TRUSS SET AND FURNITURE KIT

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a truss set with at least two trusses and a furniture kit with the truss set.

[0002] Such traverses of the traverse set with a longitudinally shaped rod section, wherein the rod section has a central longitudinal axis, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end substantially opposite to the first longitudinal end, can be used for constructing furniture such as frames and tables. State of the art

[0003] Systems are known for the flexible assembly of furniture, where furniture can be assembled from basic components in a variety of ways. These modular furniture systems are particularly common in retail stores or offices, where the furnishings or furnishing requirements typically change from time to time.

[0004] Many well-known modular furniture systems are based on a three-dimensional, load-bearing tube structure that can be assembled in various ways. For example, EP 0 262 090 A1 describes a furniture structure that comprises a number of tubes connectable via node elements. These node elements allow the tubes to be assembled in different ways within this system, enabling the creation of frames in various shapes. The connected tubes can also be fitted with panels and shelves, which are mounted between the tubes.

[0005] In modern office environments, there is a growing need for frequent and extensive furniture reconfiguration. While well-known modular furniture systems offer flexibility, they present a disadvantage because they require time-consuming disassembly and reassembly. This reconfiguration is typically carried out by trained personnel using specialized tools. This is necessary for safety reasons, as the modular system must ensure the stability of the furniture constructed with it. Unstable furniture can pose a significant risk to people, especially with relatively tall and / or heavily loaded pieces.

[0006] Since assembling, reconfiguring, and disassembling furniture with conventional modular systems is, as mentioned, time-consuming and can pose a safety risk if done improperly, adapting furniture to changing needs is often avoided nowadays. For example, in open-plan offices, where it might be useful to adapt the furniture on a project-by-project basis, the variability of modular furniture systems is not utilized. A system for creating shelving units is described in FR 2 984 430 A1.

[0007] The object of the following invention is therefore to propose a system or components for a system with which furniture can be easily and flexibly assembled and modified, virtually without tools. In particular, the system or components should enable frames and worktables to be assembled, modified, and disassembled flexibly, efficiently, and safely. Description of the invention

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved by a truss set with at least two trusses, as defined in independent claim 1, and by a furniture kit, as defined in independent claim 8. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0009] The essence of the invention consists of the truss set with at least two trusses having the technical features of claim 1.

[0010] In the context of the invention, the term "crossbeam" refers to a largely longitudinal component suitable for being arranged between two other components, thereby connecting and stabilizing them. In particular, the crossbeam can be a mechanical support used for stabilization, fastening, and / or connection. The crossbeam can also be referred to as a beam or crossbeam.

[0011] The rod section of the traverse can be designed as a solid or, in particular, hollow rod profile, for example in the form of a tube with any cross-section. In particular, it can be a tube with a circular or polygonal cross-section.

[0012] The term "central longitudinal axis" refers, in relation to the rod section, to a straight axis that extends through the center of a cross-section of the rod section and along its length. For a rod section with a circular cross-section, the central longitudinal axis passes through the center of the circle. For a rod section with a cross-section that is at least partially circular segmental, the central longitudinal axis may pass through the center of the circular segment.

[0013] By offsetting the gripping section of the first locking claw relative to the gripping section of the second locking claw with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the rod section, two identical crossbeams can be mounted on the same rod-shaped element in such a way that they are in a line, or rather, that their central longitudinal axes lie on a straight line. In this way, furniture such as shelving units can be assembled efficiently and in a space-saving manner. Other three-dimensional tube structures, such as scaffolding, can also be assembled efficiently in this way.

[0014] The term "furniture" in connection with the invention refers to furnishings primarily used in interior spaces such as apartments, shops, offices, or other units. Typically, furniture is movable and thus contrasts with immovable objects (real estate) that are permanently attached to the floor or building structures. In most cases, furniture has a predetermined purpose and is designed for a specific use. Typical furniture items include tables, chairs, shelves, storage units, and the like.

[0015] Preferably, the first locking claw and the second locking claw are each equipped with a spring element and a slide, wherein the slide is movable between a locked position and an open position and the spring element pushes the slide into the locked position.

[0016] The term "locked position" can refer, in the context of the slide, to a position in which the slide, together with its associated gripping section, surrounds the tubular element in such a way that the crossbeam is attached to the tubular element. In contrast, the term "open position" can refer, in relation to the slide, to a position in which it is moved relative to the gripping section so that the locking claw can be removed from the tubular element.

[0017] By pressing the slider into the locked position with the spring, the locking claw is ensured to remain closed unless actively opened by forcefully moving the slider. This allows for a secure connection of the crossbar to the rod-shaped element. In particular, it prevents the locking claw from unintentionally detaching from the rod-shaped element.

[0018] The slide of the first locking claw is preferably offset relative to the slide of the second locking claw with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the rod section. By offsetting the slide of the first locking claw relative to the slide of the second locking claw with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the rod section, two identical crossbeams can be mounted on the same rod-shaped element in such a way that they are in a line, or rather, that their central longitudinal axes lie on a straight line, without the slides having to be dimensioned impractically small. In particular, the slides can be designed to be long enough to sufficiently encircle the tubular element to ensure secure mounting of the locking claw.

[0019] The slides of the first and second locking claws preferably each have an actuating surface that presses against the rod-shaped element when the locking claw is mounted on the rod-shaped element, so that the slide is moved into the open position against the pressure of the spring element. Such an actuating surface enables efficient and (semi-)automatic opening of the locking claws during assembly of the crossbeam.

[0020] The gripping sections of the first and second locking claws preferably each define an assembly direction in which they are to be moved for mounting onto the rod-shaped element, and the actuating surfaces of the sliders of the first and second locking claws are inclined relative to the assembly direction. This enables particularly efficient opening of the locking claws during assembly with a comparatively simple design.

[0021] Preferably, the gripping sections of the first and second locking claws are each designed to grip the rod-shaped element by more than a quarter and at most half. With locking claws designed in this way, rod-shaped elements can be gripped sufficiently to ensure a secure hold. At the same time, this design allows for efficient mounting of the locking claw to the rod-shaped element.

[0022] Preferably, the gripping sections of the first locking claw and the second locking claw each comprise two spaced-apart gripping fingers. Such gripping fingers allow the rod-shaped element to be gripped relatively wide, while still enabling the arrangement of several crossbeams in a line on a single rod-shaped element.

[0023] The invention relates to a set of trusses with at least two trusses as described above. The two trusses can be mounted on a single rod-shaped element such that the central longitudinal axes of the rod sections of the two trusses lie on a straight line.

[0024] The effects and advantages described above in connection with the truss according to the invention and its preferred embodiments can be efficiently achieved with the truss set according to the invention.

[0025] The gripping sections of the first and second locking claws of each of the two crossbeams, as described above, each comprise two spaced gripping fingers that lie side by side when the two crossbeams are mounted on the single rod-shaped element. In particular, they can alternately lie side by side, so that a gripping finger of one of the crossbeams is always positioned between two gripping fingers of the other crossbeam.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention relates to a furniture kit comprising a set of crossbeams as described above, a set of floor ladders and a set of longitudinal wind bracing.

[0027] The floor ladders each consist of two vertical supports connected by an upper rung (i.e., an upper tubular element) and a lower rung (also a tubular element). Each of the two vertical supports is equipped with a foot for placement on the floor.

[0028] The wind bracing units are each equipped at their longitudinal ends with a clamp designed to be mounted on one of the rungs of one of the floor ladders by gripping one of the rungs.

[0029] The locking claws of the at least two crossbeams of the truss set are each designed such that one of the rungs of the floor ladders or one of the rod sections of the at least two crossbeams of the truss set is the rod-shaped element. Crossbeams dimensioned in this way can, of course, also be mounted on the lower rungs of the first and second floor ladders. Similarly, wind bracing of this dimension can, of course, also be mounted on the upper rung of the second floor ladder and the lower rung of the first floor ladder.

[0030] The furniture kit can be designed so that different pieces of furniture can be flexibly assembled from the same components as needed. These pieces of furniture can include shelves, racks, or tables. In particular, they can be used for office furniture. The components of the furniture kit are advantageously dimensioned so that furniture can be assembled with a relatively small number of parts. For example, a sturdy table can be assembled from two floor ladders, two crossbeams, a bracing element, and a tabletop, as described in more detail below.

[0031] The term "set" in connection with the furniture kit and its floor ladders, crossbeams, and bracing refers to a multiple of elements or components. For example, a set of floor ladders comprises two or more floor ladders.

[0032] Advantageously, the crossbar sections have essentially the same shape and cross-section as the rungs of the floor ladders. This allows the locking claws to be mounted on both the rungs of the floor ladders and the crossbars.

[0033] Floor ladders can include additional rungs besides the top and bottom rungs. These additional rungs can be located above the top rung, below the bottom rung, and / or between the top and bottom rungs.

[0034] Typically, the vertical supports and rungs are essentially rod-shaped. The rungs, in particular, but also the vertical supports, can have a substantially round or circular cross-section. The vertical supports and rungs of a floor ladder can each be positioned almost at right angles to each other, so that the rungs and the vertical supports run parallel to each other.

[0035] The vertical supports of floor ladders can be designed as bar profiles or, for example, round or square tubes over long distances. They are typically made of a robust material such as metal. The vertical supports of a floor ladder advantageously run parallel to each other.

[0036] The rungs of floor ladders can also be designed as rod profiles or tubes over considerable lengths. Advantageously, they have a circumference with a quasi-circular cross-section. The upper and lower rungs are typically horizontally oriented and parallel to each other in use. The rungs are preferably made of the same material as the vertical supports.

[0037] The feet of the floor ladders can be shaped so that they can be placed directly on the floor. Alternatively, they can be designed to be fitted with a suitable element for positioning, such as glides. If frequent moving of the furniture assembled from the kit is intended, casters can also be used as feet for the floor ladders. The feet can also be height-adjustable to allow for easy leveling of the assembled furniture.

[0038] The inventive furniture kit enables the efficient and flexible assembly of furniture according to user needs. Users can assemble the furniture relatively easily without tools or with simple standard tools. A specialist is not required for assembly, nor is the use of special tools necessary.

[0039] In particular, by using crossbeams and bracing to connect the floor ladders, an extremely stable structure can be achieved with simple means and a relatively small number of components. For example, two floor ladders can be connected at their upper or lower rungs via two crossbeams and simultaneously via a bracing between the upper rung of one ladder and the lower rung of the other. The crossbeams are thus horizontally aligned, and the bracing diagonally. In this way, the assembly of floor ladders, crossbeams, and bracing is fixed and stabilized in all directions. This ensures a secure structure that can also withstand relatively high loads.

[0040] Equipping the crossbeams with locking claws allows for easy and secure connection to the rungs. For example, they can be pressed onto the rungs from above and lock into place, partially gripping them.

[0041] By equipping the bracing with clamps, the rungs can be securely gripped. This ensures that the rungs remain firmly in place, even if the bracing is tilted. Twisting of the two floor ladders is thus reliably prevented. For safety reasons, the clamps can be designed so that they can only be opened with a key or a simple tool such as a screwdriver. This prevents accidental opening of the clamps.

[0042] Disassembly and modification of furniture assembled from the inventive furniture kit are also efficiently possible. For example, additional floor ladders with crossbeams and bracing can be easily attached to existing structures. In this way, furniture can be expanded as needed. Dismantling or disassembling the furniture is also efficiently and safely possible in a similar manner.

[0043] The inventive furniture kit thus makes it possible to easily and flexibly assemble and modify furniture, virtually without tools. The furniture can be robust and offer sufficient safety to be suitable, for example, for offices or retail stores. In particular, the furniture kit enables the flexible, efficient, and safe assembly, modification, and disassembly of racks and worktables.

[0044] Preferably, the rod sections of the at least two crossbeams are each shaped in such a way that the locking claws of the at least two crossbeams can be mounted on them without tools. In this way, furniture such as racks with mutually perpendicular structures can be assembled efficiently and in a space-saving manner. Brief description of the drawings

[0045] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with the aid of the schematic drawing. In particular, the inventive traverse, the inventive traverse set, and the inventive furniture kit are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a front view of a floor ladder of an embodiment of a furniture kit according to the invention, comprising an embodiment of a truss set according to the invention with an embodiment of a truss according to the invention; Fig. 2 a front view of an assembly ladder of the furniture kit of Fig. 1 with a pipe connector of the pipe connection structure of Fig. 1 Fig. 3 shows a top view of a crossbeam of the furniture kit from Fig. 1 Fig. 4 shows a side view of a locking claw of the traverse. Fig. 3 in a locked position or closed state; Fig. 5 a side view of the locking claw of Fig. 4 in an open position or state; Fig. 6 a top view of the locking claw of Fig. 4 in the locked position; Fig. 7 a view from below of the locking claw of Fig. 4in the locked position; Fig. 8 a front view of a wind bracing of the furniture kit from Fig. 1 Fig. 9 a top view of the wind bracing of Fig. 5 ; Fig. 10 a perspective view of a clamp of the wind bracing of Fig. 5 ; Fig. 11 a perspective view of a furniture from the kit by Fig. 1 assembled frame construction; and Fig. 12 a view of a detail of the frame construction of Fig. 11 . Way(s) to implement the invention

[0046] Certain terms are used in the following description for practical reasons and are not to be understood restrictively. The words "right," "left," "below," and "above" denote directions in the drawing to which reference is made. The terms "inward," "outward," "below," "above," "left," "right," or similar are used to describe the arrangement of designated parts relative to one another, the movement of designated parts relative to one another, and the directions toward or away from the geometric center of the invention and of designated parts thereof, as shown in the figures. These spatial relative terms also include positions and orientations other than those shown in the figures. For example, if a part shown in the figures is turned upside down, elements or features described as "below" are then "above."The terminology includes the words explicitly mentioned above, derivatives of the same, and words of similar meaning.

[0047] To avoid repetition in the figures and the accompanying descriptions of the various aspects and embodiments, certain features should be understood as common to different aspects and embodiments. The omission of an aspect in the description or a figure does not imply that this aspect is missing in the corresponding embodiment. Rather, such an omission may serve to improve clarity and prevent repetition. In this context, the following rule applies to the entire subsequent description: If a figure contains reference symbols for the purpose of graphical clarity, but these are not mentioned in the immediately associated descriptive text, reference is made to their explanation in preceding figure descriptions.If, in addition, the descriptive text directly pertaining to a figure mentions reference symbols that are not included in the figure itself, reference is made to the preceding and following figures. Similar reference symbols in two or more figures represent similar or identical elements.

[0048] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a floor ladder 2 of a set of floor ladders 2 of an embodiment of a furniture kit 1 according to the invention. The floor ladder 2 is designed as the first component of an embodiment of a pipe connection structure according to the invention. It consists of two parallel vertical supports 21, which are connected to each other by two horizontal rungs 22. The rungs 22 are designed as straight tubes with a circular cross-section. They are at right angles to the vertical supports 21 and are firmly connected to them, for example, by welding. The vertical supports 21 are also mostly designed as straight tubes with a circular cross-section and each tapers downwards into a foot 23. The two feet 23 are each equipped with a glide 24, which is arranged for setting up the floor ladder 2 on the floor.

[0049] In Fig. 2Figure 1 shows a single-rung assembly ladder 5 from a set of assembly ladders 5 of the furniture kit 1. The assembly ladder 5 is designed as the second component of an embodiment of a tubular connection structure according to the invention. It comprises two tubular vertical supports 51, which are firmly connected to each other via a tubular rung 52. Together, the vertical supports 51 and the rung 52 are quasi-U-shaped. The rungs 52 of the assembly ladder are dimensioned the same as the rungs 22 of the floor ladder 2. Fig. 1 , so that the assembly ladder 5 fits the floor ladder 2.

[0050] From the lower ends of the vertical supports 51 of the assembly ladder 5, a pipe connector 7 of the pipe connection structure extends vertically downwards. The pipe connectors 7 are designed so that they can be inserted into the vertical supports 21 of the base ladder 2 or into vertical supports 51 of another assembly ladder 5 and, by actuation, fix the connected vertical supports 21, 51 to one another.

[0051] In addition to the assembly ladder 5, as it is described in Fig. 2 As shown, the set of assembly ladders 5 of the furniture kit 1 includes further assembly ladders with vertical supports connected by two parallel rungs. In comparison to the single-rung version of Fig. 2 These ladders are longer or higher in height.

[0052] Fig. 3Figure 1 shows a crossbeam 3 from a set of crossbeams 3 of the furniture kit 1. The crossbeam 3 consists of a longitudinal rod section 31 and locking claws 32 extending outwards from the longitudinal ends of the rod section 31 to the left and right, respectively. The rod section 31 is formed from a tube with a circular diameter corresponding to the diameter of the rung 52 of the ladder 5 and the rungs 22 of the floor ladder 2. On its upper side, the rod section 31 is equipped with a bore 311 near each end, serving as a female connector. The locking claws 32 each encompass a rung receptacle 321 as a gripping section.

[0053] The rod section 31 of the traverse 3 has a central longitudinal axis 33 that extends through the center of the circular cross-section of the rod section 31. As shown in Fig. 3As can be seen, the rung receptacle 321 of the left locking claw 32 is offset with respect to the central longitudinal axis 33 of the rod section 31 from the rung receptacle 321 of the right locking claw 32. In particular, in Fig. 3 the rung receptacle 321 of the left locking claw 32 is offset upwards with respect to the central longitudinal axis 33 and the rung receptacle 321 of the right locking claw 32 is offset downwards with respect to the central longitudinal axis 33.

[0054] In Fig. 4 The left of the two locking claws 32 of the traverse 3 is an example. Fig. 3The enlarged view shows that the locking claw 32 has an upper rung receptacle 321 formed integrally with a base 325 and a lower slide 322. The rung receptacle 321 has an almost semicircular or semi-ring-shaped inner surface, which is shaped essentially according to the rungs 22, 52 of the floor and extension ladders 2, 5. Similarly, the slide 322 is equipped with an approximately quarter-circle or quarter-ring-shaped inner surface, which is also shaped essentially according to the rungs 22, 52 of the floor and extension ladders 2, 5. Three contact ridges 324 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the inner surfaces of the rung receptacle 321 and the slide 322.

[0055] The slide 322 extends through a guide slot 326 in the base 325, allowing it to be displaced to the left and right within a predefined range relative to the base 325. Inside the base 325, the locking claw 32 is equipped with a spring that engages the slide 322 in the Fig. 4 The position shown is pushed maximally to the left. In this locked position, the locking claw 32 is engaged on a rung 22, 52 or a rod section 31 of another crossbeam 3 when the rung receptacle 321 and the slide 322 receive it. The crossbeam 3 is then mounted on the rung 22, 52 or the rod section 31. In particular, the rung 22, 52 or the rod section 31 rests against the three contact ridges 324 in a three-point connection, so that the rung 22, 52 or the rod section 31 is securely held and tilting is prevented.

[0056] As in the Fig. 5As shown, to release the locking claw 32, the slider 322 is, for example, manually pressed to the right against the spring force along the guide slot 326. This opens the locking claw 32 and the cross member 3 can be removed upwards from the rung 22, 52 in a disassembly direction 327'. In particular, the locking claw 32 is located in the Fig. 5 The depicted state is in an open position. In this way, the traverse 3 can be efficiently disassembled without tools, and a piece of furniture constructed from furniture kit 1 can be disassembled or modified.

[0057] To mount the crossbar 3 to a rung 22, 52 or to a rod section 31 of another crossbar 3, the locking claw 32 is pressed from above onto the rung 22, 52 or the rod section 31 in a quasi-vertical mounting direction 327. The angled or beveled underside of the slider 322, designed as an actuating surface 323, pushes it to the right against the spring force, allowing the rung receptacle 321 to receive the rung 22, 52 or the rod section 31. Driven by the spring, the slider 322 then snaps back into place below the rung 22, 52 or the rod section 31, thus achieving a secure fastening.

[0058] During assembly of the traverse 3, the locking claw 32, as shown in the Fig. 4As shown, in the assembly direction 327, it is pressed onto the rung 22, 52 or the rod section 31. This pushes the slider 322 to the right until it is in the Fig. 5 The open position shown is shown. If the locking claw 32 is moved further in the assembly direction 327, the slide 322 below the rung 22, 52 or the rod section 31 is pushed back to the left by the spring until the locking claw 322 is again in the position shown. Fig. 4 is in the shown locking position.

[0059] In Fig. 6 The locking claw 322 is shown from above. It can be seen that the rung receptacle 321 has a first gripping finger 3211 and a second gripping finger 3212. The second gripping finger 3212 lies partially over the slide 322.

[0060] Fig. 7Figure 3 shows the locking claw 322 from below. The first and second gripping fingers 3211, 3212 each have a width such that their inner surfaces provide sufficient contact with the rung 22, 52 and the rod section 31, respectively. The actuating surface 323 is also sufficiently large to absorb pressure from the rung 22, 52 and the rod section 31 during assembly, thereby allowing the slider 322 to be pushed to the right.

[0061] In Fig. 8 A wind brace 4 from a set of wind braces 4 of the furniture kit 1 is shown. The wind brace 4 has a rod section 41 which transitions into a clamp 42 at each of its longitudinal ends. As together with the Fig. 9As can be seen, the rod section 41 is designed as a solid square rod with a rectangular cross-section. Due to its solid construction, the wind bracing can be particularly robust and designed to withstand comparatively large forces.

[0062] Fig. 10Figure 1 shows one of the clamps 42 of the wind bracing 4 in an open position. The clamp 42 is handcuff-like, equipped with a base 423, an upper gripping part 421, and a lower gripping part 422. The lower gripping part 422 is pivotally mounted on the upper gripping part 421 via a hinge joint. A locking mechanism is arranged in the base 423, which secures the lower gripping part 422 when the clamp 42 is closed so that it grips a rung 22, 52. In particular, the lower gripping part 422 is equipped with a locking lug that engages behind a spring-loaded latch of the locking mechanism. The rung 22, 52 is thus held firmly, and the clamp 42 cannot be released without actuating the locking mechanism.

[0063] In Fig. 11A frame structure built from furniture kit 1 is shown as a three-dimensional, load-bearing tubular structure. The frame structure comprises four ladders, each consisting of a base ladder 2 and two vertically mounted extension ladders 5, each with two rungs 52. The rungs 52 of the extension ladders 5, which are at the same height, are connected to each other via two crossbeams 3. For this purpose, the locking claws 32 of the crossbeams 3 are mounted on the rungs 52, resting against the vertical supports 51 of the extension ladders 5. Simultaneously, several bracing units 4 are diagonally or obliquely connected to the rungs 52 at two different heights.

[0064] By providing the crossbeams 3 together with the wind bracing 4 on the ladders 2, 5, the frame structure is extremely robust and rigid. In particular, it can thus bear comparatively large loads. The upper ends of the pipe sections 51 of the uppermost ladders 5 are covered and sealed with caps 6.

[0065] Fig. 12 shows various connections of the trusses 3, as they are in the Fig. 11The frame construction shown is provided for. Two crossbeams 3 are mounted in a line on the top rung 52 of the uppermost ladder 5 near its vertical support 51. The locking claws 32 interlock. In particular, the second gripping fingers 3212 of each locking claw 32 lie between the first and second gripping fingers 3211, 3212 of the other locking claw 32. Since the gripping sections 321 are offset with respect to the central longitudinal axis 33 of the rod section 31, the mounted crossbeams 3 can be aligned in a line.

[0066] Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail by means of the figures and the accompanying description, this illustration and detailed description are to be understood as illustrative and exemplary and not as limiting the invention. In order not to obscure the invention, well-known structures and techniques may not be shown and described in detail in certain cases. It is understood that those skilled in the art may make modifications and adaptations without departing from the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combinations of features that may differ from the explicitly described combinations of features.

[0067] The present disclosure also includes embodiments with any combination of features mentioned or shown above or below in relation to various embodiments. It also includes individual features in the figures, even if they are shown there in connection with other features and / or are not mentioned above or below. Furthermore, the alternative embodiments described in the figures and the description, and individual alternatives of their features, may be excluded from the subject matter of the invention or from the disclosed subject matter. The disclosure includes embodiments that comprise exclusively the features described in the claims or in the exemplary embodiments, as well as those that comprise additional other features.

[0068] Furthermore, the expression "comprise" and derivatives thereof do not exclude other elements or steps. Likewise, the indefinite article "a" and "an" and derivatives thereof do not exclude a plurality. The functions of several features listed in the claims can be fulfilled by a single unit or step. The terms "essentially," "about," "approximately," and the like, when used in conjunction with a property or value, also define precisely that property or value. The terms "about" and "approximately" in connection with a given numerical value or range can refer to a value or range that lies within 20%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 2% of the given value or range.

Claims

1. Crossmember set having at least two crossmembers (3) each comprising a longitudinal rod portion (31), a first latching claw (32) and a second latching claw (32), wherein in each case the rod portion (31) comprises a central longitudinal axis (33), a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end substantially opposite the first longitudinal end, the first latching claw (32) is arranged at the first longitudinal end of the rod portion (31) and the second latching claw (32) is arranged at the second longitudinal end of the rod portion (31), the first latching claw (32) and the second latching claw (32) each having a gripping portion (321) shaped to correspond to a rod-shaped element (22, 31, 52) and being designed to be mounted on the rod-shaped element (22, 31, 52) without tools, and the gripping portion (321) of the first latching claw (32) being offset from the gripping portion (321) of the second latching claw (32) with respect to the central longitudinal axis (33) of the rod portion (31) wherein the two crossmembers (3) are mountable on a single rod-shaped element (22, 31, 52) in such a way that the central longitudinal axes (33) of the rod portions (31) of the two crossmembers (3) lie on a straight line, characterized in that the gripping portions (321) of the first latching claw (32) and the second latching claw (32) of each of the two crossmembers (3) each have two spaced-apart gripping fingers (3211, 3212) which lie alternately adjacent to each other when the two crossmembers (3) are mounted on the single rod-shaped element (22, 31, 52) so that a gripping finger of one of the crossmembers is always between two gripping fingers of the other crossmember.

2. Crossmember set according to claim 1, wherein for each of the at least two crossmembers (3) the first latching claw (32) and the second latching claw (32) are each equipped with a spring element and a slider (322), the slider (322) is movable between a locked position and an open position and the spring element presses the slider (322) into the locked position.

3. Crossmember set according to claim 2, wherein for each of the at least two crossmembers (3) the slider (322) of the first latching claw (32) is offset from the slider (322) of the second latching claw (32) with respect to the central longitudinal axis (33) of the rod portion (31).

4. Crossmember set according to claim 2 or 3, wherein for each of the at least two crossmembers (3) the sliders (322) of the first latching claw (32) and the second latching claw (32) each have an actuating surface (323) which presses against the rod-shaped element (22, 31, 52) when the latching claw (32) is mounted on the rod-shaped element (22, 31, 52), so that the slider (322) is moved into the open position against the pressing action of the spring element.

5. Crossmember set according to claim 4, wherein for each of the at least two crossmembers (3) the gripping portions of the first latching claw (32) and the second latching claw (32) each define a mounting direction (327) in which they are to be moved for mounting on the rod-shaped element (22, 31, 52), and the actuating surfaces (323) of the sliders (322) of the first latching claw (32) and the second latching claw (32) are designed to lie inclined to the mounting direction (327).

6. Crossmember set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein for each of the at least two crossmembers (3) the gripping portions (321) of the first latching claw (32) and the second latching claw (32) are each designed to grip the rod-shaped element (22, 31, 52) by more than a quarter and at most by half.

7. Crossmember set according to any of the preceding claims, wherein for each of the at least two crossmembers (3) the gripping portions (321) of the first latching claw (32) and the second latching claw (32) each have two spaced-apart gripping fingers (3211, 3212).

8. Furniture kit (1) comprising a set of floor ladders (2) which each comprise two vertical supports (21) which are interconnected via an upper rung (22) as an upper tubular element and a lower rung (22) as a lower tubular element, the two vertical supports (21) each being equipped with a foot (23) for placement on a floor, a crossmember set according to any one of the preceding claims, and a set of longitudinal wind braces (4) which are each equipped at their longitudinal ends with a clamp (42) which is designed to be mounted on one of the rungs (22) of one of the floor ladders (2) by gripping one of the rungs (22), the latching claws (32) of the at least two crossmembers (3) of the crossmember set each being designed in such a way that one of the rungs (22) of the floor ladders (2) or one of the rod portions (31) of the at least two crossmembers (3) of the crossmember set is the rod-shaped is element (22, 31, 52).

9. Furniture kit according to the preceding claim, in which the rod portions (31) of the at least two crossmembers (3) are each shaped in such a way that the latching claws (32) of the at least two crossmembers (3) can be mounted thereon without tools.