Abstract
The present invention relates to a height-adjustable table comprising a table top comprising a first table face and a second table face, and at least a first leg assembly having a first leg end and a second leg end, the first leg assembly comprising a first leg member and a second leg member relatively movable in relation to each other along a longitudinal axis. The second table face comprises at least a first recess arranged to receive a first guide rail where the first leg end of the leg assembly is connected with the guide rail.
Claims
1. A height-adjustable table comprising: a table top comprising a first table face and a second table face, and at least a first leg assembly having a first leg end and a second leg end, the first leg assembly comprising a first leg member and a second leg member relatively movable in relation to each other along a longitudinal axis, wherein the second table face comprises at least a first recess arranged to receive a first guide rail where the first leg end of the leg assembly is connected with the guide rail.
2. A height-adjustable table according to claim 1, further comprising a second guide rail.
3. A height-adjustable table according to claim 2, further comprising a first transverse member.
4. A height-adjustable table according to claim 1, wherein the leg assembly comprises a motorised height-adjustment means.
5. A height-adjustable table according to claim 1, wherein the leg assembly comprises a spring-loaded height-adjustment means.
6. A height-adjustable table according to claim 1, wherein the first guide rail and/or the second guide rail is/are substantially even with the second face of the table top.
7. A height-adjustable table according to claim 1, wherein the first guide rail and/or the second guide rail comprise(s) threaded apertures for fastening the leg assembly/assemblies to the guide rails.
8. A height-adjustable table according to claim 7, wherein the threaded apertures for fastening the legs to the guide rails are arranged in nuts slidably arranged in the guide rails.
9. A height-adjustable table according to claim 1, further comprising a first transverse member extending from a first guide rail to a second guide rail, the transverse member being arranged to support the at least one leg assembly.
10. A height-adjustable table according to claim 9, wherein the transverse member is arranged substantially perpendicularly to the guide rail.
11. A height-adjustable table according to claim 9, wherein the height-adjustable table comprises a further transverse member.
12. A height-adjustable table according to claim 11, wherein the at least one leg assembly is arranged between two transverse members.
13. A height-adjustable table according to claim 1, wherein the threaded apertures for fastening the legs to the guide rails are arranged in nuts slidably arranged in the guide rails.
14. A height-adjustable table according to claim 1, wherein the guide rails comprise slidably arranged bolts arranged to connect the at least one leg assembly with the guide rails.
15. A height-adjustable table according to claim 1, wherein the at least one leg assembly comprises a fastening plate connecting the table top with the first leg end.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0058] The invention and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which for the purpose of illustration show some non-limiting embodiments and in which
[0059] FIG. 1 shows a height-adjustable table according to the invention,
[0060] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the height-adjustable table of FIG. 1,
[0061] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a table top comprising integrated guide rails,
[0062] FIGS. 4A-4F show cross-sectional views of different embodiments of the integrated guide rails of FIG. 3,
[0063] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the table top comprising more integrated guide rails.
[0064] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the guide rail,
[0065] FIGS. 7A-7F show embodiments of the guide rails mounted in a table top,
[0066] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a height-adjustable table having one leg assembly,
[0067] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a height-adjustable table having one leg assembly,
[0068] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a height-adjustable table having one leg assembly,
[0069] FIG. 11 shows a height-adjustable table having two leg assemblies and one transverse member,
[0070] FIG. 12 shows a height-adjustable table having two leg assemblies and one transverse member,
[0071] FIG. 13 shows a height-adjustable table having various equipment attached in the guide rails,
[0072] FIG. 14 shows deflection of a table top of a height-adjustable table having one leg assembly,
[0073] FIGS. 15A and 15B show a further embodiment of the guide rails,
[0074] FIGS. 16A and 16B show the broadened recess section of the recess, and
[0075] FIG. 17 shows the torque fitting in a mounted manner.
[0076] All the figures are highly schematic and not necessarily to scale, and they show only those parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, other parts being omitted or merely suggested.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0077] FIG. 1 shows a height-adjustable table 1 comprising a table top 2 and two leg assemblies 3. The table top 2 comprises an integrated guide rail 4. Furthermore, the leg assemblies 3 each comprises a foot or a base plate 5. Each leg assembly comprises a first leg member 3A and a second leg member 3B. The feet or the base plates 5 may be connected to each other, thereby forming a single base plate joining both leg assemblies 3. A first and a second transverse member 6, 7 are shown with dotted lines. The table top 2 comprises a first face 8 and a second face 9. The first leg end 3C is connected with the table top 2 via the transverse members 6, 7, and the second leg end 3D is connected with the feet 5 or the base plate.
[0078] FIG. 2 shows the table of FIG. 1 seen from below, and similarly, FIG. 3 shows the table of FIG. 2 in an exploded view. It is seen that the guide rails 4 are arranged in recesses 10 in the second face 9 of the table top 2. In order to adjust the height of the leg assemblies, a linear actuator is arranged in each of the leg assemblies 3. In this embodiment, the leg assemblies 3 comprise an electrical motor arranged in a motor housing 11. The motor housing 11 is arranged between the first transverse member 6 and the second transverse member 7. Both the first transverse member 6 and the second transverse member 7 have an L-shaped cross-section. They may also have a T-shaped cross-section. In both ways, it is achieved that the transverse member(s) is/are rigid and still of low weight. It will be understood that other cross-sections may be applied too, such as rectangular, square or triangular cross-sections or variations thereof. The transverse members 6, 7 comprise a number of apertures 26, 27 for connecting with e.g. the motor housing 11. The apertures may be substantially circular apertures 26 or elongated apertures 27. The motor housing 11 may also be arranged inside the leg assembly, and in such an embodiment, one member of the leg assembly would be connected with the transverse members.
[0079] FIG. 4 shows a heavy load 12 attached on the transverse rail 15. The transverse rail 15 is a specific rail. When the heavy load 12 is subjected to the perimeter 16 of the table top 2, a bending moment BM is subjected on the leg assemblies 3. Particularly because the first leg member 3A and the second leg member 3B of a leg assembly 3 need to be slidably mounted in relation to each other, the function of the leg assembly 3 is effected by such a bending moment BM caused by the load 12 subjected to the table.
[0080] The section where the two leg members at least touch each other, and hence the point affected the most, e.g. in a fully elevated position of the table, is indicated with a dotted circle 16. In order to minimise the effect of the bending moment BM, the leg assemblies 3 may be moved along an arrow d1. When moving the leg assemblies 3 further towards the transverse rail 15, the distance parallel to d1, i.e. the arm used to calculate the torque, is shortened, and hence, the bending moment BM is reduced. In a similar manner, if the table 1 was likely to be subjected to even more heavy loads at the perimeter opposite the monitors 13, the leg assemblies 3 would have to be moved further away from the monitors.
[0081] FIGS. 5A-5D show different embodiments of the table top comprising recesses 10 for receiving the guide rails 4 and/or the transverse rails 15. It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the recesses 10, and thereby the rails 4, 15, may be arranged in various other positions in the second face 9 of the table top 2. In order to relate the embodiment of FIG. 4 to FIGS. 5A-5D, it is indicated as an example in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5C how the direction d1 should be seen. The direction d1 is the same for all embodiments in FIGS. 5A-5D.
[0082] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the rail 4. The rail 4 comprises a number of corrugations 20 extending from the side wall 21 of the rail. The corrugations 20 serve to keep the rail affixed in the recess 10 (not shown) in the table top, and hence in the correct position in the table top. In embodiments where the table top is made from medium density fibreboard (MDF), the corrugations 20 may be enough to affix the guide rails to the table top. Affixing the guide rail to the table top may also be carried out by speed prongs, nails, screws or glue, either in addition to the corrugations or alone. The rail comprises an aperture 22 for providing access for fastening means, e.g. for fastening a transverse member or leg assembly to the rail 4. The rail may be further affixed in the recesses by glue or screws or similar fastening means. The aperture 22 provides access to a guide area 23. The general outline of the guide rail 4 is a C-profile. The inner guide surface 24 is arranged to receive e.g. a nut or the head of a bolt in order to fully connect the rail with a leg, monitor arm or similar (not shown). The guide rail 4 comprises a first outer surface 25 and a second outer surface 26. The guide rail may be manufactured from aluminium, stainless steel or another ridged material. FIGS. 7A-7F show different embodiments of a guide rail 4 arranged in recesses 10 seen in a cross-sectional view including a part of the table top 2. All the embodiments of guide rails 4 are preferably made from a material that makes the table top 2 stronger than if the table top 2 was made of a uniform material. Hence, the mixing of the properties of e.g. a Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) table top 2 and an aluminium guide rail 4 enhances the properties of the table top 2. The table top 2 including the guide rails 4 becomes more resistant to forces applied resulting in a torque. FIG. 7A shows a C-profile embedded in the second face 9 of the table top 2. It is seen in FIGS. 7A-7F as well as in the other figures that the first face 8 of the table top is not affected by embedding the guide rails 4 in a recess 10 in the second face of the table top. FIG. 7B shows a guide rail profile similar to that of FIG. 7A, furthermore comprising an additional projecting part for providing correct arranging of e.g. a bolt 30 having an external thread. The head of the bolt, hence the entire bolt, is slidably arranged in the guide rail 4. FIG. 7C shows a nut 31 comprising an internal thread 32 slidably arranged in the guide rail 4. The nut 31 may have opposing surfaces for preventing the nut from being rotated when a bolt is screwed into the internal thread 32. FIG. 7D shows that the guide rail 4 is in fact solid, i.e. a solid guide rail 33 comprising a number of apertures having internal threads 32. FIG. 7E shows a guide rail having a section 34 arranged centrally between a first section 35 and a second section 36, all three sections forming an I-profile. In order to connect the guide rail of FIG. 7E with another part, a clamp or a hook (not shown) may be used for connecting with the second section. FIG. 7F shows an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 7E, having wheels 37 arranged for rolling on the second section 36 on each side of the centrally arranged section 34. All embodiments of the guide rails 4 may be connected to the table top 2 by press fits or by having a spike on the outer surfaces of the guide rail 4 or e.g. by having speed prongs for being forced into the sides of the recess of the table top. Furthermore, all the guide rails 4 may be connected with the table top 2 by glue 29 thereby gluing the table top and the guide rail together. The guide rails shown in the FIG. 5A-5F are substantially even with the second surface 9 of the table top. The guide rail 4 may project in order to assure a firm connection with e.g. the transverse member (not shown).
[0083] FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show a height-adjustable table having just one leg assembly 3. This embodiment features five guide rails 4 where the one guide rail is a transverse rail 15. All the guide rails 4 are mounted in recesses 10 in the second face 9 of the table top 2 and are shown with dotted lines. It is shown in FIG. 9 that the free end, i.e. the first leg end 3C of the first leg member 3A, i.e. the one end of the leg assembly 3, comprises a mounting plate 40 for stabilising the connection between the table top 2 and the leg assembly 3. In the opposite end of the leg assembly 3, i.e. the second leg end 3D of the second leg member 3B, and hence opposite the stabilising plate 40 of the first leg member 3A, a foot or base plate 5 is mounted. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the height-adjustable table 1 comprises two transverse guide rails 15. In FIG. 8, the height-adjustable table comprises two centrally arranged guide rails 4 apart from the guide rails 4 arranged at the periphery of the table top 2.
[0084] FIGS. 11 and 12 show two leg assemblies 3 connected by a transverse member 6, i.e. a single cross bar. This traditional construction may cause the table top to flex or twist, thereby making the entire table unstable. The supports 50 keep the table top stiff at the ends but restricts the movement of the user. However, when introducing the guide rails, i.e. reinforcing rails, to the table top, the situation depicted in FIG. 11 is less likely to occur. Furthermore, having two transverse members, i.e. two cross bars, also assists in strengthening the height-adjustable table as a whole. Hence, the guide rails integrated in the table top stiffen both the table top itself and the table as a whole, but do not entail the drawback of restricting the movement of the user's legs underneath the table top.
[0085] FIG. 13 shows that the guide rails 4 may also be used for attaching different types of equipment to the table top in an easy and secure manner. Such equipment could be privacy screen holders 70 or monitor arms/bag hooks 75. Furthermore, the cable tray could be attached to the guide rails 4. The cable tray may extend in the full length of the table. In order to provide for both inbound and outbound positions of the leg assemblies 3, the cable tray 80 may be provided with cut-outs 60. The cut-outs 60 may have blinds to be taken off immediately before positioning the leg assemblies. The equipment as well as the leg assemblies could be connected with the guide rails by a spring-loaded ball connection. In this way, it is possible to release the pressure on the balls and adjust the position of e.g. the leg assemblies in relation to the guide rails in a manner not requiring tools.
[0086] FIG. 14 shows the kind of deflections in the table top 2 that is sought avoided by integrating guide rails in the table top. If a heavy load 90 is placed at the corner of the table top 2, the corner of the table top will deflect. Such a heavy load may be a person sitting at the corner or the height-adjustable table being in its stand position with a person leaning heavily on it with his or her elbows or arms. The deflecting corners 85 will deflect less with guide rails to strengthen the table top. The table top 2 is able to withstand a heavier torque applied.
[0087] Furthermore, a problem with height-adjustable tables is that the leg assembly needs to function regardless of the load distribution on the table top. Considering a leg assembly connected with the table at a centrally arranged point, a load on a part of the outer perimeter of the table top subjects a bending moment on the leg assembly. In order to ensure that the table continues to be height-adjustable, it is beneficial that the leg assembly may be moved to a point that supports the table top in a manner that results in a smaller bending moment on the leg assembly.
[0088] FIGS. 15A and 15B show in a cross sectional view an embodiment of the guide rail 4. FIG. 15A shows a guide rail 4 having a projection 150 extending from the side of the rail. The guide rail further comprises a side 159 that in this embodiment comprises indentations. The indentations in the surface 159 create a firm connection surface to the table top 2 in particular when using glue. It is shown that the recess 10 is deeper than the first recess extension 151 and it is also deeper than the second recess extension 152. The depth is measured from the second side 9 of the table top 2 towards the first side 8 of the table top 2. The depth of the first recess extension 151 in relation to the second recess extension 152 is substantially equal to the thickness of the projection 150. In other words the first recess extension 151 is deeper than the second recess extension 152 and the difference is substantially equal to the thickness of the projection 150 of the guide rail 4. In this way, it is possible for the one side of the head of the fastening means 158 when inserted in the blind hole 153 (see FIG. 15B) to be substantially even with the surface defined by the projection 150 of the guide rail 4 and the second recess extension 152. It will be understood that various fastening means may be used to hold the projection 150 of the guide rail 4 i.e. hold the guide rail 4 in the recess 10. In FIG. 15B it is shown that the second side 9 of the table top 2 does not have either the guide rail 4 or the fastening means 158 projecting from it. Hence, a person sitting with the legs under the table top can easily move his legs under the table top 2 without obstructions even with the table top close to or touching the thighs. By fastening the projection 150 to the table top 2 using the fastening means 158 i.e. the screw, a sufficient holding force is achieved ensuring that the guide rail 4 does not tilt even when the guide rail 4 is subjected to a torque/force T from a mounted device such as a monitor arm, brackets for privacy screen 70 (indicated by dotted line in FIG. 15B) or hangers (see also e.g. FIG. 13 for privacy screen holders 70 and hangers 75).
[0089] FIG. 16A shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a table top 2 as partly shown in FIG. 15. It is shown that the recess 10 comprises a broadened section 160. The broadened section 160 is shown in FIG. 16B and is located at the end of the recess 10 and hence, in this embodiment near the end of the guide rail 4. Due to the radius of the tool of the milling machine it is not possible to get the tight fit between the end of the guide rail 4 and the end of the recess 10. However, when broadening the recess at the end it is possible to achieve a straight end section 161 of the recess 10. This is due to the fact that the outline of the recess curved due to the radius of the milling tool which is created beyond the walls of the guide rail.
[0090] FIG. 17 shows that a torque fitting/bracket 172 is mounted by bolts 170, 171 to two guide rails 4. The guide rails 4 are affixed to the table top 2 by the fastening means 158 e.g. screws. The fastening means 158 are mounted in the second recess extension 152 and they are thereby holding the projection 150 of the guide rail against the table top 2. Hence, if a torque T1 is subjected to the first rail 4.1 it will transfer a portion of this torque to the second rail 4.2 and vice versa. However, due to the second rail 4.2 being perpendicularly arranged in relation to the first rail 4.1, the second rail 4.2 will resist such torque better. This is due to the fixation of both the fastening means 158 and the fitting fixation means 173 holding the fitting in place and hence resisting the torque.
[0091] Although the invention has been described in the above in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be evident for a person skilled in the art that several modifications are conceivable without departing from the invention as defined by the following claims.
