotted together at the crossing point 203 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements further comprises a respective support edge 208;209. The support edge 208 extends from the front edge 204 of the side element 21 to the opposite back edge 205 of the side element 21. The support edge 209 extends from the front edge 206 of the side element 22 to the opposite back edge 207 of the side element 22. The support edges 208;209 have substantially the same length along the lateral direction 2. The furniture assembly 100 is adapted to support an electronic device resting on both support edges 208;209. The support edges 208;209 are inclined with respect to the lateral direction 2 such that the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective opposite back edge 205 is above the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective front edge 204 along the longitudinal direction 3 of the respective side element 21 and such that the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective opposite back edge 207 is above the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective front edge 206 along the longitudinal direction 4 of the respective side element 22. The support edge 208 of the side element 21 is inclined with an angle 7 with respect to the lateral direction 2. The angle 7 is comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 7 is equal to 0°, or 45°, or 90°. At 90°, the support edge 208 is parallel to the direction 9. The support edge 209 of the side element 22 is inclined with an angle 8 with respect to the lateral direction 2. The angle 8 is comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 8 is equal to 0°, or 45°, or 90°. At 90°, the support edge 209 is parallel to the direction 9. The angle 7 and the angle 8 are identical and substantially equal to each other. This way, one or more electronic device can rest on both support edges 208;209. According to an alternative embodiment, the furniture assembly 100 further comprises a panel which rests on both support edges 208;209. The furniture assembly 100 is manufactured for example with laser cutting. The support edges 208;209 therefore are defined along their respective longitudinal directions 3;4. According to an alternative embodiment, the furniture assembly is manufactured for example with CNC milling and the support edges 208;209 extend along the lateral direction, thereby creating a flat surface on which one or more electronic devices can be supported. Each of the support edges 208;209 comprises a notch 211;212 extending from their respective front edges 204;206 along their respective longitudinal directions 3;4, thereby forming a slot. When an electronic device rests on both the support edges 208;209, the electronic device may be slid in the notches 211;212 in order to fix its position on the furniture assembly 100 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a foot 401;402. Each respective foot 401;402 is aligned along the direction 9 with the respective support edge 208;209 at their respective opposite back edges 205;207 of their respective two side elements 21;22. The foot 401 of the side element 21 extends as far as the support edge 208 of the side element 21 extends along the lateral direction 2. The foot 402 of the side element 22 extends as far as the support edge 209 of the side element 22 extends along the lateral direction 2. The table top panel 10 extends along the lateral direction 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 is inclined with respect to a plane comprising the longitudinal directions 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22. For example, the table top panel may be inclined with 5°, or 10°, or 15° with respect to the lateral direction 2 in a direction opposite to the direction 9. The table top panel 10 is adapted to support one or more electronic devices. The table top panel 10 further comprises two locking hooks 11;12. The locking hooks 11;12 lock the table top panel 10 to the side elements 21;22 when the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points.
According to an embodiment shown in Fig. 3, a furniture assembly 100 comprises a table top panel 10 comprising a longitudinal direction 1 and two side elements 21;22. Components having identical reference numbers to Fig. 2 fulfil the same function. The longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a horizontal direction. According to an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a direction 9. The direction 9 is for example parallel to a vertical direction. Alternatively, the direction 9 is parallel to a horizontal direction. The side element 21 comprises a longitudinal direction 3. The side element 22 comprises a longitudinal direction 4. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises a slot 201;202 defined through the respective side element 21;22 and extending along a lateral direction 2 of the side element 21;22. Each slot 201;202 is configured to cooperate with the slot 202;201 of the other side element 21;22 to form a crossing point 203. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises an inward side 32;33 and an opposite outward side 31;34. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a coupling point 301;302 configured to couple the respective side element 21;22 to the table top panel 10. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 in a releasable manner. The two side elements 21;22 are further slotted together at the crossing point 203 such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 1. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the respective slots 201;202 at the crossing point 203. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together such that the respective inward sides 32;33 face each other and such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises, at the respective inward side 32;33, a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is defined between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 5 is equal to 20°, or 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45°, or 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. The angle 5 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. The angle 6 is defined between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 6 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 6 is equal to 20°, or 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45°, or 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. The angle 6 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. When the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table to panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 and when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together, the crossing point 203 is above the table top panel 10. The crossing point 203 is equidistant from the respective coupling points 301;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when slotted together are substantially identical and equal. According to an alternative embodiment, the crossing point 203 is not equidistant from the respective coupling points 301;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when slotted together are not identical. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 301 when the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 is larger than the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 and the side element 22. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 302 when the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 is larger than the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 and the side element 21. Each of the two side elements comprises a front edge 204;206 and an opposite back edge 205;207 both defined along the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each respective side elements 21;22. In other words, the edge 204 is defined along the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. The edge 206 is defined along the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. The side element 21 comprises a slot 201 defined at the opposite back edge 205 and extending along the lateral direction 2. The side element 22 comprises a slot 202 defined at the front edge 206 and extending along the lateral direction 2. This way, the two slots 201;202 are configured to cooperate with each other when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together to form the crossing point 203. The two side elements 21;22 are slotted together at the crossing point 203 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements further comprises a respective support edge 208;209. The support edge 208 extends from the front edge 204 of the side element 21 to the opposite back edge 205 of the side element 21. The support edge 209 extends from the front edge 206 of the side element 22 to the opposite back edge 207 of the side element 22. The support edges 208;209 have substantially the same length along the lateral direction 2. The furniture assembly 100 is adapted to support an electronic device resting on both support edges 208;209. The support edges 208;209 are inclined with respect to the lateral direction 2 such that the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective opposite back edge 205 is above the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective front edge 204 along the longitudinal direction 3 of the respective side element 21 and such that the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective opposite back edge 207 is above the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective front edge 206 along the longitudinal direction 4 of the respective side element 22. According to an alternative embodiment, the furniture assembly 100 further comprises a panel which rests on both support edges 208;209. The furniture assembly 100 is manufactured with laser cutting. The support edges 208;209 therefore are defined along their respective longitudinal directions 3;4. According to an alternative embodiment, the furniture assembly is manufactured with CNC milling and the support edges 208;209 extend along the lateral direction, thereby creating a flat surface on which one or more electronic devices can be supported. Each of the support edges 208;209 comprises a notch 211;212 extending from their respective front edges 204;206 along their respective longitudinal directions 3;4, thereby forming a slot. When an electronic device rests on both the support edges 208;209, the electronic device may be slid in the notches 211;212 in order to fix its position on the furniture assembly 100 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a foot 401;402. Each respective foot 401;402 is aligned along the direction 9 with the respective support edge 208;209 at their respective opposite back edges 205;207 of their respective two side elements 21;22. The foot 401 of the side element 21 extends as far as the support edge 208 of the side element 21 extends along the lateral direction 2. The foot 402 of the side element 22 extends as far as the support edge 209 of the side element 22 extends along the lateral direction 2. The table top panel 10 extends along the lateral direction 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 is inclined with respect to a plane comprising the longitudinal directions 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22. For example, the table top panel may be inclined with 5°, or 10°, or 15° with respect to the lateral direction 2 in a direction opposite to the direction 9. The table top panel 10 is adapted to support one or more electronic devices. Fig. 3 depicts the respective coupling points 301;302 in detail. At its coupling point 301, the side element 21 further comprises a flange 215 such that the table top panel 10 is coupled to the side element 21 when sliding under the flange 215. A recess 217 of the table top panel 10 is adapted to host the opposite outward side 31 of the foot 401 of the side element 21 when the side element 21 is coupled to the table top panel 10. The recess 217 of the table top panel 10 is rectangular. According to alternative embodiments, the recess 217 of the table top panel 10 may have a different shape, for example a square, a circle, a triangle, and the foot 401 of the side element 21 may further comprise a shape matching the recess 217 of the table top panel 10 such that the side element 21 is coupled safely to the table top panel 10 at the coupling point 301. The recess 218 of the table top panel 10 is rectangular. According to alternative embodiments, the recess 218 of the table top panel 10 may have a different shape, for example a square, a circle, a triangle, and the foot 402 of the side element 22 may further comprise a shape matching the recess 218 of the table top panel 10 such that the side element 22 is coupled safely to the table top panel 10 at the coupling point 302. According to a further alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 does not comprise recesses 217;218. The table top panel 10 further comprises a locking hook 11 which is inserted into a through-hole 219 defined in the foot 401 of the side element 21, from the opposite outward side 31 of the side element 21 to the inward side 32 of the side element 21, thereby fixing the table top panel 10 to the side element 21 in a releasable manner when the side element 21 is coupled to the table top panel 10 at its respective coupling point 301. Simultaneously, at its coupling point 302, the side element 22 further comprises a flange 216 such that the table top panel 10 is coupled to the side element 22 when sliding under the flange 216. A recess 218 of the table top panel 10 is adapted to host the opposite outward side 34 of the foot 402 of the side element 22 when the side element 22 is coupled to the table top panel 10. The table top panel 10 further comprises a locking hook 12 which is inserted into a through-hole 220 defined in the foot 402 of the side element 22, from the opposite outward side 34 of the side element 22 to the inward side 33 of the side element 22, thereby fixing the table top panel 10 to the side element 22 in a releasable manner when the side element 22 is coupled to the table top panel 10 at its respective coupling point 302. The table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is therefore coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the opposite outward sides 31;34 to the inward sides 32;33 when the respective feet 401;402 fit in the respective recesses 217;218 and when the respective locking hooks 11;12 are inserted into the respective through-holes 219;220. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the inward sides 32;33 to the opposite outward sides 31;34 when the respective feet 401;402 fit in the respective recesses 217;218 and when the respective locking hooks 11;12 are inserted into the respective through-holes 219;220. The through holes 219;220 are aligned with each other along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction 1. According to an alternative embodiment, the side element does not comprise a flange 215 at its coupling point 301 and the side element 22 does not comprise a flange 216. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 does not comprise locking hooks 11;12. The locking hooks 11;12 of the table top panel 10 comprise a portion extending along the longitudinal direction 2 of the table top panel 10 and adapted to fit in the through-holes 219;220 and further comprise a semi-circular portion adapted to fit in the through-holes 219;220. This way, the edges of the locking hooks 11;12 of the table top panel 10 are made softer with the semi-circular portion. According to a further alternative embodiment, the locking hooks 11;12 can have any suitable shape adapted to fit in the through-holes 219;220, for example a rectangular shape, a square shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, etc..
According to an embodiment shown in Fig. 4, a furniture assembly 100 comprises a table top panel 10 comprising a longitudinal direction 1 and two side elements 21;22. Components having identical reference numbers to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 fulfil the same function. The longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a horizontal direction. According to an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a direction 9. The direction 9 is for example parallel to a vertical direction. Alternatively, the direction 9 is parallel to a horizontal direction. The side element 21 comprises a longitudinal direction 3. The side element 22 comprises a longitudinal direction 4. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises a slot 201;202 defined through the respective side element 21;22 and extending along a lateral direction 2 of the side element 21;22. Each slot 201;202 is configured to cooperate with the slot 202;201 of the other side element 21;22 to form a crossing point 203. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises an inward side 32;33 and an opposite outward side 31;34. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a coupling point 301;302 configured to couple the respective side element 21;22 to the table top panel 10. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 in a releasable manner. The two side elements 21;22 are further slotted together at the crossing point 203 such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 1. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the respective slots 201;202 at the crossing point 203. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together such that the respective inward sides 32;33 face each other and such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises, at the respective inward sides 32;33, a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is defined between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 5 is equal to 20°, or 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45°, or 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. The angle 5 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. The angle 6 is defined between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 6 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 6 is equal to 20°, or 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45°, or 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. The angle 6 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. When the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table to panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 and when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together, the crossing point 203 is above the table top panel 10. The crossing point 203 is equidistant from the respective coupling points 301;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when slotted together are substantially identical and equal. According to an alternative embodiment, the crossing point 203 is not equidistant from the respective coupling points 301;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when slotted together are not identical. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 301 when the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 is larger than the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 and the side element 22. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 302 when the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 is larger than the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 and the side element 21. Each of the two side elements comprises a front edge 204;206 and an opposite back edge 205;207 both defined along the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each respective side elements 21;22. In other words, the edge 204 is defined along the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. The edge 206 is defined along the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. The side element 21 comprises a slot 201 defined at the opposite back edge 205 and extending along the lateral direction 2. The side element 22 comprises a slot 202 defined at the front edge 206 and extending along the lateral direction 2. This way, the two slots 201;202 are configured to cooperate with each other when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together to form the crossing point 203. The two side elements 21;22 are slotted together at the crossing point 203 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements further comprises a respective support edge 208;209. The support edge 208 extends from the front edge 204 of the side element 21 to the opposite back edge 205 of the side element 21. The support edge 209 extends from the front edge 206 of the side element 22 to the opposite back edge 207 of the side element 22. The support edges 208;209 have substantially the same length along the lateral direction 2. The furniture assembly 100 is adapted to support an electronic device resting on both support edges 208;209. The support edges 208;209 are inclined with respect to the lateral direction 2 such that the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective opposite back edge 205 is above the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective front edge 204 along the longitudinal direction 3 of the respective side element 21 and such that the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective opposite back edge 207 is above the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective front edge 206 along the longitudinal direction 4 of the respective side element 22. The support edge 208 of the side element 21 is inclined with an angle 7 with respect to the lateral direction 2. The angle 7 is comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 7 is equal to 0°, or 45°, or 90°. At 90°, the support edge 208 is parallel to the direction 9. The support edge 209 of the side element 22 is inclined with an angle 8 with respect to the lateral direction 2. The angle 8 is comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 8 is equal to 0°, or 45°, or 90°. At 90°, the support edge 209 is parallel to the direction 9. The angle 7 and the angle 8 are identical and substantially equal to each other. This way, one or more electronic device can rest on both support edges 208;209. According to an alternative embodiment, the furniture assembly 100 further comprises a panel which rests on both support edges 208;209. The furniture assembly 100 is manufactured with laser cutting. The support edges 208;209 therefore are defined along their respective longitudinal directions 3;4. According to an alternative embodiment, the furniture assembly is manufactured with CNC milling and the support edges 208;209 extend along the lateral direction, thereby creating a flat surface on which one or more electronic devices can be supported. Each of the support edges 208;209 comprises a notch 211;212 extending from their respective front edges 204;206 along their respective longitudinal directions 3;4, thereby forming a slot. When an electronic device rests on both the support edges 208;209, the electronic device may be slid in the notches 211;212 in order to fix its position on the furniture assembly 100 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a foot 401;402. Each respective foot 401;402 is aligned along the direction 9 with the respective support edge 208;209 at their respective opposite back edges 205;207 of their respective two side elements 21;22. The foot 401 of the side element 21 extends as far as the support edge 208 of the side element 21 extends along the lateral direction 2. The foot 402 of the side element 22 extends as far as the support edge 209 of the side element 22 extends along the lateral direction 2. The table top panel 10 extends along the lateral direction 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 is inclined with respect to a plane comprising the longitudinal directions 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22. For example, the table top panel may be inclined with 5°, or 10°, or 15° with respect to the lateral direction 2 in a direction opposite to the direction 9. The table top panel 10 is adapted to support one or more electronic devices. Fig. 3 depicts the respective coupling points 301;302 in detail. At its coupling point 301, the side element 21 further comprises a flange 215 such that the table top panel 10 is coupled to the side element 21 when sliding under the flange 215. A recess of the table top panel 10 is adapted to host the opposite outward side 31 of the foot 401 of the side element 21 when the side element 21 is coupled to the table top panel 10. The table top panel 10 further comprises a locking hook 11 which is inserted into a through-hole 219 defined in the foot 401 of the side element 21, from the opposite outward side 31 of the side element 21 to the inward side 32 of the side element 21, thereby fixing the table top panel 10 to the side element 21 in a releasable manner when the side element 21 is coupled to the table top panel 10 at its respective coupling point 301. Simultaneously, at its coupling point 302, the side element 22 further comprises a flange 216 such that the table top panel 10 is coupled to the side element 22 when sliding under the flange 216. A recess of the table top panel 10 is adapted to host the opposite outward side 34 of the foot 402 of the side element 22 when the side element 22 is coupled to the table top panel 10. The table top panel 10 further comprises a locking hook 12 which is inserted into a through-hole 220 defined in the foot 402 of the side element 22, from the opposite outward side 34 of the side element 22 to the inward side 33 of the side element 22, thereby fixing the table top panel 10 to the side element 22 in a releasable manner when the side element 22 is coupled to the table top panel 10 at its respective coupling point 302. The table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is therefore coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the opposite outward sides 31;34 to the inward sides 32;33 when the respective feet 401;402 fit in the respective recesses 217;218 and when the respective locking hooks 11;12 are inserted into the respective through-holes 219;220. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the inward sides 32;33 to the opposite outward sides 31;34 when the respective feet 401;402 fit in the respective recesses and when the respective locking hooks 11;12 are inserted into the respective through-holes 219;220. The through holes 219;220 are aligned along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction 1.
According to an embodiment shown in Fig. 5A, a furniture assembly 100 comprises a table top panel 10 comprising a longitudinal direction 1 and two side elements 21;22 is depicted in front view. Components having identical reference numbers to Figs. 1 to 4 fulfil the same function. The longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a horizontal direction. According to an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a direction 9. The direction 9 is for example parallel to a vertical direction. Alternatively, the direction 9 is parallel to a horizontal direction. The side element 21 comprises a longitudinal direction 3. The side element 22 comprises a longitudinal direction 4. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises a slot 201;202 defined through the respective side element 21;22 and extending along a lateral direction 2 of the side element 21;22. Each slot 201;202 is configured to cooperate with the slot 202;201 of the other side element 21;22 to form a crossing point 203. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises an inward side 32;33 and an opposite outward side 31;34. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a coupling point 301;302 configured to couple the respective side element 21;22 to the table top panel 10. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 in a releasable manner. The two side elements 21;22 are further slotted together at the crossing point 203 such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 1. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the respective slots 201;202 at the crossing point 203. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together such that the respective inward sides 32;33 face each other and such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises, at the respective inward sides 32;33, a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is defined between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. The angle 5 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. The angle 6 is defined between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 6 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. The angle 6 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. The table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the opposite outward sides 31;34 to the inward sides 32;33. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the inward sides 32;33 to the opposite outward sides 31;34.. When the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table to panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 and when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together, the crossing point 203 is above the table top panel 10. The crossing point 203 is equidistant from the respective coupling points 301;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when slotted together are substantially identical and equal. According to an alternative embodiment, the crossing point 203 is not equidistant from the respective coupling points 301 ;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when slotted together are not identical. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 301 when the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 is larger than the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 and the side element 22. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 302 when the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 is larger than the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 and the side element 21. Each of the two side elements comprises a front edge 204;206 defined along the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each respective side elements 21;22. In other words, the edge 204 is defined along the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. The edge 206 is defined along the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. The side element 21 comprises a slot 201 extending along the lateral direction 2. The side element 22 comprises a slot 202 defined at the front edge 206 and extending along the lateral direction 2. This way, the two slots 201;202 are configured to cooperate with each other when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together to form the crossing point 203. The two side elements 21;22 are slotted together at the crossing point 203 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements further comprises a respective support edge 208;209. The support edge 208 extends from the front edge 204 of the side element 21. The support edge 209 extends from the front edge 206 of the side element 22. The support edges 208;209 have substantially the same length along the lateral direction 2. The furniture assembly 100 is adapted to support an electronic device resting on both support edges 208;209. The support edges 208;209 are inclined with respect to the lateral direction 2 such that the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective opposite back edge 205 is above the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective front edge 204 along the longitudinal direction 3 of the respective side element 21 and such that the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective opposite back edge 207 is above the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective front edge 206 along the longitudinal direction 4 of the respective side element 22. Each of the support edges 208;209 comprises a notch 211;212 extending from their respective front edges 204;206 along their respective longitudinal directions 3;4, thereby forming a slot. When an electronic device rests on both the support edges 208;209, the electronic device may be slid in the notches 211;212 in order to fix its position on the furniture assembly 100 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a panel support 213;214 extending along the lateral direction 2 and adapted to support the table top panel 10. In other words, when the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302, and when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together at the crossing point 203, the table top panel 10 rests on both panel supports 213;214 of the respective two side elements 21;22. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a foot 401;402. The table top panel 10 extends along the lateral direction 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 is inclined with respect to a plane comprising the longitudinal directions 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22. For example, the table top panel may be inclined with 5°, or 10°, or 15° with respect to the lateral direction 2 in a direction opposite to the direction 9. The panel supports 213;214 are then also inclined with 5°, or 10°, or 15° with respect to the lateral direction 2 in a direction opposite to the direction 9. The table top panel 10 is adapted to support one or more electronic devices.
According to an embodiment shown in Fig. 5B, a furniture assembly 100 comprises a table top panel 10 comprising a longitudinal direction 1 and two side elements 21;22 is depicted in side view. Components having identical reference numbers to Figs. 1 to 4 fulfil the same function. The longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a horizontal direction. According to an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a direction 9. The direction 9 is for example parallel to a vertical direction. Alternatively, the direction 9 is parallel to a horizontal direction. The side element 21 comprises a longitudinal direction 3. The side element 22 comprises a longitudinal direction 4. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises a slot 201;202 defined through the respective side element 21;22 and extending along a lateral direction 2 of the side element 21;22. Each slot 201;202 is configured to cooperate with the slot 202;201 of the other side element 21;22 to form a crossing point 203. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises an inward side 32;33 and an opposite outward side 31;34. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a coupling point 301;302 configured to couple the respective side element 21;22 to the table top panel 10. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 in a releasable manner. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the respective slots 201;202 at the crossing point 203. The table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the opposite outward sides 31;34 to the inward sides 32;33. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the inward sides 32;33 to the opposite outward sides 31;34.. When the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table to panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 and when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together, the crossing point 203 is above the table top panel 10. Each of the two side elements comprises a front edge 204;206 defined along the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each respective side elements 21;22. In other words, the edge 204 is defined along the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. The edge 206 is defined along the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. The side element 21 comprises a slot 201 extending along the lateral direction 2. The side element 22 comprises a slot 202 defined at the front edge 206 and extending along the lateral direction 2. This way, the two slots 201;202 are configured to cooperate with each other when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together to form the crossing point 203. The two side elements 21;22 are slotted together at the crossing point 203 in a releasable manner. The side element 21 comprises a support edge 208. The support edge 208 extends from the front edge 204 of the side element 21. The support edge 208 is inclined with respect to the lateral direction 2 such that the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective opposite back edge 205 is above the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective front edge 204 along the longitudinal direction 3 of the respective side element 21. The support edge 208 comprises a notch 211 extending from their respective front edge 204 along its respective longitudinal directions 3, thereby forming a slot. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a panel support 213 extending along the lateral direction 2 and adapted to support the table top panel 10. In other words, when the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302, and when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together at the crossing point 203, the table top panel 10 rests on both panel supports 213 of the respective two side elements 21;22. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a foot 401;402. The table top panel 10 extends along the lateral direction 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 is inclined with respect to a plane comprising the longitudinal directions 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22. For example, the table top panel may be inclined with 5°, or 10°, or 15° with respect to the lateral direction 2 in a direction opposite to the direction 9. The panel supports 213;214 are then also inclined with 5°, or 10°, or 15° with respect to the lateral direction 2 in a direction opposite to the direction 9. The table top panel 10 is adapted to support one or more electronic devices.
According to an embodiment shown in Fig. 6, a furniture assembly 100 comprises a table top panel 10 comprising a longitudinal direction 1 and two side elements 21;22. The longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a horizontal direction. According to an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a direction 9. The direction 9 is for example parallel to a vertical direction. Alternatively, the direction 9 is parallel to a horizontal direction. The side element 21 comprises a longitudinal direction 3. The side element 22 comprises a longitudinal direction 4. The side element 21 comprises a support portion 223 and a coupling portion 224. Both the support portion 223 and the coupling portion 224 extend along the longitudinal direction 3. The side element 22 comprises a support portion 225 and coupling portion 226. Both the support portion 225 and the coupling portion 226 extend along the longitudinal direction 4. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled together at a crossing point 203. The crossing point 203 of the furniture assembly further comprises a hinge 203. The hinge rotates around a lateral direction 2. The hinge 203 comprises a two pairs of opposite wings 221;222. The hinge 203 rotates around the lateral direction 2 such that the hinge 203 defines a predetermined angle between the wing 221 of one of the pairs of opposite wings 221;222 and the wing 222 of the other pair of opposite wings 221 ;222. The hinge 203 then maintains the two side elements 21;22 under the predetermined angle in a releasable manner. The predetermined angle defined by the hinge 203 is for example comprised between 5° and 90°, for example equal to 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, or 45°. The support portion 223 of the side element 21 fits in a wing 221 of one of the two pairs of opposite wings 221;222 such that the support portion 223 extends above the crossing point 203 along the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. The coupling portion 224 of the side element 21 fits in the other wing 222 of the same pair of opposite wings 221 such that the coupling portion 224 extends below the crossing point 203 along the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. The support portion 225 of the side element 22 fits in a wing 222 of one of the two pairs of opposite wings 221;222 such that the support portion 225 extends above the crossing point 203 along the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. The coupling portion 226 of the side element 22 fits in the other wing 222 of the same pair of opposite wings 222 such that the coupling portion 226 extends below the crossing point 203 along the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. The two side elements 21;22 are then coupled together by means of the hinge 203. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises an inward side 32;33 and an opposite outward side 31;34. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a coupling point 301;302 configured to couple the respective side element 21;22 to the table top panel 10. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 in a releasable manner. The two side elements 21;22 are further coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203 such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 1. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203 such that the respective inward sides 32;33 face each other and such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises, at the respective inward sides 32;33, a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is defined between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 5 is equal to 20°, or 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45°, or 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. The angle 5 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. The angle 6 is defined between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 6 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 6 is equal to 20°, or 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45°, or 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. The angle 6 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. The table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the inward sides 32;33 to the opposite outward sides 31;34. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the opposite outward sides 31;34 to the inward sides 32;33. When the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table to panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 and when the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the hinge 203, the crossing point 203 is above the table top panel 10. According to an alternative embodiment, when the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table to panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 and when the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the hinge 203, the crossing point 203 is below the table top panel 10. The crossing point 203 is equidistant from the respective coupling points 301;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203 are substantially identical and equal. According to an alternative embodiment, the crossing point 203 is not equidistant from the respective coupling points 301;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203 are not identical. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 301 when the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 is larger than the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 and the side element 22. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 302 when the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 is larger than the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 and the side element 21. Each of the two side elements comprises a front edge 204;206 and an opposite back edge 205;207 both defined along the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each respective side elements 21;22. In other words, the edge 204 is defined along the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. The edge 206 is defined along the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements further comprises a respective support edge 208;209. The support edge 208 extends from the front edge 204 of the side element 21 to the opposite back edge 205 of the side element 21. The support edge 209 extends from the front edge 206 of the side element 22 to the opposite back edge 207 of the side element 22. The support edges 208;209 have substantially the same length along the lateral direction 2. The furniture assembly 100 is adapted to support an electronic device resting on both support edges 208;209. The support edges 208;209 extend along the lateral direction 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the support edges 208;209 are inclined with respect to the lateral direction 2 such that the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective opposite back edge 205 is above the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective front edge 204 along the longitudinal direction 3 of the respective side element 21 and such that the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective opposite back edge 207 is above the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective front edge 206 along the longitudinal direction 4 of the respective side element 22. Each of the support edges 208;209 may comprise a notch extending from their respective front edges 204;206 along their respective longitudinal directions 3;4, thereby forming a slot. When an electronic device rests on both the support edges 208;209, the electronic device may be slid in the notches in order to fix its position on the furniture assembly 100 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a panel support 213;214 extending along the lateral direction 2 and adapted to support the table top panel 10. In other words, when the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302, and when the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203, the table top panel 10 rests on both panel supports 213;214 of the respective two side elements 21;22. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a foot 401;402. Each respective foot 401;402 is aligned along the direction 9 with the respective support edge 208;209 at their respective opposite back edges 205;207 of their respective two side elements 21;22. The foot 401 of the side element 21 extends as far as the support edge 208 of the side element 21 extends along the lateral direction 2. The foot 402 of the side element 22 extends as far as the support edge 209 of the side element 22 extends along the lateral direction 2. The table top panel 10 extends along the lateral direction 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 is inclined with respect to a plane comprising the longitudinal directions 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22. For example, the table top panel may be inclined with 5°, or 10°, or 15° with respect to the lateral direction 2 in a direction opposite to the direction 9. The panels supports 213;214 extend along the lateral direction 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the panel supports 213;214 are then also inclined with 5°, or 10°, or 15° with respect to the lateral direction 2 in a direction opposite to the direction 9. The table top panel 10 is adapted to support one or more electronic devices.
According to an embodiment shown in Fig. 7, a furniture assembly 100 comprises a table top panel 10 comprising a longitudinal direction 1 and two side elements 21;22. The longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a horizontal direction. According to an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a direction 9. The direction 9 is for example parallel to a vertical direction. Alternatively, the direction 9 is parallel to a horizontal direction. The side element 21 comprises a longitudinal direction 3. The side element 22 comprises a longitudinal direction 4. The side element 21 comprises a support portion 223 and a coupling portion 224. Both the support portion 223 and the coupling portion 224 extend along the longitudinal direction 3. The side element 22 comprises a support portion 225 and coupling portion 226. Both the support portion 225 and the coupling portion 226 extend along the longitudinal direction 4. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled together at a crossing point 203. The crossing point 203 of the furniture assembly further comprises a hinge 203. The hinge rotates around a lateral direction 2. The hinge 203 comprises a two pairs of opposite wings 221;222. The hinge 203 rotates around the lateral direction 2 such that the hinge 203 defines a predetermined angle between the wing 221 of one of the pairs of opposite wings 221;222 and the wing 222 of the other pair of opposite wings 221;222. The hinge 203 then maintains the two side elements 21;22 under the predetermined angle in a releasable manner. The predetermined angle defined by the hinge 203 is for example comprised between 5° and 90°, for example equal to 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, or 45°. The support portion 223 of the side element 21 fits in a wing 221 of one of the two pairs of opposite wings 221;222 such that the support portion 223 extends above the crossing point 203 along the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. The coupling portion 224 of the side element 21 fits in the other wing 222 of the same pair of opposite wings 221 such that the coupling portion 224 extends below the crossing point 203 along the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. The support portion 225 of the side element 22 fits in a wing 222 of one of the two pairs of opposite wings 221;222 such that the support portion 225 extends above the crossing point 203 along the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. The coupling portion 226 of the side element 22 fits in the other wing 222 of the same pair of opposite wings 222 such that the coupling portion 226 extends below the crossing point 203 along the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. The two side elements 21;22 are then coupled together by means of the hinge 203. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises an inward side 32;33 and an opposite outward side 31;34. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a coupling point 301;302 configured to couple the respective side element 21;22 to the table top panel 10. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 in a releasable manner. The two side elements 21;22 are further coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203 such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 1. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203 such that the respective inward sides 32;33 face each other and such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises, at the respective inward sides 32;33, a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is defined between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 5 is equal to 20°, or 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45°, or 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. The angle 5 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. The angle 6 is defined between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 6 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 6 is equal to 20°, or 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45°, or 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. The angle 6 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. The table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the inward sides 32;33 to the opposite outward sides 31;34. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the opposite outward sides 31;34 to the inward sides 32;33. When the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table to panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 and when the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the hinge 203, the crossing point 203 is above the table top panel 10. The crossing point 203 is equidistant from the respective coupling points 301;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203 are substantially identical and equal. According to an alternative embodiment, the crossing point 203 is not equidistant from the respective coupling points 301 ;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203 are not identical. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 301 when the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 is larger than the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 and the side element 22. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 302 when the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 is larger than the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 and the side element 21. Each of the two side elements comprises a front edge 204;206 and an opposite back edge 205;207 both defined along the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each respective side elements 21;22. In other words, the edge 204 is defined along the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. The edge 206 is defined along the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements further comprises a respective support edge 208;209. The support edge 208 extends from the front edge 204 of the side element 21 to the opposite back edge 205 of the side element 21. The support edge 209 extends from the front edge 206 of the side element 22 to the opposite back edge 207 of the side element 22. The support edges 208;209 have substantially the same length along the lateral direction 2. The furniture assembly 100 is adapted to support an electronic device resting on both support edges 208;209. The support edges 208;209 extend along the lateral direction 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the support edges 208;209 are inclined with respect to the lateral direction 2 such that the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective opposite back edge 205 is above the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective front edge 204 along the longitudinal direction 3 of the respective side element 21 and such that the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective opposite back edge 207 is above the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective front edge 206 along the longitudinal direction 4 of the respective side element 22. Each of the support edges 208;209 may comprise a notch extending from their respective front edges 204;206 along their respective longitudinal directions 3;4, thereby forming a slot. When an electronic device rests on both the support edges 208;209, the electronic device may be slid in the notches in order to fix its position on the furniture assembly 100 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a panel support 213;214 extending along the lateral direction 2 and adapted to support the table top panel 10. In other words, when the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302, and when the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203, the table top panel 10 rests on both panel supports 213;214 of the respective two side elements 21;22. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a foot 401;402. Each respective foot 401;402 is aligned along the direction 9 with the respective support edge 208;209 at their respective opposite back edges 205;207 of their respective two side elements 21;22. The foot 401 of the side element 21 extends as far as the support edge 208 of the side element 21 extends along the lateral direction 2. The foot 402 of the side element 22 extends as far as the support edge 209 of the side element 22 extends along the lateral direction 2. The table top panel 10 extends along the lateral direction 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 is inclined with respect to a plane comprising the longitudinal directions 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22. For example, the table top panel may be inclined with 5°, or 10°, or 15° with respect to the lateral direction 2 in a direction opposite to the direction 9. The panels supports 213;214 extend along the lateral direction 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the panel supports 213;214 are then also inclined with 5°, or 10°, or 15° with respect to the lateral direction 2 in a direction opposite to the direction 9. The table top panel 10 is adapted to support one or more electronic devices. The table top panel 10 further comprises two locking hooks 11;12. The locking hooks 11;12 lock the table top panel 10 to the side elements 21;22 when the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points. At its coupling point 301, the side element 21 further comprises a flange such that the table top panel 10 is coupled to the side element 21 when sliding under the flange. A recess of the table top panel 10 is adapted to host the inward side 32 of the foot 401 of the side element 21 when the side element 21 is coupled to the table top panel 10. The table top panel 10 further comprises a locking hook 11 which is inserted into a through-hole 219 defined in the foot 401 of the side element 21, from the inward side 32 of the side element 21 to the opposite outward side 31 of the side element 21, thereby fixing the table top panel 10 to the side element 21 in a releasable manner when the side element 21 is coupled to the table top panel 10 at its respective coupling point 301. Simultaneously, at its coupling point 302, the side element 22 further comprises a flange 216 such that the table top panel 10 is coupled to the side element 22 when sliding under the flange 216. A recess of the table top panel 10 is adapted to host the inward side 33 of the foot 402 of the side element 22 when the side element 22 is coupled to the table top panel 10. The table top panel 10 further comprises a locking hook 12 which is inserted into a through-hole 220 defined in the foot 402 of the side element 22, from the inward side 33 of the side element 22 to the opposite outward side 34 of the side element 22, thereby fixing the table top panel 10 to the side element 22 in a releasable manner when the side element 22 is coupled to the table top panel 10 at its respective coupling point 302. The table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is therefore coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the inward sides 32;33 to the opposite outward sides 31;34 when the respective feet 401;402 fit in the respective recesses and when the respective locking hooks 11;12 are inserted into the respective through-holes 219;220. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the opposite outward sides 31;34 to the inward sides 32;33 when the respective feet 401;402 fit in the respective recesses and when the respective locking hooks 11;12 are inserted into the respective through-holes 219;220. The through holes 219;220 are aligned with each other along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction 1.
According to an embodiment shown in Fig. 8A, a furniture assembly 100 comprises a table top panel 10 comprising a longitudinal direction 1 and two side elements 21;22 is depicted in front view. Components having identical reference numbers to Figs. 6 and 7 fulfil the same function. The longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a horizontal direction. According to an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a direction 9. The direction 9 is for example parallel to a vertical direction. Alternatively, the direction 9 is parallel to a horizontal direction. The side element 21 comprises a longitudinal direction 3. The side element 22 comprises a longitudinal direction 4. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled together at a crossing point 203. The crossing point 203 of the furniture assembly further comprises a hinge 203. The hinge rotates around a lateral direction 2. The hinge 203 comprises a two pairs of opposite wings 221;222. The hinge 203 rotates around the lateral direction 2 such that the hinge 203 defines a predetermined angle between the wing 221 of one of the pairs of opposite wings 221;222 and the wing 222 of the other pair of opposite wings 221;222. The hinge 203 then maintains the two side elements 21;22 under the predetermined angle in a releasable manner. The predetermined angle defined by the hinge 203 is for example comprised between 5° and 90°, for example equal to 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, or 45°. The support portion 223 of the side element 21 fits in a wing 221 of one of the two pairs of opposite wings 221;222 such that the support portion 223 extends above the crossing point 203 along the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. The coupling portion 224 of the side element 21 fits in the other wing 222 of the same pair of opposite wings 221 such that the coupling portion 224 extends below the crossing point 203 along the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. The support portion 225 of the side element 22 fits in a wing 222 of one of the two pairs of opposite wings 221;222 such that the support portion 225 extends above the crossing point 203 along the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. The coupling portion 226 of the side element 22 fits in the other wing 222 of the same pair of opposite wings 222 such that the coupling portion 226 extends below the crossing point 203 along the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. The two side elements 21;22 are then coupled together by means of the hinge 203. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises an inward side 32;33 and an opposite outward side 31;34. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a coupling point 301;302 configured to couple the respective side element 21;22 to the table top panel 10. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 in a releasable manner. The two side elements 21;22 are further coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203 such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 1. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the hinge 203 such that the respective inward sides 32;33 face each other and such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises, at the respective inward sides 32;33, a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is defined between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 5 is equal to 20°, or 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45°, or 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. The angle 5 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. The angle 6 is defined between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 6 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 6 is equal to 20°, or 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45°, or 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. The angle 6 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. The table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the inward sides 32;33 to the opposite outward sides 31;34. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the opposite outward sides 31;34 to the inward sides 32;33. When the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table to panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 and when the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203, the crossing point 203 is above the table top panel 10. The crossing point 203 is equidistant from the respective coupling points 301;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when slotted together are substantially identical and equal. According to an alternative embodiment, the crossing point 203 is not equidistant from the respective coupling points 301;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when slotted together are not identical. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 301 when the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 is larger than the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 and the side element 22. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 302 when the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 is larger than the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 and the side element 21. Each of the two side elements comprises a front edge 204;206 defined along the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each respective side elements 21;22. In other words, the edge 204 is defined along the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. The edge 206 is defined along the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements further comprises a respective support edge 208;209. The support edge 208 extends from the front edge 204 of the side element 21. The support edge 209 extends from the front edge 206 of the side element 22. The support edges 208;209 have substantially the same length along the lateral direction 2. The furniture assembly 100 is adapted to support an electronic device resting on both support edges 208;209. The support edges 208;209 extend along the lateral direction 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the support edges 208;209 are inclined with respect to the lateral direction 2 such that the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective opposite back edge 205 is above the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective front edge 204 along the longitudinal direction 3 of the respective side element 21 and such that the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective opposite back edge 207 is above the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective front edge 206 along the longitudinal direction 4 of the respective side element 22. Each of the support edges 208;209 may comprise a notch extending from their respective front edges 204;206 along their respective longitudinal directions 3;4, thereby forming a slot. When an electronic device rests on both the support edges 208;209, the electronic device may be slid in the notches in order to fix its position on the furniture assembly 100 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a panel support extending along the lateral direction 2 and adapted to support the table top panel 10. In other words, when the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302, and when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together at the crossing point 203, the table top panel 10 rests on both panel supports of the respective two side elements 21;22. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a foot 401;402. The table top panel 10 extends along the lateral direction 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 is inclined with respect to a plane comprising the longitudinal directions 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22. For example, the table top panel may be inclined with 5°, or 10°, or 15° with respect to the lateral direction 2 in a direction opposite to the direction 9. The table top panel 10 is adapted to support one or more electronic devices.
According to an embodiment shown in Fig. 8B, the furniture assembly 100 is depicted in a folded position without the table top panel 10. The direction 9 is for example parallel to a vertical direction. Alternatively, the direction 9 is parallel to a horizontal direction. The furniture assembly 100 comprises two side elements 21;22 and a crossing point 203. The coupling point 203 comprises a hinge 203 which rotates around the lateral direction 2. The hinge 203 comprises two pairs of opposite wings 221;222. The side element 21 comprises a support portion 223 and a coupling portion 224. The side element 22 comprises a support portion 225 and a coupling portion 226. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the hinge 203 at the crossing point 203. When the two side elements 21;22 are un-coupled from the table top panel 10 from their respective coupling points 301;302, the two side elements 21;22 can be positioned in a folded position. The hinge 203 rotates around the lateral direction 2 such that the wing 221 of one of the two opposite pairs 221;222 is brought closer to the wing 222 of the other pair of the two opposite pairs 221;222. In other words, the hinge 203 rotates to decrease the angle between the two support portions 223;225 and the angle between the two coupling portions 224;226 until the two support portions 223;225 are parallel to each other along the direction 9 and simultaneously until the two coupling portions 224;226 are parallel to each other along the direction 9.
According to an embodiment shown in Fig. 9A, a furniture assembly 100 comprises a table top panel 10 comprising a longitudinal direction 1 and two side elements 21;22 is depicted in front view. Components having identical reference numbers to Figs. 1 to 4 fulfil the same function. The longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a horizontal direction. According to an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 is parallel to a direction 9. The direction 9 is for example parallel to a vertical direction. Alternatively, the direction 9 is parallel to a horizontal direction. The side element 21 comprises a longitudinal direction 3. The side element 22 comprises a longitudinal direction 4. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises a slot 201;202 defined through the respective side element 21;22 and extending along a lateral direction 2 of the side element 21;22. Each slot 201;202 is configured to cooperate with the slot 202;201 of the other side element 21;22 to form a crossing point 203. Each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises an inward side 32;33 and an opposite outward side 31;34. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a coupling point 301;302 configured to couple the respective side element 21;22 to the table top panel 10. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302. The two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 in a releasable manner. The two side elements 21;22 are further slotted together at the crossing point 203 such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 1. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are coupled together by means of the respective slots 201;202 at the crossing point 203. In other words, the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together such that the respective inward sides 32;33 face each other and such that the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22 comprises, at the respective inward sides 32;33, a sharp angle 5;6 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is defined between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 5 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 5 is equal to 20°, or 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45°, or 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. The angle 5 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. The angle 6 is defined between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 and the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. The angle 6 is a sharp angle, i.e. an angle with a value comprised between 0° and 90°. For example, the angle 6 is equal to 20°, or 25°, or 30°, or 35°, or 40°, or 45°, or 50°, or 55°, or 60°, or 65°. The angle 6 is defined as a function of ergonomics requirements of a user of the furniture assembly 100, for example as a function of the height of the user, and/or of the height of his stare, etc.. The two side elements of Fig. 5B are manufactured for example with CNC milling. The slots 201;202 of the two side elements 21;22 may therefore be cut under an angle such that the slots 201;202 perfectly match each other when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together. Contrary to Fig. 5A where the slots 201;202 are manufactured traverse to their respective side element 21;22, in Fig. 9A, the crossing point 203 is such that the two side elements are slotted tightly together as the slots 201;202 perfectly fit each other. This reduces the play of the crossing point 203 and further increases the mechanical stability of the furniture assembly 100. The table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the opposite outward sides 31;34 to the inward sides 32;33. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 of the furniture assembly 100 is coupled to the respective coupling points 301;302 from the inward sides 32;33 to the opposite outward sides 31;34.. When the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table to panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302 and when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together, the crossing point 203 is above the table top panel 10. The crossing point 203 is equidistant from the respective coupling points 301;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when slotted together are substantially identical and equal. According to an alternative embodiment, the crossing point 203 is not equidistant from the respective coupling points 301;302. In other words, the angles 5 and 6 each formed by one of the two side elements 21;22 with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 when slotted together are not identical. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 301 when the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21 is larger than the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 and the side element 22. For example, the crossing point 203 may be closer to the coupling point 302 when the angle 6 between the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22 is larger than the angle 5 between the longitudinal direction 3 and the side element 21. Each of the two side elements comprises a front edge 204;206 defined along the longitudinal direction 3;4 of each respective side elements 21;22. In other words, the edge 204 is defined along the longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. The edge 206 is defined along the longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. The side element 21 comprises a slot 201 extending along the lateral direction 2. The side element 22 comprises a slot 202 defined at the front edge 206 and extending along the lateral direction 2. This way, the two slots 201;202 are configured to cooperate with each other when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together to form the crossing point 203. The two side elements 21;22 are slotted together at the crossing point 203 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements further comprises a respective support edge 208;209. The support edge 208 extends from the front edge 204 of the side element 21. The support edge 209 extends from the front edge 206 of the side element 22. The support edges 208;209 have substantially the same length along the lateral direction 2. The furniture assembly 100 is adapted to support an electronic device resting on both support edges 208;209. The support edges 208;209 are inclined with respect to the lateral direction 2 such that the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective opposite back edge 205 is above the respective support edge 208 of the respective side element 21 at the respective front edge 204 along the longitudinal direction 3 of the respective side element 21 and such that the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective opposite back edge 207 is above the respective support edge 209 of the respective side element 22 at the respective front edge 206 along the longitudinal direction 4 of the respective side element 22. The support edges 208;209 are manufactured with for example CNC milling. The support edges 208;209 of the two side elements 21;22 may therefore be cut under an angle such that the support edges 208;209 are parallel to the longitudinal direction 1. Contrary to Fig. 5A where the support edges 208;209 are manufactured traverse to their respective side element 21;22, thereby being inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction 1, in Fig. 9A the support edges 208;209 are cut parallel to the longitudinal direction 1. This allows a user of the furniture assembly 100 to lay a panel parallel to the longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10 on the support edges 208;209, thereby creating a flat surface for supporting one or more electronic devices such as a screen, a laptop, etc.. Each of the support edges 208;209 comprises a notch 211;212 extending from their respective front edges 204;206 along their respective longitudinal directions 3;4, thereby forming a slot. When an electronic device rests on both the support edges 208;209, the electronic device may be slid in the notches 211;212 in order to fix its position on the furniture assembly 100 in a releasable manner. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a panel support 213;214 extending along the lateral direction 2 and adapted to support the table top panel 10. In other words, when the two side elements 21;22 are coupled to the table top panel 10 at their respective coupling points 301;302, and when the two side elements 21;22 are slotted together at the crossing point 203, the table top panel 10 rests on both panel supports 213;214 of the respective two side elements 21;22. Each of the two side elements 21;22 further comprises a foot 401;402. The table top panel 10 extends along the lateral direction 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the table top panel 10 is inclined with respect to a plane comprising the longitudinal directions 3;4 of each of the two side elements 21;22. For example, the table top panel may be inclined with 5°, or 10°, or 15° with respect to the lateral direction 2 in a direction opposite to the direction 9. The panel supports 213;214 are then also inclined with 5°, or 10°, or 15° with respect to the lateral direction 2 in a direction opposite to the direction 9. The table top panel 10 is adapted to support one or more electronic devices.
According to an embodiment shown in Fig. 9B, a table top panel 10 comprises a handle 223. A side element 21 comprises a handle 225 and a side element 22 comprises a handle 224. This way, when the two side elements 21;22 and the table top panel 10 are disassembled, the table top panel 10 and the two side elements 21;22 can be easily transported by hand independently, and/or can be overlaid on top of each other such that the handle 223 and the handles 224;225 coincide such that a user can pass his hand through the handle 223 and the handles 224;225 to transport the table top panel 10 and the two side elements 21;22.
According to an embodiment in Fig. 9C, a table top panel 10 comprises a handle 223. A side element 21 comprises a handle 225 and a side element 22 comprises a handle 224. The handle 223 of the table top panel 10 is for example defined below the crossing point and between the coupling points of the two side elements to the table top panel and extends along a longitudinal direction 1 of the table top panel 10. According to an alternative embodiment, the handle 223 is defined elsewhere on the table top panel 10 and may extend along for example a lateral direction 2 and/or inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction 1. The handle 224 of the side element 22 is for example defined below the crossing point and extends along a longitudinal direction 4 of the side element 22. According to an alternative embodiment, the handle 224 is defined elsewhere on the side element 22 and may extend along for example a lateral direction 2 and/or inclined with respect to the lateral direction 2. The handle 225 of the side element 21 is for example defined below the crossing point and extends along a longitudinal direction 3 of the side element 21. According to an alternative embodiment, the handle 225 is defined elsewhere on the side element 21 and may extend along for example a lateral direction 2 and/or inclined with respect to the lateral direction 2.
Although the present invention has been illustrated by reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments, and that the present invention may be embodied with various changes and modifications without departing from the scope thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. In other words, it is contemplated to cover any and all modifications, variations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the basic underlying principles and whose essential attributes are claimed in this patent application. It will furthermore be understood by the reader of this patent application that the words "comprising" or "comprise" do not exclude other elements or steps, that the words "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality, and that a single element, such as a computer system, a processor, or another integrated unit may fulfil the functions of several means recited in the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the respective claims concerned. The terms "first", "second", third", "a", "b", "c", and the like, when used in the description or in the claims are introduced to distinguish between similar elements or steps and are not necessarily describing a sequential or chronological order. Similarly, the terms "top", "bottom", "over", "under", and the like are introduced for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to denote relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and embodiments of the invention are capable of operating according to the present invention in other sequences, or in orientations different from the one(s) described or illustrated above.

Claims

A furniture assembly (100) for supporting one or more electronic devices (101), said furniture assembly (100) comprising:
- a table top panel (10) comprising a longitudinal direction (1);

- two side elements (21;22), each of said two side elements (21;22) comprising a coupling point (301;302) configured to couple to said table top panel (10);
wherein said two side elements (21;22) are coupled to said table top panel (10) at their respective coupling points (301;302) and wherein said two side elements (21;22) are coupled together at a crossing point (203) such that the longitudinal direction (3;4) of each of said two side elements (21;22) comprises a sharp angle (5;6) with respect to said longitudinal direction (1) of said table top panel (10); and
CHARACTERIZED IN THAT: when said two side elements (21;22) are coupled to said table top panel (10) at their respective coupling points (301;302) and when said two side elements (21;22) are coupled together at said crossing point (203), said crossing point (203) is above said table top panel (10) and each of said two side elements (21;22) further comprises a panel support (213;214) extending along a lateral direction (2) and adapted to support said table top panel (10).
A furniture assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein each of said two side elements (21;22) further comprises a slot (201;202) defined through said side element (21;22) and extending along said lateral direction (2) of the side element (21;22) and configured to cooperate with the slot (202;201) of the other side element (22;21) to form said crossing point (203).
A furniture assembly (100) according to claim 2, wherein said two side elements (21;22) are coupled together by means of said respective slots (201;202) at said crossing point (203).
A furniture assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein:
- said crossing point (203) comprises a hinge (203) configured to rotate around said lateral direction (2) of said side elements (21;22) and wherein said hinge (203) comprises two pairs of opposite wings (221;222); and

- each of said two side elements (21;22) further comprises a support portion (223;225) and a coupling portion (224;226), wherein said support portion (223;225) is adapted to fit in a wing of one of said two pairs of opposite wings (221;222) such that said support portion (223;225) extends above said crossing point (203) along a longitudinal direction (3;4) of said respective side element (21;22) and wherein said coupling portion (224;226) is adapted to fit in the other wing of said one of said two pairs of opposite wings (221;222) such that said coupling portion (224;225) extends below said crossing point (203) along the same longitudinal direction (3;4) of said respective side element (21;22);
and wherein said two side elements (21;22) are coupled together by means of said hinge (203) at said crossing point (203).
A furniture assembly (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein:
- each of said two side elements (21;22) further comprises an inward side (32;33) and an opposite outward side (31;34); and

- said two side elements (21;22) are coupled together such that the longitudinal direction (3;4) of each of said two side elements (21;22) comprises, at said respective inward side (32;33), a sharp angle (5;6) with respect to said longitudinal direction (1) of said table top panel (10).
A furniture assembly (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said crossing point (203) is equidistant from said respective coupling points (301;302).
A furniture assembly (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of said two side elements (21;22) further comprises a front edge (204;206) and an opposite back edge (205;207) both defined along the respective longitudinal direction (3;4) of each respective side element (21;22).
A furniture assembly (100) according to claims 2 and 7, wherein the slot (202) of one of said two side elements (22) is defined at said respective front edge (206) and wherein the slot (201) of the other side element (21) is defined at said respective opposite back edge (205).
A furniture assembly (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said two side elements (21;22) are coupled together at said crossing point (203) in a releasable manner and wherein said two side elements (21;22) are coupled to said table top panel (10) at their respective coupling points (301;302) in a releasable manner.
A furniture assembly (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of said two side elements (21;22) further comprises a foot (401 ;402).
A furniture assembly (100) according to claim 7, wherein each of said two side elements further comprises a support edge (208;209) extending from said respective front edge (204;206) to said respective opposite back edge (205;207), such that said furniture assembly (100) is adapted to support an electronic device (101) resting on both said support edges (208;209).
A furniture assembly (100) according to claims 7 and 10, wherein each respective foot (401;402) is aligned along a vertical direction (9) with said respective support edge (208;209) at said respective opposite back edge (205;207) of said respective side element (21;22).
A furniture assembly (100) according to any of the claims 11 or 12, wherein said respective support edges (208;209) are defined under an angle (7;8) with respect to said lateral direction (2) such that said respective support edge (208) of said respective side element (21) at said respective opposite back edge (205) is above said respective support edge (208) of said respective side element (21) at said respective front edge (204) along the longitudinal direction (3) of said respective side element (21) and such that said respective support edge (209) of said respective side element (22) at said respective opposite back edge (207) is above said respective support edge (209) of said respective side element (22) at said respective front edge (206) along the longitudinal direction (4) of said respective side element (22).
A furniture assembly (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said table top panel (10) further comprises two locking hooks (11;12).