System for extending a storage area

Abstract

System (1, 1') for extending a storage surface (2) of a table (3), in particular a camping table, comprising at least a) a surface element (4) with a top surface (5) having a storage surface and a bottom surface (6) facing away from the top surface (5), b) a support element (7) for supporting the surface element (4), c) a fastening element (8) for fastening the support element (7) to a plate (9), in particular a table top, d) an adapter (10) arranged on the surface element (4) for creating a detachable connection between the surface element (4) and the support element (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for extending the storage surface of a table, in particular a camping table.

[0002] In current technology, the surface area of ​​tables, boards, or similar items is often severely limited. Particularly in camping, it's difficult to provide sufficient surface area on tables without simultaneously increasing the already limited space. Portable tables, such as folding tables, especially suffer from a lack of surface area. Therefore, these are often equipped with extendable tabletops or similar features, which involves considerable assembly effort. Frequently, the extendable tabletops are permanently attached and cannot be easily detached. Such portable tables are often set up outside the campervan, tent, or similar structure when camping. In these cases, items such as food have to be carried to the table.This is often very time-consuming, as the limited surface area of ​​the table for a tray or similar item often necessitates transporting the items individually.

[0003] The present invention is based on the objective of overcoming the disadvantages described above from the prior art.

[0004] This problem is solved according to the invention by a system having the features of claim 1.

[0005] The advantage of the system according to the invention lies in particular in the fact that it a) a surface element with a top surface having a storage area and a bottom surface facing away from the top surface, b) a support element for supporting the surface element, c) a fastening element for attaching the support element to a plate, in particular a tabletop, and d) comprises an adapter arranged on the surface element for creating a detachable connection between the surface element and the support element.

[0006] Thus, the fastening element can be detachably attached to a panel, for example, a tabletop, along with the attached support element. The surface element, preferably designed as a tray, can then be detachably connected to the support element via the adapter arranged on the surface element. In this way, the surface area of ​​the tabletop is extended by the surface area of ​​the surface element, allowing more items, such as food, to be placed on it. At the same time, the surface element can also be easily detached from the support element and thus used as a means of transporting items. Furthermore, the increased space required by the table itself is avoided. According to the invention, it is also conceivable that the components of the system can be stored individually, thereby saving storage space, for example, in motorhomes.

[0007] Advantageously, in the system according to the invention, the adapter is arranged on the surface element by means of fastening elements, in particular screws. This enables simple and stable mounting of the adapter on the surface element.

[0008] Advantageously, in the system according to the invention, the adapter has a receiving sleeve for receiving a free end of the support element, which is preferably elongated, wherein the shape of the inner circumference of the receiving sleeve is preferably adapted to the shape of the outer circumference of the free end of the support element. In this way, a positive-locking and simultaneously detachable connection between the adapter arranged on the surface element and the free end of the support element can be quickly and easily established by guiding the receiving sleeve over the free end of the support element until the free end of the support element makes substantially complete contact with the receiving sleeve from the inside.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, at least a front section of the inner circumference of the receiving sleeve, forming the sleeve inlet, is conically tapered, and a rear section of the inner circumference of the receiving sleeve is preferably cylindrical, wherein the free end of the support element preferably has a conically shaped outer circumference adapted to the conical shape of the front section of the inner circumference of the receiving sleeve. The special conical shape of the inner circumference of the receiving sleeve and the outer circumference of the free end of the support element creates an optimally positive-locking and stable connection.

[0010] Advantageously, in the system according to the invention, the surface element preferably has a central recess, and the adapter has a substantially plate-shaped mounting section with a top surface facing the surface element and a bottom surface facing away from the top surface. The receiving sleeve is designed to extend through the recess of the surface element with minimal radial play, and the mounting section has a larger outer circumference than the receiving sleeve. This allows the adapter to be guided through the recess of the surface element and positioned centrally on the surface element. In this way, improved force distribution is ensured when the surface element is loaded, for example, when food is placed on it.

[0011] Advantageously, in the system according to the invention, the adapter is arranged on the upper side of the surface element, with the sleeve inlet of the adapter's receiving sleeve and the recess in the surface element being aligned. This allows for easy mounting of the adapter onto the surface element. To create a detachable connection between the surface element and the support element, the free end of the support element simply needs to be guided through the recess in the surface element until a positive fit is formed between the adapter's receiving sleeve and the free end of the support element.

[0012] Advantageously, in the system according to the invention, the adapter is additionally assigned a stabilizing element with a bottom surface facing the mounting section and a top surface facing away from the bottom surface, which has at least one recess that preferably has a slightly larger diameter than the receiving sleeve. In this way, it is possible to position the surface element between the mounting section of the adapter and the stabilizing element. This increases the stability of the connection between the adapter and the surface element and counteracts deformation of the surface element when subjected to loads from objects positioned on it.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, in an installed state, the upper surface of the fastening section contacts the underside of the surface element, and the underside of the stabilizing element contacts the upper surface of the surface element. The receiving sleeve preferably projects substantially perpendicularly from the recess of the surface element, and the adapter, the surface element, and the stabilizing element are connected to one another by means of fasteners, preferably screws. In this way, the aforementioned advantages are further enhanced.

[0014] Advantageously, in the system according to the invention, the surface element has at least one, preferably two, handle elements. This simplifies the transport, for example carrying, of the surface element between different storage locations.

[0015] Advantageously, in the system according to the invention, the surface element is made of plastic, preferably melamine resin, and particularly preferably polypropylene. This results in a robust and durable surface element. Other materials are also conceivable, such as wood, bamboo, or metal.

[0016] Advantageously, in the system according to the invention, the surface element has anti-slip elements, in particular studs, on its upper surface. This prevents objects positioned on the surface element from slipping during transport and / or when bumped against the table.

[0017] Advantageously, in the system according to the invention, the surface element is assigned at least one foot section, which is preferably arranged on the underside of the surface element and connected to it, wherein the foot section is designed to compensate for the height of the mounting section of the adapter. Thus, when loading objects onto the surface element, it can be placed on surfaces such as tables, work surfaces or the like without the surface element tipping over.

[0018] Advantageously, in the system according to the invention, the support element is preferably made of aluminum. This results in a robust and durable support element.

[0019] Advantageously, in the system according to the invention, the support element is detachably connected to the fastening element by means of a fastening device, preferably a screw. In this way, the support element and the fastening element can be quickly and easily connected to each other during assembly of the system according to the invention.

[0020] Advantageously, in the system according to the invention, the fastening element comprises a base body with at least one contact section for contacting a top surface of the plate and a clamping element for clamping the plate between the contact section and the clamping element, wherein the distance between the clamping element and the contact section is adjustable. In this way, the system according to the invention can be fastened to a variety of plate thicknesses without the need for additional fastening elements.

[0021] Advantageously, the clamping element comprises at least one contact element, preferably a contact plate, for contacting the underside of the plate. A side surface of the contact element facing the underside of the plate is preferably provided with a non-slip material, in particular rubber. The contact element is coupled to a threaded spindle, the threaded spindle engaging with an internal thread in the base body of the fastening element. During assembly, the threaded spindle is turned until the contact element makes contact with the underside of the plate. The rubberized side surface of the contact element prevents damage to the plate during this process. This enables a stable and quickly adjustable clamping connection between the fastening element and the plate.

[0022] Advantageously, in the system according to the invention, the threaded spindle is associated with at least one threaded lever, preferably a crank, wherein the threaded lever is preferably connected to an end of the threaded spindle facing away from the plate. This makes it easier to clamp the fastening element, for example to a tabletop, by turning the threaded spindle via the threaded lever.

[0023] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the drawings and the dependent claims. The individual features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another.

[0024] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a cross-sectional representation of the components of a system according to the invention; Fig. 2 a section of the system according to the invention Fig. 1 in a state of use in a cross-sectional view; Fig. 3 a section of a further embodiment of the system according to the invention in the state of use in a cross-sectional view; Fig. 4 a side view of the system according to the invention Fig. 3 in an assembled state; Fig. 5 a top view of the system according to the invention Fig. 4 from the top in the assembled state.

[0025] Identical elements or elements with the same function are subsequently marked with the same reference numbers.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the components of a system 1 according to the invention in an unassembled state and Fig. 2 a section of the system 1 according to the invention Fig. 1 in a state of use in a cross-sectional view. System 1 comprises a surface element 4, an adapter 10, a support element 7, and a fastening element 8. The surface element 4 is made of polypropylene. The surface element 4 has a recess 17 in its center. A handle element 27a, 27b is arranged at each of two opposite ends of the surface element 4, extending obliquely from a top surface 5 of the surface element 4. The top surface 5 of the surface element 4 represents a storage surface of the system 1, around which a storage surface 2 of a plate 9 of a table 3 can be extended, as is the case, for example, in Fig. Figure 5 is shown. Thus, the surface element 4 is essentially designed like a tray and can be used as such.

[0027] The surface element 4 is associated with an adapter 10. The adapter 10 has a receiving sleeve 11, which has an inner circumference 13. The inner circumference 13 has a front section 15, forming the sleeve inlet, which is conically tapered, and a rear section 16, which is cylindrical. Additionally, the adapter 10 has a mounting section 18 with a top surface 19 facing the surface element 4 when the system 1 is assembled, and a bottom surface 20 facing away from the top surface 19. The mounting section 18 has an outer circumference 21', which is larger than the outer circumference 21 of the receiving sleeve 11. As described in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the adapter 10 is positioned and screwed onto the upper surface 5 of the surface element 4 such that the lower surface 20 of the fastening section 18 contacts the upper surface 5 of the surface element 4. The front section 15 of the receiving sleeve 11 of the adapter 10, which forms the sleeve opening, and the recess 17 of the surface element 4 are aligned. Thus, a free end 12 of the support element 7 can be guided through the recess 17 of the surface element 4 into the receiving sleeve 11 of the adapter to create a detachable connection between the surface element 4 and the support element 7.

[0028] The support element 7 is designed as a rod and made of aluminum. The free end 12 of the support element 7 has an outer circumference 14, which is conically tapered to match the shape of the conically tapered front section 15 of the inner circumference 13 of the receiving sleeve 11 of the adapter 10. This allows the free end 12 to be inserted into the receiving sleeve 11 until a positive fit is formed between the free end 12 of the support element 7 and the front section 15 of the receiving sleeve 11. In this way, a stable and simultaneously detachable connection can be established between the surface element 4 and the support element 7 via the adapter 10.

[0029] The fastening element 8 of the system 1 according to the invention comprises a base body 31 and a clamping element 34. The base body 31 has an opening 42 in which the support element 7 can be received and fastened by means of a screw 30. Furthermore, the base body 31 has a contact section 32 with which a top surface 33 of the plate 9 of the table 3 can be contacted, as is the case, for example, in Fig. Figure 4 shows the clamping element 34 arranged opposite the support section 32. The clamping element 34 comprises a contact element 35 with a rubberized side surface 37, a threaded spindle 38 which engages with an internal thread 39 of the base body 31, and a crank 40 which is connected to one end 41 of the threaded spindle 38. Thus, the threaded spindle 38 can be adjusted by rotating the crank 40, thereby allowing stepless adjustment of the distance between the support section 32 and the contact element 35 of the clamping element 34. In this way, a single fastening element 8 can be used for mounting on a variety of panel thicknesses.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 shows a section of a further embodiment 1' of the system according to the invention in its state of use in a cross-sectional view. In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. In section 2, adapter 10 is additionally assigned a plate-shaped stabilizing element 22 with a recess 25. When assembling system 1', adapter 10 was not positioned on the top surface 5 of the surface element 4, but rather the following procedure was used: First, the receiving sleeve 11 was guided through the recess 17 of the surface element 4 until the upper surface 19 of the fastening section 18 contacted a lower surface 6 facing away from the upper surface 5 of the surface element 4. The receiving sleeve 11 protruded essentially perpendicularly from the recess 17 of the surface element 4. Next, the stabilizing element 22, with its recess 25 having a slightly larger diameter than the receiving sleeve 11, was guided over the receiving sleeve 11 of the adapter 10 until a lower surface 23 of the stabilizing element 22 contacted the upper surface 5 of the surface element 4. The stabilizing element 22, the surface element 4, and the adapter 10 were then connected to each other by means of screws 26. In this way, the stability of the surface element 4 under load from objects in the operating condition is increased, and bending of the surface element 4 is prevented. Additionally, a foot section 29a, 29b is attached to the underside 6 of two opposite ends of the surface element 4 to compensate for the height h of the mounting section 18 of the adapter 10. This prevents the surface element 4 from tipping when it is placed elsewhere to be loaded with objects.

[0031] Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of the system 1' according to the invention. Fig. 3 in an assembled state. The assembly of the system 1' according to the invention on the plate 9 of the table 3 is carried out as follows: On a top surface 33 of the plate 9 of the table 3, which has a support surface 2, the fastening element 8 is positioned such that the support section 32 of the base body 31 contacts the top surface 33 of the plate 9 of the table 3, with the plate 9 being positioned between the support section 32 and the clamping element 34. The threaded spindle 38 is then turned by means of the crank 40 until the contact element 35, with its rubberized side surface 37, contacts a bottom surface 36 of the plate 9. Thus, the plate 9 is clamped between the support section 32 and the clamping element 34, and the fastening element 8 is attached to the plate 9 of the table 3. Now, the support element 7 is inserted into the opening 42 of the base body 31 and connected to the fastening element 8 by means of the screw 30.The surface element 4 can then be detachably connected to the support element 7 via the receiving sleeve 11 of the adapter 10. The adapter 10 is shown here in the embodiment of the system 1' according to the invention. Fig. 3 are arranged on the surface element 4. It is clearly visible that objects can also be placed on the plate 9 in an area 43 below the surface element 4. Thus, the storage area 2 of a table 3 is extended by the assembly without a significant loss of storage space.

[0032] Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of the system 1' according to the invention. Fig.Figure 4 shows the assembled unit from above. It is clearly visible that the storage surface 2 of the table 3's plate 9 is extended by the upper surface 5 of the surface element 4, which also provides storage. Furthermore, the surface element 4 has 5 studs 28 on its upper surface, which prevent objects placed on it from slipping. This ensures the safe transport of objects to the table 3 using the surface element 4, which can be carried by the handles 27a and 27b.

Claims

[1] System (1, 1') for extending a storage area (2) of a table (3), in particular a camping table, comprising at least a) a surface element (4) with a top surface (5) having a storage surface and a bottom surface (6) facing away from the top surface (5), b) a support element (7) for supporting the surface element (4), c) a fastening element (8) for fastening the support element (7) to a plate (9), in particular a table top, d) an adapter (10) arranged on the surface element (4) for creating a detachable connection between the surface element (4) and the support element (7). [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by that the adapter (10) is arranged on the surface element (4) by means of fastening means, in particular screws. [3] System according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by, that the adapter (10) has a receiving sleeve (11) for receiving a free end (12) of the preferably elongated support element (7), wherein a shape of the inner circumference (13) of the receiving sleeve (11) is preferably adapted to the shape of the outer circumference (14) of the free end (12) of the support element (7). [4] System according to claim 3, characterized by , that at least a front section (15) of the inner circumference (13) of the receiving sleeve (11) forming the sleeve inlet is conically tapered and a rear section (16) of the inner circumference (13) of the receiving sleeve (11) is preferably cylindrical, wherein the free end (12) of the support element (7) preferably has a conically shaped outer circumference (14) adapted to the conical shape of the front section (15) of the inner circumference (13) of the receiving sleeve (11). [5] System according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized by, that the surface element (4) preferably has a recess (17) in the center and the adapter (10) has a substantially plate-shaped mounting section (18) with a top surface (19) facing the surface element (4) and a bottom surface (20) facing away from the top surface (19), wherein the receiving sleeve (11) is designed to pass through the recess (17) of the surface element (4) with slight radial play, and the mounting section (18) has a larger outer circumference (21, 21') than the receiving sleeve (11). [6] System according to claim 5, characterized by , that the adapter (11) is arranged on the top (5) of the surface element (4), wherein the front section (15) of the receiving sleeve (11) of the adapter (10), forming the sleeve inlet, and the recess (17) of the surface element (4) are aligned with each other. [7] System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the adapter (11) is additionally assigned a stabilizing element (22) with a bottom surface (23) facing the fastening section (18) and a top surface (24) facing away from the bottom surface (23), which has at least one recess (25) which preferably has a slightly larger diameter than the receiving sleeve (11). [8] System according to claim 7, characterized by , that in an installed state the top (19) of the fastening section (18) contacts the bottom (6) of the surface element (4) and the bottom (23) of the stabilizing element (22) contacts the top (5) of the surface element (4), wherein the receiving sleeve (11) preferably protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the recess (17) of the surface element (4) and the adapter (10), the surface element (4) and the stabilizing element (22) are connected to each other by means of connecting means, preferably screws (26). [9] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the surface element (4) has at least one, preferably two handle elements (27a, 27b). [10] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the surface element (4) is made of plastic, preferably of melamine resin, particularly preferably of polypropylene. [11] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the surface element (4) has anti-slip elements, in particular studs (28), on its upper surface (5). [12] System according to any of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 8, characterized by , that the surface element (4) is assigned at least one foot part (29a, 29b) which is preferably arranged on the underside (6) of the surface element (4) and connected to it, wherein the foot part (29a, 29b) is designed to compensate for a height (h) of the fastening section (18) of the adapter (10). [13] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support element (7) is preferably made of aluminium. [14] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the support element (7) is detachably connected to the fastening element (8) by means of a fastening means, preferably a screw (30). [15] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fastening element (8) has a base body (31) with at least one support section (32) for contacting a top surface (33) of the plate (9) and a clamping element (34) for clamping the plate (9) between the support section (33) and the clamping element (34), wherein the distance between the clamping element (34) and the support section (33) is adjustable. [16] System according to claim 15, characterized by, that the clamping element (34) comprises at least one contact element (35), preferably a contact plate for contacting a bottom surface (36) of the plate (9), wherein a side surface (37) of the contact element (35) facing the bottom surface (36) of the plate (9) is preferably provided with a non-slip material, in particular rubber, wherein the contact element (35) is coupled to a threaded spindle (38), wherein the threaded spindle (38) interacts with an internal thread (39) of the base body (31) of the fastening element (8). [17] System according to claim 16, characterized by , that the threaded spindle (38) is associated with at least one threaded lever (40), preferably a crank, wherein the threaded lever (40) is preferably connected to an end (41) of the threaded spindle (38) facing away from the plate (9).

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