Table and table arrangement

Abstract

Table (10) showing: - a tabletop (12) with an elongated shape, wherein the tabletop (12) has a length (L) extending in the longitudinal direction (16) and a width (B) extending in the transverse direction (18) and the tabletop (12) has a length / width ratio of at least 3:1, and - a frame (14) connected to the tabletop (12), which has at least two table legs (24), wherein each table leg (24) is arranged on the tabletop (12) such that a side (20) of the tabletop (12) that is closest to the respective table leg (24) in the longitudinal direction (16) has a distance to the respective table leg (24) that is at least as large as the width (B) of the tabletop (12).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a table. The present invention further relates to a table arrangement comprising several such tables. background

[0002] Tables are versatile and can be used as individual or group workstations, for presentations, video conferences, storage or filing places, or for discussion rounds.

[0003] From a group dynamics perspective, round or oval table shapes are advantageous because no one sitting or standing at the table occupies a preferred or dominant position. However, round or oval table shapes have the disadvantage of generating a comparatively large amount of waste during production. This makes them more expensive compared to simpler, usually rectangular, table shapes. Furthermore, round or oval tables become unwieldy beyond a certain size. Additionally, round or oval tables cannot be effectively linked, extended, or expanded together.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an alternative table. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a table that is flexibly applicable and / or allows for table combinations in many different configurations. Solution to the problem

[0005] These and other problems, which become apparent upon reading the present description, are solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a table is described. The table has a tabletop with an elongated shape, wherein the tabletop has a longitudinal length and a width, the longitudinal and width directions preferably being perpendicular to each other, and wherein the tabletop has a length-to-width ratio of at least 3:1. The table further comprises a frame connected to the tabletop, which has at least two legs, each leg being arranged on the tabletop such that a side of the tabletop closest to or facing the respective leg in the longitudinal direction has a distance from the respective leg that is at least as large as the width of the tabletop.

[0007] The table according to the invention is based, at least in part, on the understanding that elongated table shapes offer more flexible application possibilities than round or oval tables. Furthermore, in the proposed table, the table legs are arranged on the tabletop in such a way that the tabletop extends laterally beyond the legs. In particular, the table legs are arranged so that the tabletop extends laterally by at least the width of the tabletop. This allows the tables to be combined in many different angles and / or configurations, for example, partially overlapping or non-overlapping, without the table legs being in the way. Compared to known round or oval tables, the proposed table is more versatile, suitable for a wide variety of table configurations, and enables a broad range of uses, even for larger groups of people, without necessarily singling out any one individual.

[0008] Preferably the length / width ratio is at least 3.5:1, preferably at least 4:1, and more preferably at least 4.5:1.

[0009] Preferably, at least one corner of the tabletop is rounded and the at least one rounded corner has a radius that is in a range from one third of the width to one simple width of the tabletop.

[0010] Preferably, all four corners of the tabletop are rounded and each rounded corner has a radius that corresponds to at least one third of the width of the tabletop, preferably one half of the width of the tabletop.

[0011] Preferably at least one corner, preferably at least two corners, further preferably two corners of a side of the tabletop extending in the width direction are rounded and the corners have a radius that corresponds to half the width of the tabletop.

[0012] Preferably at least one corner, preferably at least two corners, further preferably two corners of a longitudinally extending side of the tabletop are rounded and the corners have a radius that corresponds to the width of the tabletop.

[0013] Preferably the frame is height-adjustable, and even more preferably steplessly height-adjustable.

[0014] Preferably, the frame can be fixed in at least two high and at least two low height positions. Preferably, the low height positions are selected such that the table can be fixed at a height within a range of sitting height and / or has a table height within a range of sitting height. For example, the low height positions are selected such that the table has a table height within a range of 700 mm to 850 mm. Preferably, the high height positions are selected such that the table can be fixed at a height within a range of standing height and / or has a table height within a range of standing height. For example, the high height positions are selected such that the table has a table height within a range of 900 mm to 1200 mm.

[0015] Preferably, the frame can be fixed in predetermined groups of height positions. For example, one or more low height positions could be assigned to a first group, with the first group allowing the table to be positioned at a sitting height. For example, one or more high height positions could be assigned to a second group, with the second group allowing the table to be positioned at a standing height. Preferably, the height positions belonging to a group have a height difference that is within a range of one thickness of the tabletop, preferably twice, and more preferably three times the thickness of the tabletop. Alternatively or additionally, the height positions belonging to a group can have a height difference that is within a range of at least 15 mm, preferably at least 25 mm, up to 50 mm, and more preferably 40 mm.Alternatively or additionally, the height positions of different groups can have a height difference of at least 100 mm, preferably at least 200 mm, and more preferably at least 250 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the height positions of different groups can have a maximum height difference of 500 mm, preferably a maximum of 450 mm, and more preferably a maximum of 400 mm. Alternatively or additionally, each group can be assigned at least two height positions, and / or the frame can be fixed in at least two groups, each with at least two height positions.

[0016] Preferably, the frame is height-adjustable mechanically, electrically, and / or by means of a gas spring.

[0017] Preferably, the table legs are telescopically designed and / or have tube sections that can be slid into one another and fixed to each other in predetermined locking positions, preferably wherein the locking positions are designed as recesses in the tube sections into which a retaining pin can be inserted to fix the table leg in a predetermined height position.

[0018] Preferably, the frame has a fixing device for fixing the table in a predetermined height position, preferably wherein the fixing device has a retaining pin that can be inserted into a recess formed in the tube parts for fixing the table leg in the predetermined height position.

[0019] Preferably, the fixing device has a cable or rod connected to the retaining pin and designed to move the retaining pin from a first position, in which the retaining pin is inserted into the recess, to a second position, in which the retaining pin is pulled out of the recess.

[0020] Preferably, the fixing device has an actuating element for actuating the cable pull or the rod.

[0021] Preferably, the fixing device has a return element designed to pre-tension the retaining pin into the first position.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the actuating element can be designed such that, by actuating the element again, the retaining pin can be moved from the second position to the first position. Alternatively or additionally, the cable or rod can effect and / or assist a movement from the second position to the first position.

[0023] Preferably, the actuating element and, more preferably, also the cable pull or rod and the retaining pin are arranged in the frame, preferably in a crossbar of the frame connecting the table legs.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a table arrangement is specified. The table arrangement comprises several of the proposed tables, wherein the tables are arranged partially overlapping or non-overlapping such that I-shaped, L-shaped, V-shaped, C-shaped, U-shaped, O-shaped, oval-shaped, wave-shaped, and / or circular table configurations are formed. Brief description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a table according to the invention. Fig. Figure 2 showed a variant of an elongated tabletop shape, which can also be described as pill-shaped. Fig. Figure 3 shows further variations of an elongated tabletop shape. Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows examples of table arrangements by linking several tables together. Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows schematic views of different height positions of the table. Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic view of a variant of a height-adjustable frame. Fig. Figure 9 shows one way to adjust the table's height. Detailed description

[0025] Within the figures, identical reference symbols denote identical objects or components. Fig. Figure 1 shows a table 10 according to the invention, comprising a tabletop 12 and a frame (table frame) 14 arranged on the tabletop 12. The tabletop 12 has an elongated shape and extends in the longitudinal direction 16 with a length L and in the transverse direction 18 with a width B. The transverse direction 18 and the longitudinal direction 16 are arranged perpendicular to each other. In this specific example, the tabletop 12 has Fig. 1. A rectangular shape with two sides 20 extending in the width direction 18 and two sides 22 extending in the length direction 16. The two sides 20 extending in the width direction 18 can also be called "short sides". The two sides 22 extending in the length direction 16 can also be called "long sides".

[0026] The tabletop 12 has a length-to-width ratio of at least 3:1, preferably 3.5:1, more preferably 4:1, and more preferably 4.5:1. For example, the tabletop 12 can have a length L of 180 cm and a width B of 40 cm.

[0027] In the specific example of Fig. Figure 1 shows the frame 14 having two table legs 24. In other embodiments not shown, the frame 14 can have more than two table legs 24, for example, three, four, or more table legs 24. The table legs 24 are arranged on the tabletop 12 such that a side 20 of the tabletop 12 closest to or facing each table leg 24 in the longitudinal direction 16 has a distance to the respective table leg 24 that is at least as large as the width B of the tabletop 12. For example, the frame 14 has a distance 20 of the table leg 24 that is at least as large as the width B of the tabletop 12. Fig. 1 The right table leg 24 shown maintains a distance to the right (short) side 20 of the tabletop 12 that is at least equal to the width B of the tabletop 12, and has the following features: Fig. The left table leg 24 shown in Figure 1 is positioned at a distance from the left (short) side 20 of the tabletop 12 that is at least equal to the width B of the tabletop 12. The distance between the table leg 24 and the side 20 closest to the longitudinal side 16 is measured along the longitudinal side 16. In other words, the tabletop 12 extends laterally beyond the table legs 24 and / or the table legs 24 are set laterally inwards. This allows for a variety of possible arrangements of tables, overlaps, and linking configurations without the table legs 24 of the frame 14 obstructing the view.

[0028] The frame 14 also has casters 26 for moving the table 10. In other versions, the table 10 may not have casters 26.

[0029] In the specific example of Fig. In Figure 1, the tabletop 12 has an elongated and essentially rectangular shape with four corners 28 or 281-284. As will be shown below, the tabletop 12 can have many different variations of an elongated tabletop shape.

[0030] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the tabletop 12, in which the tabletop 12 has a "pill shape". The tabletop 12 has four rounded corners 281-284, each corner having a radius 30, which in this specific example corresponds to approximately half the width of the tabletop 12.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 shows further possible variations of the tabletop 12. In variation a, the tabletop 12 has two corners 282, 283, located on a side extending in the width direction 18, rounded with a radius 30, which in this specific example corresponds to approximately half the width of the tabletop 12. In variation b, one corner of the tabletop 12 is rounded with a radius 30, which in this specific example corresponds to the width of the tabletop 12. In variation c, all four corners are rounded with a radius 30, where the radius 30 at all four corners corresponds to approximately half the width of the tabletop or is slightly less than half the width of the tabletop and preferably corresponds to one-third of the width of the tabletop 12. In variation d, one corner is rounded with a radius 30, which corresponds to approximately one width of the tabletop 12.In another variant e, two corners 283, 284 of a side of the tabletop 12 extending in the longitudinal direction 16 are rounded with a radius 30, which corresponds approximately to the width of the tabletop 12.

[0032] The in Fig. 2 and Fig. The three tabletop variations shown (12) are merely examples. Many other variations are conceivable.

[0033] Fig. Figure 4 shows schematic views of various table arrangements 31. In these table arrangements, the tables can be partially overlapping or non-overlapping. I-shaped, V-shaped, C-shaped, O-shaped, U-shaped, oval, circular table configurations, and other forms of table configurations can be realized. The table arrangements 31 can be used for conferences, video calls, discussions, presentations, and / or as storage space. In the table arrangements 31 shown on the left, the tables are essentially rectangular. In the table arrangements 31 shown on the right, the tables are essentially pill-shaped. Combinations are, of course, possible.

[0034] Fig. Figure 5 shows further examples of table arrangements 31. In the table arrangements on the left 31, tables are of variant d of Fig. 3 used. In the right-hand table arrangements 31, tables in variant e of Fig. 3 are used. Combinations of different table variants are of course possible.

[0035] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic view of different height positions H1-H4 of table 10. Table 10 can, for example, be height-adjustable by means of a frame (see Fig. 8 and Fig. 9) be fixable in the various height positions H1-H4. However, it is also conceivable that table 10 is available in different table heights.

[0036] The elevation positions H1-H4 can be assigned to different groups of elevation positions. In the specific example of Fig. Figure 6 shows two groups 32 and 34 of height positions as examples. Height positions H1 and H2 are assigned to group 32. Height positions H3 and H4 are assigned to group 34. Height positions H1 and H2 can be selected such that group 32 positions the table 10 at a sitting height. Height positions H3 and H4 can be selected such that group 34 positions the table at a standing height. The height positions H1-H2 and H3-H4 belonging to groups 32 and 34, respectively, can be selected such that a height difference is adjustable within a group that lies within a range of one thickness of the tabletop 12, preferably within a range of twice, and more preferably within a range of three times the thickness of the tabletop 12.Alternatively or additionally, the height positions H1, H2 of group 32 relative to height positions H3, H4 of group 34 can be selected such that a height difference (between groups 32, 34) of at least 100 mm, preferably at least 200 mm, and more preferably at least 250 mm, is achieved. Alternatively or additionally, the height positions H1, H2 of group 32 relative to height positions H3, H4 of group 34 can be selected such that a maximum height difference (between groups 32, 34) of 500 mm, preferably a maximum of 450 mm, and more preferably a maximum of 400 mm, is achieved. For example, height position H1 can be at 740 mm, height position H2 can be at 780 mm, height position H3 can be at 1040 mm, and / or height position H4 can be at 1100 mm.

[0037] In the specific example of Fig. Figure 6 indicates two groups 32 and 34, each with two height positions H1-H2 and H3-H4, respectively. Of course, in other embodiments not shown, the table 10 can have more than two groups and / or more than two height positions per group. It is also conceivable that different groups could have a different number of height positions.

[0038] Fig. Figure 7 shows table 10 in its various height positions H1-H4. Height positions H1 and H2 of group 32 and height positions H3 and H4 of group 34 are chosen to allow for the overlap of adjacent tables 12. In other words, for example, a first table 10 at height position H4 could be arranged overlapping a second table 10 at height position H3. Because the table leg 26 is set back and the tabletop 12 extends laterally, the tables 10 can be arranged overlapping at various angles and / or in different configurations without the table leg 26 obstructing the view. Tables 10 arranged at height positions H3 and H4 can be used as standing tables or tables 10 at standing height. Tables 10 arranged at height positions H1 and H2 can be used as tables 10 at sitting height.

[0039] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic view of a height-adjustable frame 14 for the tabletop 12. The height adjustment can, in principle, be carried out in any suitable manner, for example, mechanically or electrically. In the specific example of Fig. 8 The frame is height-adjustable by means of a gas spring 36. In this embodiment, the gas spring 36 can preferably be designed as a non-lockable gas spring. In the example shown of Fig. The table legs 24 are telescopically designed and have telescoping and / or arrangable tube sections 38. The tube sections 38 have holes or recesses 40 into which a retaining pin 42 can be inserted. When the retaining pin 42 is inserted into the recesses 40, the tube sections 38 are fixed in predetermined detent positions. This type of fixation makes it possible to use gas springs without blocking. The recesses 40 are arranged such that the pressure associated with Fig. 6 and Fig. The 7 described height positions H1-H4 are adjustable. A cable 44 connected to the retaining pin 42 allows the retaining pin 42 to be pulled out of the recess 40. An actuating element 46 connected to the cable 44 can actuate the cable 44 and pull the retaining pin 42 out of the recess 40. Other means, such as rods, can be used instead of the cable 44.

[0040] The retaining pin 42, the cable pull 44, and the actuating element 46 can be part of a fixing device 48 of the table 10. The fixing device 48 can be arranged in a strut, for example a cross strut 50, of the frame 14.

[0041] Fig. Figure 9 shows one way of adjusting the height of the table 10. By actuating the actuating element 46, the cable pull 44 is actuated and the retaining pin 42 is moved from its first position within the recess 40 (see Fig. 8) into a second position outside the recess 40 (see Fig. 9) moves. In other words, the cable 44, actuated by the actuating element 46, pulls the retaining pin 42 out of the recess 40. The gas spring 36 can push the tabletop 12 upwards. A person can push the tabletop 12 downwards. By releasing the actuating element 46 and / or by actuating the actuating element 46 again, the retaining pin 42 can be inserted into one of the corresponding recesses 40, so that the table can be fixed in the new, higher or lower height position. A return element, for example a spring, can pre-tension the retaining pin 42 into the first position. Alternatively or additionally, actuating the actuating element 46 again or releasing the actuating element 46, possibly with the assistance of the cable 44, can cause the retaining pin 42 to be moved into the first position.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Each of the table legs 24 is provided with a retaining pin 24 for fixing the table at one of the heights H1-H4. The two retaining pins 24 are preferably moved from the first position within the recess 40 (see Figure 9) via a common actuating element 46. Fig. 8) into the second position outside the recess 40 (see Fig. 9) can be moved. For this purpose, for example, two cables 44 can be attached to the actuating element 46. Furthermore, the actuating element can also be moved remotely, e.g. by means of a foot pedal that is coupled to the actuating element 46 via another cable 52. With double-sided locking and release of the table height fixation, a single gas spring can be used.

[0043] Instead of the actuating element 46 shown, other mechanisms can also be used, e.g. a foot pedal, rotary handle, pull handle, slider, etc.

Claims

[1] Table (10) having: - a tabletop (12) with an elongated shape, wherein the tabletop (12) has a length (L) extending in the longitudinal direction (16) and a width (B) extending in the transverse direction (18) and the tabletop (12) has a length / width ratio of at least 3:1, and - a frame (14) connected to the tabletop (12), which has at least two table legs (24), wherein each table leg (24) is arranged on the tabletop (12) such that a side (20) of the tabletop (12) that is closest to the respective table leg (24) in the longitudinal direction (16) has a distance to the respective table leg (24) that is at least as large as the width (B) of the tabletop (12). [2] Table (10) according to claim 1, wherein the length / width ratio is at least 3.5:1, preferably at least 4:1, further preferably at least 4.5:

1. [3] Table (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one corner (28) of the tabletop (12) is rounded and the at least one rounded corner (28) has a radius (30) which is in a range from one third of the width B to a single width B of the tabletop (12). [4] Table (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all four corners (28) of the tabletop (12) are rounded and each rounded corner (28) has a radius (30) which corresponds to at least one third of the width B of the tabletop (12), preferably one half of the width B of the tabletop (12). [5] Table (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one corner (28), preferably at least two corners (28), further preferably two corners (282, 283) of a side of the table top (12) extending in the width direction (18) are rounded and the corners (282, 283) have a radius (30) corresponding to half the width B of the table top (12). [6] Table (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one corner (28), preferably at least two corners (28), further preferably two corners (283, 284) of a side of the table top (12) extending in the longitudinal direction (16) are rounded and the corners (283, 284) have a radius (30) which corresponds to the width (B) of the table top (12). [7] Table (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (14) is height-adjustable, preferably wherein the frame (14) is continuously height-adjustable. [8] Table (10) according to claim 7, wherein the frame (14) can be fixed in at least two high height positions (H3, H4) and in at least two low height positions (H1, H2), preferably wherein - the at least two low height positions (H1, H2) are selected such that the table (10) has a table height in a range of 700 mm to 850 mm, and - the at least two high height positions (H3, H4) are chosen such that the table (10) has a table height in a range of 900 mm to 1200 mm. [9] Table (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the frame (14) can be fixed in predetermined groups (32, 34) of height positions (H1-H4), preferably wherein - the height positions (H1-H2; H3-H4) belonging to a group (32; 34) have a height difference which lies in a region of one thickness of the table top (12), preferably in a region of twice, more preferably in a region of three times the thickness of the table top (12), and / or - the height positions (H1-H2; H3-H4) belonging to a group (32; 34) have a height difference that is in a range of at least 15 mm, preferably at least 25 mm, up to 50 mm, preferably 40 mm, - the height positions (H1-H2; H3-H4) of different groups (32; 34) have a height difference of at least 100 mm, preferably at least 200 mm, more preferably at least 250 mm, and / or - the height positions (H1-H2; H3-H4) of different groups (32; 34) have a maximum height difference of 500 mm, preferably a maximum of 450 mm, more preferably a maximum of 400 mm, and / or - each group (32; 34) is assigned at least two height positions (H1-H2; H3-H4), and / or - the frame (14) can be fixed in at least two groups (32; 34) with at least two height positions (H1-H2; H3-H4) each. [10] Table (10) according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the frame (14) is adjustable mechanically, electrically, and / or by means of a gas spring. [11] Table (10) according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the table legs (24) - are telescopically shaped and / or - have intersecting tube parts (38) which can be fixed to each other in predetermined detent positions, preferably wherein the detent positions are formed as recesses (40) in the tube parts (38) into which a retaining pin (42) can be inserted to fix the table leg (24) in a predetermined height position (H1-H4). [12] Table (10) according to claim 11, wherein the frame (14) has a fixing device (48) for fixing the table (10) in a predetermined height position (H1-H4), preferably wherein the fixing device (48) has a retaining pin (42) which can be inserted into a recess (40) formed in the tube parts (38) for fixing the table leg (24) in the predetermined height position (H1-H4). [13] Table (10) according to claim 12, wherein the fixing device (48) has a cable pull (44) or a rod which is connected to the retaining pin (42) and is designed to move the retaining pin (42) from a first position in which the retaining pin (42) is inserted into the recess (40) to a second position in which the retaining pin (42) is pulled out of the recess (40). [14] Table (10) according to claim 13, wherein the fixing device (48) has a return element designed to pre-tension the retaining pin (42) into the first position. [15] Table (10) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the fixing device (48) has an actuating element (46) for actuating the cable pull (44) or the rod, preferably wherein the actuating element (46) and preferably the cable pull (44) or the rod and further preferably the retaining pin (42) are arranged in the frame (14), preferably in a cross member (50) of the frame (14) connecting the table legs (24). [16] Table arrangement (31) with several tables (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tables (10) are arranged partially overlapping or non-overlapping such that I-shaped, L-shaped, V-shaped, C-shaped, U-shaped, O-shaped, oval-shaped, wave-shaped and / or circular table combinations are formed.

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