GB2510532A

GB2510532A - Supporting device for a furniture device, in particular for a partition

Info

Publication number: GB2510532A
Application number: GB1409058.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alexander Lorenz
Original assignee: Herman Miller Ltd
Current assignee: Herman Miller Ltd
Priority date: 2011-10-28
Filing date: 2012-10-26
Publication date: 2014-08-06
Also published as: DE102011117184A1; WO2013060470A1; GB201409058D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a supporting device (1, 17, 23) for a furniture device (2), in particular for a partition (3, 4, 32, 33), wherein the furniture device (2) has several polygon fields (5), wherein several cross-members (7) and several connecting webs (8, 18, 25) are provided, wherein the cross-members (7) each have two end regions (9, 26) and the cross-members (7) are or can be detachably connected to each other at the end regions (9, 26) by means of the connecting webs (8, 18, 25), wherein the cross-members (7) are or can be detachably connected to each other in pairs by a respective connecting web (8, 18, 25). Free surfaces curved into the room can be formed and an offset of the polygon fields (5) belonging to a vertex (P) is avoided in that the connecting web (8, 18, 25) has exactly two openings (10), wherein each of the adjacent cross-members (7) passes through one of the two openings (10), wherein the two openings (10) are designed as sleeves (11, 12) and the connecting web (8, 18, 25) has a web (13), wherein the two sleeves (11, 12) are connected to each other by means of the web (13), wherein at least two connecting webs (8, 18), namely at least two sleeves (11, 12), are or can be arranged at an end region (9, 26), wherein the two sleeves (11, 12) connected to each other by means of the web (13) are oriented toward a common virtual vertex (P).

Description

Supporting Device for a Furniture Device, in Particular for a Partition The invention relates to a supporting device for a furniture device, in particular for a partition, wherein the furniture device has several polygon fields, wherein several cross-rnemhers and several connecting webs are provided, wherein the cross-memhcrs each have two end regions and the cross-members are or can be detachably connected to each other at the end regions by the connecting webs, wherein the cross-members are or can be detachably connected to each other in pairs hy a respective connecting web.

Furniture devices are known that are configured as partitions or wall panel structure and have several polygon fields or a polygonal structure. The polygon fields therein can be arranged in one p'ane or at an angle to one another. The polygon fields can he triangular, square.

pentagonal or the like.

A furniture device in the form of a modular wall unit is known from WO 2010/001359 Al.

The wall unit has several modules, wherein the modules can be connected to one another.

Each module is made from foam material and bending points are stamped into the foam material. The stamped areas respectively extend from the centre of the entire module as far as the outer edge regions of the module. As a result, the module is divided into individual triangular polygon fields, so that the module can he folded concavely or convexly out of the plane into three-dimensional space. Because the individual modules can be divided along the stamped bending points a three-dimensional effect is achieved. T-shaped flaps are moulded onto the outer edge regions of the module. These flaps serve as connecting elements. In order to connect two polygonal modules to one another, the Ilaps are each aid adjacent and parallel to one another and are fastened to one another with a clip or rubber band. The wall unit comprising the modules connected in this way can be fastened to a wall or to a ceiling as a built-in structure. This furniture device has no supporting device and is not self-supporting.

The individual foam modules arc unstable.

A furniture device with several polygonal modules is known from DE 20 2011 004 882. Each polygonal module consists of exactly one polygonal module body and several connecting elements, wherein the individual polygonal modules or the corresponding modifie bodies can be connected to each other with the connecting elements. Each module body forms a polygon field. Each module body has a separate inflexible supporting device. The supporting device is respectively formed by an inflexible frame. The franie forms the corners and edges of the individual module bodies. Multiple connecting elements respectively engage around two or three adjacent frames at the respective edge regions. The connecting elements are configured to connect the module bodies so that they can swivel, wherein (he connecting elements can be subjected to tension transversdy to the edge region. Moreover, an angle fixing element is provided, wherein the angular position of the frames or the polygonal modules relative to one another can be fixed by the angle fixing element. The frames have multiple insertion openings for fixing the angular position. Pins can he inserted into these insertion openings as angle fixing elements for fixing the angular position of the two frames relative to one another.

The configuration of this furniture device or supporting device is not yet optimal. Even if the individual polygonal modules of the furniture device are respectively formed by a single supporting device, there is the risk that the polygonal modules connected by the connecting elements to form a network are respectively arranged with little play relative to one another.

It is possible that two polygonal modules or polygon fields arranged adjacent to one another do not lie exactly in one plane. but are shifted slightly transversely to each other.

A supporting device for a furniture device, namely for a shelving unit, is known from DE 347765 A. The shelving unit consists of perpendicular supports composed of metal tubes. In each ease, three of these supports lie in one plane on the front side and on the rear side of the shelving unit and are connected to each other at the top and bottom by connecting rods. The connecting rods and supports form corresponding cross-members. Connecting webs or connecting elements are provided, wherein the connecting element has a sleeve, wherein the sleeve encompasses the supports and is displaceable upwards and downwards on these.

Fastened to this sleeve on opposite sides in each ease are flaps. to which the connecting rods are connected at corresponding end regions by screws or rivets. The supports and the connecting rods thus delimit vertical and horizontal polygon fields. The angular position of the cross-members is substantially predetermined.

Moreover, supporting devices with several cross-members and connecting elements are known, wherein the connecting elements form a spherical junction point and a plurality of cross-members can he connected to each other at these junction points.

A supporting device for a furniture device is known from DE 78 06 867 Ui. The furniture device has several polygon fields. Several cross-members and several connecting webs are provided. The cross-members each have two end regions and the cross-members are or can be detachably connected to each other at the end regions by the connecting webs. The connecting webs are configured here in the form of octagonal connecting elements. Each connecting element has 26 side faces each with an opening. The cross-members have a slotted elastic end region. The slot bisects the end regions to form claws that can be deflected inwards in pairs, wherein these claws can he inserted into the opening of the connecting elements. The cross-members can thus form a framework of polygon fields in three perpendicular planes and diagonally thereto, wherein the framework can itself be closed by plane coverings. The polygon fields and thus the coverings can be arranged in the perpendicular planes and the diagonal planes corresponding thereto. The angular position of the polygon fields relative to one another is substantially predeternrined.

A supporting device for forming a frame structure is known from the generic document US 5,065,291. The individual cross-members of the frame structure are connected to each other by connecting elements. The connecting elements have a hexagonal cube or grid structure.

wherein the edge regions of the grid structure form connecting webs and can be connected to an end region of the cross-members. In this case, the end region of the cross-members has a C-shaped holding clip, wherein this holding clip can he clipped onto the edges of the grid structure of the connecting element. The angular position of the polygon fields is selectable by swivelling the cross-members around the encompassed connecting webs. In this case, the grid structure is respectively rnTanged around the virtual or imaginary vertices of the polygon fields. As a result of the uinal extension of the grid structure the cross-members do not grip onto the vertices directly, but eccentrically.

The configuration of this generic supporting device is not yet optimal.

The supporting device has a dead weight, as a result of which the cross-members transfer shear or tensile forces to the hexagonal grid structures of the connecting elements. The eccentric introduction of force into the connecting webs leads to a torque, wherein the torque can tflt the grid-shaped connecting elements. As a result, the cross-members hdonging to a vertex no longer all point towards the same imaginary vertex of the corresponding polygon fields. This means that the individual polygon fields with the corresponding cross-members are offset slightly transversely to one another in relation to the imaginary associated vertex because of the occurring tilting moments. These tilting moments can occur at each connecting web. As a result, the entire supporting device has play.

Moreover, the generic supporting device has the disadvantage that, even when coverings are arranged on the polygon fields, the connecting webs project spherically beyond the plane of the polygon fields, so that the connecting webs visibly project beyond the plane of the coverings. Therefore, the visual appearance of the furniture device is not yet optimal.

Therefore, the object forming the basis of the invention is to configure and further develop a supporting device for a furniture device, in particular a partition or a wall unit, with several polygon fidds in such a manner that free surfaces curved into the room can he formed and an offset of the polygon fields belonging to a vertex is avoided.

This object forming the basis of the invention is achieved in that the connecting web has exactly two openings for connecting to cross-members, wherein each of the adjacent cross-members passes through one of the two openings, wherein the two openings are designed as sleeves and the connecting web has a web, wherein the two sleeves are connected to each other by the web, wherein at least two connecting webs, namely at least two sleeves, are or can he arranged at thee end region, wherein the two sleeves connected to each other by the web are oriented towards a common virtual vertex.

This has the advantage that an offset in relation to the vertices of the cross-members, and thus the polygon fields, is avoided. All the sleeves p'aced onto an end region point in the same direction and thus towards the same point. All the sleeves connected to these sleeves by a web also face towards the same point. As a result, all the sleeves belonging to a polygon corner are oriented towards this point. The sleeves guide the cross-members and define the virtual (rotational) axes of the cross-members. These (rotational) axes of the cross-members also intersect at this point because of the alTangement of the sleeves. This point forms an imaginary vertex of the adjacent polygon fields. An offset or play of the cross-members relative to the vertex is avoided.

Because the sleeves belonging to a connecting web are or ented towards a point, these two sleeves are not oriented askew nor are they oriented parallel. These two sleeves lie in the plane of the associated polygon fields. The connecting webs extend between the adjacent end regions of two adjacent cross-members in particular in the plane of the two adjacent cross-members. The connecting webs lie in the plane of the polygon fields. In this case, the plane of the polygon fields is defined by the adjacent cross-members belonging to (he respective polygon fidd.

The connecting web has exactly two openings, namely in the form of sleeves, wherein each of the cross-members can he passed with one of the end regions through the opening or sleeves. The connecting webs are placed onto the end region with a respective sleeve.

The coverings cover the polygon fields, wherein the coverings cover the connecting rods. The connecting rods can therefore he covered by coverings and the visual appearance of the furniture device is improved as a result.

Because exactly two cross-members are connected by one of the connecting webs, the angular position of the further adjacent cross-members is not necessarily fixed yet. Because of this,free surfaces curved into the room can he formed with a plurality of angular positions of the adjacent polygon fields or adjacent cross-members relative to one another.

In this case, the adjacent polygon fields each share a cross-member. This has the advantage that a displacement between the adjacent polygon fields is avoided. The stability of the furniture device is increased. lii an advantageous configuration, the connecting web is configured as a separate, in particular integral, structural part, wherein the connecting web can he respectively connected to exactly two adjacent cross-members.

The end region preferably has a stop, so that the sleeve is arranged in an end position at the stop. A further outer sleeve of another connecting web can now be pushed or placed onto this end region. so that the two sleeves -the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve -are arranged axially next to each other at the end region. The cross-member preferably has a thread and a screw element. The end region has the stop for an inner sleeve of a first connecting web. An outer sleeve of a second connecting web or a further connecting web is or can be arranged axially adjacent to the inner skeve. The screw element is screwed into the internal thread in the assembled state, so that the screw element presses the two sleeves against the stop.

The connecting web is preferably configured so that the connecting web has an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, and in this case the inner sleeve can be arranged at the stop of one of the end regions and the outer sleeve can be arranged adjacent to a fuither inner sleeve. The outer sleeve is arranged closer to (he vertex and (he inner sleeve is further removed from the vertex.

The outer and the inner sleeves are axially staggered.

The connecting webs can be connected to the cross-members in particular by a screw, clamp, plug connection and/or an interlocking connection. The connecting wehs are and/or can he fixed in their angular position relative to the cross-members, i.e. in their swivel position around the longitudinal direction of the cross-members. The angular position of the connecting webs can preferably be changed and fixed. The connecting webs are arranged to he ahle to swivel on the cross-members during assembly and can then he fixed in the swivel position with a fixing mechanism.

The connecting webs can each be formed by two part-webs, wherein one part-web is connected to one cross-member and the other part-web is connected to the ofl er cross-member. The cross-members preferably have a total of four associated part-webs. In particular, two part-webs can be arranged on a cross-member for each end region. This part-web can be connected to an adjacent part-web of an adjacent cross-member during assembly of the supporting device. As a result, the cross-members are each connected in pairs. The connecting web can be detachably connected to the cross-member. Since adjacent polygon fields each share a single cross-member, the stability between the polygon fields is improved.

The aforementioned disadvantages are therelore avoided and corresponding advantages achieved.

There are now different possibilities for advantageously configuring and further developing the supporting device according to the invention. For this, reference may firstly he made to the patent claims secondary to claim 1. Preferred configurations of the invention are explained in more detail below on the basis of the drawing and the associated description.

wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective representation of a furniture device, namely a partition, with a supporting device according to the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective representation of a further furniture device, namely a further partition, with the supporting device according to the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective representation of a part of (he furniture device from Figure 1 or 2; Figure 4 is a schematic perspective detail representation of the furniture device with a supporting device; Figure 5 is a schematic perspective representation of the supporting device of the furniture device from Figure 3; Figure 6 is a schematic perspective representation of a part of the supporting device from Figure 5, namely six connecting webs; Figure 7 is a schematic perspective representation of further parts of the supporting device, namely several cross-members, shown at kast partially with an end region; Figure 8 is a schematic perspective detail representation of a further supporting device with the cross-members from Figure 7 and further connecting webs; Figure 9 is a schematic perspective representation of the cross-members from Figure 8; Figure 10 is a schematic perspective representation of a further supporting device; Figure 11 is a schematic perspective detail representation of several interconnected connecting webs of the supporting device from Figure 13: Figure 12 is a schematic perspective representation of a box-shaped furniture device; Figure 13 is a schematic perspective representation of cell-shaped furniture device; Figure 14 is a schematic perspective representation of a part of the supporting device, namely five cross-members connected by connecting webs, wherein the cross-members are oriented towards a common vertex; Figure 15 is a schematic perspective representation of a part of the supporting device, namely five cross-members connected by connecting webs, wherein the cross-members are oriented towards a common vertex; and Figure 16 is a schematic perspective representation of a part of the supporting device, namely five cross-members connected by connecting webs, wherein the cross-members are oriented towards a common vertex.

A first supporting device 1 is clearly evident in Figures 3 to 7. The first supporting device us part of a furniture device 2.

The furniture device 2 in Figure 1 is configured as a partition 3. The partition 3 in Figure 1 is configured in a dome shape and can either hang from a ceiling (not shown) or can stand on the floor (not shown) of the room. As a result of the dome shape, the room is divided into an internal space inside or below the partition 3 and an external space outside the partition 3.

The furniture device 2 in Figure 2 is also configured as a partition 4. The partition 4 serves as a partition wall 4a. The partition wall 4a serves as a privacy screen and therefore to divide the room. k addition, the partition wall 4a serves as a sound screen. The partition wall 4a can also serve as a wall unit. The furniture device 2 can he configured as a wall unit.

In Figure 12 the furniture device 2 is configured as a partition 32 in the form of a box 32a.

The box 32a has quite an extensive casing 34. The casing 34 has substantially four interlinked walls 35. 36. 37, 38. The easing 34 or at least one of the walls 35, 36,37.38 has a door opening (not shown) for entry to the box 32a. A work area with a chair and table (not shown) or the like can be installed inside the box 32a.

In Figure 13 the furniture device 2 is configured as a cell-Uke partition 33 or is usable in the manner of a cell 33a. The partition 33 has a casing 39 open to one side and a roof 40. The roof 40 and the casing 39 are connected to each other or are linked together. The casing 39 stands on the floor. The casing 39 has standing room. For example, the casing 39 can have a height of more than 1.8 rn. A user can enter the cell 33a through the side opening 41 and is then screened to the side, to the front and to the top. The cell 33a can be used for telephoning.

Either a fixed telephone (not shown) can be installed in the cell 33a or the user uses his/her mobile telephone, a smart phone, a tablet or the like.

The furniture devices 2 have a polygonal structure. The furniture devices 2 in particular have several adjacent po'ygon fieMs 5. The polygon fields 5 each have a triangular shape. In an alternative configuration the polygon fields 5 (not shown) have a four-cornered shape, in particular a square shape, a pentagonal shape or a hexagonal shape. Polygon fields 5 with more than six corners are also conceivable. The polygon fields 5 have several edges 6. The polygon fidds S each have at least one covering Sa, wherein the covering Sa is connected to the supporting device 1. The coverings 5a preferably are and/or can be detachably connected to the supporting device 1.

The polygon fields 5 of the furniture device 2 are substantially configured to be congruent.

The polygon fields S are configured to he isogonaL The edges 6 associated with one of the polygon fields S are preferably arranged to be isogonal. The polygon fields 5 are configured to be equal-sided. This means that the edges 6 of the polygon fields 5 have substantially the same kngth. In an alternative configuration polygon fields S with two or more different edge lengths (not shown) are also conceivable.

The furniture device 2 is formed substantially by a network of interlinked polygon fields 5.

wherein this network can he either plane or curved at least partially into the room or out of the room.

Such a furniture device 2 can generally serve as a design object for covering a wall (not shown) or, for example, divide a part of the room, as shown in Figure 1. 2, 12, 13. For example, in a large open-plan office (not shown) individual cubicles can be partitioned off by means of such a furniture device 2. Further areas of use of such a furniture device 2 include exhibition area construction and the like.

Since the furniture device 2 has several polygon fields 5, which are each interlinked at their edges 6, a very large range of shapes can be combined and represented with such a furniture device 2. In this case, the polygon fields 2 can be respectively arranged at an angle to one another, so that the polygonal structure is curved concavely and/or convexly at least partially in three-dimensional space. In this case, the edges 6 of each one of the polygon fields 5 lie substantially in one plane. Adjacent polygon fields 5 can be arranged in different planes.

The supporting device 1 will be explained in more detail below on the basis of Figures 3 to 7.

Several cross-members 7 and several connecting webs 8 are provided, wherein the cross-members 7 each have two end regions 9 and the cross-members 7 are or can be detachably connected to each other at the end regions 9 by the connecting webs 8.

The cross-members 7 form the edges 6 of the polygon fields. In this case, the adjacent polygon fields 5 each share a cross-member 7. This has the advantage that a displacement between the adjacent polygon fields 5 is avoided. The stability of the furniture device 2 is increased. The connecting webs 8 can be detachably connected to the two cross-members 7.

in particular (he two end regions 9.

In particular, the cross-members 7 are identical in design. The cross-members 7 extend in a straight line between the end regions 9. In particular, the connecting webs 8 are identical in design. The connecting webs 8 extend between adjacent end regions 9 of two respective adjacent cross-members 7. The connecting webs 8 form the, in particular rounded, corners of the polygon fields 5 (not designated further). In this case, the connecting webs 8 are respectively associated with exactly one polygon field 5.

In the configuration shown in Figures 3 to 7 the connecting web 8 is configured as a separate structural part (not designated further) and forms a structural unit. The connecting web 8 can be respectively detachably connected to the two adjacent cross-members 7. The connecting web 8 has two openings 10, namely two sleeves 11, 12. The connecting web 8 additionally has a web 13. The web 13 connects the two sleeves 11, 12. The sleeves 11, 12 are fastened to the web 13 or are configured integrally on the web 13.

The openings 10 extend in particular in the longitudinal direction of the cross-members 7.

The openings 10 or the sleeves 11, 12 are each arranged at an angle to one another. To form triangular polygon fields 5 the sleeves 11, 12 are arranged to be inclined substantially 600 to one another. To form polygon fields 5 with more than three corners, the angles niust be adapted accordingly so that the angle of the sleeves 11, 12 or the angle between the openings respectively corresponds to the internal angle of an equal-sided square. pentagon, hexagon, heptagon or (he like. The respective openings 10 belonging to one of the connecting webs 8 arc differently spaced from the imaginary intersection point -vertex (P) (ci Figures 14, 15 and 16) of two adjacent cross-members 7, so that several, in particular two, openings are or can be respectively arranged on one of the end regions 9.

The sleeves 11, 12 of two cross-members 8 can be spaced, in particular adjacently on each one of the end regions 9 of the cross-member 7. lii this case, the web 13 is formed so that an inner sleeve 11 and an outer sleeve 12 can be respectively arranged on one of the end regions 9. In particular, the sleeves II, 12 have a cylindrical inner peripheral face, wherein the end rcgion 9 preferably has a suitable diameter, so that the sleeves 11, 12 are guided on the end region 9. h this case, the dimension of the length of the sleeves 11, 12 can be such that the sleeves 11, 12 are arranged adjacent to one another. The length of the two sleeves 11, 12 is preferably the same. In particular, two sleeves 11, 12 can be arranged on each end region 9. It is a'so conceivable to configure the cross-members 7 and thus the end regions 9 such that not only can two connecting webs 8 be arranged on the end region 9. but three or more connecting webs 8 can be arranged on the end region 9. The connecting webs 8 connect adjacent cross-members 7 in pairs.

The position of rotation of the connecting webs 8 around the longitudinal axis (not shown in further detail) of the cross-members 7 is or can preferably be fixed. It is clearly evident in connection 7 that the cross-member 7 is lormed here by a tube 14 with an internal thread or a rod with an internal thread and by a screw element 15. The screw element 15 is screwed into the internal thread (not shown in further detail) of the tube 14. In this case, a head 16 of the screw element 15 has a hexagon socket, so that the two sleeves 11, 12, through which the screw element 15 passes. can be pressed against a face of the tube 14. This face forms a stop for the inner sleeve 11. The end region 9. 26 has the stop for the inner sleeve 11. The outer sleeve 12 of a further connecting web 8, 18, 25 is or can be arranged axially next to the inner sleeve. When the screw element 15 is screwed into the internal thread, the screw element 15 presses the two sleeves against the stop. The angular position of adjacent connecting webs 8 relative to one another can thus be fixed. The screw element 15 passes through the openings 10.

The screw elements 15 form the end regions 9 of the cross-members 7. In this case, the diameter of the head 16 colTesponds substantially to the outside diameter of the sleeves 11, 12. The diameter of the head 16 corresponds substantially to the outside diameter of the tube 14.

The web 13 is bent in such a way that the staggered sleeves 11, 12 respectively merge tangentially into the curved 1ongitudina sides, in particular the top and bottom of the web 13.

Figure 8 and Figure 9 are explained in more detail below.

A further supporting device 17 is shown in Figures 8 and 9. The supporting device 17 has the cross-members 7 shown in Figure 7 with the corresponding end regions 9. The end regions 9 are themselves formed by the screw elements 15, wherein the screw elements 15 are screwed into a tube 14 as part of the cross-member 7. Tn addition, the supporting device 17 itself has several connecting webs 18. The connecting webs 18 are identical in design. The connecting webs 18 extend between the adjacent end regions 9 ofj two respective adjacent cross-members 7. The connecting webs 18 can be detachably connected to the two cross-members 7, in particular the two end regions 9. The connecting web 18 has two openings, namely two sleeves II, 12, as is already shown in Figure 6.

In contrast to the configuration shown in Figure 6, the connecting web 18 has a web 19 extending to substantially beyond the face of the front sleeve 12. The appearance is improved as a result, as shown in Figure 4 in particular. The adjacent heads 16 substantially adjoin the insides 20 formed by the web 19. The web 19 has an opening 21, in particular a hole, wherein a slot 22 extends from the opening 21 to the face of the inner sleeve 11. The arrangement of the sleeves 11, 12 corresponds to the arrangement as shown in Figure 6. Reference is made to the description relating to Figure 6 in this regard.

The connection possibilities of the coverings Sa to the supporting device 1 should be explained in brief at this point. The covering 5a is preferably connected to the supporting device I by at east one connecting element (not shown). For example, the covering 5 can he connected to the supporting device 1 by a pin engaging into the opening 2 or a magnet fastened in the opening 21. The coverings 5a are or can be connected to the connecting webs 8, 18 or 25 in particular by the connecting elements.

The coverings 5a have substantially the size of the polygon fields 5 delimited by the cross-members 7 and the connecting webs 8, 18, 25. The cross-members 7 form the edges of the polygon fields 5 and are at least partially covered by the cover ngs 5a. The connecting webs 8. 18, 25 are preferably also at least partially covered by the coverings 5a.

Figures 10 and 11 show a supporting device 23, wherein a connecting web 25 comprising two connected part-webs 27, 28 is formed. In this ease, the part-webs 27. 28 are configured on corresponding webs 30, 31. The cross-members 7 in Figure 10 correspond to the configuration of the cross-members 7 shown in Figure 7. The angular position of the part-webs 27, 28 on the cross-member 7 can be fixed by tightening the screw element 15. The screw elements 15 serve as fixing mechanism here. The connecting webs 25 can be arranged to be able to swivel on the cross-members 7 and can be fixed in the desired swivel position on the end regions 9 with the fixing mechanism.

The part-webs 27, 28 are respectively connected to each other. The adjacent part-webs 27. 28 are connected in particular by a screw connection 29 or by a rivet connection or the like. The two part-webs 27, 28 are arranged to ovedap, wherein each of the part-webs 27, 28 has an opening, wherein the two are arranged in alignment with each other, so that the screw connection 29 or the like can pass through the two superposed openings.

Figures 14, 15 and 16 are explained in more detail below.

Figure 14 shows that the supporting device 1 can have corners, wherein five cross-members 7 are connected to each other by means of five connecting webs 8.

Figure 15 shows that the supporting device 1 can have corners, wherein six cross-members 7 are connected to each other by means of six connecting webs 8.

Figure 16 shows that the supporting device I can have corners, wherein seven cross-members 7 are connected to each other by means of seven connecting webs 8.

It is particularly advantageous that the two sleeves 11. 12 connected to each other by the web 13 are oriented towards a common point. This point can be referred to as vertex P. This point forms an imaginary or virtual vertex P of the adjacent polygon fields 14. An offset or play of the cross-members 7 relative to the vertex P is avoided.

All the cross-members 7 that belong to this corner are oriented towards a common virtual vertex P. The virtual (rotational) axes A extending in the longitudinal direction of the cross-members 7 always intersect at the vertex P. irrespective of what angular position the connecting webs 8 belonging to the vertex P occupy.

The sleeves 11, 12 arranged at one of the end regions 9 are also oriented towards the vertex P by the encompassed cross-member 7. Therefore, all the sleeves II, 12 belonging to a corner and thus all the cross-members 7 are oriented towards the common vertex P. The cross-members 7 of a corner are prevented from pointing towards different slightly staggered vertices.

This has the advantage that an offset relative to the vertex P of the cross-members 7 and thus the polygon fields 5 is avoided. All the sleeves 11. 12 placed onto an end region 9 point in the same direction and thus towards the same vertex P. All the sleeves 11, 12 connected to these sleeves by a web 13 also point towards the same vertex P. As a result, aU the sleeves 11. 12 belonging to a polygon corner are oriented towards this vertex P. The sleeves 11. 12 guide the cross-members 7 and define the virtual (rotational) axes A of the cross-members 7. These (lotational) axes A of the cross-members 7 also intersect at this vertex P because of the arrangement ol the sleeves 11, 12.

Because the sleeves 11, 12 belonging to a connecting web 8 are oriented towards the vertex P. these two sleeves 11, 12 are not oriented askew nor are they oriented parallel. These two sleeves I 1, 12 lie in the plane of the associated polygon fields 5. The connecting webs 8 extend between the adjacent end regions 9 of two adjacent cross-members 7 in particular in the plane of the two adjacent cross-members 7. The connecting webs 8 lie in the plane of the polygon fields 5. In this ease. the plane of the polygon fields S is defined by the adjacent cross-members 7 belonging to the respective polygon field 5.

The aforementioned disadvantages are therefore avoided and corresponding advantages achieved.

List of Reference Numerals: 1 supporting device 2 furniture device 3 partition 4 partition 4a partition wall

p6lygon field

5a covering 6 edge 7 cross-member S connecting web 9 end region opening 11 sleeve 12 sleeve 13 web 14 tube screw element 16 head 17 supporting device 18 connecting web 19 web inner side 21 opening 22 slot 23 supporting device connecting web 26 end region 27 part-web 28 part-web 29 screw connection sleeve 31 sleeve 32 partition 32a box 33 partition 33a cell 34 casing wall 36 wall 37 wall 38 wall 39 casing roof 41 opening P vertex A (rotational) axis

Claims

Patent Claims: Supporting device (1, 17, 23) for a furniture device (2), in particular for a partition (3, 4, 32, 33), wherein the furniture device (2) has several polygon fields (5), wherein several cross-members (7) and several connecting webs (8, 18. 25) are provided, wherein the cross-members 7) each have two end regions (9. 26) and the cross-members (7) are or can be detachably connected to each other at the end regions (9.26) by means of the connecting webs (8, 18, 25), wherein the cross-members (7) are or can be detachably connected to each other in pairs by a respective connecting web (8, 18, 25), characterised in that the connecting web (8, 18. 25) has exactly two openings (10) for connecting to the cross-members (7). wherein each of the adjacent cross-members (7) passes through one of the two openings (10), wherein the two openings (10) are designed as sleeves (11, 12) and the connecting web (8, 18, 25) has a web (13), wherein the two sleeves (11, 12) are connected to each other by means of the web (13), wherein at least two connecting webs (8, 18, 25), namely at least two sleeves (11, 12), are or can be arranged at the end region (9. 26), wherein the two sleeves (II, 12) connected to each other by means of the web (13) are oriented towards a common virtual vertex (P).
2. Supporting device according to daim 1, characterised in that the polygon fields (5) are triangular in configuration and the two sleeves (11, 12) belonging to one of the connecting webs (8, 18, 25) are arranged at an angle of substantially 60°.
3. Supporting device according to one of daims I or 2. characterised in that connecting webs (8, 18, 25) can be arranged on the cross-members (7) to be able to swivel and can be fixed in the swivel position at the end regions (9) with a fixing mechanism.
4. Supporting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cross-member 7) has an internal thread and a screw element (15), wherein the end region (9. 26) has a stop for an inner sleeve (11) of a first connecting web (8, 18, 25) and an outer sleeve (12) of a second connecting web (8, 18, 25) is arranged axially adjacent to the inner sleeve (11), wherein the screw element (15) is screwed into the internal thread, wherein the screw element (15) presses the two sleeves (11, 12) against the stop.
5. Supporting device according to one of the preceding claims, charactcrised in that the connecting webs (8, 18, 25) can be fixed in their swivel position around the longitudinal direction of the cross-members (7).
6. Supporting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting webs (25) are formed by at least two part-webs (27. 28), in particular by exactly two pail-webs (27, 28), for each end region (26).
7. Supporting device according to one of the preceding claims. characterised in that the part-webs (27. 28) of adjacent connecting webs (25) are or can be connected to each other by a screw connection (29).
8. Supporting device according to one of the preceding claims. characterised in that the part-webs (27, 28) are or can be detachably connected to the cross-members (7).
9. Supporting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cross-member (7) extends substantially in a straight line between the two end regions (9. 26), wherein the cross-members (7) form an edge (6) of the polygon fields (5), wherein two adjacent polygon fields (5) respectively form a cross-member (7).
10. Furniture device (2) with a supporting device (1, 17, 23) according to one of the preceding claims and with several coverings (Sa), eharacterised in that the coverings (5a) cover the polygon fields (5), wherein the coverings (5a) cover the connecting webs (8, 18, 25).