Reinforcing frame for a furniture worktop, equipped with an opening for receiving equipment.

Abstract

Reinforcing frame for a furniture worktop, equipped with an opening for receiving equipment. The reinforcing frame (5) comprises telescopic stringers (6) and crossbars (7). The end ends of the stringers (6) cooperate by vertical interlocking with a fastening element (8) for the reinforcing frame (5) on a piece of furniture. The end ends of the crossbars (7) are supported by vertical interlocking on the stringers (6). A support surface for the worktop on the reinforcing frame (5) is provided by calibrating the vertical interlocking of the crossbars (7) on the stringers (6) and of the stringers (6) on the fastening elements (8). Illustration: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Reinforcement frame for a furniture worktop, provided with an opening for receiving equipment. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of furniture, such as kitchen, bathroom and / or storage furniture, for example. More particularly, the invention relates to such furniture equipped with a worktop that has at least one opening for the installation of furniture mounted on the worktop by passing through said opening.

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to a reinforcement frame for such a worktop, particularly at the edge of said opening and / or to prevent deformation of the worktop supporting the furniture installed through the opening. The invention also relates to a piece of furniture whose worktop is reinforced by such a reinforcement frame, as well as a method for installing said reinforcement frame on such a piece of furniture. Previous art

[0003] It is common for furniture to include a cabinet whose upper wall forms a work surface. In the case of certain furniture designed for specific uses, the work surface has at least one opening that runs through its thickness to accommodate one or more pieces of furniture. This is the case, for example: -) of a kitchen unit whose worktop is equipped with a hob and / or a sink, -) a bathroom cabinet whose worktop is equipped with at least one washbasin, -) of a storage unit whose worktop is equipped with a receptacle - potentially removable - which provides a storage compartment for various items or objects of varying weights, such as tools or clothing and / or games.

[0004] In such cases, depending on its vertical extension, the unit comprises side panels respectively fixed to the ends of a longitudinal rear panel. The front of the unit is usually open, potentially closed off by doors or curtains providing access to the interior. The worktop rests, via its side and rear edges, on the side panels and the rear panel to which the worktop is fixed.

[0005] It is common for equipment installed on the work surface it passes through to be heavy and / or to support a heavy mass during use. The work surface is then subjected to stresses that can cause deformation, which should be avoided. Such stresses can be particularly detrimental at the edge of the opening and / or are likely to cause overall deflection of the work surface, especially along its longitudinal extension.

[0006] Therefore, it is common to equip the cabinet with a reinforcing frame installed under the worktop to strengthen its support. Such a reinforcing frame commonly combines stringers and crossbeams, which are fixed to the vertical extension walls of the cabinet and to which the worktop is applied on its underside.

[0007] It is further specified from the outset, if necessary, that the concepts of front and rear, on the one hand, and the concepts of lateral and longitudinal, on the other, are relative concepts considered with regard to the position of an individual facing the piece of furniture. Similarly, the concepts of upper and lower—or other related concepts such as below, above, below, on, and under, for example—are relative concepts considered with regard to the vertical position of the furniture on the floor.

[0008] In this context, a problem arises concerning the tedious nature and time required for an installer to properly install the worktop at the furniture's installation site, and a potential risk of the reinforcing frame losing its effectiveness in adequately supporting the worktop. Furthermore, different pieces of furniture typically have different dimensions and / or manufacturing tolerances that make the preparation and / or installation of the reinforcing frame difficult for the installer(s). Presentation of the invention

[0009] In this context, the invention relates to a reinforcement frame for a worktop of a piece of furniture which includes at least one opening for the installation of furniture equipment through it.

[0010] The invention also relates to a piece of furniture comprising a worktop which is reinforced by a reinforcing frame according to the invention, as well as a method of installing a reinforcing frame according to the invention on vertical extension walls comprising said furniture.

[0011] The object of the invention is to overcome the problems and difficulties previously mentioned, concerning the difficulties of assembling a reinforcement frame of a worktop which comprises a piece of furniture and which is equipped with said opening configured for the installation of said furniture equipment through it.

[0012] It is more particularly aimed at proposing such a reinforcement frame whose architecture and / or structure are ergonomic for an assembler, in order to facilitate a quick and correct installation of said reinforcement frame under the worktop of the furniture.

[0013] It should also be noted that such an objective falls within a competitive field, which could render a potential solution prohibitive due to the associated costs. Consequently, further research efforts are needed to propose a high-performing and economically competitive solution.

[0014] To this end, the invention proposes a said reinforcing frame of the type comprising at least: -) a set of two longitudinal members, which are advantageously braced by a set of at least two cross members, -) advantageously, assembly elements perpendicular to each other from the cross members to the longitudinal members, and -) fixing devices for the frame to the furniture via at least the longitudinal ends of the stringers which are respectively supported by the fixing devices, said fixing devices being secured to the furniture by screwing.

[0015] It is hereby specified that the concepts of transverse, longitudinal, and vertical are relative concepts considered with regard to their perpendicular orientations in an orthonormal coordinate system. Such concepts are subsequently used to characterize the various components of the reinforcing frame and / or the furniture on which the reinforcing frame is installed, with regard to the extension of the reinforcing frame along its transverse, longitudinal, and vertical extension directions defined in the same orthonormal coordinate system.

[0016] In this context, synthetically, according to a global approach to the invention, the stringers and crossbeams are arranged in a telescopic element allowing an assembler to adjust their extension according to the dimensions of the furniture. -) The end ends of the stringers are each equipped with a support element for the reinforcement frame, which cooperates by vertical interlocking with an interlocking element that includes a fixing element assigned to it, providing an assembly between them. -) The end ends of the cross members are each equipped with a cross member support by the stringers, which cooperates by vertical interlocking with an interlocking member that includes a stringer assigned to it, selectively among a plurality of interlocking members distributed according to the longitudinal extension of the stringers.

[0017] Consequently, firstly, during the assembly of the frame onto the furniture: -) The assembler can easily adjust the longitudinal extension of the stringers according to the actual longitudinal gap – or in other words, the real gap – between the side walls of the furniture between which the stringers extend. -) the assembler is exempt, prior to the installation of the stringers on the furniture, from the constraint of measuring the actual longitudinal gap between the side walls of the furniture; -) The assembler is also exempt from cutting the stringers to a required dimension corresponding to a prior measurement of the actual longitudinal gap between the side panels of the furniture. The stringers are immediately usable by an assembler upon completion of their manufacture.

[0018] Secondly, after the installation of the stringers on the furniture: -) the assembler can easily adjust the extension of the crossbars according to the transverse gap separating the stringers previously installed on the furniture; -) The assembler is also exempt from cutting the crossbeams to a required dimension corresponding to the aforementioned transverse spacing of the side members. The crossbeams are thus immediately usable by an assembler upon completion of their manufacture.

[0019] It should be noted that the dimensions of the opening made through the worktop are usually indicated by the furniture manufacturer. The installer is therefore generally exempt from measuring them prior to installing the reinforcing frame on the furniture.

[0020] This usually allows the assembler to install the stringers on the side walls of the unit at a distance more or less close to the edges of the opening, depending on the specific reinforcement required for the worktop. Since the crossbeams, if present according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, are assembled to the stringers, this commonly constrains the assembler: -) either to use crossbeams of a predefined manufacturing extension for their assembly to the side members according to a prescribed spacing between them, -) or to adjust the size of the crossbeams according to any gap between the stringers previously installed on the furniture.

[0021] It should also be noted that the upper faces of the stringers and crossbeams must be arranged in line with each other to ensure the stability of the work surface resting against the reinforcement frame.

[0022] Furthermore, the worktop is usually jointly supported not only by the reinforcing frame but also by the upper edges of the vertical extension walls of the cabinet. This then presents difficulties in positioning the fasteners along the vertical extension of the cabinet walls.

[0023] To overcome this difficulty: -) The fixing devices comprise a plate with a straight upper edge, providing a positioning reference point for the fixing device by aligning the upper edge of the plate with the edge of the upper surface of the wall to which the plate is fixed. -) the interlocking between the end pieces of the stringers and the interlocking elements included in the fixing elements is calibrated by arranging the upper face of the stringers fitted onto the fixing elements and the straight upper edge of the plate in a coplanar manner, and consequently the upper edge of the side walls of the furniture to which the end pieces of the stringers are respectively fixed, and -) the fit between the end pieces of the cross members on the stringers is calibrated by arranging the upper face of the stringers and the upper face of the cross members fitted onto the stringers coplanar.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, the interlocking on the one hand between the end ends of the longitudinal members on the fastening members and on the other hand the end ends of the cross members on the longitudinal members is of the hook type.

[0025] More specifically, with regard to the longerons, the support member equipping each end of each of the longerons is formed into at least one hook which cooperates with a fitting member comprising a bracket equipping the plate comprising the fastening member. The end ends of the longerons are supported by said bracket which is attached to them via said at least one hook with which the end of each of their ends is provided.

[0026] Advantageously: -) The coat hooks are formed by cutting and folding the plate, -) the hooks incorporate the interlocking element assigned to said at least one hook, -) said at least one hook is integrated into each of the end pieces of each of the stringers; -) the plates provide a guiding element for said at least one hook towards the interlocking element with which it cooperates.

[0027] In one embodiment, the hooks are each arranged in a bracket providing a guide element for a single hook that rests vertically against the upper edge of the bracket. The guide element is provided between a vertical face of the bracket and a wall of the furniture on which the fastening element is installed, the bracket being positioned a short longitudinal distance from said wall of the furniture. The hook is U-shaped, the base of which rests against the upper edge of the vertical face of the bracket in the hooking position by engaging the hook on the bracket.

[0028] Another embodiment is preferred, in which there are two hooks at each end of the stringers, being transversely spaced apart.

[0029] Each hook has a slot for fitting into seats provided by the plate to which it is attached, the bottom of the hooks bearing against the seats. The seats are located below the upper edge of the plate, extending from at least one vertical wall of the plate and extending longitudinally from a vertical extension wall for mounting the fastening element to the furniture.

[0030] According to one embodiment, each of the hooks is shaped into an arch that is curved towards the base of the plate from which it originates. The base of the arch provides the receiving seats for the bottom of the hooks by being edged vertically between a vertical edge of the arch and a lug formed at the transverse end of each of the seats.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the hooks, each hook is formed from a U-shaped profile constituting the base plate. The sides of the U-profile provide a vertical extension rail which forms the guide for said hooks towards transverse tabs integrated by folding into the respective sides of the U-profile. The upper edge of said tabs provides said seats against which the hooks respectively bear via their base.

[0032] According to another approach to the methods of attaching the ends of the longerons to the fastening members, the longerons comprise end sections mounted to slide at each end of a central section of the longerons, as described below. These end sections of each of the longerons are respectively attached to the mounting plate of the fastening members to which they are assigned, in particular by welding.

[0033] Regarding the cross members, it is recalled here as previously mentioned, that the end ends of the cross members are each equipped with a cross member support by the stringers, which cooperates by vertical interlocking with an interlocking member that includes a stringer which is assigned to it, selectively among a plurality of interlocking members distributed according to the longitudinal extension of the stringers.

[0034] It should also be noted, as previously described, that the stringers can be installed on the cabinet in any location, including any location along any transverse extension dimension of the cabinet's side walls. The stringers are arranged at transverse distances from each other, depending on the cabinet's configuration and / or the location of fragile areas of the worktop to be reinforced, such as, in particular, at the edge of any opening it contains.

[0035] The installation of the crossbeams onto the side rails is carried out by the assembler after the side rails have been installed on the furniture. The telescopic arrangement of the crossbeams allows their extension to be modified according to the transverse separation distance of the side rails from each other.

[0036] More specifically, the support members equipping each end of each of the crossbeams are formed of hooking members that cooperate by interlocking between slots provided by a longitudinal crenellated ramp present in each of the stringers. These hooking members each comprise – at each end of the crossbeams – a pair of hooks longitudinally spaced apart, similar to the pair of hooks provided by the end of the stringers as previously described.

[0037] Said crenellated ramp which comprises each of the longitudinal members is provided by notches which comprise the longitudinal members according to their extension, at a constant pitch corresponding to the gap between the hooks which are provided on the end ends of the cross members.

[0038] Consequently, the assembler can not only adjust the extension of the cross members according to the transverse separation distance between the longitudinal members, but can also: -) easily fix the cross members to the side members by hooking them, regardless of the transverse gap between the side members, thus relieving the assembler of the need to measure such a gap, -) install at least two of these crossbars at a longitudinal distance from each other depending on the fragile areas of the worktop to be protected - in particular at least two crossbars placed at the edge of the opening in the worktop.

[0039] To avoid excessive weakening of the longerons, the extent of said notches is limited. The notches are formed along and at the edges of the respective edges of the longerons, which are oriented transversely towards each other. The notches extend on either side of each of said edges along two perpendicular segments—one horizontal and one vertical—which are respectively partially formed through the upper face of the longerons and through their respective vertical faces, which are oriented towards each other.

[0040] The vertical segment provides a bottom for the notches against which the hooks fitting the cross members are placed as a buttress when they are assembled to the longerons. The vertical extension dimension of said notches – and more specifically of said vertical segment they comprise – is calibrated by arranging the upper face of the longerons and the upper face of the cross members fitted onto the longerons in a coplanar manner, as previously mentioned.

[0041] Regarding the telescopic arrangement of each of the longitudinal members and each of the cross members, these are subdivided into several sections arranged in extension of each other.

[0042] More specifically, each of the longerons and each of the cross members comprises a central section within which end sections are mounted to slide at each end of the central section. The end sections are housed within the central section, being held oriented in a unidirectional direction of respective extensions of the longerons and cross members. The end of each of the end sections protruding from the central section is equipped with a support member. The end sections can be individually secured in any protruding position from the central section that houses them, by means of a locking member.

[0043] More specifically regarding the longerons, the end sections can be individually secured in position inside the middle section by means of a locking screw, such as, in particular, a set screw. The locking screw is screwed onto the middle section, pressing it against the end section. Under the effect of the thrust exerted by the locking screw, the end section is held against the inner face of a wall of the longeron.

[0044] Furthermore, the crenellated ramp is provided on the middle section of the longerons. The longitudinal extension of the crenellated ramp is limited to an area of ​​the middle sections of the longerons – in particular in the central area – which is located outside the optimal housing areas of the end sections within the middle sections of the longerons.

[0045] More specifically regarding the crossbeams, the end sections of each crossbeam are vertically fitted onto the crenellated ramps of the respective stringers. This fitting locks the crossbeams onto the stringers, preventing them from moving along the extension plane of the reinforcing structure. The installation of the work surface obstructs any vertical movement of the crossbeams relative to the stringers.

[0046] In view of the foregoing, the invention relates to a reinforcement frame for a worktop of a piece of furniture - or in other words arranged to be supported by a piece of furniture - which is provided with an opening for receiving equipment.

[0047] The reinforcing frame is of the type comprising: -) a set of two longitudinal members, which are advantageously braced by a set of at least two cross members, -) assembly components perpendicular to each other, connecting the cross members to the longitudinal members, and -) fixing devices for the reinforcement frame to the furniture via at least the longitudinal ends of the stringers which are respectively supported by the fixing devices, said fixing devices being secured to the furniture by screwing.

[0048] In this context, the invention is recognizable: in that the longitudinal members and the cross members are each arranged in a telescopic component, in that the end ends of the longitudinal members are each equipped with a support element for the reinforcing frame, which cooperates by vertical interlocking with an interlocking element that comprises a fastening element assigned to it, in that the end ends of the cross members are each equipped with a support element for the cross members by the longitudinal members, which cooperates by vertical interlocking with an interlocking element that comprises the longitudinal members, and in that a support plane for said work plane on the reinforcement frame is provided by calibrating said vertical interlocking of the crossbeams on the stringers and said vertical interlocking of the stringers on the fixing devices.

[0049] Other specific characteristics of a reinforcing frame of the invention, which are not restrictive with regard to other characteristics that the reinforcing frame of the invention may have, are the following considered in isolation or in combination at least two by two.

[0050] The interlocking of the end pieces of the longitudinal members onto the fasteners, and of the end pieces of the cross members onto the longitudinal members, is of the hooking type. Such hooking is achieved in particular by vertically interlocking at least one hook fitted to the end pieces of the longitudinal members or cross members onto the fasteners to which they are attached.

[0051] More specifically, the support member equipping each of the end pieces of each of the longitudinal members is shaped into at least one hook which cooperates with a fitting member which comprises a bracket equipping a plate constituting the fixing member.

[0052] The hooks are formed by cutting and folding the plate and incorporate the interlocking member assigned to said at least one hook, which is integrated into each end of each of the longitudinal members. The plates provide a guiding member for said at least one hook towards the interlocking member with which it cooperates.

[0053] More specifically, there are two hooks at each end of the stringers, spaced transversely apart. Each hook has a slot for fitting into supports formed by the plate to which it is attached, the bottom of the hooks bearing against the supports.

[0054] Said seats are arranged below the upper edge of the plate, extending from at least one first vertical wall of the plate which extends longitudinally from a second vertical wall of the plate dedicated to mounting the fastening element on the furniture. Edges of the first vertical wall of the plate also provide the guide element for the hooks towards the seats.

[0055] The support members equipping each end of each of the cross members are formed of a pair of hooks spaced longitudinally apart. The hooks cooperate by interlocking between slots formed by a longitudinal crenellated ramp that comprises each of the stringers.

[0056] With regard to the telescopic arrangement of the stringers and cross members, each of these comprises a central section within which end sections are mounted sliding at each end of the central section, being kept oriented along a unidirectional direction of extensions respectively of the stringers and cross members.

[0057] The end of each of the end sections protruding from the middle section of the longerons and cross members is each equipped with a support member. The end sections of the longerons and cross members can be individually secured in any position protruding from the middle section that houses them, by means of locking members with which the middle sections of the longerons are each equipped.

[0058] Such blocking devices are formed in particular: -) as regards the, the locking devices are formed of locking screws in the position of the end sections of the longitudinal members inside the section which houses them; -) Regarding the crossbeams, the locking devices are formed by the interlocking of the end sections of the crossbeams jointly respectively onto the longitudinal members.

[0059] The invention also relates to a piece of furniture comprising a worktop with an opening for receiving equipment. The furniture is equipped with a reinforcing frame extending under the worktop and being attached to the side walls of the furniture via end caps of the stringers.

[0060] In this context, the furniture is mainly recognizable in that it is equipped with a reinforcing frame according to the invention.

[0061] Other specific characteristics of a piece of furniture of the invention, which are not restrictive with regard to other characteristics that a piece of furniture relating to the invention may have, are the following considered individually or in combination at least two by two.

[0062] The upper faces of the stringers and crossbeams are positioned along a horizontal support plane of the work surface which is defined by the upper edges of the side walls of the furniture to which the ends of the stringers are respectively fixed via said fixing devices equipping the reinforcement frame.

[0063] The reinforcing frame and the upper edges of the furniture's side walls are coplanar. This feature of the furniture is advantageously achieved through the vertical interlocking of the calibrated ends of the stringers and the plate that forms part of the fastening elements.

[0064] The upper edge of the plates on each of the fasteners for attaching the ends of the stringers to the side walls of the cabinet provides a vertical positioning reference for the reinforcement frame relative to the horizontal support plane. The upper edge of the plates borders the upper edge of the side walls of the cabinet to which the ends of the stringers are attached via their respective fasteners. Presentation of the figures

[0065] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description of various embodiments, in relation to the following figures: [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective illustration of a piece of furniture comprising a worktop with an opening for receiving equipment. In Fig. 1, the furniture is equipped with a worktop reinforcement frame according to the invention. [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is an exploded perspective illustration of the reinforcing frame shown in the [Fig.1]. [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a partial perspective illustration of an example of the realization of a telescopic component which includes the reinforcing frame shown in figures 1 and 2. [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a partial perspective illustration of a telescopic spar included in the reinforcement frame shown in Figures 1 and 2. In Fig.4, the spar is shown in the preliminary installation position on a fixing device included in the reinforcement frame. [Fig.5] Fig.5 is another partial perspective illustration, from a different viewpoint, of the telescopic spar and the fastening element as illustrated in Fig.4. [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a partial cross-sectional illustration along a vertical and horizontal plane, of the telescopic spar and the fixing member as illustrated in [Fig.4] and 5. [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a partial perspective illustration of a telescopic spar included in the reinforcement frame shown in Figures 1 and 2. In Fig.7, the spar is shown in the preliminary installation position on a fixing device included in the reinforcement frame, according to a second example of the embodiment of said fixing device. [Fig.8] Fig.8 is another partial perspective illustration from a different viewpoint of the telescopic spar and the fixing member as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. [Fig.9] Fig.9 is a partial perspective illustration of a telescopic spar included in the reinforcement frame shown in Figures 1 and 2. In Fig.9, the spar is shown in the preliminary installation position on a fixing device included in the reinforcement frame, according to a third example of the embodiment of said fixing device. [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a partial perspective illustration of another embodiment of a telescopic beam according to the invention. The telescopic beam is a component of a reinforcement frame for a worktop of a piece of furniture according to another embodiment. In [Fig. 10], the beam is shown in the initial position of being fitted between two sections it comprises. One of these sections is an end section of the beam, which fits inside another section, which is a middle section of the beam. This end section is integral with a fastener included in the partially illustrated reinforcement frame. [Fig.11] [Fig.11] is a partial perspective illustration of a telescopic cross member included in the reinforcement frame shown in Figures 1 and 2. In [Fig. 11], the cross member is shown in the preliminary installation position on a stringer included in the reinforcement frame. [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is another partial perspective illustration, from a different viewpoint, of the telescopic cross member and the longeron as illustrated in [Fig. 11]. Detailed description of the invention

[0066] The figures and their detailed, non-limiting descriptions illustrate the invention in particular ways that are not restrictive as to the scope of the invention. The figures and their detailed descriptions of examples of embodiments of the invention may serve to better define it, if necessary in relation to the general description just given.

[0067] Furthermore, to avoid overloading the figures and thus facilitate their reading, the reference numbers assigned to the terms and / or concepts used to describe the invention and indicated on any of the figures are potentially repeated in the description of any other figure without implying their presence on all the figures.

[0068] In [Fig. 1], a piece of furniture 1 extends along the three directions of an orthonormal coordinate system, including a vertical direction VI, a longitudinal direction L1, and a transverse direction TL. The orthonormal coordinate system is indicated in all figures. 1 to 12, and is used thereafter to describe the various examples of implementation of the invention.

[0069] The unit 1 is conventionally arranged as a cabinet comprising vertical extension walls, including two side walls 2a and a rear wall 2b. The unit 1 includes an upper worktop 3 intended to be installed on the upper edges of the vertical extension walls 2a, 2b. The worktop 3 has an opening 4 extending through its thickness, for the installation of equipment on the worktop 3, which is intended to be installed by extending vertically through the opening 4 in the worktop 3.

[0070] However, the opening 4 weakens the worktop 3, which must withstand a potentially significant load due to the installation and use of the equipment on the unit 1. Therefore, in this case, the unit 1 is commonly equipped with a reinforcing frame 5 that supports the worktop 3 against deformation—particularly bending—or damage to the edges of the opening 4.

[0071] Conventionally, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the reinforcing frame 5 comprises two longitudinal members 6 extending between the walls of the cabinet 1, the longitudinal members 6 being transversely braced by cross members 7. It should be noted that the cross members 7 are present in particular embodiments of the invention, but that in other embodiments, these cross members 7 are not present. When the cross members 7 are present, they are assembled to the longitudinal members 6 via their respective ends. The reinforcing frame 5 is also equipped with fasteners 8 for the ends of the longitudinal members 6, which are attached to the side walls 2a of the cabinet 1. The fasteners 8 are commonly fixed to the side walls 2a of the cabinet 1 by screwing, as illustrated, for example, in Figures 5, 6, 9, and 10.

[0072] In this context, according to one aspect of the invention, the side members 6 and the cross members 7 are each arranged as a telescopic member, as illustrated, for example, partially in isolation in [Fig. 3]. Such a telescopic member comprises a central section 9 within which end sections 10 are mounted to slide at each end of the central section 9, a single end section 10 being shown in Figures 3 to 12. The end sections 10 can emerge from the central section 9 along a predefined stroke, provided that the end sections 10 are held within the central section 9 in a unidirectional extension of the side members 6 and the cross members 7.

[0073] The longitudinal members 6 and the cross members 7 are thus telescopic, allowing an assembler of the reinforcing frame 5 on the unit 1 to symmetrically adjust their extensions by extending the end sections 10 further from the central section 9 which houses them at each end. When the cross members 7 and / or the longitudinal members 6 are at an ideal size for the installation of the reinforcing frame 5 on furniture 1, the end sections 10 are immobilized relative to the middle section 9 via locking devices.

[0074] For example, with regard to the longerons 6, the end sections 10 can be immobilized on the middle section 9 of the longerons 6 by means of locking devices with which the middle section 9 of the longerons 6 is equipped, such as via locking screws 11 as for example illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0075] Regarding the cross members 7, the end sections 10 of the cross members 7 are immobilizable on the longerons 6 as a result of their attachment to the longerons 6, as described later in relation to figures 11 and 12.

[0076] The ends of the end sections 10 of the stringers 6 are each equipped with a support member 12 of the reinforcing frame 5, which cooperates by vertical interlocking with an interlocking member 13a which includes a fixing member 8 which is assigned to it, as for example according to said interlocking members 13a which are illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, Figures 7 and 8 and in [Fig.9].

[0077] According to these illustrated examples, each end of the end sections 10 of the stringers 6 is equipped with a support member 12 of the reinforcing frame 5 which is arranged in at least one hook 14. Said at least one hook 14 cooperates by vertical interlocking with said interlocking member 13a which comprises a bracket 15 provided by a plate 16 constituting said fixing member 8.

[0078] The coat hook 15 incorporates a vertical guide 17 for the ends of the end sections 10 of the longitudinal members 6 towards a seat 18 receiving said at least one hook 14 assigned to them, via the bottom 14a of a slot 14b which they comprise. Said guide 17 and said seat 18 are provided by a first vertical wall 16a of the plate 16, which extends at a longitudinal distance from the side wall 2a of the furniture 1. More particularly, said seat 18 is provided by at least one transverse extension slice of said first vertical wall 16a of the plate 16. Said guide 17 is provided: -) either by vertical slices 16c of the first vertical wall 16a of the plate 16, as illustrated in figures 4 to 6, -) either between lateral walls 16d of vertical extension of the plate 16, as illustrated in figures 7 and 8 and in [Fig.9].

[0079] According to the embodiment examples illustrated in figures 4 to 6, 7 to 8 and 9, the interlocking member 13a is provided by a said first vertical wall 16a of the plate 16 which extends at a longitudinal distance from a second vertical wall 19 of the plate 16 via which the fixing member 8 is fixed by screwing onto one of the lateral walls 2a of the furniture 1.

[0080] More particularly according to the embodiment illustrated in figures 7 to 8, the first vertical wall 16a of the plate 16 is formed by folding down two said lateral walls 16d of vertical extension of the plate 16.

[0081] In Figures 4 to 6 and 7, 8, the ends of the end sections 10 of the longitudinal members 6 have a pair of hooks 14 transversely spaced apart. Each of the hooks 14 has a slot 14b cooperating by interlocking with a said seat 18 which is disposed below the upper edge 16b of the plate 16.

[0082] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, the hooks 15 are shaped into an arch 15b which is curved towards the base of the plate 16 from which it originates. The base of the arch 15b provides the receiving seats 18 for the bottom 14a of the hooks 14, each being bordered vertically between a vertical edge of the arch 15b. The base of the arch 15b also provides lugs 15c which are formed at the transverse end of each of the seats 18.

[0083] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the plate 16 is formed from a U-shaped profile whose sides 22 – or in other words, the lateral walls of the U-shaped profile – are oriented vertically. The hook 15 is formed by transverse tabs 22a which are integrated by folding the respective sides 22 of the U-shaped profile. The upper edges of said tabs 22a provide the bearing surfaces 18 against which the hooks 14 respectively bear via their base 14a. The sides 22 of the U-shaped profile provide between them the guide element 17 of the hooks 14 provided at the end of the longitudinal member 6 towards said receiving tabs 22a by interlocking the hooks 14.

[0084] In [Fig. 9], the fastening member 8 is arranged as a tab formed by a plate 16 comprising a said first vertical wall 16a. The first vertical wall 16a is extended longitudinally by returns 23 which together, by folding, form a said second vertical wall 19 for fixing by screwing the plate 16 to the lateral wall 2a of the furniture 1 to which it is attached.

[0085] The end of the end section 10 of the spar 6 has a single U-shaped hook 14 for fitting onto the upper edge 20 of the first wall 16a. A said hook 15 is formed by the first wall 16a which provides between the returns 23 a said guide member 17 of the hook 14 in vertical support - via its bottom 14a - against the upper edge 20 of the first wall 16a.

[0086] According to another embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 10], the presence of the end sections 10 mounted sliding inside the middle section 9 of the stringers 6 is used to fix the stringers 6 to the fixing members 8. More particularly, the end sections 10 of each of the stringers 6 are secured - for example via a weld bead 24 - to the plate 16 that comprise the fixing members 8 to which they are assigned.

[0087] It should be noted that according to the embodiment examples illustrated by figures 4 to 10, the upper edge 16b of the plates 16 constitutes a vertical positioning reference for the reinforcing frame 5 with respect to the horizontal support plane PI (referenced on [Fig.6]) of the worktop 3 included in the unit 1. Indeed, the upper edge 16b of the plates 16 borders the upper edge 21 of the side walls 2a of the unit 1.

[0088] In Figures 11 and 12, the cross members 7 are each arranged as a telescopic member, as previously mentioned in relation to [Fig. 3]. Like the longerons 6, the cross members 7 have a central section 9 housing, at each of its ends, an end section 10 that slides. The end of the end sections 10 of the cross members 7 is equipped with a support member 12 for the cross members 7 by the longerons 6, which cooperates by vertical interlocking with an interlocking member that is part of the longerons 6. The support members 12 for the cross members 7 by the longerons 6 are formed of a pair of hooks 14 that are longitudinally spaced apart.

[0089] The hooks 14 cooperate by interlocking between slots 13c provided by a crenellated ramp 13d of longitudinal extension with which the stringers 6 are provided, said crenellated ramp 13d forming said interlocking member 13b which the stringers 6 comprise.

[0090] The crenellated ramp 13b is formed by notches 25 which are present in the stringers along their extension, at a constant pitch corresponding to the gap between the hooks 14 which are provided on the end ends of the cross members 7. The notches 25 extend on either side of an edge 26 of the stringer 6, along two perpendicular segments - of which a horizontal segment 25a and a vertical segment 25b.

[0091] The vertical segment 25b provides a bottom to the notches 25 against which the hooks 14 fitting the cross members 7 are placed as abutments when assembled to the stringers 6. The vertical extension of said vertical segment 25b comprising the notches 25 is calibrated by arranging the upper face 6a of the stringers 6 and the upper face 7a of the cross members 7 coplanarly, via which the worktop 3 installed on the unit 1 is supported along said horizontal support plane PL

Claims

Demands

1. Reinforcing frame (5) of a worktop (3) supported by a cabinet (1) and provided with an opening (4) for receiving equipment, the reinforcing frame (5) comprising: -) a set of two longitudinal members (6), -) fastening elements (8) for attaching the reinforcing frame (5) to the cabinet (1) via at least the longitudinal ends of the longitudinal members (6), which are respectively supported by the fastening elements (8), the fastening elements (8) being secured to the cabinet (1) by screws, characterized: in that the longitudinal members (6) are each arranged as a telescopic member, in that the end pieces of the longitudinal members (6) are each equipped with a support element (12) for the reinforcing frame (5), which cooperates by vertical interlocking with an interlocking member (13a) comprising a fastening element (8) which is affected,in that a support plane for said work surface (3) on the reinforcing frame (5) is provided by calibrating said vertical interlocking of the stringers (6) on the fastening members (8), in that the frame further comprises a set of cross members, at least two in number, the stringers (6) being braced by the set of cross members (7), and assembly members perpendicular to each other of the cross members (7) to the stringers (6), and in that the support plane for said work surface (3) on the reinforcing frame (5) is further provided by calibrating said vertical interlocking of the cross members (7) on the stringers (6), by arranging coplanar an upper face (6a) of the stringers (6) and an upper face (7a) of the cross members (7) interlocked on the stringers (6).

2. Reinforcing frame (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross members are arranged in a telescopic element.

3. Reinforcing frame (5) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the end ends of the crossbeams (7) are each equipped with a support member (12) of the crossbeams (7) by the stringers (6), which cooperates by vertical interlocking with an interlocking member (13b) which comprises the stringers (6).

4. Reinforcing frame (5) according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the stringers (6) comprise two sections, one sections being an end section of the spar, said end section being integral with the fastening element (8) which comprises the frame (5).

5. Reinforcing frame (5) according to any one of claims 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the interlocking on the one hand between the end ends of the stringers (6) on the fastening members (8) and on the other hand the end ends of the cross members (7) on the stringers (6) is of the hook type.

6. Reinforcing frame (5) according to claim 5, characterized in that the support member (12) equipping each of the end pieces of each of the stringers (6) is formed into at least one hook (14) which cooperates with a fitting member (13a) which comprises a bracket (15) equipping a plate (16) constituting the fixing member (8).

7. Reinforcing frame (5) according to claim 6, characterized: in that the hooks (15) are formed by cutting and folding the plate and incorporate the interlocking member (13a) assigned to said at least one hook (14) which is integrated into each of the end pieces of each of the longitudinal members (6), and in that the plates (16) provide a guiding member (17) of said at least one hook (14) towards the interlocking member (13a) with which it cooperates.

8. Reinforcing frame (5) according to claim 7, characterized: in that the hooks (14) are two in number at each end of the stringers (6), being transversely spaced apart, in that the hooks (14) each have a slot (14b) for fitting respectively onto seats (18) provided by the plate (16) to which they are assigned, the bottom (14a) of the hooks (14) bearing against the seats (18), in that said seats (18) are arranged below the upper edge (16b) of the plate (16) by originating from at least one first vertical wall (16a) of the plate (16) which extends at a longitudinal distance from a second vertical wall (19) of the plate (16) dedicated to mounting the fastening member (8) on the furniture (1), and in that slices of the first vertical wall (16a) of the plate (16) jointly provide said guide element (17) of the hooks (14) towards the seats (18).

9. Reinforcing frame (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the support members (12) equipping each of the end pieces of each of the cross members (7) are formed of a pair of hooks (14) longitudinally spaced apart from each other, which cooperate by interlocking between slots (13c) provided by a longitudinal crenellated ramp which comprises each of the stringers (6).

10. Reinforcing frame (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized: in that the stringers (6) each have a middle section (9) inside which end sections (10) are mounted sliding at each end of the middle section (9), being kept oriented along a unidirectional direction of extensions respectively of the stringers (6).

11. Reinforcing frame (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the crossbeams (7) comprise a middle section (9) within which end sections (10) are mounted sliding at each end of the middle section (9), being kept oriented along a unidirectional direction of extensions of the crossbeams (7).

12. Reinforcing frame (5) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the end of each of the end sections (10) emerging out of the middle section (9) of the stringers (6) and the cross members (7) are each equipped with said support member (12), and in that the end sections (10) of the stringers (6) and the cross members (7) are individually immobilizable in any position of emergence out of the middle section (9) which houses them, via locking members with which the middle sections (9) of the stringers (6) are each equipped.

13. Furniture (1) comprising a worktop (3) having an opening (4) for receiving equipment, the furniture (1) being equipped with a reinforcing frame (5) extending under the worktop (3) and being fixed to side walls (2a) of the furniture (1) via said end pieces of the stringers (6), characterized in that said reinforcing frame (5) conforms to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Furniture (1) according to claim 13, equipped with a reinforcing frame according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the upper faces of the stringers (6) and cross members (7) are positioned along a horizontal support plane (PI) of the work surface (3) which is defined by the upper edges of the side walls (2a) of the furniture (1) to which the ends of the stringers (6) are respectively fixed via said fixing members (8) equipping the reinforcing frame (5), the reinforcing frame (5) and said upper edges of the side walls (2a) of the furniture (1) being coplanar.

15. Furniture (1) according to claim 14 equipped with a reinforcing frame (5) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the upper edge (16b) of the plates (16) which respectively comprise each of the fixing members (8) of the ends of the stringers (6) to the side walls (2a) of the furniture (1), constitutes a vertical positioning reference of the reinforcing frame (5) with respect to said horizontal support plane (PI), the upper edge (16b) of the plates (16) bordering the upper edge (21) of the side walls (2a) of the furniture (1) to which are respectively fixed the ends of the stringers (6) via the fixing members (8) assigned to them.

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