MODULAR METAL TABLE FRAME

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a modular metal table frame, which forms a support device for a tabletop that can be placed on a surface, wherein the table frame has four legs, wherein two legs are connected to each other by two cross braces and form a support frame element, wherein the two support frame elements are connected to each other by two longitudinal braces, and each longitudinal brace is oriented perpendicular to the cross braces and extends diagonally at an acute angle to the surface, such that each longitudinal brace is connected at opposite ends to a cross brace in the two support frame elements, and the two cross braces connected to a longitudinal brace have different distances from the surface, wherein the table frame can be disassembled into several table frame modules and assembled from these table frame modules.and wherein one of the several table frame modules is designed as a T-connection module, the T-connection module comprising a section of the longitudinal strut and a section of the transverse strut perpendicular to it and inseparably connected to an end section of the section of the longitudinal strut.

[0002] Table frames, which together with a tabletop resting on or attached to the frame, form a table, are known in numerous different designs. Some table frames have a support structure without individual table legs and are formed, for example, by barrel-shaped, cube-shaped, or cuboid structures that either have a flat surface as a tabletop or on which a tabletop rests. Particularly with tabletops of small diameter, the support structure may have a single, usually centrally located, table leg, which is connected at one end to a radially projecting base and at one end to the tabletop, or, in the case of a modular table design, can be detachably connected to the tabletop.For large tabletops, table frames often have three or four legs, each spaced apart from the others and connected to form a support structure for a tabletop resting on the legs.

[0003] Many tables with a rectangular tabletop, which should be as stable and tip-proof as possible, feature a table frame with four legs positioned at the four corners of a square or rectangular base. The individual legs may be connected by a circumferential support frame. This frame is typically attached to the legs at their upper ends, away from the ground, and forms a support surface for the tabletop. The tabletop may be permanently or detachably attached to the support frame or to individual legs.

[0004] Table frames are also known with four legs, each arranged at the corners of a cuboid or rectangular base, connected to one another by several struts. Depending on the arrangement of the individual legs relative to each other, the struts can have different lengths. Such a table frame can have two support frame elements, each containing two legs connected to one another by two or more cross braces. The two support frame elements can be connected to one another by two or more longitudinal braces to form a rigid support structure for a tabletop placed on the support structure. The tabletop can be permanently or detachably attached to the support structure. It is also possible for the tabletop to simply rest on the support structure without being attached to or fastened to it by separate fasteners.

[0005] Either for aesthetic reasons or to minimize weight and material requirements, it can be advantageous for a table frame to have as few cross braces and longitudinal braces as possible, in addition to the four legs. It has been shown that two legs connected by two cross braces each form a mechanically stable and robust support frame element. Two spaced-apart support frame elements can be connected by two longitudinal braces to create a stable and robust support structure for a tabletop, which can be placed securely on or fixed to the four legs to prevent tipping.However, for a mechanically stable design of the support device, it is necessary that the cross braces and the longitudinal braces are reliably connected to the table legs and that the individual connections are designed to be as torsionally rigid as possible.

[0006] For example, a metal table frame is known from practice, which has two frame-like support elements, each consisting of two table legs and two cross braces, connected to each other by two diagonally running longitudinal braces. The table legs, cross braces, and longitudinal braces are each made of metal tubes or rods welded together. The frame-like arrangement of the two table legs and the cross braces connecting them each form mechanically stable support elements upon which a tabletop can be placed or to which a tabletop can be attached. The diagonal arrangement of the two longitudinal braces creates a mechanically robust and tilt-proof connection between the two support frame elements. The individual welded joints are particularly durable and can withstand high mechanical stresses.

[0007] However, it is considered a disadvantage that such table frames require a large amount of space during transport and storage. Therefore, it is known in practice that such table frames can be composed of several table frame modules, which can be detached and folded together to save space, for example, during transport or storage. For use as a support structure, the individual table frame modules can be joined and connected together.

[0008] It is known from practice that the support frame elements are manufactured in one piece and that the two longitudinal struts can be detachably connected to the support frame elements at opposite ends. Such a table frame is shown and described, for example, in Adam Wieland: "E2 Assembly Instructions", December 1, 2010 (2010-12-01), pages 1-14, XP093045244. The detachable connection of the longitudinal struts to the support frame elements arranged transversely to them should be as torsionally rigid as possible in order to reliably fix the two spaced-apart support frame elements, thus forming a mechanically robust table frame. The connection of the longitudinal struts to the support frame elements, which usually involves connecting the longitudinal struts to the transverse struts running perpendicular to them, typically requires a complex design for a detachable but rigid fixation of the longitudinal strut to the transverse struts.The manufacturing effort for such a connection is high, as is the effort required for assembling the table frame, which is initially disassembled into several table frame modules, on site.

[0009] The connections between multiple table frame modules, known from practical experience, and in particular the structurally complex connections between longitudinal and transverse struts of the support frame elements, often cannot be visually concealed and result in an aesthetically unappealing design of the modular table frame in the connection areas of the individual table frame modules, and especially between the longitudinal and transverse struts. Such a table frame, which can be assembled from several table frame modules, is disclosed in DE 93 10 743 U1.

[0010] It is therefore considered an object of the present invention to design a modular table frame made of metal with the construction of support frame elements and the longitudinal struts connecting the support frame elements as described above, in such a way that the modular table frame can be disassembled into individual table frame modules in a space-saving manner, and that the individual table frame modules can be assembled with as little effort as possible to form an aesthetically pleasing and mechanically robust table frame.

[0011] This problem is solved according to the invention in that the connectable sections of the transverse struts and the longitudinal struts are each made of hollow profiles, and that the connectable sections are connected to each other via a radially expandable clamping body, the first end of which projects into a first hollow profile end region surrounded by a first hollow profile and the opposite second end of which projects into a second hollow profile end region surrounded by a second hollow profile, wherein the radially expandable clamping body is clamped in the first and second hollow profile end regions and thereby connects the first hollow profile with the second hollow profile.

[0012] The hollow profiles can, for example, be tubular and each have a circular cross-sectional area. Rotationally symmetrical tubular hollow profiles often create a particularly harmonious overall impression of the modular table frame. Furthermore, such tubular hollow profiles can be rotated relative to each other in a visually unobtrusive manner. This allows, for example, the T-connection modules to have a smaller or larger swivel angle relative to the connected sections of the cross braces, depending on the overall length of the longitudinal struts and their diagonal orientation, without creating a visible offset at the joints between the T-connection module and the adjacent section of the cross brace.The hollow profiles can also have other cross-sectional areas, such as square, rectangular, oval, or any polygonal shape. Hollow profiles have a low weight and comparatively high mechanical strength and load-bearing capacity. A modular metal table frame composed of hollow profiles can therefore exhibit high mechanical stability and load-bearing capacity despite its low weight, and can, for example, support heavy tabletops or absorb large mechanical loads acting on the table frame or a tabletop resting on it.

[0013] Hollow profiles, as sections of the transverse and longitudinal struts, also have the advantage that the hollow interior of the profiles can be used to connect two adjacent sections of transverse or longitudinal struts. A connecting element arranged within the hollow profiles can extend over a wide area within the profile and is not, or barely, visible from the outside.

[0014] The expandable clamping element can be actuated and expanded, for example, by one or more setscrews. Only the setscrew(s) need to be accessible from the outside. The radially expandable clamping element can otherwise be located entirely within the hollow profiles to be joined. The radially expandable clamping element can be sufficiently long so that the sections projecting into the first and second hollow profile end regions are sufficiently long and extend sufficiently far into the respective hollow profile end regions to ensure a reliable connection between the two hollow profiles and to prevent unwanted tilting or buckling of the joined hollow profiles across the joint.

[0015] In the area of ​​a butt joint between the first and second hollow profile end sections, a recess can be provided in the first hollow profile, in the second hollow profile, or in both hollow profiles. This recess allows the radially expandable clamping element to be actuated and, depending on its position in the two hollow profile end sections, expanded to clamp and connect the two hollow profiles. Alternatively, the radially expandable clamping element can be expanded, for example, by means of two spaced-apart set screws, each set screw being located in a corresponding recess in one of the two hollow profiles to be joined.The grub screws, which still protrude radially even in a radially expanded state of the clamping body, can then effect a positive engagement with the associated hollow profile, thus also creating a positive connection between the two hollow profiles.

[0016] By designing the connection between a longitudinal strut and a transverse strut as a permanent connection, the design and assembly effort for a detachable connection of a longitudinal strut to a transverse strut is significantly reduced. The permanent connection can be manufactured with minimal effort during the production of the T-connection module and yet be designed to be mechanically robust while simultaneously being visually appealing, unobtrusive, or barely noticeable.

[0017] The use of a T-connector module necessitates disassembling a support frame element into several table frame modules. However, the joints between the individual table frame modules that form a support frame element can each be arranged along the straight cross braces. Connecting two sections along a straight cross brace is structurally much simpler and easier to assemble than connecting a section of a longitudinal brace to a section of a cross brace running perpendicular to it.

[0018] The T-connection module designed according to the invention extends essentially in one plane, which is defined by the alignment of the section of the longitudinal strut and the perpendicular section of a transverse strut connected to it. All further table frame modules of the modular table frame can also be designed such that the further table frame modules are either individual sections of longitudinal struts, transverse struts, or table legs, or that the individual table frame modules also extend exclusively within one plane. In this way, it is possible for the modular table frame to be assembled from several table frame modules, each of which extends exclusively within one plane. The table frame modules designed in this way can therefore be arranged in a particularly space-saving manner in a comparatively flat package with small packing dimensions.

[0019] Even a single T-connector module simplifies the manufacturing and assembly of the modular metal table frame and simultaneously improves the stability and mechanical strength of the resulting modular table frame. To further reduce manufacturing and assembly costs, the table frame can optionally be configured with two pairs of identical T-connector modules. Preferably, the table frame can have a total of four identical T-connector modules. Each of the two longitudinal struts can have one T-connector module at each of its two opposite ends. The T-connector modules assigned to each longitudinal strut are advantageously identical. If all four T-connector modules for the two longitudinal struts of the table frame are identical, the manufacturing effort for these identical T-connector modules is particularly low.Furthermore, assembly of the modular table frame from the individual table frame modules is made easier, since any T-connection module can be positioned and mounted at any connection of a longitudinal strut with a support frame element without the need for prior identification and selection of a specific T-connection module.

[0020] Furthermore, the use of identically designed T-connector modules allows for a symmetrical shape of the modular table frame, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing design. While the individual connections between the table frame modules can already be designed to be as inconspicuous and unobtrusive as possible, the use of identically designed T-connector modules ensures that the joints between the individual table frame modules are arranged identically or even symmetrically within the two support frame elements, which is often perceived as particularly appealing.

[0021] The use of four identically designed T-connection modules requires that the intersecting longitudinal struts are arranged within a single plane. It may also be advantageous for the two longitudinal struts to be laterally offset from each other and to run diagonally past one another at the intersection. In this case, two pairs of T-connection modules must be provided, with each pair having a permanent connection between the longitudinal strut sections and the transverse strut sections, offset by at least one diameter of the longitudinal strut section along the transverse strut section.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one pair of T-connection modules has a connection point at the end of the longitudinal strut section that is spaced a first distance from a first end of the transverse strut section and a second distance from an opposite second end of the transverse strut section, and that the first distance is different from the second distance. Consequently, the T-connection module is not mirror-symmetrical but has two transverse strut sections that extend at different distances from the connection point with the longitudinal strut. The T-connection module can then be selectively inserted into the respective transverse strut in two different orientations relative to the support frame element.Depending on the orientation of the T-connection module, the section of the longitudinal strut has a smaller or larger distance to a front edge or rear edge of the table frame running parallel to the longitudinal strut, which is formed by a connecting line through two table legs of the table frame, each of which is arranged on the same side relative to the longitudinal strut.

[0023] In this way, different variations of the modular table frame can be assembled when mounting the individual table frame modules. The T-connector modules can be arranged and joined with further table frame modules of the support frame elements in such a way that the longitudinal struts are connected centrally between two table legs of a support frame element to the respective support frame element, or to the cross struts of the support frame element. In this variant, the two longitudinal struts form a connection between the two support frame elements, running in the center of the table and equidistant from the long edges of the table frame. A table with such a table frame can be used equally from both sides, since the longitudinal struts are located and run in the center of the table.With a different orientation and connection of the T-connectors to the other table frame modules of the support frame elements, the longitudinal struts are arranged off-center and each runs near a long edge of the modular table frame. From the opposite long side, the longitudinal struts are then far apart, providing ample space between the support frame elements. A user sitting on that side of a table with such a table frame can enjoy particularly generous legroom.

[0024] Preferably, and optionally, the first distance is more than twice as large, preferably more than three times as large, and particularly preferably more than five times as large as the second distance. The T-connection module is then more L-shaped and, in its two connection variants with the adjacent table frame modules of the support frame elements, allows for a significantly different arrangement of the longitudinal struts, which then run either approximately in the middle of the table frame or near a longitudinal edge of the table frame and thus near the two table legs associated with that longitudinal edge.

[0025] Each support frame element can be assembled from two T-connector modules and two table leg modules. Each of the two table leg modules has one table leg and two laterally projecting sections of a cross brace on each leg. The table leg modules of a support frame element can either be identical in design or have cross brace sections of different lengths connecting the two table leg modules across the T-connector modules.

[0026] Each cross member may be provided with a symmetry section that forms a segment of the cross member connectable to the associated T-connection module, the length of which corresponds to the difference between the first and second distances of the T-connection module. This symmetry section can either be designed as a separate table frame module and, if required, integrated into a support frame element such that the asymmetrically designed T-connection module, together with the symmetry section module, forms a symmetrical T-connection module, in which the longitudinal member is positioned centrally between the two opposite ends of the segment of the cross member formed by the T-connection module and the symmetry module.

[0027] It is also conceivable that the symmetry section is designed as part of a table frame module of a support frame element and, when the table frame module in question is used, results in a T-connection module connected to this table frame module arranging its longitudinal strut centrally between the two table legs of the support frame element and connecting it to the support frame element.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each table leg is permanently connected to at least one vertically projecting section of a cross brace. A support frame element can then be assembled from two table leg modules and two T-connector modules that connect the two table leg modules, each table leg module comprising one table leg and two sections of a cross brace permanently connected to the table leg. In this way, the modular table frame can be assembled from a comparatively small number of individual table frame modules, thus minimizing assembly effort.The crossbar sections, permanently connected to the table leg, create a mechanically robust connection between the crossbars and the table leg, resulting in high stability and mechanical strength for a support frame element assembled from such table leg modules and T-connector modules. If more than one crossbar section is permanently connected to a table leg, the two or more sections of each crossbar can be spaced apart from each other, but project in the same direction from the table leg, so that the table leg module, including the table leg and the permanently connected crossbar sections, extends entirely within a single plane. In this way, the space requirement for such a table leg module is comparatively small. Several table leg modules can, for example, be stacked flat on top of each other.

[0029] Each individual longitudinal strut can be assembled from two T-connector modules. In this case, the two longitudinal struts of a modular table frame according to the invention, which each run diagonally and are arranged in an intersecting manner between the two support frame elements, can loosely touch at an intersection point or be pressed against each other with a preload, or alternatively be arranged at a distance from each other and run between the two support frame elements.

[0030] To ensure maximum stability of the modular table frame, it can be advantageous to connect the two longitudinal struts via a common crossover module. This crossover module comprises a central section of the first longitudinal strut and a central section of the second longitudinal strut, which are connected at an angle. Each of these central sections can be connected at its opposite end to a T-connector module. This crossover module connects the two longitudinal struts, forming a longitudinal strut assembly that securely links the two support frame elements. The crossover module also allows the dimensions of the two longitudinal struts to be defined independently of the specific design of the T-connector modules.The sections of a longitudinal strut formed in the T-connection modules can be relatively short, while the shared crossing module has comparatively long central sections of the respective longitudinal struts. The distance between the two support frame elements can be easily varied, while keeping the respective T-connection modules unchanged, by connecting different crossing modules with central sections of varying lengths between the opposing support frame elements to the respective T-connection modules. The distance between the two support frame elements can also be varied by inserting an extension section between the crossing module and the T-connection modules.

[0031] The connection between the two central sections in the common crossing module can be rigid or pivotable. With a pivotable connection of the intersecting central sections, the lengths of the two longitudinal struts can be easily adjusted, for example, by inserting extension sections. This changes the pivot angle between the first and second longitudinal struts in the crossing module. In this case, the two central sections of the crossing module are pivotably connected relative to each other.

[0032] Various methods and procedures are known in practice for permanently and inseparably connecting a longitudinal strut to a transverse strut. In the modular metal table frame according to the invention, it is considered particularly advantageous that in each T-connection module, the section of a longitudinal strut is welded to the corresponding section of the transverse strut running perpendicular to it. After suitable preparation of the areas to be welded, a very uniform and therefore aesthetically pleasing weld seam can be produced with manageable effort, and it is barely noticeable. The overall visual impression of the modular table frame is then not impaired by conspicuous connecting elements or prominent joints. A T-connection module with welded sections of a longitudinal strut and a transverse strut exhibits particularly high mechanical strength.

[0033] The radially expandable clamping element can, for example, be sleeve-shaped and have at least one first and one second clamping area of ​​a sleeve-shaped clamping element wall, which are opposite each other circumferentially and can be displaced radially outwards by means of an expanding element. This expanding element is mounted in the first clamping area and can be brought into operative contact with the second clamping area. The two clamping areas can, for example, be designed as clamping tongues arranged on opposite circumferential areas of a sleeve-shaped connecting section and extending axially away from the connecting body. The two clamping tongues can be deformed radially outwards by means of a suitable expanding element or by means of several expanding elements arranged at axial intervals, thereby radially expanding the clamping areas of the clamping element formed by the clamping tongues.The clamping tongues can be radially expanded beforehand, so that when the clamping body is inserted into a hollow profile end, the clamping tongues are compressed and bear against the hollow profile end under preload. The one-piece design of the clamping body prevents two otherwise initially loose components from unintentionally separating during assembly, which would significantly complicate the process.

[0034] The at least one expanding element is advantageously positioned at a distance from the sleeve-shaped connecting section between the two clamping tongues such that the expanding element allows the two clamping tongues to be radially expanded. The expanding element can, for example, be a setscrew mounted in a threaded bore in a first clamping tongue and screwed in until one end face of the setscrew rests against the opposite second clamping tongue, displacing it radially away from the first clamping tongue. With two expanding elements, such as setscrews, arranged axially spaced apart, the two clamping tongues can be reliably expanded radially over an axially extending clamping area, thereby clamping two adjacent hollow profile end sections together.

[0035] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can optionally be provided that the sleeve-shaped clamping body has two deformation slot planes that run at a distance from each other, each extending from one end face to the opposite end face and defining a first or second clamping area of ​​the sleeve-shaped clamping body wall on one area opposite the other deformation slot plane, and that from each end face two deformation slots extending in the same deformation slot plane on opposite wall sections of the sleeve-shaped clamping body wall are formed, which extend to the vicinity of the opposite end face.The two clamping areas extend almost completely axially across the sleeve-shaped clamping body and are connected to each other only by two rod-shaped deformation ribs, which are formed and delimited by the deformation slots between the two deformation slot planes. Since the first clamping area and the second clamping area opposite it circumferentially are connected to each other at opposite end faces of the sleeve-shaped clamping body via the deformation ribs, the two clamping areas shift radially outwards in a substantially uniform manner when the sleeve-shaped clamping body expands radially in the axial direction. This allows them to generate a consistently high clamping force in hollow profile end regions across their entire axial extent.

[0036] The sleeve-shaped clamping element can be supplied in a radially expanded state, so that the sleeve-shaped clamping element, or rather the two clamping areas, must be slightly compressed for insertion into a hollow profile end. This ensures that the sleeve-shaped clamping element is held in position under preload after insertion into the hollow profile end and cannot unintentionally slip within the hollow profile end during assembly.

[0037] Regardless of the specific design of the various variants of the modular table frame according to the invention, this table frame has numerous advantages.

[0038] The table frame can be made entirely from uniform-looking hollow profiles. These hollow profiles are made of metal and can be manufactured and further processed using standard metalworking techniques. Metal hollow profiles are lightweight yet highly durable.

[0039] A structurally complex, detachable connection between two transversely oriented sections is not required. The permanent connection of the two sections of a T-connection module can be uniformly designed and welded in a visually appealing manner.

[0040] All joints, and thus all connections between two table frame modules, can be arranged along a straight section of a cross brace or a longitudinal brace. All connections can be made with a uniformly designed connecting element. The connections can be designed to be visually appealing yet very discreet, so that they are not noticed at a glance when looking at the table frame.

[0041] Due to an asymmetrical design of the T-connection module, different variants of a modular table frame can be assembled using the same table frame modules, with the longitudinal struts optionally being arranged in the middle or close to a longitudinal edge.

[0042] Dividing the table frame into various modules allows for simple and cost-effective modifications and facilitates three-dimensional scalability. Only the relevant modules need to be replaced. The distance between the tabletop and the floor can be adjusted by using longer or shorter leg modules. The length of the cross braces or longitudinal braces can be easily modified and adapted to specific needs using shorter or longer T-connector modules or additional extension modules. Two T-connector modules can also be inserted into each cross brace, creating two diagonal cross braces, each with two longitudinal braces parallel to each other, connecting the two side frame elements.

[0043] The individual table frame modules can be manufactured in different colors or surface finishes without significant additional production effort. Differently designed table frame modules can be combined in any way according to individual preferences.

[0044] All table frame modules required for the modular table frame according to the invention can be combined in a single package with comparatively compact dimensions. The dimensions of the package are primarily determined by the length of the table legs and the width of the T-connection modules. The package can be only a few centimeters thick.

[0045] The modular table frame can be quickly assembled by one person alone. Incorrect assembly is virtually impossible.

[0046] It is also conceivable that in a side frame element, the two T-connection modules are used not with diagonally oriented sections of the longitudinal struts, but with horizontally oriented sections. Another table leg module can then be connected to the two horizontally projecting sections of the two T-connection modules, creating a three-legged support structure. A tabletop can then be placed on such a three-legged support structure. Particularly with large tabletops, it can be advantageous to assemble two three-legged support structures from the individual table frame modules and position them at a distance from each other to serve as a table base for the tabletop.

[0047] The following section explains various embodiments of the invention in more detail, illustrated by means of exemplary examples in the drawing. It shows: Figure 1 a schematic representation of a modular table frame according to the invention in a perspective view, Figure 2 a side view of one long side of the in Figure 1 table frame shown, Figure 3 a side view of an end face of the in Figure 1 table frame shown, Figure 4 a schematic representation of the in the Figures 1 to 3 The table frame shown, which is assembled from individual table frame modules, Figure 5 a representation of the individual table frame modules from the one in Figure 4 The table frame shown is assembled, Figure 6 a top view of a modular table frame, wherein the longitudinal struts are arranged centrally between table legs at each end of the longitudinal struts, Figure 7 a different variant of the in Figure 6The illustrated table frame, wherein, by a different arrangement of T-connecting elements, the longitudinal struts are arranged outside a table center and near a longitudinal edge of the table frame, Figure 8 a sectional view through two interconnected sections of transverse or longitudinal struts, each designed as a hollow profile, which are connected to each other via a radially expandable clamping body that can be actuated via an externally accessible setscrew, Figure 9 a sectional view along a line IX-IX in Figure 8 , Figure 10 a perspective view of the connection between two sections of a cross member or a longitudinal member, Figure 11 a sectional view of a differently designed connection of two sections of a cross strut or a longitudinal strut, wherein the radially expandable clamping body can be actuated and expanded via two spaced-apart set screws, Figure 12a side view of two interconnected table frame elements, Figure 13 a top view of the in Figure 12 shown two table frames coupled together, Figure 14 a top view of a modular table frame element, which is assembled from T-connector modules and table leg modules, Figure 15 a side view of the in Figure 14 illustrated table frame element, Figure 16 a perspective view of the connection of two sections of a cross strut or a longitudinal strut, wherein the setscrew is arranged within an elongated hole formed by recesses in the two sections, Figure 17 a perspective view of a table frame element with three table legs, which is assembled from T-connector modules and table leg modules, Figure 18 a top view of the in Figure 17 table frame element shown, Figure 19a top view of a differently designed table frame element, which consists of the same table frame modules as the one in the Figures 17 and 18 The table frame module shown is assembled, Figure 20 a sectional view of a differently designed connection of two sections of a transverse strut or a longitudinal strut, wherein the radially expandable clamping body is formed in one piece, Figure 21 a perspective view of the in Figure 20 radially expandable clamping body shown Figure 22 a sectional view of a differently designed connection between two sections of a transverse or longitudinal strut, wherein the radially expandable clamping body is formed in one piece and is sleeve-shaped, and Figure 23 a perspective view of the in Figure 22 The radially expandable clamping body shown before its radial expansion.

[0048] In the Figures 1 to 3Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary modular table frame 1 according to the invention. The modular table frame 1 has two support frame elements 2. Each support frame element 2 has two table legs 4 that extend vertically when the modular table frame 1 is used as intended and rests on a surface 3. The two table legs 4 of a support frame element 2 are each connected to each other by two crossbars 5. The two crossbars 5 are arranged horizontally spaced apart from each other, so that the two table legs 4 and the crossbars 5 connecting these table legs 4 form a frame-shaped support frame element 2. The two crossbars 5 can each be at a similar or identical distance to the respective ends of the two table legs 4.

[0049] The two support frame elements 2 are connected to each other by two longitudinal struts 6 arranged at an angle to each other and diagonally aligned at an acute angle to the base 3. The two longitudinal struts 6 are pivotally connected to each other in a central area by a pivot hinge 7. Instead of a pivotable connection, a rigid connection can also be provided, or the two longitudinal struts 6 can be spaced apart so that they do not touch in the area where they cross. In the case described in the Figures 1 to 3In the exemplary embodiment shown, the longitudinal struts 6 are connected at their respective ends in the same vertical plane to the support frame elements 2, run in a slightly curved course through the intersection area, and lie close together with a prestressed tension in the intersection area. The two longitudinal struts 6 can also be rigidly connected to each other in the intersection area or merely touch, without a material-fit or form-fit connection between the two longitudinal struts 6 being formed in the intersection area.

[0050] One in the Figures 1 to 3The tabletop 8, shown with dashed lines for clarity, can be loosely placed on the modular table frame 1, so that the tabletop 8 is supported against the base 3 by the four table legs 4. With the tabletop 8 loosely placed, the lateral overhang 9 of the tabletop 8 along its entire perimeter is advantageously small, so that if a point load is applied to the tabletop 8 in the area of ​​one edge 9, tipping of the tabletop 8 over the two table legs 4 facing the loaded edge 9 is largely prevented by the tabletop 8's own weight.

[0051] While in Figure 1 A perspective view of a modular table frame 1 designed according to the invention is shown. Figure 2 a side view of a longer longitudinal side of the modular table frame 1 and Figure 3A side view of a shorter transverse side of the modular table frame 1. In the longitudinal side view, the two longitudinal struts 6 are visible, which connect the two support frame elements 2 arranged on opposite sides of the tabletop 8. Of the two support frame elements 2, only the table leg 4 facing the viewer is visible in the longitudinal side view. In the transverse side view according to Figure 3 A support frame element 2 with the two table legs 4 and the two cross braces 5 connecting the table legs 4 is shown.

[0052] The support frame element 2 facing the viewer is connected via the two longitudinal struts 6 to a support frame element 2 facing away from the viewer and concealed by the front support frame element 2.

[0053] In Figure 4 is that in the Figures 1 to 3The modular table frame 1 shown has visible joints 10 between individual table frame modules 11, 12, 13 made of metal. Each support frame element 2 has two table leg modules 11, each comprising a table leg 4 and two laterally projecting sections 14 of the cross braces 5 connecting the two table legs 4. Two T-connection modules 12, designed according to the invention, are arranged between the two table leg modules 11. Each T-connection module 12 has a section 15 of a longitudinal brace 6 and a section 16 of a cross brace 5 extending perpendicular to it, wherein the section 15 of the longitudinal brace 6 is welded to the section 16 of the cross brace 5 and is thus permanently connected to it.Each T-connection module 12 is joined with the section 16 of the cross brace 5 between the associated sections 14 of the cross brace 5 of the table leg modules 11 when the modular table frame 1 is used as intended, so that the section 15 of the longitudinal brace 6 protrudes perpendicularly from the cross brace 5.

[0054] All four T-connection modules 12 are connected to each other via a centrally arranged crossing module 13. The longitudinal strut 6 formed by each pair of T-connection modules 12 and the crossing module 13 then runs diagonally at an acute angle to the substrate 3 between the two support frame elements 2.

[0055] In Figure 5 The table frame modules 11, 12 and 13 required for a modular table frame 1 designed according to the invention are shown in the required number.

[0056] In the Figures 4 and 5In the illustrated embodiment, the T-connection module 12 is not designed with mirror symmetry. A connection point 17 of the end of the subsection 15 of the longitudinal strut 6 has a first distance 18 to a first end of the subsection 16 of the transverse strut 5 and a second distance 19 to an opposite second end of the subsection 16 of the transverse strut 5, wherein the first distance 18 is different from the second distance 19. The T-connection module 12 is therefore approximately L-shaped, as shown in Figure 5 as is evident.

[0057] With the L-shaped T-connection module 12, two different variants of the modular table frame 1 according to the invention can be erected in one assembly, as shown by way of example and schematically in the Figures 6 and 7The T-connection modules 12 can be arranged and integrated between the two table leg modules 11 of a support frame element 2 such that the respective section 15 of the longitudinal strut 6 projects vertically from the center of each T-connection module 12 between the two table legs 4 of a support frame element 2. The two longitudinal struts 6 then also run midway between opposing longitudinal edges of the modular table frame 1 and corresponding longitudinal edges 20 of the rectangular tabletop 8 on the modular table frame 1. With this symmetrical arrangement of the longitudinal struts 6, the modular table frame 1 can be used equally from both long sides.

[0058] The T-connection modules 12 can also be arranged with an opposite orientation between the two table leg modules 11 of the two support frame elements 2 and connected to the adjacent sections 14 of the cross braces 5. In this assembly variant, the two longitudinal braces 6 run near a longitudinal edge of the modular table frame 1 or the corresponding longitudinal edge 20 of the tabletop 8. A user has particularly ample legroom on one of the longitudinal edges of the tabletop 8 opposite this longitudinal edge 20.

[0059] To the in the Figures 6 and 7To realize the variants of the modular table frame 1 shown, the two table leg modules 11 of a support frame element 2 have crossbar sections 14 of different lengths. The longer crossbar section 14 has a symmetry section 21, the length of which corresponds to the difference between the first distance 18 and the second distance 19 of the crossbar sections 16 at the T-connection module 12. The symmetry section 21 is formed integrally on the respective table leg module 11. It is also possible for the two table leg modules 11 of a support frame element 2 to be identical in design, and for a separately manufactured symmetry section 21 to be detachably connected to the corresponding table leg module 11 if required.

[0060] In the Figures 8 to 11Various views of two different connecting elements 22 are shown, which can be used for the detachable connection of two adjacent sections 14, 15, 16 of transverse struts 5 or longitudinal struts 6, wherein the transverse struts 5 and longitudinal struts 6 are each designed as a hollow profile. In the Figures 8 to 11 The respective connecting elements 22 always connect, as an example, two subsections 14, 15 of a cross member 5. This is in the Figures 8, 9 and 10The illustrated connecting element 22 has two half-shells 23, 24 of a circular cylinder, the distance between which can be varied and predetermined. The two half-shells 23, 24 project with their opposite ends 25 into a cavity section 26, 27 of the two adjacent subsections 14, 15, 16 of transverse struts 5 or longitudinal struts 6. A threaded bore 28 is formed in one of the two half-shells 24. A setscrew 29 is screwed into this threaded bore 28 until a tip 30 of the setscrew 29 abuts the adjacent half-shell 23 and, upon further screwing into the threaded bore 28, pushes this tip away from the half-shell 24 with the threaded bore 28.This causes the two half-shells 23, 24 to be pushed away from each other and clamped in the two cavity sections 26, 27 of the two adjacent subsections 14, 15, 16 of the transverse struts 5 or longitudinal struts 6 in order to connect the two subsections 14, 15, 16 of the transverse struts 5 or longitudinal struts 6 to each other by means of the connecting element 22.

[0061] In order to actuate the grub screws 29 and screw them into the threaded bore 28 of the half-shell 24, which is located within the cavity sections 26, 27, the two adjacent subsections 14, 15, 16 each have a semicircular recess 31 on their adjacent end faces, through which the grub screw 29 can be screwed in and actuated. The recesses 31 in the joint 10 between the two sections 14, 15, 16, and the setscrew 29 screwed into them, are the only visible indication of the connection between the two sections 14, 15, 16 of the cross brace 5 or the longitudinal brace 6. The recesses 31 can advantageously be arranged and oriented in the joint 10 such that they are not perceived by an observer when the modular table frame 1 is used as intended.

[0062] In Figure 11A different embodiment of the connecting element 22 is shown. The two half-shells 23, 24 are clamped together by two spaced-apart set screws 29, each of which is screwed into a corresponding threaded bore 28. In each section 14, 15, 16 of the cross member 5 or the longitudinal member 6, a circular recess 132 is provided through which the respective set screw 29 can be screwed in and actuated. The length of the grub screws 29 can be specified such that the fully screwed-in grub screw 29 still protrudes slightly from the half-shell 24 even when the half-shells 23, 24 are fully pressed apart and clamped in the cavity sections 26, 27, thereby creating a positive engagement with the respective circular recess 132 in the sub-sections 14, 15, 16 of the cross strut 5 or the longitudinal strut 6.In this way, the two sections 14, 15, 16 can be connected not only by clamping but also by positive locking. The positive locking connection ensures a reliable fixation of the two sections to one another and thus a reliable connection of the two table frame modules, even if no clamping effect or only an incomplete one is achieved with the respective connecting element 22.

[0063] In the Figures 12 and 13Two interconnected and thus coupled table frame elements are shown, forming a large table frame 1 assembled from several table frame modules 11, 12, 13. The large table frame 1 has three support frame elements 2 arranged side by side. The centrally arranged support frame element 2 is connected to the two outer support frame elements 2 via longitudinal struts 6. For this purpose, the central support frame element 2 has two T-connection modules 12 in each cross strut 5, one of which is for connecting to the Figures 12 and 13 The outer support frame element 2 shown on the left and a T-connection module 12 arranged alongside the respective cross brace 5 for connection with the element in the Figures 12 and 13 The outer support frame element 2 shown on the right is used in each case. Two adjacent support frame elements 2 are connected to each other via two diagonally running longitudinal struts 6.

[0064] The following is merely an example: Figures 12 and 13 The large table frame 1 shown illustrates the use of identically designed pairs of T-connection modules 12. The connection point 17 of the section 15 of the longitudinal strut 6 with the section 16 of the transverse strut 5 is offset by approximately one diameter of the longitudinal struts 6 relative to the corresponding connection point 17 on two T-connection modules 12. The two T-connection modules 12 with the corresponding connection point 17 are arranged at the two ends of each longitudinal strut 6. The two intersecting longitudinal struts 6 therefore run perpendicular to the transverse struts 5, offset from each other by one diameter of the longitudinal struts 6. In this way, a simple pivotable connection of the two longitudinal struts 6 passing each other in the intersection area can be created using a crossing module 13.

[0065] In the Figures 14 and 15 An exemplary further table frame element is shown, which can be assembled from four T-connection modules 12 and four table leg modules 11. Two T-connection modules 12 are arranged one behind the other along a cross member 5 and connected to each other, with the sections 15 of the longitudinal members 6 not projecting at an acute angle to the base 3, but horizontally. A pair of such connected T-connection modules 12 is arranged at the top, and a pair arranged at the bottom, shown in plan view in Figure 14 A further concealed pair of T-connection modules 12 are connected laterally to a table leg module 11 at the open ends of the horizontally projecting sections 15 of the longitudinal struts 6. In plan view, this creates a table frame with four table legs 4, which are connected to each other in a cross shape via the T-connection modules 12.

[0066] Different orientations of the laterally projecting sections 15 of the longitudinal struts 6 in a T-connection module 12 can be easily achieved by ensuring that the two recesses 31 on the end faces of the adjacent sections 14, 15, 16 are not each semicircular, but rather that their shape corresponds to half of an elongated hole. Figure 16 Two adjacent subsections 14 and 15 are shown as examples. The two interconnected subsections 14 and 15 can be pivoted relative to each other over more than the length of the elongated hole and, together with the two halves of the elongated hole which are then regularly offset relative to each other in the circumferential direction, form an overlap area in which the setscrew 29 is located and can be actuated from the outside.

[0067] In the Figures 17 and 18Another embodiment of a table frame element is shown, which is assembled from three table leg modules 11 and two T-connection modules 12. The two identically designed T-connection modules 12 are each horizontally oriented and, in a Figure 18 The top view shown is arranged congruently. At each free end of the two T-connection modules 12, the two corresponding horizontally projecting sections 15 of the longitudinal struts 6 and the also horizontally projecting sections 16 of the transverse struts 5 are each connected to a table leg module 11. In this way, a table frame element with three table legs 4 is formed.

[0068] While that in the Figures 17 and 18 The table frame element shown in the top view has a T-shaped arrangement of the individual table frame modules 11 and 12, as is the case in the Figure 19In the illustrated version, the opposite orientation of the T-connection modules 12 relative to the table leg modules 11 results in an L-shaped arrangement in the top view.

[0069] The in the Figures 20 and 21A schematically depicted embodiment of a connecting element 22 has a one-piece clamping body 32, which in turn has a circumferentially closed, sleeve-shaped connecting section 33 and two axially projecting clamping tongues 34, 35 arranged on opposite circumferential sides. The two clamping tongues 34, 35 each form a clamping area of ​​a body wall of the sleeve-shaped clamping body 32. Before the clamping body 32 is inserted into a cavity section 26, 27 of a subsection 14, 15, 16 of transverse struts 5 or longitudinal struts 6, the two clamping tongues 34, 35 may project slightly radially outwards or, for example, have an angled or wave-like shape, as is shown by way of example in the Figures 20 and 21As shown. To assemble the connecting element 22, the clamping body 32 must be inserted into the two cavity sections 26, 27 of the two adjacent subsections 14, 15, 16 of transverse struts 5 or longitudinal struts 6 in such a way that the two clamping tongues 34, 35 extend over the joint 10 between the transverse struts 5 and / or longitudinal struts 6 and are pressed radially outwards in both cavity sections 26, 27 and clamp against the cavity sections 26, 27.

[0070] Two threaded bores 28 are formed in a first clamping tongue 34. A setscrew 29 is screwed into each threaded bore 28 until a tip 30 of the setscrew 29 abuts the opposite second clamping tongue 35 and, upon further screwing into the threaded bore 28, pushes the second clamping tongue 35 away from the first clamping tongue 34 and its threaded bore 28. Each setscrew 29 forms an expanding element with which the distance between the two clamping tongues 34, 35 can be increased radially. This causes the two clamping tongues 34, 35 to be pushed away from each other and clamped in the two cavity sections 26, 27 of the two adjacent subsections 14, 15, 16 of the transverse struts 5 or longitudinal struts 6 in order to connect the two subsections 14, 15, 16 of the transverse struts 5 or longitudinal struts 6 to each other by means of the connecting element 22.

[0071] The connecting element 22 designed in this way is formed in one piece, which makes it easier to assemble the connecting element 22 and thus the table frame 1.

[0072] In the Figures 22 and 23 In the illustrated embodiment for a differently designed connecting element 22, the connecting element 22 has a substantially sleeve-shaped clamping body 32 with two deformation slot planes 36 and 37, which are in Figure 23as section planes 36, 37. The two deformation slot planes 36 and 37 are aligned parallel to each other and run at a distance from each other and at a distance from a central axis 38 of the sleeve-shaped clamping body 32. In the circumferential direction, each deformation slot plane 36, 37 defines a first clamping area 39 and a second clamping area 40 opposite the other deformation slot plane 37, 36 in a region of the sleeve-shaped clamping body 32.

[0073] From a first end face 41 of the clamping body 32, two deformation slots 42 extend in the deformation slot plane 36 to the vicinity of a second end face 43 of the clamping body 32 opposite the first end face 41. The two deformation slots 42 are arranged on opposing wall sections of a sleeve-shaped clamping body wall. From the second end face 43 of the clamping body 32, two deformation slots 44 extend in the opposite direction in the deformation slot plane 37 to the vicinity of the first end face 41. Between two adjacent deformation slots 42 and 44, which overlap over a wide axial area, a deformation rib 45 is formed, which connects the two clamping areas 39 and 40 opposite each other in the circumferential direction, so that the sleeve-shaped clamping body 32 is formed in one piece.

[0074] In the first clamping area 39, two threaded bores 28 are formed, in each of which a setscrew 29 can be screwed in and secured. In the fully assembled state, the setscrews 29 extend to the opposite clamping area 40 and press the two clamping areas 39, 40 against the inner surfaces of the two cavity sections 26, 27 of the two adjacent subsections 14, 15, 16 of cross members 5 or longitudinal members 6 in the two cavity sections 26, 27, thereby clamping the connecting element 22 securely in both cavity sections 26, 27, thus ensuring a reliable and permanent connection of the cross members 5 and / or longitudinal members 6 joined in this way.

[0075] The connecting element 22 can be provided in a radially expanded state for assembly. The two clamping areas 39, 40 are then arranged radially spaced apart from each other and connected to each other via the deformation ribs 45. In a side view of the expanded connecting element 22, the two clamping areas 39, 40 and the deformation rib 45 visible in the side view have an approximately Z-shaped profile. During assembly, the radially expanded connecting element 22 must be compressed slightly to be inserted into a cavity section 26, 27. It is then held clamped in the cavity section 26, 27 by a spring action of the compressed connecting element 22. This facilitates the assembly of the connecting element 22 in the cavity section 26, 27 and the tightening of the setscrew 29.

[0076] All described and exemplarily shown connecting elements 22 can also be used to connect any hollow profiles 26, 27, which do not necessarily have to be part of a modular table frame 1, but connect any elements with suitable hollow profiles 26, 27 together.

Claims

1. Modular table frame (1) made of metal, which forms a support device that can be placed on a base (3) for a tabletop (8) that can be placed on the table frame (1), wherein the table frame (1) has four table legs (4), wherein in each case two table legs (4) are connected to one another by in each case two cross struts (5) and form a support frame element (2), wherein the two support frame elements (2) are connected to one another by two longitudinal struts (6), and each longitudinal strut (6) is oriented perpendicular to the cross struts (5) and extends diagonally at an acute angle relative to the base (3), such that each longitudinal strut (6) is connected at opposite ends to a respective cross strut (5) in the two support frame elements (2), and the two cross struts (5) that are connected to a longitudinal strut (6) have different distances from the base (3), and wherein the table frame (1) can be disassembled into a plurality of table frame modules (11, 12, 13) and assembled from these table frame modules (11, 12, 13), wherein one of the plurality of table frame modules (11, 12, 13) is designed as a T-connecting module (12), wherein the T-connecting module (12) comprises a partial section (15) of the longitudinal strut (6) and a partial section (16) of the cross strut (5) extending perpendicular thereto and non-detachably connected to an end section of the partial section (15) of the longitudinal strut (6), and wherein the connectable partial sections (16, 15) of the cross struts (5) and the longitudinal struts (6) are each made of hollow profiles, characterized in that the connectable partial sections (16, 15) are connected to one another by means of a radially expandable clamping body (32), the first end of which extends into a first hollow-profile end region (26) surrounded by a first hollow profile and the opposite second end of which extends into a second hollow-profile end region (27) surrounded by a second hollow profile, wherein the radially expandable clamping body (32) is fixed in a clamping manner in the first and second hollow-profile end regions (26, 27) and thereby connects the first hollow profile to the second hollow profile.

2. Modular table frame (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the table frame (1) has two pairs of identically designed T-connecting modules (12).

3. Modular table frame (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that in at least one pair of the T-connecting modules (12), a connection point (17) of the end of the partial section (15) of the longitudinal strut (6) has a first distance (18) from a first end of the partial section (16) of the cross strut (5) and a second distance (19) from an opposite second end of the partial section (16) of the cross strut (5), and that the first distance (18) is different from the second distance (19).

4. Modular table frame (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first distance (18) is more than twice as large, preferably more than three times as large and particularly preferably more than five times as large as the second distance (19).

5. Modular table frame (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that each cross strut (5) has a symmetry section (21) which forms a partial section of the cross strut (5) connectable to the associated T-connecting module (12), wherein a length of the partial section formed by the symmetry section (21) corresponds to a difference between the first distance (18) and the second distance (19) of the T-connecting module (12).

6. Modular table frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each table leg (4) is non-detachably connected to at least one vertically projecting partial section (14) of a cross strut (5).

7. Modular table frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two longitudinal struts (6) are connected to one another via a common crossing module (13), wherein the crossing module (13) comprises a central partial section of the first longitudinal strut and a central partial section of the second longitudinal strut, which are connected to one another in a crossing manner, wherein each of the two central partial sections is connectable at its opposite ends to a respective T-connecting module (12).

8. Modular table frame (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the two central partial sections of the crossing module (13) are connected to one another so as to be pivotable relative to one another.

9. Modular table frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each T-connecting module (12) the partial section (15) of a longitudinal strut (6) is welded to the partial section (16) of the cross strut (5) extending perpendicular thereto.

10. Modular table frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radially expandable clamping body (32) is designed in the form of a sleeve and has at least a first and a second clamping region (39, 40) of a clamping body wall, which are located opposite one another in the circumferential direction and can be displaced radially outward by means of at least one spreading element, which can be mounted in the first clamping region (39) and brought into operative connection with the second clamping region (40).

11. Modular table frame (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the sleeve-shaped clamping body (32) has two deformation-slot planes (36, 37) which extend at a distance from one another, each of which extends from one end face (41, 43) to the respective opposite end face (43, 41) and which delimit, in a region opposite the other deformation-slot plane (37, 36), a first or second clamping region (39, 40) of the sleeve-shaped clamping body wall, and that from each end face (41, 43) two deformation slots (42, 44) extending in the same deformation-slot plane (36, 37) on opposite wall sections of the sleeve-shaped clamping body wall are formed, which extend up to the vicinity of the opposite end face (43, 41).