DIY kit for a desk with integrated shelving

Abstract

Kit (1) for a desk with an integrated shelf, comprising: - a desktop (2), - at least one shelf (3), - two support elements (4) for attaching the desktop (2) and the shelf (3) on both sides, and - Connecting elements (5) for connecting the desktop (2) and the shelf (3) to the support elements (4), wherein the desktop (2) and / or the shelf (3) and / or the support elements (4) are made of a sheet metal, characterized by the fact that the desktop (2) and / or the shelf (3) have recesses (7) on their rear surfaces (2D, 3D) for attachment to a wall (W), that the support elements (4) have recesses (7) on their main surfaces (4A) for the connecting elements (5) for connection to the desktop (2) and / or to the shelf (3), and that at least two recesses (7) of the support elements (4) are arranged on an axis (A) which forms an angle of inclination (β) in the range between 5° and 15° with the transverse axis (Q) of the support elements (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a kit for a desk with an integrated shelf, comprising: a desktop, at least one shelf, two support elements for attaching the desktop and the shelf on both sides, and connecting elements for connecting the desktop and the shelf to the support elements.

[0002] In furniture manufacturing, it is known to equip desks with shelves above or below the desktop. Such a combination of a desk and a shelf can also be called a "desk shelf" and is known, for example, from DE 1 885 620 U. A desk to which an upwardly projecting shelf can be attached is also known from DE 75 22 736 U.

[0003] A combination of a desk and a shelf offers the advantage of efficient space utilization, as the desk and shelf can be arranged above or below each other rather than side by side. Furthermore, this combination allows frequently used items to be taken from and placed back on the shelf without having to get up and leave the desk.

[0004] However, desks with integrated shelving often have a more complex construction compared to separate desks and shelves. This is particularly disadvantageous when the customer or user assembles the desk, as these individuals are usually inexperienced in furniture assembly and often lack specialized tools. Joinery methods requiring special expertise and / or tools, such as gluing wooden panels using clamps, are therefore detrimental.

[0005] The construction of such furniture becomes even more difficult when it is made from particularly thin-walled materials, such as sheet metal. This is because some joining methods only produce satisfactory results when joining thick-walled components, for example, dowel joints or welding. Nevertheless, sheet metal furniture offers numerous advantages, such as its increased rigidity compared to wood, resulting in greater durability and dimensional stability even under fluctuating humidity.

[0006] A furniture combination is known, for example, from DE 17 63 548 U. Another piece of furniture is known from DE 20 2020 106 916 U1. A modular shelving system is also known from US 2013 / 0 134 842 A1.

[0007] Against this background, the invention aims to provide a kit for a desk shelf that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, even with thin-walled materials.

[0008] This problem is solved by a kit with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention relates to a kit for a desk with an integrated shelf, i.e., a kit for a "desk shelf." The kit initially comprises a desktop, i.e., a surface on which the user can place documents or electronic devices (e.g., laptops). The desktop can, for example, be rectangular. The kit also includes at least one shelf, which serves to place and store books or other items on the shelf. Preferably, the kit includes two or more shelves. The shelves can be arranged below or above the desktop, with an arrangement above the desktop being preferred due to better visibility and accessibility. The shelves can also, for example, be rectangular. Furthermore, the kit includes two support elements for attaching the desktop and the shelf to both sides.The support elements are essentially vertically oriented uprights that serve to position and support the desktop and shelves. The kit also includes connecting elements for joining the individual components, allowing the desktop and shelves to be connected to the two support elements. These connecting elements are preferably designed to create a detachable connection, ideally without tools.

[0010] According to the invention, the desktop and / or the shelf and / or the supporting elements are made of a metal sheet, in particular a steel sheet. Preferably, the desktop and the shelf and the supporting elements are made of a metal sheet, in particular a steel sheet. It can also be provided that the connecting elements are made of metal. Several advantages can be achieved by using metal sheets instead of the wood-based materials commonly used in furniture construction. Due to the increased rigidity of this material, metal furniture has the advantage of being very durable even with thin walls, so that the desktop and the shelves have a higher load-bearing capacity. The thin walls also have the advantage that the furniture can be stored or transported in a particularly space-saving manner when disassembled.Furthermore, metal furniture is very durable, especially if the problem of corrosion is addressed – for example, through a protective lacquer or a corrosion-resistant coating (e.g., galvanizing). Another advantage lies in its increased resistance to moisture compared to wood. The use of metal in the form of thin sheets also offers manufacturing advantages, as sheets can be easily formed, making the production of the kit very cost-effective.

[0011] The kit is designed so that the desktop and / or shelf have recesses on their sides for the connecting elements to the support elements. Providing these recesses in the sides of the desktop and / or shelf offers several advantages. One advantage is that the recesses can be pre-cut by the manufacturer, allowing for cost-effective production methods (e.g., stamping) and ensuring precise positioning. The customer or user therefore does not need to create the recesses themselves (e.g., drill holes) but can begin assembling the kit directly without tools. Furthermore, the precise positioning of the recesses guarantees that all components are in the desired position and orientation (e.g., horizontal) when assembled.The recesses are preferably rectangular in shape.

[0012] According to the invention, the desktop and / or shelf have recesses on their rear surfaces for mounting to a wall. These recesses can also be provided by the manufacturer, which simplifies assembly, as working with metal would pose greater challenges for the customer or user than working with wood. By providing the recesses on the rear surfaces of the desktop and / or shelves, reliable mounting of the desk unit to a wall can be achieved. The recesses are preferably round. Preferably, the rear surfaces of the desktop and shelves are the only contact surfaces with the wall; contact between the support elements and the wall is therefore unnecessary and should not occur.To facilitate wall mounting, the desktop and shelves are arranged so that their rear surfaces lie in the same vertical plane. This is achieved by angling the rear surfaces upwards at approximately 90° relative to the main surfaces. Alternatively, the rear surfaces could also be angled downwards at approximately 90° relative to the main surfaces.

[0013] According to the invention, the support elements have recesses on their main surfaces for the connecting elements to the desktop and / or the shelf. By having recesses already present on the support elements, the advantages described above are achieved, namely simple and precise assembly of the kit. Furthermore, having the recesses produced by the manufacturer allows for cost-effective manufacturing (e.g., by stamping). These recesses are preferably rectangular in shape.

[0014] With regard to the recesses in the support elements, the invention provides that at least two recesses of the support elements are arranged on an axis that forms an angle of inclination between 5° and 15° with the transverse axis of the support elements. By arranging two or more recesses along one axis, several connecting elements can be used per component, thus enabling a rotationally secure fastening. The inclined arrangement of the recesses (or their axis) relative to the transverse axis of the support elements ensures that a horizontal arrangement of the desktop and the shelves results in an inclined position of both support elements. In particular, it can be achieved that the support elements are positioned further away from the wall in their lower area (especially the area of ​​the desktop) than in their upper area (especially the area of ​​the shelves).This allows the desk shelf to be stably leaned against a wall (like a ladder). Furthermore, this angled design of the support elements has the advantage that the distance between the support elements and the wall is adapted to the depth of the components (the shelves positioned higher up preferably have a shallower depth than the desktop positioned lower down).

[0015] The kit is designed to use screws as fasteners. Screws have the advantage of being easy to assemble and disassemble, thus creating a detachable connection. Furthermore, screws are available in a wide variety of designs and sizes at low prices.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, snap connectors and / or clamp connectors with spring-loaded clamping jaws can be used as connecting elements. Such connecting elements, marketed by the patent applicant under the name "SNAP," offer several advantages. One advantage is that these connecting elements can be installed without tools – i.e., by hand. Disassembly is also possible; it is therefore a detachable connection. Furthermore, "blind mounting" is possible, as it is not necessary to access the back of the connection point (unlike a screw and nut connection). These connecting elements can simply be inserted by hand into the installation opening or recess, whereby the clamping jaws are first pushed inwards against spring pressure and then pushed outwards again to engage the edge of the recess.These advantages are particularly desirable in furniture manufacturing, as furniture occasionally needs to be assembled and disassembled (e.g., during moves) and the assembly and disassembly is almost always done by laypersons.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the kit, the clamping jaws of the connecting elements each have a lead-in chamfer and a clamping chamfer. Preferably, the clamping chamfer is steeper than the lead-in chamfer. The lead-in chamfer serves the purpose of allowing the connecting elements to slide along the edge of the recess when inserted, thereby pressing the clamping jaws inwards to fully insert the connecting element into the recess. To enable the connecting elements to be inserted without requiring much force, the lead-in chamfers are relatively shallow (e.g., an angle between 20° and 30°). The clamping chamfers, on the other hand, are steeper (e.g., an angle between 70° and 80°) because they are intended to prevent the connecting elements from unintentionally loosening or falling out.

[0018] Regarding the fasteners, it is further proposed that they incorporate an opening mechanism for retracting the clamping jaws. Since the clamping jaws are pressed outwards with a relatively high spring force, and the clamping angle of the jaws is preferably quite steep, disassembly of the fasteners would only be possible with considerable force or a special tool, such as pliers. This problem can be solved by an opening mechanism. The opening mechanism is accessible from the outside and can be operated either manually (e.g., as a knob / handwheel) or with a tool (e.g., a Phillips or Torx screwdriver or a special disassembly tool). By rotating the opening mechanism, both clamping jaws are pulled inwards in opposite directions until the fastener can be removed from the recess without collision.

[0019] To simplify disassembly, the connecting elements can be designed to have a leaf spring. The leaf spring is preferably positioned behind the head of the connecting element in such a way that it is compressed, i.e., tensioned, when the connecting element is inserted between its head and the component to be joined. This spring tension ensures that the connecting element is pushed out of the recess as soon as the clamping jaws are pulled inwards (e.g., by actuating the opening mechanism). This allows for easy disassembly even if the back of the connection point is inaccessible and the connecting element cannot be pushed out of the recess from the rear.

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing that illustrates only a preferred embodiment. The drawing shows: Fig. 1: a kit according to the invention in its assembled state in a perspective view, Fig. 2: the kit from Fig. 1 in side view, Fig. 3: one section of the kit Fig. 2 in enlarged view, Fig. 4: the kit from Fig. 1 in front view, Fig. 5: a construction kit according to the invention in perspective exploded view, Fig. 6A: a connecting element for assembling the kit in a perspective view from above, Fig. 6B: the connecting element made of Fig. 6A in perspective view from below, Fig. 7: a section of the kit in a cutaway view, Fig. 8A: the connecting element made of Fig. 6A before assembly, Fig. 8B: the connecting element made of Fig. 6A during assembly, Fig. 8C: the connecting element made of Fig. 6A after assembly, and Fig. 8D: the connecting element made of Fig. 6A during disassembly.

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 shows a construction kit 1 according to the invention in its assembled state in a perspective view. In its assembled state, the construction kit 1 forms a desk shelf. The construction kit 1 comprises a desktop 2, two shelves 3, two support elements 4, and connecting elements 5 for joining the aforementioned components together. The desktop 2, the two shelves 3, and the two support elements 4 are shown in the Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 1 is made from a metal sheet, in particular a steel sheet. The wall thickness of the metal sheet can be between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0022] The desktop 2 and the shelves 3 each have a main surface 2A, 3A oriented approximately horizontally. Adjacent to this, the desktop 2 and the shelves 3 each have a front surface 2B, 3B and two side surfaces 2C, 3C, wherein both the front surfaces 2B, 3B and the side surfaces 2C, 3C are angled downwards at approximately 90° relative to the main surfaces 2A, 3A. Furthermore, the desktop 2 and the shelves 3 each have a rear surface 2D, 3D adjacent to the main surfaces 2A, 3A, which are angled upwards at approximately 90° relative to the main surfaces 2A, 3A. The two support elements 4 each have a main surface 4A and two adjacent side surfaces 4B, which are angled at approximately 90° relative to the main surfaces 4A, resulting in an approximately U-shaped cross-section. A foot 6 can be arranged at each of the lower ends of the two support elements 4.

[0023] The desktop 2 and the two shelves 3 have recesses 7 on their side surfaces 2C, 3C for the connecting elements 5 for connection with the support elements 4 (in Fig. 1 (concealed). Furthermore, the desktop 2 and the two shelves 3 have 2D, 3D recesses 7 on their rear surfaces for mounting to a wall W. The support elements 4 also have recesses 7 for the connecting elements 5 for connecting to the desktop 2 and to the two shelves 3.

[0024] In Fig. 2 is kit 1 from Fig. 1 shown in side view. The one already mentioned in connection with Fig. The characteristics mentioned in point 1 are in Fig. Figure 2 – and all subsequent figures – are provided with corresponding reference symbols. The side view clearly shows that the kit 1, or the resulting desk shelf, stands on a base B and leans against a wall W at an angle α. The angle α can be between 5° and 15° and denotes the angle between a longitudinal axis L of the support elements 4 and the wall W. Fig. Figure 2 shows the desktop 2 in its regular position (height between 65 cm and 85 cm) and – shown in dashed lines – in an elevated position (height between 110 cm and 130 cm), whereby the desktop 2 in its regular position serves as a desk and in its elevated position as a standing desk. Accordingly, recesses 7 are provided in the two support elements 4 at the corresponding heights.

[0025] Fig. Figure 3 shows an area of ​​kit 1. Fig. 2 in enlarged view. The ones already mentioned in connection with Fig. 1 and Fig. The two mentioned characteristics are in Fig. Figure 3 – and in all subsequent figures – are provided with corresponding reference symbols. The support elements 4 have, in addition to the longitudinal axis L, several transverse axes Q running perpendicular to it. In the support elements 4, two recesses 7 form a pair, with an axis A running through each pair of recesses 7, which runs approximately horizontally in the assembled state of the kit 1. The axis A forms an angle between 5° and 15° with the transverse axis Q of the support elements 4. Fig. It is also evident from Figure 3 that the supporting elements 4 have a wall thickness 8, which is in the range between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. The desktop 2 and the - in Fig. 3 shelves (not shown) can have a corresponding wall thickness, allowing all components to be made from the same sheet metal.

[0026] In Fig. 4 is kit 1 from Fig. Figure 1 shows the front view. Here too, the previously mentioned features are labeled with identical reference symbols. In the front view, it is particularly clear that the two support elements 4 run parallel to each other and – at least when viewed from the front – in a vertical direction. It is also evident that the desktop 2 and the shelves 3 are parallel to each other and arranged horizontally. The recesses 7 in the rear surfaces 2D, 3D of the desktop 2 and the shelves 3 are also clearly visible; these can be used, for example, to attach the kit 1 to a wall. Also in Fig. 4 (likewise in Fig. 2) The desktop 2 is shown in two different positions: in its regular position (used as a desk) and – indicated by dashed lines – in its raised position (used as a standing desk). Since recesses 7 at the appropriate height are provided in the two support elements 4, the desktop 2 can be easily adjusted between the two positions.

[0027] Fig. Figure 5 shows a construction kit 1 according to the invention in a perspective exploded view. Also in Fig. 5. The previously mentioned features are provided with identical reference symbols. The in Fig. The 5 chosen perspective corresponds to the one in Fig. 1. Selected perspective. In the exploded view, the individual components are shown spatially separated from one another; kit 1 has thus been disassembled into its individual parts. This allows for a more precise representation of those areas that are hidden when assembled. This is particularly evident in Fig. 5. The recesses 7 in the side surfaces 2C and 3C of the desktop 2 and the shelves 3, respectively, are therefore visible. While two recesses 7 are provided in each of the side surfaces 3C of the shelves, four recesses 7 are provided in each of the side surfaces 2C of the desktop 2, since the position of the connecting elements 5 (especially their distance to the wall W, cf.) Fig. 2) as a result of the inclined positioning of the support elements 4 when the desktop 2 is adjusted between the low position (use as a desk) and the raised position (use as a standing desk).

[0028] Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B shows a connecting element 5 for assembling the kit 1 in a perspective view from above ( Fig. 6A) or from below ( Fig. 6B). The connecting element 5 has a housing in which two clamping jaws 9 are movably mounted. The two clamping jaws 9 are mounted in the housing such that one clamping jaw 9 protrudes from the housing on the upper side ( Fig. 6A), while the other clamping jaw 9 protrudes from the housing on the underside ( Fig. 6B). The clamping jaws 9 are each secured by a (in Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B (not shown) a coil spring located in the housing is pressed outwards to a stop and can be pressed inwards – i.e., into the housing – against the spring pressure. Each clamping jaw 9 has a shallow entry chamfer 10 and a steep clamping chamfer 11, the function of which will be discussed in more detail below. Furthermore, each connecting element 5 has a leaf spring 12 and an opening mechanism 14 located in the head 13 of the connecting element 4; this will also be discussed in more detail below.

[0029] Fig. Figure 7 shows a section of kit 1 in a cutaway view. Fig. 7. The previously mentioned features are provided with identical reference symbols. In Fig. Figure 7 shows an example of a connecting element 5, which connects the desktop 2 to one of the support elements 4. The connecting element 5 connects the desktop 2 and the support element 4 by being inserted through two recesses 7 provided in the desktop 2 (specifically: a side surface 2C of the desktop 2) and in the support element 4 (specifically: the main surface 4A of the support element 4). When inserted, the clamping jaws 9 of the connecting element 5 engage behind the recesses 7 and clamp the components to be joined between the clamping jaws 9 – in particular their clamping angles 11 – and the head 13 and / or the leaf spring 12 attached thereto.

[0030] Fig. 8A to Fig. Finally, 8D shows the connecting element 5. Fig. 6A before assembly ( Fig. 8A), during assembly ( Fig. 8B), after assembly ( Fig. 8C) as well as during disassembly ( Fig. 8D). In these illustrations, the features mentioned previously are also identified by identical reference numerals. Before assembly, the two clamping jaws 9 are pushed outwards by a spring force and are thus fully extended ( Fig. 8A). When the connecting element 5 is installed ( Fig. 8B), the two clamping jaws 9 with their leading edges 10 abut the edges of the recesses 7, causing the clamping jaws 9 to be pressed into the housing of the connecting element 5 – i.e., inwards – against a spring force (schematically indicated by arrows). When the connecting element 5 is inserted far enough into the recesses 7, the clamping jaws 9 are pushed outwards again from the housing of the connecting element 5 by a spring force, whereby the clamping jaws 9, in particular their clamping edges 11, engage behind the recesses 7 and thus create a clamping connection ( Fig. 8C). In the assembled position, the leaf spring 12 is compressed. Disassembly ( Fig. 8D) can be achieved by inserting a tool 15, for example a screwdriver, into the opening mechanism 14 and twisting it. The twisting action pulls the two clamping jaws 9 inwards against a spring force, allowing the connecting element 5 to be pulled out of the recesses 7 of the components to be joined. The removal of the connecting element 5 is assisted by the leaf spring 12, which springs back to its untensioned position and pushes the connecting element 5 out of the recesses as soon as the clamping jaws 9 have been pulled sufficiently inwards by the opening mechanism 14. Reference symbol list: 1 kit / desk shelf 2. Desktop 2A Main surface (of the desktop 2) 2B front surface (of the desktop 2) 2C Side surface (of the desktop 2) 2D rear surface (of the desktop 2) 3 shelves 3A Main area (of shelf 3) 3B front surface (of shelf 3) 3C Side surface (of shelf 3) 3D rear surface (of shelf 3) 4 Support element 4A Main surface (of support element 4) 4B Side surface (of support element 4) 5 Connecting element 6 feet 7 Exclusion 8 wall thickness 9 clamping jaw 10 Inlet slope 11 Clamping angle 12 leaf spring 13 heads 14 Opening mechanism 15 tools α, β Angle of inclination Axis B Floor L Longitudinal axis Q transverse axis W Wall

Claims

[1] Kit (1) for a desk with an integrated shelf, comprising: - a desktop (2), - at least one shelf (3), - two support elements (4) for attaching the desktop (2) and the shelf (3) on both sides, and - Connecting elements (5) for connecting the desktop (2) and the shelf (3) to the support elements (4), wherein the desktop (2) and / or the shelf (3) and / or the support elements (4) are made of a sheet metal, characterized by , that the desktop (2) and / or the shelf (3) have recesses (7) on their rear surfaces (2D, 3D) for attachment to a wall (W), that the support elements (4) have recesses (7) on their main surfaces (4A) for the connecting elements (5) for connection to the desktop (2) and / or to the shelf (3), and that at least two recesses (7) of the support elements (4) are arranged on an axis (A) which forms an angle of inclination (β) in the range between 5° and 15° with the transverse axis (Q) of the support elements (4). [2] Kit (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the desktop (2) and / or the shelf (3) have recesses (7) on their side surfaces (2C, 3C) for the connecting elements (5) for connection with the support elements (4). [3] Kit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that screws are used as connecting elements (5). [4] Kit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that snap connectors and / or clamp connectors with spring-loaded clamping jaws (9) are used as connecting elements (5). [5] Kit (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the clamping jaws (9) of the connecting elements (5) each have a leading-in chamfer (10) and a clamping chamfer (11). [6] Kit (1) according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized by that the connecting elements (5) have an opening mechanism (14) for retracting the clamping jaws (9). [7] Kit (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by , that the connecting elements (5) have a leaf spring (12) to simplify disassembly.

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