table

Abstract

To achieve a configuration of legs capable of supporting a center part and a peripheral part with a sufficient strength even when a top plate is large in a table that has a plurality of use ends set in the periphery of the top plate and can be used by multiple people.SOLUTION: In a table T in which a top plate 1 that can be used from the periphery is supported by a plurality of loop legs 2, the top plate 1 includes: a plurality of use ends 1a provided in a peripheral edge with intervals in a peripheral direction; and a plurality of connection ends 1b for continuing end portions of the use ends 1a. The loop leg 2 includes an inner leg pole 7 supporting the vicinity of a center part of the top plate 1 and an outer leg pole 8 supporting the vicinity of a connection end 1b of the top plate 1. A space is formed between the inner leg pole 7 and the outer leg pole 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a table suitably used in an office or the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various tables have been used in which a plurality of use ends are set at the periphery of the top plate and a plurality of people can use them simultaneously (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] In such a table, in a mode where only the vicinity of the peripheral portion of the top plate is supported by legs as described in Non-Patent Document 1, when the top plate becomes larger than a certain size, the strength against the load applied to the central portion of the top plate may not be sufficiently ensured. In order to solve this problem, it is conceivable to support the entire top plate using a plate-shaped leg or the like.

[0004] However, when adopting a mode of supporting the entire top plate using a plate-shaped leg or the like, another problem occurs in that the lower limb space below the top plate is narrowed, which hinders communication between users sitting at adjacent use ends respectively.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] This invention was made in view of the above, and aims to realize a leg configuration that can support the entire tabletop with sufficient strength, even if the tabletop is large, while minimizing interference with communication between users seated at adjacent ends, in a table where multiple usable ends are set around the periphery of the tabletop and can be used by multiple people at the same time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The table according to claim 1 is a table in which a tabletop usable from all sides is supported by a plurality of loop legs, wherein the tabletop is It consists of multiple tabletop elements, each with a usable end set on its outer edge, arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction, At the periphery, spaced apart in the circumferential direction The aforementioned It has multiple usable ends and multiple connecting ends that connect the ends of these usable ends, and the loop leg comprises an inner leg column that supports the vicinity of the central part of the tabletop and an outer leg column that supports the vicinity of the connecting ends of the tabletop, with a space formed between the inner leg column and the outer leg column. Furthermore, the loop legs are positioned directly below the boundaries between the tabletop elements. .

[0008] In this invention, the phrase "the tabletop comprises a plurality of usable ends provided on its periphery at intervals in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of connecting ends that connect the ends of these usable ends" is a concept that includes a configuration in which a plurality of usable ends are set on the periphery of a circular tabletop, and the portions between the usable ends are set as connecting ends.

[0009] The table according to claim 2 is the same as the one according to claim 1, wherein the tabletop has three usable ends, and these usable ends are connected to each other by connecting ends.

[0010] The table according to claim 3 is the same as that described in claim 2, wherein the tabletop has a shape comprising three usable ends that are substantially straight in plan view and arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction, and three connecting ends that form a convex curve connecting the ends of these usable ends.

[0011] The table according to claim 4 is the same as that described in claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the inner leg columns of the loop legs are bundled together by a common bracket and fixed near the center of the tabletop, and each outer leg column is fixed via an individual bracket near the connecting end of the tabletop.

[0012] The table according to claim 5 is the same as the one according to claim 4, wherein the outer leg columns of each loop leg are fixed to the underside of the tabletop, in a state in which they are inset inward by a certain distance from the connecting end of the tabletop.

[0013] The table according to claim 6 is the same as that described in claim 1, wherein the loop leg comprises a leg base disposed on the floor surface, an inner leg column erected at the inner end of the leg base, and an outer leg column erected at the outer end of the leg base.

[0014] The table according to claim 7 is the same as that described in claim 6, wherein the leg base, the inner leg column, and the outer leg column are integrally constructed using a common pipe material. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, in a table where multiple usable ends are set around the periphery of the tabletop and can be used by multiple people simultaneously, even if the tabletop is large, it is possible to realize a leg configuration that can support the entire tabletop with sufficient strength while minimizing interference with communication between users seated at adjacent usable ends. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] An oblique view from above showing a table relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A front view showing a table according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3] A plan view showing a table according to the same embodiment. [Figure 4] A bottom view showing a table according to the same embodiment. [Figure 5]Perspective view from below showing the table according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Perspective view showing the state where a monitor arm is attached to the table according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Plan view showing the state where a monitor arm is attached to the table according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Bottom view showing the state where a monitor arm is attached to the table according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Enlarged view of the main part in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] Enlarged view of the main part in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] View showing the monitor arm according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] Plan view showing the state where the posture of the monitor arm according to the embodiment is changed. [Figure 14] Plan view showing the table according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] The table T according to the present embodiment is formed by supporting a top plate 1 that can be used from all around by a plurality of loop legs 2. That is, the table T of the present embodiment includes a top plate 1 and a plurality, specifically three, loop legs 2 that support the top plate 1 from below, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 to 6, 8, and 10.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 8, the tabletop 1 has a plurality of usable ends 1a provided at intervals in the circumferential direction around its periphery, three usable ends 1a arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction and forming a substantially straight line in plan view, and a plurality of connecting ends 1b connecting the ends of these usable ends 1a, three connecting ends 1b forming a convex curve in this embodiment. More specifically, the tabletop 1 is made up of three tabletop elements 11, each with a usable end 1a set in the center in the width direction, arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction, specifically at 120-degree intervals. In addition, a reinforcing member 12 extending along the usable end 1a is provided on the underside of the tabletop 1 near each usable end 1a.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 11, an opening 1c is provided in the center of the top plate 1, and a clamp mounting area R is provided around the opening 1c. The clamp mounting area R is positioned offset to the left and right with respect to a virtual line L connecting the center of the usable end 1a and the center of the opening 1c in a plan view. More specifically, each top plate element 11 has a roughly V-shaped notch 11a on the side opposite the usable end in a plan view, and a roughly triangular opening 1c is formed by connecting the notches 11a of the three top plate elements 11. Then, a clamp mounting area R corresponding to each usable end 1a is set around the opening 1c. To elaborate further, each opening 1c has a straight section 1c1 that forms a 60-degree angle with each corresponding usable end 1a of the top plate 1, and the clamp mounting area R is positioned outside the straight section 1c1. This clamp mounting area R is shifted to the left of the center of the opening 1c as viewed from a user seated at the usable end 1a, and is located to the left and further back than the position closest to the usable end 1a and facing the user in the opening 1c. An electrical outlet 13 is positioned close to the opening 1c between the opening 1c and the usable end 1a of the tabletop 1. The system is configured so that an optional monitor arm 4 can be attached to this clamp mounting area R via a clamp 3.

[0021] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the clamp 3 comprises an upper member 31 attached to the upper surface of the top plate 1, a lower member 32 facing the lower surface of the top plate 1, a connecting member 33 connecting the lower member 32 and the upper member 31 at a position where the top plate 1 is not present, an adjustment screw 34 screwed into the lower member 32 so as to be able to move up and down, and a pressing plate 35 that is detachably attached to the upper end of the adjustment screw 34 and pressed against the lower surface of the top plate 1. The upper member 31, lower member 32 and connecting member 33 of the clamp 3 are integrally molded products made from a common sheet metal material, and two adjustment screws 34 are detachably screwed into the lower member 32. A connecting shaft 341 is formed at the upper end of each adjustment screw 34, and these connecting shafts 341 can be rotatably and detachably engaged with a connecting hole 35a provided in the pressing plate 35. In other words, this clamp 3 is designed so that after engaging only the upper member 31, lower member 32, and connecting member 33 with the opening edge of the opening 1c of the top plate 1, the aforementioned adjustment screw 34 and retaining plate 35 are attached and the adjustment screw 34 is tightened, thereby pressing the retaining plate 35 against the underside of the top plate 1. The upper member 31 of the clamp 3 in this embodiment is substantially circular in shape, and the monitor arm 4 is rotatably erected from its center.

[0022] The monitor arm 4 can be operated between a personal use position (P) in which the monitor 5 faces a single user end 1a and a shared use position (Q) in which the monitor can be shared by users of adjacent user ends 1a. That is, as shown in Figure 12, the monitor arm 4 comprises a support column 41 that rises from the center of the upper member 31 of the clamp 3, and a monitor support portion 42 provided near the middle of the support column 41. The support column 41 has a crank-shaped lower support column 411 whose lower end is supported by the upper member 31 of the clamp 3, and an upper support column 412 that is fitted onto the lower support column 411, is slidable vertically relative to the lower support column 411, and is rotatable around the axis of the lower support column 411, and has a monitor support portion 42 provided in its middle. On the other hand, the monitor support portion 42 has a plate-shaped monitor support bracket 421 that can be screwed to the back surface of the monitor 5, and a connecting portion 422 that connects the monitor support bracket 421 and the upper support column 412. This connection section 422 supports the monitor 5 in a manner that allows the angle at which the monitor 5 makes contact with the top surface (the upper surface of the top surface 1) to be changed. By rotating the support column 41 together with the monitor 5, the monitor 5 can be operated between a personal use position (P) and a shared use position (Q). In Figures 6, 7, and 9, only one monitor 5 is attached via the monitor arm 4, and that monitor 5 is in the personal use position (P). In Figure 13, three monitors 5 are attached via the monitor arm 4, with one of the three monitors 5 in the shared use position (Q) and the remaining two in the personal use position (P). As described above, the monitor arm 4 can be attached to the top surface 1 via the clamp 3, and the top surface 1 is supported from below by three loop legs 2.

[0023] Each loop leg 2 comprises a leg base 6 positioned on the floor, an inner leg column 7 erected at the inner end of the leg base 6 to support the vicinity of the center of the tabletop 1, and an outer leg column 8 erected at the outer end of the leg base 6 to support the vicinity of the connection end 1b of the tabletop 1, with a space S formed between the inner leg column 7 and the outer leg column 8. Furthermore, each loop leg 2 is positioned directly below the boundary between the tabletop elements 11. That is, the three loop legs 2 are positioned at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction, specifically at 120-degree intervals. More specifically, each loop leg 2 has its inner leg column 7 bundled together by a common bracket, i.e., a central bracket 9, and fixed to the vicinity of the center of the tabletop 1, while each outer leg column 8 is fixed to the vicinity of the connection end 1b of the tabletop 1 via individual brackets 81, more specifically, inset a certain distance inward from the connection end 1b of the tabletop 1 to the underside of the tabletop 1.

[0024] The central bracket 9 is attached to the lower surface of the central part of the top plate 1 and integrally comprises an outer member 91 having an opening 91a in the center and an inner member 92 attached below the outer member 91 that closes a part of the opening 91a of the outer member 91. That is, the outer member 91 and the inner member 92 are connected and integrated, for example, by welding. The outer member 91 is provided with an opening 91a that corresponds to the shape of the opening 1c formed in the center of the top plate 1, and notches 91b are provided at three locations on the opening edge of the opening 91a, into which the retaining plate 35 of the clamp 3 can be placed. On the other hand, the inner member 92 is a plate that is roughly triangular in shape and has notches 92a in the middle of each side. A slit-shaped gap SS is formed between the notches 92a and the opening edge of the opening 1c of the top plate 1, through which the clamp 3 can be inserted. The upper ends of the inner leg columns 7 of the three loop legs 2 are bundled together and fixed to the inner member 92 by means of welding or other means, and the central part of the tabletop 1 is supported from below by these inner leg columns 7 of the loop legs 2. In this embodiment, the leg base 6 is formed by joining an inner first leg base element 61 and an outer second leg base element 62. The first leg base element 61 and the inner leg column 7 are integrally constructed using a common pipe material. Similarly, the second leg base element 62 and the outer leg column 8 are integrally constructed using a common pipe material. Adjusters 63 are provided at both ends of the leg base 6 in the longitudinal direction. No members are placed between the leg base 6 and the tabletop 1, in other words, between the inner leg column 7 and the outer leg column 8, allowing the user's legs, etc., to move freely within the space S formed between them.

[0025] Note that D is a wiring duct for holding the wiring, and K is a hook for hanging bags, etc.

[0026] Here, Figure 1 is a top perspective view showing the table T according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a front view thereof. Figure 3 is a top view thereof. Figure 4 is a bottom view thereof. Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view thereof. Figure 6 is a top perspective view showing the state in which the monitor arm 4 is attached to the table T according to this embodiment via a clamp 3 and the monitor 5 is supported by the monitor arm 4. Figure 7 is a top view thereof. Figure 8 is a bottom view thereof. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the main part in Figure 7. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the main part in Figure 8. In Figures 6, 7 and 9, the monitor is in the individual use position (P). Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 9. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the clamp 3 and monitor arm 4, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view, and (c) is a front view. Figure 13 is a plan view showing three monitor arms 4 attached with monitors 5 each supporting a monitor 5, with one of the monitors 5 in a shared use position (Q) that can be shared by users at adjacent use ends 1a.

[0027] As described above, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the loop leg 2 is equipped with an inner leg column 7 that supports the vicinity of the center of the tabletop 1 and an outer leg column 8 that supports the vicinity of the connecting end of the tabletop 1. Therefore, in a table where multiple usable ends are set on the periphery of the tabletop and multiple people can use it at the same time, even if the tabletop is large, a configuration can be realized that can support the entire tabletop with sufficient strength. Furthermore, since no members are placed between the inner leg column 7 and the outer leg column 8, forming a space S, when two users are seated at two adjacent usable ends 1a, the users' legs and other body parts can move freely within this space S. In other words, the postures of both users seated on either side of the loop leg 2 can be freely changed, making it easier for users to communicate with each other.

[0028] Furthermore, since the tabletop 1 has a shape that includes three usable ends 1a that are substantially straight in plan view, and three connecting ends 1b that form a convex curve connecting the ends of these usable ends 1a, it is possible for three people to easily access the connecting ends 1b while seated, thereby promoting communication among users.

[0029] Furthermore, since the inner leg columns 7 of the loop legs 2 are bundled together by a central bracket 9 and fixed near the center of the tabletop 1, and the outer leg columns 8 of each loop leg 2 are fixed near the connection end 1b of the tabletop 1 via individual brackets 81, the central part of the tabletop 1 can be reliably supported by the inner leg columns 7 while ensuring ample legroom below the tabletop 1.

[0030] In addition, since the outer leg columns 8 of each loop leg 2 are fixed to the underside of the tabletop 1 at a certain distance inward from the connecting end 1b of the tabletop 1, the outer leg columns 8 are less likely to get in the way when other users access the vicinity of the connecting end 1b, and the load applied to the corner portion between the usable ends 1a of the tabletop can be appropriately supported by these outer leg columns 8.

[0031] Furthermore, since the loop leg 2 comprises a leg base 6 positioned on the floor surface, an inner leg column 7 erected at the inner end of the leg base 6, and an outer leg column 8 erected at the outer end of the leg base 6, and in conjunction with the fact that the upper ends of the inner leg column 7 and the outer leg column 8 are fixed to the tabletop 1, the loop leg 2 and the tabletop 1 can form a complete loop structure, making it possible to construct a loop leg 2 that is resistant to deformation.

[0032] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0033] For example, the plan view shape of the tabletop is not limited to a triangle, but may be a circle, a square, or the like. The number of usable ends is not limited to three, and the connecting ends that connect the ends of the usable ends do not have to be convex curves. Furthermore, the shape of the usable ends is not limited to straight lines, but may be convex curves that protrude toward the user, or conversely, concave curves with a recessed central part facing the user. As an example, consider a table TT as shown in Figure 14. The tabletop 1 of this table TT is rectangular (square) in plan view, with the center of each side being a usable end 1a, and the vicinity of each vertex being a connecting end, and an opening 1c is provided in the center that forms a square shape with each side inclined at 45 degrees relative to each usable end 1a. A clamp mounting area RR is provided around this opening 1c, and optional members such as monitor arms can be attached to the clamp mounting area RR via clamps (not shown). Furthermore, the clamp mounting area RR is positioned to be offset to the left (for example, to the left) with respect to a virtual line LL connecting the center of the usable end 1a and the center of the opening 1c in a plan view. A power outlet 13 is positioned close to the opening 1c between the opening 1c and the usable end 1a of the tabletop 1. Although not shown in the illustration, the tabletop 1 is supported by loop legs comprising an inner leg column supporting the vicinity of the central part of the tabletop 1 and an outer leg column supporting the vicinity of the connecting end (apex) of the tabletop 1, forming a space between these inner and outer leg columns. Even with this configuration, the most important effect of the present invention can be obtained, that is, even if the tabletop 1 is large, a configuration can be realized that can support the entire tabletop with sufficient strength. Furthermore, since no members are placed between these inner and outer leg columns, forming a space S, when users are seated at two adjacent usable ends 1a, their legs can move freely within this space S. In other words, the postures of both users seated with the loop legs between them can be freely changed, making it easier for users to communicate with each other.

[0034] Alternatively, the leg base of the loop leg, the inner leg column, and the outer leg column may be integrally constructed using a common pipe material. Such a design can reduce the number of parts and assembly time.

[0035] Furthermore, the manner in which the loop legs are attached to the tabletop is not limited to the embodiment described above, namely, the configuration in which the inner leg columns are bundled together by a common bracket and attached near the center of the tabletop, and each outer leg column is attached to the vicinity of the connecting end of the tabletop via an individual bracket. For example, a configuration in which the inner leg columns are also attached to the vicinity of the center of the tabletop via individual brackets may also be adopted.

[0036] In addition, the arrangement of the outer leg posts of each loop leg and the manner in which they are attached to the tabletop may be set arbitrarily, as long as they can support the vicinity of the connecting end of the tabletop.

[0037] Furthermore, the loop legs are not limited to a configuration comprising a leg base placed on the floor surface, an inner leg column erected at the inner end of the leg base, and an outer leg column erected at the outer end of the leg base. For example, a configuration comprising a horizontal member extending radially from the center of the tabletop toward the vicinity of the connection end and fixed to the underside of the tabletop, an inner leg column suspended from the inner end of the horizontal member, and an outer leg column suspended from the outer end of the horizontal member may also be adopted.

[0038] Furthermore, various modifications are permitted as long as they do not impair the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] T... Table 1… Tabletop 1a…Used end 1b...Connection terminal 2... Loop legs 6... Leg base 7…Inner pillar 8…Outer leg posts 81... Individual brackets 9…Common bracket (center bracket) S…Space

Claims

1. A table in which the tabletop, usable from all sides, is supported by multiple loop legs, The aforementioned tabletop is made up of multiple tabletop elements, each with a usable end set on its outer edge, arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction, and its periphery is provided with multiple usable ends spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and multiple connecting ends that connect the ends of these usable ends together. The aforementioned loop leg comprises an inner leg column that supports the vicinity of the center of the tabletop and an outer leg column that supports the vicinity of the connecting end of the tabletop, with a space formed between the inner leg column and the outer leg column. The aforementioned loop legs are positioned directly below the boundaries between the tabletop elements.

2. The table according to claim 1, wherein the tabletop has three usable ends, and these usable ends are connected to each other by connecting ends.

3. The table according to claim 2, wherein the tabletop has a shape comprising three usable ends that are substantially straight in plan view and arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction, and three connecting ends that form a convex curve connecting the ends of these usable ends.

4. The table according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the loop legs are fixed near the center of the tabletop with the inner leg columns bundled together by a common bracket, and each outer leg column is fixed near the connecting end of the tabletop via an individual bracket.

5. The table according to claim 4, wherein each of the outer leg columns of the loop legs is fixed to the underside of the tabletop at a certain distance inward from the connecting end of the tabletop.

6. The table according to claim 1, wherein the loop leg comprises a leg base positioned on the floor surface, an inner leg column erected at the inner end of the leg base, and an outer leg column erected at the outer end of the leg base.

7. The table according to claim 6, wherein the leg base, the inner leg column, and the outer leg column are integrally constructed using a common pipe material.

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