EP3369349A1 - Flexible room divider - Google Patents

Abstract

A room divider (1) comprises at least two vertical elements (2) each having at least one inlet opening (23) and at least one outlet opening (24), and at least one connecting element (4) extending along a connection direction (C) through the inlet openings (23). and outlet openings (24) extends therethrough, whereby the vertical elements (2) are interconnected. The room divider (1) further comprises at least one fixing element (5), which extends along the connecting direction (C) through the inlet opening (23) of the one vertical element (2) and through the outlet opening (24) of the other vertical element (2), and which fixing element (5) is designed such that the vertical elements (2) with respect to the connecting direction (C) at a distance (d) are fixed to each other.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a room divider according to claim 1 and a method for producing such a room divider according to claim 15.

STATE OF THE ART

Room dividers are known in a variety of embodiments and made of a variety of materials. For example, there are room dividers with permanently installed dividing surfaces or fins or those whose separation surfaces or fins can be changed as needed. Out JP S 6031872 U For example, a room divider is known, which is mounted on a ceiling and consists of drooping lamellae between which beads are inserted as spacers. The DE 94 05731 U discloses a movable screen with wings which are each interconnected by means of a flexible binding device. The binding device is belts, Velcro strips or zippers, which are each mounted on an outside of the wings and thereby connect two adjacent wings together.

A room divider should have a simple and visually appealing construction, allow easy handling and be adaptable to the individual needs of a user. However, the previously known room divider fulfill these requirements only partially.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved room divider. In particular, it is an object to provide a room divider which has a simple yet reliable construction and has easy handling.

This object is achieved by a room divider according to claim 1. Such a room divider comprises at least two vertical elements, each extending along a vertical direction and each having at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, and at least one connecting element which extends along a perpendicular to the vertical direction extending connecting direction extends through the inlet openings and outlet openings of the vertical elements, whereby the vertical elements are connected to each other by means of the connecting element. The room divider further comprises at least one fixing element, which extends along the connecting direction through the inlet opening of the one vertical element and through the outlet opening of the other vertical element, and which fixing element is designed such that the vertical elements are fixed with respect to the connecting direction at a distance from each other.

That is, the inventive room divider comprises two or more vertical elements, which are connected to one another via one or more connecting elements, and which are fixed or fixed to one another via one or more fixing elements at a certain distance. The one or more fixing elements thus prevent a displacement of the vertical elements along the connecting direction. The fact that the fixing element or elements thereby extend through the inlet openings and outlet openings of the vertical elements, and for example, are not only formed between the vertical elements, a good fixation of the vertical elements is ensured. At the same time no externally visible fastening means such as screws, hinges or the like for fixing respectively fixing the vertical elements are needed, which simplifies the production of the room divider and gives the room divider a visually appealing design.

The fixing element and the vertical elements can be positively and / or non-positively connected to each other. Thus, the fixing element seen in cross-section may have a diameter which is substantially equal to or greater than a diameter of the inlet openings and outlet openings of the vertical elements. This causes the fixing element is clamped in the inlet openings and the outlet openings of the vertical elements. As a result, the vertical elements are prevented from moving. A particularly good clamping of the fixing element is achieved if the diameter of the inlet openings and outlet openings of the vertical elements is smaller than the diameter of the fixing element seen in cross section. However, it is also conceivable that the fixing element in cross section has a smaller diameter than the inlet openings and outlet openings of the vertical elements. In this case, the fixing element can be passed through these openings without jamming the vertical elements. A displacement of the vertical elements is then otherwise prevented, as will now be explained.

Thus, in each case a fastening element can be arranged with at least one passage opening in the vertical element, wherein the connecting element extends through the passage openings of the fastening elements, and wherein the through openings of the fastening elements each have a diameter which is substantially equal to or smaller than a diameter of the fixing element in cross section is seen. In this case, the fastening element allows a jamming of the fixing element in its passage opening, whereby the vertical elements are fixed by means of the fastening element or fixed. Again, a deadlock is particularly strong when the diameter of the through holes is smaller than the diameter of the fixing seen in cross section. However, a fixation of the vertical elements can not be done only by jamming. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening elements may be designed and arranged such that the fastening elements of each two adjacent vertical elements provide a stop for the fixing element arranged between these two vertical elements. The fastener is preferably an element having an elongate structure such as a substantially rectangular plate extending at least partially along the vertical direction extends. By now adjacent vertical elements having such an element, which is arranged with respect to the connecting direction at least in the region of the inlet and outlet openings of the vertical elements, the fixing element encounters when passing through the vertical element on this element. If the fastening element at the place of impact has no passage opening, whose diameter is sufficiently large, so that the fixing element can be passed smoothly or without resistance, the fixing element is blocked at this point by the fastening element. In other words, the fixing element abuts on the fastening element.

If the fixing element can be passed through the passage openings, the provision of a single fixing element for fixing the vertical elements is sufficient in principle. If the fixing element abuts against the fastening elements, then a fixing element for two successive vertical elements is to be provided in each case. Of course, a plurality of fixing elements can also be provided in the first case, with one fixing element each fixing two or more successive vertical elements in their mutual spacing.

So that the connecting element can be passed well through the vertical elements, it is advantageous if the inlet openings and the outlet openings of the vertical elements each have a diameter which is larger than a diameter of the connecting element seen in cross section. The same applies to the case in which the vertical elements have fastening elements, wherein it is advantageous if the through openings of the fastening elements have a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the connecting element seen in cross section. In addition to a simple connection of the vertical elements with each other, this embodiment also allows the orientation of the vertical elements to each other can be changed. This will be explained later in more detail.

The vertical elements are preferably each formed as a hollow body and have a cavity, wherein the fastening elements are each disposed within this cavity. In this case, any elongated structures are conceivable, typical structures in the field being hollow cylinders or rectangular hollow profiles.

The vertical elements can each have an inner side with at least one connecting structure, in particular a groove, wherein the fastening elements can be fastened via the connecting structure in the cavity of the vertical elements.

The connection structure preferably extends at least partially along the vertical direction. If the connection structure is provided in the form of a groove, then it is advantageous if the fastening element can make a latching connection with the groove. However, other types of connection are equally conceivable. For example, the fastener may be adhered to the inside of the vertical members.

Preferably, the fixing element and / or the connecting element are deformable. Particularly preferably, the fixing element and / or the connecting element are formed plastically deformable. However, it is also conceivable to provide one or both of these components from a flexible material. For example, the connecting element in the form of a rope and / or the fixing element in the form of a plastically deformable plastic or a synthetic polymer can be provided.

The deformable design of the connecting element and / or the fixing element allows a variable orientation of the vertical profiles to each other. For example, a manual force can be exerted on the vertical elements defined by the fixing element, wherein the vertical elements are displaced or displaced to a desired position. As long as no further force is applied in a different direction, the vertical elements remain in their staggered position. The partition can thus take different geometric configurations such. a straight or curved shape, and then remain in this embodiment.

The fixing element may be a hollow body, in particular a hollow cylinder, with a cavity, wherein the connecting element extends through the cavity of the fixing element. That is, the fixing element forms a hollow body, wherein the connecting element extends through the hollow space of the hollow body. By the diameter of the fixing seen in cross section larger is selected as the diameter of the connecting element seen in cross-section, the fixing element is slidably mounted on the connecting element.

The room divider may further comprise two end elements each extending along the vertical direction and each having at least one entrance opening and at least one exit opening, the vertical elements being arranged with respect to the connection direction between the end elements, the connection element extending along the direction of connection through the entry openings and exit openings of the terminating elements extends therethrough, whereby the terminating elements are connected to the vertical elements, and wherein the connecting element is fastened in particular via fastening means on the end elements.

In other words, it is conceivable to connect the first vertical element and the last vertical element respectively to a terminating element in relation to the connecting direction.

In each case a fastening element with at least one passage opening can be arranged on the closing element, wherein the connecting element extends through the through opening of the fastening element, and wherein the through opening of the fastening element in each case has a diameter which is substantially equal to or smaller than a diameter of the fixing element seen in cross section is.

A connection or definition of the vertical elements with the end elements can thus be carried out analogously to the connection or determination of the vertical elements with each other. This means that the terminating elements may also have fastening elements with passage openings which allow the fixing of the first or last vertical element at a distance from the respective adjacent terminating element. It is also conceivable that the fixing element is positively and / or non-positively connected to the fastening elements of the end elements, for example by the fixing due to its larger diameter in the through holes of the fasteners is jammed. It is also conceivable that the fastening elements of the end elements and the vertical elements connected to the end elements provide a stop for the fixing element arranged between them.

For a particularly aesthetic perception of the room divider, it is advantageous if the attachment of the connecting element to the end elements for a viewer of the room divider remains hidden. Thus, it is conceivable that the room divider comprises two cover elements, wherein in each case a cover is attached to one of the end elements such that the attachment of the connecting element on the end element from the outside is not visible. For example, the cover elements can be profile structures in which the cover elements can be accommodated at least partially, the end elements coming to rest within the profile structure at least in the region of the attachment of the connection element. The free end of the connecting element and its attachment to the closing element is thus no longer visible, whereby the room divider looks visually appealing. Preferably, the cover member extends in the vertical direction along the entire length of the end member and completely covers the observer-facing sides of the end member.

At least one of the vertical elements and / or at least one of the end elements can each have an open upper end and / or an open lower end, wherein the upper open end and the lower open end is closed by a retractable lid.

For example, in the case of vertical elements in the form of hollow sections, it may be desirable for aesthetic reasons to close open areas of the hollow sections such as the open ends. Instead of a retractable lid, however, other connections of the lid are possible such as gluing or screwing. In addition, it is possible to provide the vertical elements with closed ends, so that the provision of a lid is eliminated.

The room divider may further comprise at least one footrest, which is arranged at a lower end of the vertical element and / or the closing element. The Footrests serve to support the room divider on a floor and to give it stability.

The vertical elements and / or the end elements may be substantially cylindrical or rectangular and preferably formed of wood. However, other materials such as plastic or metal are equally conceivable and can be tailored to the customer's request. The same applies to the footrests, which may for example consist of metal, but also of other viable materials.

• Bereitstellen der mindestens zwei Vertikalelemente;
• Verbinden der Vertikalelemente mittels des mindestens einen Verbindungselements; und
• Festlegen der Vertikalelemente bezüglich der Verbindungsrichtung in einem Abstand zueinander mittels des Fixierelements.

A method of making a room divider as described above comprises the steps of:

• Providing the at least two vertical elements;
• Connecting the vertical elements by means of the at least one connecting element; and
• Fixing the vertical elements with respect to the connecting direction at a distance from each other by means of the fixing element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Raumteilers gemäss einer ersten Ausführungsform umfassend Vertikalelemente und Stützfüsse;

Fig. 2a

zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen Raumteiler gemäss Figur 1 in einer ersten Position;

Fig. 2b

zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf den Raumteiler gemäss Figur 1 in einer zweiten Position;

Fig. 2c

zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf den Raumteiler gemäss Figur 1 ohne Stützfüsse in einer dritten Position;

Fig. 2d

zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf den Raumteiler gemäss Figur 1 in einer vierten Position;

Fig. 3a

zeigt einen Ausschnitt des Raumteilers gemäss der ersten Ausführungsform mit nicht festgelegten Vertikalelementen;

Fig. 3b

zeigt einen Ausschnitt des Raumteilers gemäss der ersten Ausführungsform mit festgelegten Vertikalelementen in der ersten Position;

Fig. 3c

zeigt einen Ausschnitt des Raumteilers gemäss der ersten Ausführungsform mit festgelegten Vertikalelementen in der zweiten und vierten Position;

Fig. 4a

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Vertikalelements mit eingefügtem Verbindungselement;

Fig. 4b

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht des Vertikalelements gemäss Figur 4a mit Fixierelement in einem ersten Zustand;

Fig. 4c

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht des Vertikalelements gemäss Figur 4a mit Fixierelement in einem zweiten Zustand;

Fig. 4d

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht des Vertikalelements gemäss Figur 4a mit einem weiteren Vertikalelement und weiteren Fixierelementen;

Fig. 5a

zeigt einen bereichsweisen zentralen Längsschnitt durch ein Vertikalelement mit Verbindungselement;

Fig. 5b

zeigt einen bereichsweisen zentralen Längsschnitt durch ein Vertikalelement mit Verbindungselement und Fixierelement;

Fig. 6a

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Vertikalelements und eines Deckels in unverschlossenem Zustand;

Fig. 6b

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht des Vertikalelements und des Deckels gemäss Figur 6a in verschlossenem Zustand;

Fig. 7

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Fussstütze;

Fig. 8a

zeigt eine Schnittansicht eines Abschlusselements und eines Abdeckelements in unverbundenem Zustand;

Fig. 8b

zeigt eine Schnittansicht des Abschlusselements und des Abdeckelements gemäss Figur 8a in verbundenem Zustand;

Fig. 9a

zeigt eine weitere Schnittansicht eines Abschlusselements und Abdeckelements in unverbundenem Zustand;

Fig. 9b

zeigt eine Schnittansicht des Abschlusselements und Abdeckelements gemäss Figur 9a in verbundenem Zustand mit eingeführtem Verbindungselement;

Fig. 9c

zeigt eine Schnittansicht des Abschlusselements, Abdeckelements und Verbindungselements gemäss Figur 9b mit eingeführtem Fixierelement;

Fig. 10a

zeigt eine teilweise Schnittansicht durch einen Raumteiler mit Fussstütze bezüglich einer horizontalen Richtung;

Fig. 10b

zeigt eine teilweise Schnittansicht durch den Raumteiler gemäss Figur 10a bezüglich einer vertikalen Richtung;

Fig. 11a

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Vertikalelements mit Verbindungselement und Fixierelementen gemäss einer zweiten Ausführungsform in einem ersten Zustand;

Fig. 11b

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht des Vertikalelements mit Verbindungselement und Fixierelementen gemäss Figur 11a in einem zweiten Zustand;

Fig. 11c

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht des Vertikalelements mit Verbindungselement und Fixierelementen gemäss Figur 11b mit einem weiteren Vertikalelement und Fixierelement.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not to be interpreted as limiting. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

shows a perspective view of a room divider according to a first embodiment comprising vertical elements and support legs;

Fig. 2a

shows a schematic plan view of a room divider according to FIG. 1 in a first position;

Fig. 2b

shows a schematic plan view of the room divider according to FIG. 1 in a second position;

Fig. 2c

shows a schematic plan view of the room divider according to FIG. 1 without support feet in a third position;

Fig. 2d

shows a schematic plan view of the room divider according to FIG. 1 in a fourth position;

Fig. 3a

shows a section of the room divider according to the first embodiment with non-fixed vertical elements;

Fig. 3b

shows a section of the room divider according to the first embodiment with fixed vertical elements in the first position;

Fig. 3c

shows a section of the room divider according to the first embodiment with fixed vertical elements in the second and fourth position;

Fig. 4a

shows a perspective view of a vertical element with inserted connecting element;

Fig. 4b

shows a perspective view of the vertical element according to FIG. 4a with fixing element in a first state;

Fig. 4c

shows a perspective view of the vertical element according to FIG. 4a with fixing element in a second state;

Fig. 4d

shows a perspective view of the vertical element according to FIG. 4a with a further vertical element and further fixing elements;

Fig. 5a

shows a partial central longitudinal section through a vertical element with connecting element;

Fig. 5b

shows a partial central longitudinal section through a vertical element with connecting element and fixing;

Fig. 6a

shows a perspective view of a vertical element and a lid in the unlocked state;

Fig. 6b

shows a perspective view of the vertical element and the lid according to FIG. 6a in closed condition;

Fig. 7

shows a perspective view of a footrest;

Fig. 8a

shows a sectional view of a closing element and a cover in unconnected state;

Fig. 8b

shows a sectional view of the closing element and the cover according to FIG. 8a in connected condition;

Fig. 9a

shows a further sectional view of a closing element and cover in unconnected state;

Fig. 9b

shows a sectional view of the closure element and cover according to FIG. 9a in a connected state with inserted connecting element;

Fig. 9c

shows a sectional view of the end element, cover and connecting element according to FIG. 9b with inserted fixing element;

Fig. 10a

shows a partial sectional view through a room divider with footrest with respect to a horizontal direction;

Fig. 10b

shows a partial sectional view through the room divider according to FIG. 10a with respect to a vertical direction;

Fig. 11a

shows a perspective view of a vertical element with connecting element and fixing elements according to a second embodiment in a first state;

Fig. 11b

shows a perspective view of the vertical element with connecting element and fixing according to FIG. 11a in a second state;

Fig. 11c

shows a perspective view of the vertical element with connecting element and fixing according to FIG. 11b with a further vertical element and fixing element.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An inventive room divider 1, 1 'comprises vertical elements 2, 2', which are connected to one another via connecting elements 4, and which are fixed or fixed to one another via fixing elements 5 at a distance d. It is in the FIGS. 1 to 10b a first embodiment of a room divider 1 and in the FIGS. 11a to 11c a second embodiment of a room divider 1 'shown. The two embodiments differ essentially only in that the vertical elements 2 of the first embodiment have a rectangular configuration and the vertical elements 2 'of the second embodiment have a cylindrical configuration. It is thus to be understood that statements concerning the first embodiment apply analogously to the second embodiment and vice versa. For the sake of simplicity, the concrete construction and the mode of operation of the room divider will now be described with reference to the first embodiment according to FIGS FIGS. 1 to 10b explained.

As can be seen from these figures, the room divider 1 comprises a plurality of Vertical elements 2 in the form of rectangular hollow sections, which each extend along a vertical direction V. In the present example, the rectangular hollow profile has four side walls 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, of which three are integrally formed with each other and which are connectable to the separately formed fourth side wall 21d. So that the joining of the vertical elements 2 can be better explained, the vertical elements 2 are in the FIGS. 4a to 4d each depicted without the fourth side wall 21d. The fourth side wall 21d can be attached after the connection of the vertical elements 2, or the fourth side wall 21d can already be attached during the connection of the vertical elements 2, respectively, or it is conceivable that all four side walls are integrally formed. Although not shown in the figures, the fourth side wall 21d on its inside facing the cavity 210 may at least partially 22 have a protruding structure, which jamming the fourth side wall 21d within the three side walls 21a, 21b, 21c and thus an attachment of the fourth side wall allows. For this purpose, the protruding structure has a width which corresponds approximately to the clear width of the U-profile formed by the three side walls 21a, 21b, 21c.

In the embodiment shown here, each vertical element 2 has an inlet opening 23 and an outlet opening 24, through which a connecting element 4 extends in the form of a rope. As a result, the individual vertical elements 2 are connected to each other. Depending on the length of the vertical elements 2, however, it is advantageous for a stable connection of the vertical elements 2 if a plurality of inlet openings 23 and outlet openings 24 are present, through which in each case a connecting element 4 is guided. These two or more pairs of cooperating entrance and exit openings are then formed along the vertical direction V spaced from each other on the vertical element 2. For example, an inlet and an outlet opening in the region of the upper end 28 of the vertical element and an inlet and an outlet opening in the region of the lower end 29 of the vertical element can be arranged, wherein the distance between the cooperating inlet and outlet openings to the upper end and to the lower End of the vertical element is the same or different. The or the connecting elements 4 thereby run along a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction V connecting direction C. If the vertical profiles 2 parallel to each other and are arranged within a common plane (see for example FIGS. 2a . 3a and 3b ), the connecting direction C coincides with a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction V horizontal direction H. The deformable design of the connecting element 4, in this case the property of the rope, to change its shape under the action of force, and as will be explained later, in particular also the deformable design of a fixing element 5 allows a variable alignment of the vertical profiles 2 to each other. As in particular from the FIGS. 2a to 2d It can be seen that the vertical elements 2 can be brought into the most different positions, so that the space divider 1 not only has a rectilinear shape (FIG. FIG. 2a ), but any shapes, such as a wavy ( FIG. 2b ), a rolled up ( Figure 2c ) or an arcuate ( Figure 2d ) Can take shape.

Furthermore, a fastening element 25 can be arranged within the vertical elements 2, which here has the shape of a rectangular plate and extends with respect to the vertical direction V substantially along an entire length of the vertical elements 2. The fastening element 25 has one or more passage openings 26, through which the connecting element 4 is passed. In the present case, the fastening element 25 has a single passage opening 26. The number of through holes 26 of the fasteners 25 ideally corresponds to the number of inlet and outlet openings 23, 24 of the vertical elements 2. It is also advantageous to arrange the fasteners 25 within the vertical elements 2 such that each of the inlet opening 23, the through hole 26 and the Outlet opening 24, through which the connecting element 4 is guided, are arranged on a common axis. In order to fasten the fastening elements 25 in the cavity 210 of the vertical elements 2, the vertical elements 2 each have on their cavity facing inner sides 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d a connecting structure 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d in the form of a groove which extends along the vertical direction V extends. The clear width of the groove 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d corresponds approximately to the width of the fastening element 25, so that the fastening element 25 can be snapped into the groove and thereby fixed. To fasten the fastener 25 requires a groove in a side wall. In the case of the three interconnected side walls 21a, 21b, 21c, which have a U-shape seen in cross-section, the groove 27b is preferably in the connecting leg 21b of the vertical element 2 is arranged. The grooves 27a, 27c in the legs forming side walls 21a, 21c of the vertical element 2 are due to manufacturing reasons. For a good fastening of the fourth side wall 21d on the three side walls 21a, 21b, 21c, it is also advantageous if the protruding structure (not shown) on the inner side 22d of the fourth side wall 21d also at least partially has a groove into which the fastening element can engage. However, it is also conceivable to use a fourth side wall 21d without such a protruding structure. Like from the FIGS. 3a to 3c 4, the fourth side wall 21d may be fixed to the side walls 21a, 21c instead of by jamming, for example, and the groove 27d for receiving the fixing member 25 is then formed directly in the inside 22d of the fourth side wall 21d.

As mentioned, the vertical elements 2 are connected to each other by means of the connecting element 4. For this purpose, the inlet openings 23 and the outlet openings 24 of the vertical elements 2 and the passage openings 26 of the fastening elements 25 each have a diameter dV or dB, which is larger than a diameter dS of the connecting element 4 seen in cross-section, see in particular FIG. 5a , As a result, the connecting element 4 can extend completely with respect to the connecting direction C through the vertical elements 2 including the accommodated fastening elements 25. At the same time, however, the vertical elements 2 are then mounted displaceably relative to one another with respect to the connecting direction C along the connecting element 4. In order to fix the vertical elements 2 at a distance from one another, the room divider 1 further comprises at least one fixing element 5, which extends along the connecting direction C through the inlet openings 23 and outlet openings 24 of the vertical elements 2 and, if present, through the through openings 26 of the fastening elements 25 ,

The fixing element 5 in the present example is a hose which can be slipped over the connecting element 4. That is, the fixing element 5 forms a hollow body, wherein the connecting element 4 extends through the cavity 51 of the hollow body 5 therethrough. Further, the fixing member 5 is also made of a deformable material, so that the room divider 1, the above can take different forms mentioned. In particular, it is advantageous to produce the fixing element 5 from a plastically deformable material so that the fixing element 5 can be bent by hand in a desired direction and then remains in this bent direction as long as no further force is applied in a different direction. However, it is also conceivable to produce the fixing element 5 from a synthetic rubber with other properties, such as, for example, a fixing element made of an elastomer such as chloroprene rubber (also known under the trade name Neoprene®).

The fixing element 5 is designed such that, for example, a positive and / or non-positive connection with the vertical elements 2 takes place. If, for example, the fixing element 5 has a diameter dF, which is substantially equal to or larger than a diameter dV of the inlet openings 23 and outlet openings 24 of the vertical elements 2, the fixing element 5 can be arranged in the inlet openings 23 and outlet openings 24 of the vertical elements 2 are jammed, see for example FIG. 5b , In this case, it is not necessary to use a fastening element 25 for fixing the vertical elements 2. Instead, the vertical elements 2 are fixed solely due to the jamming with the fixing element 5 and thus prevented from shifting with respect to the connecting direction C. Additionally or alternatively, however, the vertical elements 2 can be fixed by means of the fixing element 5 and the fastening elements 25 at a distance from each other. If the passage openings 26 of the fastening elements 25 have a diameter dB, for example, which is essentially equal to or smaller than a diameter dF of the fixing element 5 in cross-section, then the fixing element 5 can be clamped in the passage openings 26 of the fastening elements 25. In particular, in the case where the diameter dB of the through-holes 26 of the fixing elements 25 is smaller than a diameter dF of the fixing element 5 in cross-section, the side surfaces 211 of two successive fixing elements 25 provide a specific stop for the fixing element 5.

The lateral distance d between two adjacent vertical elements 2 can thus be adjusted or set in different, complementary or alternative ways. Namely, by jamming the vertical elements 2 on the fixing element 5 by means of the inlet openings 23 and outlet openings 24, by clamping the vertical elements 2 on the fixing element 5 by means of the through openings 26 of the fastening elements 25, and by providing a stop for the fixing element 5 by means of the fastening elements 25. The fixed lateral distance d between two adjacent vertical elements 2 depends thereby from the length of the fixing element 5 from. If a very short fixing element 5 is used, then the distance d between the vertical elements 2 is correspondingly small. Analogously, a very long fixing element 5 allows a large distance d between the vertical elements 2. Or in other words, the distance between two adjacent vertical elements is determined by the length of the fixing element connecting these two vertical elements. In the context of a plastically deformable fixing element, it is to be understood that the term "distance" as used herein refers to the fixed distance between two adjacent fixing elements, in particular the distance between the inlet opening of the one vertical element and the outlet opening of the other vertical element or, if present, refers to the distance between the passage opening in the fastening element of the one vertical element and the passage opening in the fastening element of the other vertical element, along the fixing element. This distance or distance is the same for a straight-lined room divider as well as for a curved or otherwise deformed room divider. If a plurality of vertical elements 2 and correspondingly a plurality of fixing elements 5 are used, these fixing elements 5 can each have the same length or different lengths. In the figures shown here, the fixing elements 5 each have the same length and a fixation of the vertical elements 2 takes place, inter alia, by providing a stop by the fastening elements 25. For this reason, the lateral distances d between two successive vertical elements 2 are the same. However, it is equally conceivable to use different length fixing elements 5 or to clamp the vertical elements 2 at different positions on the fixing elements 5, so that the vertical elements 2 are fixed to each other with varying distances d.

At this point and with reference to the FIGS. 3a to 4d Now, the method for producing a room divider 1 as described above will be concretely explained. In a first step, a desired number of vertical elements 2 is provided. In one Second step, the vertical elements 2 by means of the connecting element 4, which is guided through the inlet and outlet openings 23, 24 of the vertical elements 2 and, if provided here, through the through holes 26 of the fastening elements 25, with each other. In a third step, the vertical elements 2 are fixed with respect to the connecting direction C at a certain distance d from each other by means of the fixing element 5. Are like in FIGS. 3a to 3c shown three vertical elements 2 present, the distance d between the first and the second vertical element 2 with a first fixing element 5, and the distance d between the second and the third vertical element 2 with a second fixing element 5 is fixed. These components are strung on a chain analogous to pearls. That is, first, the first vertical element 2 on the connecting element 4 and then the first fixing element 5 is lined up on the connecting element 4. In a next step, the second vertical element 2 is lined up on the connecting element 4 and then the second fixing element 5 on the connecting element 4. In yet another step, the third vertical element 2 and then a third fixing element 5 is lined up on the connecting element 4, and so on. After the individual components have been lined up on the connecting element 4, any distances d between the adjacent vertical elements 2 can be further reduced by the vertical elements 2 are moved towards each other by means of the fixing elements 5 along the connecting direction C and along a direction opposite to the connecting direction. This is by means of the two arrows in FIG. 3b indicated. The fixing elements 5 slide along the connecting element 4 mounted in them until the free ends 212 of the fixing elements 5 abut against the side surfaces 211 of the fastening elements 25. Then, the room divider 1 can be bent by hand into a desired shape.

As described above, the vertical elements 2 are hollow profiles. How out Figures 6a and 6b As can be seen, they can have open upper and lower open ends 28, 29, which can be closed by a retractable cover 6. The cover 6 comprises an outer part 61 and an inner part 62, wherein the diameter of the outer part approximately corresponds to the outer diameter of the hollow body 2 and the diameter of the inner part 62 approximately to the diameter of the cavity 210. In the inserted state, the outer part 61 of the cover 6 closes the free end of the Vertical element 2 flush, wherein the inner part 62 jammed in the cavity 210 and the lid 6 is thereby secured to the vertical element 2. It is also conceivable to provide the inner part 62 of the cover 6 on its peripheral side with a circumferential groove 63 in which a sealing element 64 is used as a rubber ring (see FIG. 10a ). This sealing element 64 allows a better jamming of the lid 6, whereby a possible sticking or screwing the lid is obsolete. The cover 6 are then releasably attached to the vertical elements 2 and can be easily removed if necessary, for example, if, as will be explained in more detail below, a footrest 7 is to be attached to the room divider.

As in the FIGS. 1 to 2d indicated and in FIG. 7 can be clearly seen, the room divider 1 may have one or more foot rests 7, which are respectively arranged at the lower ends 29 of the vertical elements 2 and give stability to the room divider. The footrest 7 has a base plate 71 for resting on a floor and a vertically projecting from the base plate 71 structure 72 for connection to a vertical element 2. In the present example is in the projecting structure is a substantially rectangular pillar 72, which through the lower open end 29 of the vertical element 2 can be inserted into the cavity 210 of the vertical element 2. By choosing the length of the projecting structure 72 to be sufficiently long, the vertical element 2 and the projecting structure 72 are connected to one another via a plug connection, wherein no further fastening means are required. An attachment by means of fasteners such as screws or an adhesive, however, is just as conceivable. Here, the projecting structure 72 and the base plate 71 are separate components which are bolted together. Another possibility would be to provide the base plate 71 with the projecting structure 72 as a single part. Although not shown here, the base plate 71 may consist of two or more sub-panels which are piled up. A particularly good stabilization of the vertical elements 2 is achieved when one or more of the arranged in the region of the vertical elements 2 lower plates have a recess into which the lower end 29 of the vertical elements 2 can be received respectively. Of course, the base plate 71 may consist only of a plate which has such a recess or cover 6 are inserted into the lower open ends 29, which has a thickness corresponding to the thickness of Have base plate (see, eg FIG. 10a ). Also, the footrests 7 can be used to set a desired distance between the lower ends 29 of the vertical elements 2 and the bottom, not shown here. For this purpose, for example, spacers can be used, which are first attached to the projecting structure 72 of the footrest 7, and on which spacers then the vertical elements 2 when connecting with the projecting structures 72 rest. The spacers are preferably likewise hollow bodies whose cross section can be formed analogously to the cross section of the vertical elements 2. For example, therefore, rectangular or cylindrical hollow body, wherein the projecting structure 72 is guided through the cavity of the spacers.

The room divider 1 is terminated at its outer ends in each case with a closing element 3. That is, the room divider 1 comprises two end elements 3, between which the vertical elements 2 are arranged. These end elements 3 are in the FIGS. 8a to 9c illustrated and correspond to elongate elements which extend along the vertical direction V and which each have at least one inlet opening 31. In order to connect the terminating elements 3 to the vertical elements 2, the connecting element 4 is pulled along the connecting direction C through the inlet opening 31 of the second terminating element 3 or along a direction opposite the connecting direction C through the inlet opening 31 of the first terminating element 3. Next, the connecting element 4 is then fastened via fastening means 33 such as screws to the end elements 3. For this purpose, an indentation 34 can be formed in each case on an outer side of the end elements 3, in which the free end 41 of the connecting element 4 together with the fastening means 33 is received. In addition, a fastening element 35 with at least one passage opening 36 can be arranged on the end elements 3, with the connecting element 4 extending through the passage openings 36 of the fastening elements 35. In the present case, the fastening element 35 is formed as a rectangular plate, which extends with respect to the vertical direction V along the entire length of the closing element 3. The end elements 3 and the associated fastening elements 35 can each be formed in one piece or separately formed components. In the present case, the closing element 3 and the fastening element 35 are integrally formed.

The distance d between the end elements 3 and the vertical elements 2 adjacent to these end elements 3 is likewise fixed to the fixing elements 5 as described above. This means that the fastening elements 35 of the end elements 3 have passage openings 36 analogous to the passage openings 26 of the fastening elements 25 of the vertical elements 2, wherein the passage openings 36 of the fastening elements 35 of the end elements 3 each have a diameter dA, which is substantially equal to or smaller than a Diameter dF of the fixing element 5 is seen in cross section. As in particular from the FIGS. 9a to 9c As can be seen, the through openings 36 of the fastening elements 35 and the inlet openings 31 of the closing elements 3 form a single through opening through the fastening elements and the end elements, wherein this through opening opens into the recess 34. The distances d between the vertical elements 2 and the end elements 3 is thus also by clamping the end elements 3 on the fixing element 5 by means of the inlet openings 31 of the end elements 3, by clamping the end elements 3 on the fixing element 5 by means of the through holes 36 of the fastening elements 35 of the end elements. 3 respectively set by providing a stop for the fixing element 5 by means of the side surfaces of the fastening elements 25, 35.

In order for the attachment of the connecting means 4 by means of the fastening means 33 to a viewer is invisible, cover members 37 are attached to the end elements 3, which cover this attachment. In the embodiment shown here, the cover element 37 is a substantially U-shaped profile, in which the end elements 3 are at least partially received. How good in the FIGS. 8a to 9c it can be seen, the end elements 3 with the attached respectively integral fasteners 35 to the cross-section substantially T-shaped, wherein the dimensions of the longitudinal ridge of the "T", ie the end member 3, a locking or jamming of the end member 3 in the U-shaped Allow profile of the cover 37. The crosspiece of the "T", that is, the fastening element 35, then strikes against the free ends 38 of the side legs 39 of the U-shaped profile. In this connected state, the fastening means 33 for the connecting means 4 are completely covered by the cover 37. Like from the Figures 10a and 10b As can be seen, the end elements 3, or even only the end elements 3, are connected to footrests 7 as described above. In this case, the end elements have open lower ends 311 into which the protruding structure 72 of the support leg can be inserted. The open ends are in each case formed by the fastening element 35 and the cover element 37, which have a length with respect to the vertical direction, which are greater than a length of the end elements 3 in the region of their inlet openings 31. In other words, the length of the longitudinal ridge of the "T" is smaller than the length of the crosspiece of the "T" and smaller than the length of the cover members 37 along the vertical direction. In other words, again in the connected state, the fastening elements 35 and the cover elements again form a hollow profile with a cavity 312 into which the projecting structure of the support foot can be inserted (see in particular FIG FIG. 10a ). It is also conceivable to form the end elements with open upper ends, which can then be closed with a lid 6 analogously to the vertical elements.

As mentioned initially, the vertical elements 2 and, of course, the end elements 3 can not only have the previously discussed rectangular shape but any shapes. For example, these elements may be cylindrical, as in the FIGS. 11a to 11c is shown. Preferably, the vertical elements 2, the end elements 3 and the cover 37 are made of wood. Conceivable, however, are many other materials such as plastic or metal. Also, the footrest 7 can be made of a variety of materials, with good stability is achieved in particular with footrests made of metal. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 1, 1 ' room divider 41 free end 2, 2 ' vertical element 5 fixing 21a, ... Side wall 51 cavity 22a, ... inside 23 inlet opening 6 cover 24 outlet opening 61 outer part 25 fastener 62 inner part 26 Through opening 63 groove 27 groove 64 Sealing element 64 28 top end 29 lower end 7 footrest 210 cavity 71 baseplate 211 side surface 72 protruding structure 212 free end D distance 3 termination element V vertical direction 31 inlet opening H horizontal direction 33 fastener C connection direction 34 deepening there Diameter passage opening 35 fastener 36 Through opening dB Diameter passage opening 37 cover 38 free end dF Diameter fixing element 39 side leg dS diameter 311 lower end connecting element 312 cavity dV Diameter entry opening / 4 connecting element outlet opening

Claims (15)

Room divider (1) comprising - At least two vertical elements (2) which each extend along a vertical direction (V) and which each have at least one inlet opening (23) and at least one outlet opening (24); and - At least one connecting element (4) which extends along a perpendicular to the vertical direction (V) extending connecting direction (C) through the inlet openings (23) and outlet openings (24) of the vertical elements (2), whereby the vertical elements (2) by means of Connecting element (4) are interconnected; characterized in that the room divider (1) further comprises at least one fixing element (5) which extends along the connecting direction (C) through the inlet opening (23) of the one vertical element (2) and through the outlet opening (24) of the other vertical element (2 ), and which fixing element (5) is designed such that the vertical elements (2) with respect to the connecting direction (C) at a distance (d) are fixed to each other. Room divider (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fixing element (5) and the vertical elements (2) are positively and / or non-positively connected to each other. Room divider (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing element (2) seen in cross section has a diameter (dF) which is substantially equal to or greater than a diameter (dV) of the inlet openings (23) and outlet openings (24) of the vertical elements (2) is. Room divider (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in each case a fastening element (25) with at least one passage opening (26) in the vertical element (2) is arranged, wherein the connecting element (4) through the through holes (26) of the fastening elements (25) therethrough, and wherein the through openings (26) of the fastening elements (25) each have a diameter (dB) which is substantially equal to or smaller than a diameter (dF) of the fixing element (5) seen in cross-section. Room divider (1) according to claim 4, wherein the vertical elements (2) are each formed as a hollow body and having a cavity (210), and wherein the fastening elements (2) respectively within this cavity (210) are arranged. Room divider (1) according to claim 5, wherein the vertical elements (2) each have an inner side (22b) with at least one connecting structure (27b), in particular a groove, and wherein the fastening elements (25) via the connecting structure (27b) in the cavity ( 210) of the vertical elements (2) can be fastened. Room divider (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing element (5) and / or the connecting element (4) are deformable. Room divider (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing element (5) is a hollow body, in particular a hollow cylinder, with a cavity (51), and wherein the connecting element (4) passes through the cavity (51) of the fixing element (5). extends through. Room divider (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising two end elements (3) each extending along the vertical direction (V) and each having at least one inlet opening (31), wherein the vertical elements (2) are arranged with respect to the connecting direction (C) between the end elements (3), wherein the connecting element (4) along the connecting direction (C) through the inlet openings (31) of the end elements (3) extending therethrough, whereby the end elements (3) are connected to the vertical elements (2), and wherein the connecting element (4) is fastened in particular via fastening means (33) to the end elements (3). Room divider (1) according to claim 9, wherein in each case a fastening element (35) with at least one passage opening (36) is arranged on the closing element (3), wherein the connecting element (4) extends through the passage opening (36) of the fastening element (35), and wherein the passage opening (36) of the fastening element (35) in each case has a diameter (dA) which is substantially equal to or smaller than a diameter (dF) of the fixing element (5) seen in cross-section. Room divider (1) according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising two cover elements (37), wherein in each case a cover element (37) is fastened to one of the end elements (3) such that the attachment of the connection element (4) to the end elements (3) from the outside is not visible. Room divider (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the vertical elements (2) and / or at least one of the end elements (3) each have an open upper end (28) and / or an open lower end (29; 311) have, wherein the upper open end (28) and the lower open end (29; 311) by a retractable lid (6) is closable. Room divider (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one footrest (7) which is arranged at a lower end (29; 311) of the vertical element 2 (12) and / or the end element (3). Room divider (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical elements (2) and / or the end elements (3) are substantially cylindrical or rectangular and are preferably made of wood. Method for producing a room divider (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: - Providing the at least two vertical elements (2); - Connecting the vertical elements (2) by means of the at least one connecting element (4); and - Fixing the vertical elements (2) with respect to the connecting direction (C) at a distance (d) to each other by means of the fixing element (5).

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