Height-Adjustable Table

Abstract

In a table having a height-adjustable table top and supporting structures, the table top is secured on the supporting structures so that the supporting structures support the table top. The supporting structures are placeable on a floor. The table includes at least one band which connects the supporting structures and the table top to each other, so that the table top is supported by the supporting structures in that it hangs at the supporting structures with the aid of the band. The table according to the invention permits a simple, convenient, quick and precise adjustment of the height of the table top according to the needs of the respective user of the table.

Claims

1. A table having a height-adjustable table top and supporting structures, in which the table top is attached at the supporting structures so that the supporting structures support the table top, wherein the supporting structures are placeable on a floor, and wherein the table includes at least one band connecting the supporting structures and the table top to each other, so that the supporting structures support the table top in that the table top hangs with the aid of at least one band at the supporting structures.

2. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein two supporting structures are situated respectively laterally of the table top, wherein the at least one band connects the supporting structures and the table top to each other in such a manner that the table top hangs between the two supporting structures.

3. The table as recited in claim 2, wherein the table top has a bottom side and a top side and the at least one band runs from one of the two supporting structures along the bottom side of the table top to the other of the two supporting structures.

4. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one band comprises two bands.

5. The table as recited in claim 4, wherein the table top has a front edge, two side edges and a rear edge and the two bands in relation to the side edges of the table top are mounted in an offset manner to each other at the supporting structures, and wherein a first of the two bands runs from a front area of one of the two side edges of the table top, which is located closer to the front edge of the table top, via the bottom side of the table top to a rear area of another of the two side edges of the table top, which is located closer to the rear edge of the table top, and a second of the two bands runs from a rear area of one of the two side edges of the table top, which is located closer to the rear edge of the table top, via the bottom side of the table top to a front area of another of the two side edges of the table top, which is located closer to the front edge of the table top.

6. The table as recited in claim 3, which has at the bottom side of the table top situated deflection means, wherein the at least one band is guided by the deflection means along the bottom side of the table top.

7. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein the supporting structures are configured as side walls.

8. The table as recited in claim 7, further comprising a rear wall located between the side walls.

9. The table as recited in claim 1, further comprising a winding shaft, wherein the at least one band runs over the winding shaft, so that the band is windable onto the winding shaft.

10. The table as recited in claim 9, further comprising an actuating crank by which the winding shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis.

11. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein a guide rail is situated at at least one of the supporting structures and a guide element is situated at a corresponding side edge of the table top, wherein the guide rail of the supporting structure acts together with the guide element of the table top.

12. The table as recited in claim 2, wherein the table top is tiltable about a cross axis in relation to the two supporting structures between a horizontal position and a vertical position.

13. The table as recited in claim 12, wherein the table top has a plurality of pivot bearings assigned to respectively one of the supporting structures.

14. The table as recited in claim 12, wherein the supporting structures are at least partially foldable when the table top is folded into the vertical position.

15. The table as recited in claim 14, wherein the supporting structures have respectively one fixed section and a folding section foldably connected to the fixed section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention result from the subsequent description of exemplary embodiments with the aid of the schematic drawing. In particular, the table according to the present invention is subsequently described in greater detail in reference to the appended drawings on the basis of exemplary embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a table according to the present invention having a table top adjusted to a sitting height;

[0036] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view from below onto the table from FIG. 1;

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the table from FIG. 1 having the table top adjusted to a standing height.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the table from FIG. 1 during a tilt of its table top, the bands not being illustrated;

[0039] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the table from FIG. 1 having a completely tilted table top, the bands not being illustrated;

[0040] FIG. 6 shows a perspective detailed view of some components of the table from FIG. 1 having a completely tilted table top, the bands not being illustrated;

[0041] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the table from FIG. 1 having a completely tilted table top and one completely in-folded side wall, the bands not being illustrated;

[0042] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the table from FIG. 1 having a completely tilted table top and both side walls completely in-folded, the bands not being illustrated; and

[0043] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a table according to the present invention having a table top adjusted to a sitting height.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0044] In the subsequent description, specific terms are used for practical reasons and are not to be understood in a restrictive manner. The words “right”, “left”, “down” and “up” reference directions in the drawing to which reference is made. The terms “inward”, “outward”, “rear” and “front” reference directions to or from the geometric center of the table and from designated parts of the table. The terminology includes the words explicitly mentioned above, derivative words of those words and words of similar meaning.

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a height-adjustable and foldable table 1 according to the present invention. Table 1 includes a table top 2, two vertical side walls 3 as supporting structures and a vertical rear wall 5 connecting side walls 3. Table top 2 has a substantially rectangular top side 21, a rear edge 24 facing rear wall 5, a front edge 23 opposite rear edge 24 and two side edges 25 respectively connecting rear edge 24 to front edge 23. Side edges 25 form the short sides of rectangular top side 21 of table top 2 and front edge 23 or rear edge 24 form the long sides of the top side of the table top. Two recesses are inserted in rear edge 24, through which, for example, cables or the like may be pulled when using table 1.

[0046] Side walls 3 include respectively one fixed section 32 fixedly connected at a right angle to rear wall 5 and one folding section 31 foldably connected via respectively two hinges 33 to corresponding fixed section 32. Respectively one horizontal slot handle 311 is inserted in folding sections 31. At their bottom end, side walls 3 have respectively one foot part 34 having a rear foot 341, a front foot 342 and a connecting beam 343 connecting rear foot 341 to front foot 342. In this instance, rear feet 341 are situated adjacent to rear wall 5 and front feet 342 are situated at an end of folding section 31 facing away from the rear wall. If used according to specifications, table 1 is placed on the floor by rear feet 341 and front feet 342.

[0047] Rear wall 5 has at its lower end two side wall attachment arms 52. At the insides of fixed sections 32 of side walls 3, respectively one guide rail 61 is assigned to a table top guide 6. Guide rails 61 extend respectively vertically over the total height of corresponding fixed section 32. Furthermore, an actuating crank 7 mounted at table top 2, having a handle 72 vertically extending in the downward direction, can be seen in FIG. 1.

[0048] Table top 2 is attached with the aid of two bands 4 at side walls 3. For this purpose, a first band 41 near an upper edge of right side wall 3 and at a distance from rear wall 5 is installed at right rear wall 3. A second band 42 near an upper edge of right side wall 3 and near rear wall 5 is mounted at right side wall 3. Bands 4 run under table top 2 and are, in an analogous manner, again fastened at left side wall 3.

[0049] For attaching bands 4, side walls 3 have near their upper edges respectively two band attachments 35. Band attachments 35 include respectively one rotatably mounted disk having a slot and a clamping device at the outside. With the aid of band attachments 35, bands 4 are attached at the side walls in that they are guided through the slots of the disks and are clamped with the aid of the clamping device on the outside of side walls 3. For this purpose, first band 41 is attached at folding section 31 of right side wall 3 and runs along this folding section vertically downward to table top 2. Analogously, second band 42 is attached at fixed section 32 of right side wall 3 and runs along this fixed section also vertically downward to table top 2.

[0050] In FIG. 1, table top 2 is adjusted to a sitting height and is horizontally aligned, that is, is depicted having a horizontal top side 21 or positioned in an untilted manner. In so doing, the table top hangs between side walls 3 at bands 4. Side walls 3 and rear wall 5 surround and enclose table top 2. This lends table top 2 stability and prevents an undesired swinging or wobbling. Side walls 3 and rear wall 5 project over table top 2 in the vertical direction, that is, in the upward direction. In so doing, top side 21 of table top 2 and, in particular, a work space formed by the table top may be separated or protected from looks and noise.

[0051] The following statement applies to the entire further description: If reference characters are included in a figure for the purpose of graphic clarity, however, are not mentioned in the immediately corresponding description text, reference to their explanation is made in previous figure descriptions. Moreover, if reference characters not included in the corresponding figure are mentioned in a description text directly belonging to a figure, reference is made to the preceding or following figures.

[0052] In FIG. 2, table 1 is shown from below. In this instance, it can be seen that table top 2 has a bottom side 22 at which actuating crank 7, a winding shaft 8 and a band guide 9 as deflection means are mounted. Band guide 9 includes respectively two intake guides 92 on both sides adjacent to the side walls, two transition beams 93 extending across bottom side 22 of table top 2, having respectively two passages, and four deflection elements 91 positioned between transition beams 93. Between right transition beam 93 and the right end of table top 2, winding shaft 8 about its longitudinal axis is rotatably attached transverse to bottom side 22 of table top 2. Winding shaft 8 has two band winders 81 assigned to respectively one of two right intake guides 92.

[0053] As follows, the two bands run underneath table top 2 along its bottom side 22: First band 41 is guided on the right side from intake guide 92 positioned closer to front edge 23 of table top 2 to bottom side 22 of table top 2. From there, the band runs parallel to front edge 23 via one of band winders 81 of winding shaft 8 and to the left through one of the two passages of right transition beam 93. Past transition beam 93, first band 41 is redirected diagonally backwards by one of four deflection elements 91 in the direction of rear edge 24, where it meets a further deflection element of four deflection elements 91. From the deflection element, the band is then again redirected so that it runs parallel to rear edge 24 through the rear passage of the two passages of left transition beam 93 to the left to intake guide 92 positioned closer to rear edge 23. From this intake guide 92, the band runs along left side wall 3 upwards, where it is attached at fixed section 32 of left side wall 3.

[0054] In a complementary manner to first band 41, second band 42 runs along bottom side 22 of table top 2. Second band 42 is guided on the right side from intake guide 92 positioned closer to rear edge 24 to bottom side 22 of table top 2. From there, the band runs parallel to rear edge 24 via the other band winder of band winders 81 of winding shaft 8 and to the left through the other passage of the two passages of right transition beam 93. Past transition beam 93, second band 42 is redirected diagonally forward by a further deflection element of four deflection elements 91 in the direction of front edge 23, where it meets a last deflection element of four deflection elements 91. From the deflection element, the band is again redirected so that it runs parallel to front edge 23 through the front passage of the two passages of left transition beam 93 to the left to intake guide 92 positioned closer to front edge 23. From this intake guide 92, the band runs along left side wall 3 upwards, where it is attached at folding section 31 of left side wall 3. First band 41 and second band 42 cross each other between four deflection elements 91.

[0055] Actuating crank 7 includes a transmission gearing 73 fixedly mounted at bottom side 22 of table top 2. Handle 71 is together with an arm connected via a square connector 72 to transmission gearing 73. The handle also may be pulled off from transmission gearing 73 and be removed from table top 2. Transmission gearing 73 is connected to winding shaft 8 in such a manner that a rotary movement of handle 72 rotates winding shaft 8 about its longitudinal axis. In so doing, bands 4 are wound onto band winder 81 of winding shaft 8 or wound off the band winder. Accordingly, the length of bands 4 is indefinitely variably modified between band attachments 35 of side walls 3 and the height of table top 2 is indefinitely variably adapted or adjusted. For example, the length of bands 4 is shortened between band attachments 35 of side walls 3 by winding bands 4 onto winding shaft 8 so that table top 2 is lifted upward. By guiding bands 4 in a crossed manner along bottom side 22 of table top 2, the forces are relatively evenly distributed, so that a clean vertical movement of table top 2 free of tilting and canting is possible.

[0056] Moreover, the vertical movement of table top 2 is guided by table top guide 6. The table top guide includes engaging projections 62 and wheels 63 situated near rear edge 24 extending left and right at the sides. Engaging projections 62 engage into guide rails 61 and prevent a movement of table top 2 in the direction of rear wall 5 or away from rear wall 5. Wheels 63 project over table top 2 slightly to the left and to the right. During a vertical movement of the table top, the wheels roll along respectively corresponding side wall 3. In so doing, they ensure that table top 2 is at a slight distance from side walls 3, so that during a vertical movement of table top 2 relatively few friction forces result between table top 2 and side walls 3.

[0057] As can also be seen from FIG. 2, side wall attachment arms 52 of rear wall 3 are configured as flat rods, which may be flushly situated along the bottom edge of rear wall 5. Approximately halfway up the left and right edge, respectively one horizontal slot handle 51 is inserted in rear wall 5.

[0058] FIG. 3 shows table 1 in a position in which table top 2 is situated at the very top. This, for example, may be a standing position of table 1, in which a user may work standing at table 1. In this instance, bands 4 (not shown in FIG. 3) are wound up onto winding shaft 8 with the aid of actuating crank 7. The effective length of bands 4 between band attachments 35 of two side walls 3 is relatively small so that table top 2 is situated at the top.

[0059] As can also be seen from FIG. 3, slot handles 51 of rear wall 5 and slot handles 311 of side walls 3 are configured in a corresponding manner with one another. The slot handles are inserted at the same height.

[0060] In FIG. 4, table 1 is shown while table top 2 is folded up for removing or transporting table 1. For this purpose, table top 2 is lifted at its front edge 23 and is tilted or rotated about pivot bearing 64 installed at table top 2 near its rear edge 24. Using bands 4 (not shown in FIG. 4) enables that said folding-up of table top 2 can go unhindered.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows table 1 having table top 2 completely folded-up. Table top 2 is in this position vertically aligned. As indicated at right side wall 3, when table top 2 is folded-up, folding sections 31 of side walls 3 may be folded inward with the aid of hinges 33.

[0062] In FIG. 6, specific parts of some components of table 1 are shown in detail. Two pivot bearings 64 configured left and right at the table top define a cross axis 25 of table top 2, about which table top 2 is foldable or swivelable. In so doing, pivot bearings 62 are respectively formed by a rotary pin situated in an opening of a cross frame of table top 2. The rotary pins are each stationarily connected to one of wheels 63 and via a curved section to one of engaging projections 62.

[0063] Intake guides 92 have respectively one rotatably mounted, circular disk having a slot-shaped passage. In the final stage, bands 4 (not shown in FIG. 6) are pulled through the passages of the disk, so that intake guides 62 guide bands 4. By rotatably mounting the disks, it can be achieved that bands 4 are aligned also during folding up of table top 2, so that a twisting of the bands can be prevented.

[0064] Band attachments 81 of the winding shaft have respectively one cylindrical section bordered on both sides by a flange section. In the cylindrical section, a slot is inserted, through which corresponding band 4 is pulled. The flange sections prevent that, when winding up band 4, the band is axially displaced or wound up at a place not intended for winding up the band.

[0065] Deflections means 91 include respectively one quadrant-shaped guide flange 911, a fixing pin 912 and a square cover plate 913. Corresponding band 4 is situated along guide flange 911 and held by fixing pin 912 at the guide flange. In this instance, band 4 is deflected at a maximum by a quadrant. Cover plate 913 covers flange 911 and fixing pin 912 and prevents that band 4 slips.

[0066] FIG. 7 shows table 1 having table top 2 folded up and completely in-folded folding section 31 of right side wall 3. In this instance, in-folded folding section 31 is positioned parallel to rear wall 5. In FIG. 8, table 1 is shown having folding sections 31 of both side walls 3 folded in. Side wall attachments 52 of rear wall 5 are swiveled out so that they are positioned perpendicular to rear wall 5. They stop folding sections 31 of side walls 3 at rear wall 5.

[0067] In this position, table 1 forms a compact unit which may be efficiently stacked in a space-saving manner and efficiently transported. To fold up table top 2 and in-fold folding sections 31, no tools are necessary and it may be carried out by the user him/herself without a problem. Slot handles 311 of side walls 3 and slot handles 51 of rear wall 5 are positioned opposite each other so that one or two people can conveniently carry table 1 by these handles 311, 51.

[0068] FIG. 9 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a table 10 according to the present invention. Table 10 is configured largely identical to table 1 from the previous figures. In particular, the table includes identical side wall 30 having slot handles 3110, folding sections 310, fixed sections 320 and rear feet 3410, front feet 3420 and connecting beams 3430 featuring foot parts 340, a rear wall 50 having side wall attachment arms 520, a table top 20 having a top side 210, a front edge 230, a rear edge 240 and side edges 250, a table top guide having guide rails 610, bands 40 having a first band 410 and a second band 420 and an actuating crank 70 having a handle 720.

[0069] Side walls 30 of table 10 have four band attachments 350. The band attachments are configured as clamp fittings, bands 40 being clamped or screwed between clamp fitting and interior side of side walls 310.

[0070] Moreover, side walls 310 include respectively two hinges 330 which have respectively one joint 3310 and an attachment plate 3320. In contrast to hinges 33 of table 1 shown in the previous figures, attachment plates 3320 are attached at the outsides of folding sections 310 of side walls 30.

[0071] Although the present invention is illustrated and described in detail with the aid of the figures and the corresponding descriptions, these illustrations and this detailed description are to be understood in an illustrative and exemplary manner and not to limit the present invention. It is understood that the skilled person also may make changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the subsequent claims.

[0072] The present disclosure also includes embodiments having any combination of features which are previously or subsequently mentioned or shown for different embodiments. The present disclosure also includes individual features in the figures, even if there they are shown within the context of other features and/or are not previously or subsequently mentioned. Alternative embodiments and individual alternatives of their features described in the figures and the description may also be excluded from the subject of the present invention or from the disclosed subjects. The disclosure includes embodiments which exclusively include the features described in the claims or in the exemplary embodiments as well as embodiments which include additional other features.

[0073] Furthermore, the term “include” and words derived thereof do not exclude other elements or steps. Also, the indirect article “a” and words derived therefrom do not exclude a plurality. The functions of a plurality of features stated in the claims may be fulfilled by a unit or a step. The terms “substantially”, “about”, “approximately” and the like in conjunction with a property or a value define, in particular, also exactly the property or exactly the value. The terms “about” and “approximately” within the context of a given numeral value or range may refer to a value or range, which lies within 20%, within 10%, within 5% or within 2% of the given value or range. All reference characters in the claims are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the claims.