Frame furniture

The invention relates to a frame furniture comprising a furniture plate (2) and two leg elements (4) supporting the furniture plate (2), said leg elements (4) being arranged on both sides of a vertical furniture median plane and being movably mounted. The frame furniture is characterized in that each leg element (4) can be moved between a normal position, in which the leg elements (4) are covered by the furniture plate (2), and an extended position, in which the leg elements (4) are uncovered at the top, in order to enable a stacking of the frame furniture via the leg elements (4).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a frame furniture comprising the features of the generic term in claim1.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Such a frame furniture is known from practice and comprises a furniture plate and two leg elements supporting the furniture plate. The leg elements are either arranged on both sides of a vertical furniture median plane or on two opposite sides of the frame furniture, respectively. The leg elements are movably mounted. When stacking the frame furniture, the leg elements can be pivoted in order to contact the furniture plate underside.

However, a complex adjustment mechanism is required for pivoting the leg elements. Moreover, in order to pivot the leg elements of such a frame furniture, it must be tilted, which may require great physical effort and can also lead to either damage to the frame furniture or injury to the user, respectively.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention therefore is to create a frame furniture as mentioned above which is characterized by a good stackability and in particular by a simple adjustment mechanism of the leg elements as well.

The object is inventively attained by the frame furniture comprising the features of claim1.

The invention proposes a frame furniture comprising a furniture plate and two leg elements supporting the table top, said leg elements arranged on both sides of a vertical furniture median plane and movably mounted. The leg elements can each be moved between a normal position, in which the leg elements are covered by the furniture plate, and a pullout position, in which the leg elements are uncovered at the top, in order to enable a stacking of the frame furniture via the leg elements.

Thus, by means of a simple adjustment mechanism, frame furnitures of the same make can be stacked with minimum space requirements namely by pulling the leg elements out from underneath the furniture plate when either stacking the frame furniture or producing the pullout position of the leg elements. So during the pullout position, the leg elements are arranged beside the furniture plate and therefore run beside the furniture plates of frame furnitures stacked underneath. The inventive frame furniture are thereby easily stackable with little space requirements.

In a preferred embodiment of the frame furniture according to the invention, the leg elements are each arranged on a pullout carrier which is movable at a right angle to the furniture median plane. Hence, the leg elements can be moved guided between their normal position and the pullout position. Thus, a simple adjustment mechanism is realized, wherein the leg elements can essentially retain their orientation to the furniture plate when stacked with pieces of furniture of the same make.

In another preferred embodiment of the frame furniture according to the invention, the pullout carriers are guided along a support frame which is mounted to the furniture plate underside. The support frame consequently forms a base for the pullout carriers and can increase the stiffness of the furniture plate.

In another preferred embodiment of the frame furniture according to the invention, each leg element has an allocated clamping lever, which is movable between a releasing position in which the corresponding leg element is movable, and a locking position in which the corresponding leg element is clamped. The clamping lever can consequently determine the normal position and the locking position of the corresponding leg element and thus prevents an unintended budging of the corresponding leg elements.

In another preferred embodiment of the frame furniture according to the invention, the clamping lever is realized as an eccentric lever. An eccentric lever enables determining or releasing the locking position of the clamping lever with little physical effort.

In another preferred embodiment of the frame furniture according to the invention, the clamping lever engages in a clamping guide track of the pullout carrier, said clamping guide track featuring a clamping recess defining the pullout position and the normal position. The clamping guide track is consequently realized with two sections. It is also possible, however, to provide several stages or to realize the leg elements adjustable without any stages.

In another preferred embodiment of the frame furniture according to the invention, a leg element is formed by a tubular element curved in such a way that it forms a front furniture leg and a back furniture leg, wherein the tubular elements each comprise either an elliptic or oval cross-section comprising a long major axis and a short minor axis, wherein the major axis and the minor axis intersect the vertical furniture median plane over the length of the particular tubular element at an angle of less than 90°.

Thus, the core of this embodiment is defined in that the curved tubular elements have an elliptic or oval, i.e. not circular, cross-section and the curvature of the tubular elements occurs not via the major axis or minor axis of the ellipse formed by the cross-section of the tubular elements at the apex but instead occurs via an axis between the corresponding minor axis and the corresponding major axis. This axis is at least largely positioned in the transverse direction regarding the vertical median plane, whereas an axis positioned at a right angle to this axis lies on a plane which is spanned by the major axis of the corresponding tubular element. Thereby, a small stacking space between frame furnitures of the same make can be created. Simultaneously, the tubular elements act as a kind of cone which exactly aligns the frame furnitures to each other when stacked.

The term “elliptic” is to be understood in its broadest sense, i.e. not in a strictly mathematical sense. In fact, the term describes that the tubular element does not have a circular cross-section but a rather flattened round cross-section. The longest diameter is formed by the major axis whereas the smallest diameter is formed by the minor axis which is positioned at a right angle to the major axis.

In another preferred embodiment of the frame furniture according to the invention, the major axis points upward in the direction of the furniture median plane over the length of the corresponding tubular element and the minor axis points downward in direction of the furniture median plane over the length of the corresponding tubular element. The contact surface formed by the two leg elements when stacking the frame furniture point to the inside at the bottom of the tubular element, i.e. in direction of the median plane, and up, i.e. at its visible side, to the outside away from the median plane.

In regard to the stackability of the frame furniture, a major axis has proven to be especially suitable which intersects the vertical median plane at an angle between 30° and 60°.

In order to attain a mostly rattle-free storage of the frame furnitures when stacked, a stacking bumper can be provided which is expediently encompassed by the curved section forming a section of the corresponding tubular element which is between the two furniture legs of the corresponding leg element.

The stacking bumper can comprise a linking element which can link a frame furniture with another frame furniture of the same make.

In order to facilitate the stacking process, the furniture elements at each of their end sections can comprise a stacking guide which lies on the furniture leg of a frame furniture of the same make when stacked.

The frame furniture can be a table as well as a bench.

Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the frame furniture according to the invention can be derived from the description, the drawing and the Claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1shows two frame furnitures in an embodiment as tables,1,1′ of the same make which are stacked and each comprise a furniture plate2. The furniture plate2are each supported by leg elements4which are arranged on both sides of a vertical furniture median plane, i.e. a vertical table median plane, and of which only one is illustrated in the present case for clarity. The leg elements4are illustrated in the pullout position inFIG. 1and consequently not covered by a furniture plate2, meaning the leg elements4are uncovered at the top so that a stackability of the tables1,1′ is possible via the leg elements.

A corresponding support frame8is mounted on the furniture plate underside10of the furniture plate2, alongside said support frame8, for each leg element4, a pullout carrier6is guided which is movable perpendicularly to the table median plane. The corresponding leg element4is arranged along the pullout carrier6, said leg element comprising a curved tube which forms a corresponding front furniture leg18A and a corresponding rear furniture leg18B. The furniture legs18A,18B are connected via an upper curved section20of the corresponding tubular element and diverge at the bottom, i.e. in direction of the floor area, in a V-shape, wherein parallel planes are spanned from the furniture legs18A,18B of the two leg elements4of a table1,1′.

The tubular elements, of which the furniture legs18A,18B are formed, each have an in the broadest sense elliptic cross-section with one long major axis and a short minor axis, as shown inFIGS. 3 to 6. Over the entire length of the corresponding tubular element, i.e. in the corresponding curved sections20as well, the long major axis of the ellipse formed by the cross-section points upward in the direction of the vertical table median plane, so that the two leg elements4form a stacking help in shape of a cone with a downward opening. Since the leg elements4on one of the table sides and the leg elements4on the other table side lie on top of each other, the tables stacked on top of each other are secured. Thus, the tubular elements are curved via an axis of the cross-section ellipse arranged in the apex, said axis lying between the corresponding major axis and the corresponding minor axis and preferably spanning an angle between 45° and 60° with the major axis.

The major axis of the elliptic tubular element cross-sections intersect the vertical table median plane in an angle of approximately 30° and 45° and does this over the entire length of the tubular elements.

The curved sections20of the leg element4each encompass a stacking bumper22which lies on a curved section20of the leg elements4of a table1′ positioned underneath with a contact surface28. The contact surface28has a form which is fitted to the outer surface of the corresponding curved section20. Furthermore, the stacking bumpers22each have a linking element on the sides averted from the table median plane which in this case is formed as a protrusion30on the side of the leg element4and as a recess on the side of the leg element4of a table1,1′, fitting into the protrusion30.

In the end area, the furniture legs18A,18B each comprise a foot insert32made of plastic in which a stacking guide34made in one piece with the foot insert32is aligned along the inside of the furniture leg. The stacking guides34lie on the outside of the corresponding furniture leg18A,18B when the tables1,1′ are stacked.

The uncovered leg elements4at the top of the stacked tables1,1′ of the same make are illustrated inFIG. 2in a side view. The leg elements4are illustrated in their pullout position and are displaced about 60 mm outward in relation to the vertical table median plane in contrast to their corresponding normal positions. The leg elements4of the upper table1therefore either run underneath the furniture plate2of table1′ or are arranged underneath beside the furniture plate2of the table1′, respectively, in order to overlap with the corresponding leg elements4.

FIG. 3shows the leg element4in its normal position in which it is entirely covered by the furniture plate2. The leg element4is covered by the furniture plate2in such a way that a largely continuous furniture top surface can be formed by linking another table of the same make via the protrusion30and the corresponding recess.

For producing the pullout position of the leg element4, a clamping lever12is pivoted in its releasing position, as shown inFIG. 4. The clamping lever12is realized as an eccentric lever and engages in a clamping guide track14of the pullout carrier6. The clamping guide track14of the pullout carrier6comprises a clamping recess defining to the pullout position and the normal position, respectively, whereinFIG. 4only shows the clamping recess16defining the normal position. As soon as the pullout carrier6is either released or no longer clamped, respectively, it can be moved together with the leg element4, wherein the distance is defined by the length of the clamping guide track14. Thus, the pullout position and the stacking position of the leg element can be determined (cf.FIG. 5).

For securing the pullout position, the clamping lever12can be pivoted towards the furniture plate2when in its locking position, in order to determine the normal position or pullout position of the corresponding leg element4with the corresponding clamping recess16(cf.FIG. 6). Thereby the clamping lever12engages in the corresponding clamping recess16and clamps the pullout carrier6and thus the leg element4, wherein the leg element4is secured from unintended budging.

The adjustment of the leg element4from the pullout position or the stacking position, respectively, to the normal position takes place in reversed order.

The bench36illustrated inFIG. 7comprises a furniture plate2which is supported by leg elements4are arranged on both sides of a vertical furniture median plane, i.e. of a vertical bench median plane. The leg elements4of the bench36are realized shorter than the leg elements4of table1,1′. The leg elements4illustrated inFIG. 7are in normal position and consequently covered by the furniture plate2, meaning the leg elements4are covered at the top so that a stacking of the bench36is not possible via the leg elements. The leg elements4are thereby covered by the furniture plate2in such a way that a largely continuous furniture top surface, i.e. a seating surface, can be formed by linking with another bench of the same make via the protrusion30and the corresponding recess.

A corresponding support frame8is mounted on the furniture plate underside10of the furniture plate2, alongside said support frame8, for each leg element4, a pullout carrier6is guided which is movable perpendicularly to the bench median plane. The corresponding leg element4is arranged along the pullout carrier6, said leg element comprising a curved tube which forms a corresponding front furniture leg18A and a corresponding rear furniture leg18B. The furniture legs18A,18B are connected via an upper curved section20of the corresponding tubular element and diverge at the bottom, i.e. in direction of the floor area, in a V-shape, wherein parallel planes are spanned from the furniture legs18A,18B of the two leg elements4of the bench36.

The tubular elements, of which the furniture legs18A,18B are formed, each have an in the broadest sense elliptic cross-section with one long major axis and a short minor axis, as shown in detail inFIGS. 3 to 6in correlation with a table1,1′. Over the entire length of the corresponding tubular element, i.e. in the corresponding curved sections20as well, the long major axis of the ellipse formed by the cross-section points upward in the direction of the vertical table median plane, so that the two leg elements4form a stacking help in shape of a cone with a downward opening. Since the leg elements4on one of the bench sides and the leg elements4on the other bench side lie on top of each other, the benches stacked on top of each other are secured. Thus, the tubular elements are curved via an axis of the cross-section ellipse arranged in the apex, said axis lying between the corresponding major axis and the corresponding minor axis and spanning an angle of preferably 45° and 60° with the major axis.

The major axis of the elliptic tubular element cross-sections intersect the vertical bench median plane in an angle of approximately 30° and 45° and does this over the entire length of the tubular elements.

The curved sections20of the leg element4each encompass a stacking bumper22which lies on a curved section20of the leg elements4of a bench positioned underneath with a contact surface28. The contact surface28has a form which is fitted to the outer surface of the corresponding curved section20. Furthermore, the stacking bumpers22each have a linking element on the sides averted from the bench median plane which in this case is formed as a protrusion30on the side of the leg element4of the bench36, said leg shown in the foreground of the drawing, and as a recess on the side of the leg element4of the bench36, fitting into the corresponding protrusion30.

In the end area, the furniture legs18A,18B each comprise a foot insert32made of plastic in which a stacking guide34made in one piece with the foot insert32is aligned along the inside of the respective furniture leg. The stacking guides34lie on the outside of the corresponding furniture leg18A,18B when the bench36is stacked.

The adjustment mechanism described in correlation with the table1,1′, comprising the clamping lever12, the clamping guide track14and the clamping recess16, is realized analogously to table1,1′ with the bench36illustrated inFIG. 7as well.

In reference to the table1illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 6and the reference signs used for the table1, the adjustment of a leg element4of a bench36is described. For producing the pullout position of the leg element4of a bench36, a clamping lever12is pivoted in its releasing position away from the furniture plate2, as shown inFIG. 4in correlation with table1,1′. The clamping lever12is realized as an eccentric lever and engages in a clamping guide track14of the pullout carrier6. The clamping guide track14of the pullout carrier6comprises a clamping recess defining the pullout position and the normal position, respectively, whereinFIG. 4only shows the clamping recess16defining the normal position. As soon as the pullout carrier6is either released or no longer clamped, respectively, it can be moved together with the leg element4, wherein the distance is defined by the length of the clamping guide track14and can be 60 mm. Thus, the pullout position and the stacking position of the leg element can be determined.

For securing the pullout position, the clamping lever12can be pivoted towards the furniture plate2when in its locking position, in order to determine the normal position or pullout position of the corresponding leg element4with the corresponding clamping recess16(cf.FIG. 6). Thereby, the clamping lever12engages in the corresponding clamping recess16and clamps the pullout carrier6and thus the leg element4, wherein the leg element4is secured against unintended moving.

The adjustment of the leg element4from the pullout position or the stacking position, respectively, to the normal position takes place in reversed order.