Patent Description:
The present invention also relates to a table comprising such an arrangement.

<CIT> discloses a table according to the above, where the table stand is collapsible and power-driven. The present invention may however be applied to table stands of any general kind, be they collapsible or not collapsible, and power-driven or not power driven. Hence, <CIT> merely serves as an example of a table of the type which comprises a table top and a table stand with a supporting body, wherein the table top is supported by at least a first surface of the supporting body.

An office desk is one common example of a table according to the above. In an office environment, it is sometimes, or even often, desired to attach one or more accessories to the table. Examples of such accessories may, without limitation, include a cable trays, desktop screens and computer cabinet holders. In the prior art, such an accessory has typically been attached to the table top, making use of the typical material thereof such as wood, plastic or a composite material, all being suitable for anchoring of the accessory by means of for instance screws. If more than one accessory were to be attached to the table, then each such accessory was mounted independently of each other to the table top, therefore requiring its own attachment interface in the form of screws, holders, brackets, etc..

Some attempts have been made in the prior art to attach an accessory to an office desk by mounting an accessory holder for the accessory to an upper side of the supporting body of the table stand.

The prior art approaches have some shortcomings. For instance, the prior art may require that the table top is first mounted to the table stand, before the accessory can be mounted to the table top. This is typically the case for approaches where the accessory is attached to the table top. On the other hand, for approaches where the accessory is instead attached to the upper side of the supporting body of the table stand, the required mounting order may instead be first the accessory and then the table top.

Hence, the order of assembly has limitations in this respect. Furthermore, retrofitting of an accessory to the table at a point in time after manufacture or assembly might require that the table top be removed, the accessory be mounted, and the table top then be mounted again.

In situations where the accessory is mounted to the table top, there may be problems or limitations when the accessory is heavy and/or mounted in a way such that the table top may be exposed to a large bending torque. The latter case may for instance be when a large-sized desktop screen is mounted at or to a later edge of the table top. It is recalled that the typical material of a table top is less strong than other materials, such as metal.

Another potential drawback is that parts of the attachment interface for the accessory (e.g. screws, holders, brackets, etc) may be readily visible from a typical working position and/or to standing visitors, thereby causing visual disturbance.

Accordingly, the present inventors have realized that the prior art approaches for attaching an accessory to a table, for instance as referred to above, can be improved by addressing one or more of the problems or drawbacks mentioned above.

<CIT> discloses a table with an arrangement for attaching at least one accessory according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. <CIT> and <CIT> disclose each a known table with an arrangement for attaching at least one accessory.

It is an object of the invention to offer improvements in the technical field of tables of the type which comprises a table top and a table stand with a supporting body, and more specifically when it comes to attachment of accessories.

One aspect of the present invention is a table as defined in claim <NUM>.

A table according to this aspect of the present invention solves or at least mitigates one or more of the problems or drawbacks identified in the background section above.

Embodiments of the invention are defined by the appended dependent claims and are further explained in the detailed description section as well as on the drawings.

It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. All terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Objects, features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will appear from the following detailed description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> illustrate a table <NUM> comprising a table stand <NUM> and a table top <NUM> according to one embodiment. The table <NUM> may, for instance and without limitation, be an office desk. The table top <NUM> may be made of a suitable material such as wood, plastic or a composite material, and is mounted on top of a supporting body <NUM> of the table stand <NUM>. The table top <NUM> is supported by at least a first surface of the supporting body <NUM>.

An arrangement for attaching at least one accessory to a table, such as table <NUM>, will now be described throughout this document with particular (but still non-limiting and exemplifying) reference to <FIG>. Examples of such accessories are shown at <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>.

Broadly speaking, the arrangement comprises an accessory holder for said at least one accessory (e.g. <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>). Examples of such accessory holders are seen at <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>.

The arrangement also comprises one or more engagement members provided on a second surface of a supporting body of a table stand, such as supporting body <NUM> of table stand <NUM>. The second surface faces in a direction different from the direction in which the supporting body <NUM> supports a table top, such as table top <NUM>. In order words, the normal direction of the second surface is different from the normal direction of the first surface. Examples of such engagement members are seen at <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>' in <FIG>. The or each engagement member is adapted for attaching the accessory holder (e.g. <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the supporting body <NUM> of the table stand <NUM>.

The arrangement moreover comprises anchoring means for anchoring the accessory holder to the supporting body <NUM> of the table stand <NUM>. Examples of such anchoring means are seen at <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM> in <FIG>.

This arrangement has an advantage in that it allows convenient attachment of the accessory (e.g. <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the table <NUM>, even with the table top <NUM> in place on top of the supporting body <NUM>. In other words, the order of assembly for the table <NUM> is not restricted to an order where the accessory will necessarily first have to be attached to the table <NUM> before mounting of the table top <NUM>, or where the table top <NUM> will necessarily first have to be mounted to the table stand. Instead, thanks to the inventive arrangement, the order of assembly is not restricted in this respect. Also, the arrangement makes it possible to retrofit the accessory to the table <NUM> without having to remove the table top <NUM>.

Another advantage is that the accessory will be attached, through the accessory holder, to the table stand <NUM> rather than directly to the table top <NUM>. Hence, no invasive or other modifying actions will have to be taken on the table top <NUM>. Since the table stand <NUM> may preferably be made in a stronger material, such as metal, than the table top <NUM> (e.g. wood, plastic or composite material), the arrangement may provide for an improvement in strength for the attachment of the accessory to the table compared to the prior art.

To facilitate the accessibility for an accessory mounting operation or accessory retrofitting operation, the second surface of the support body <NUM> is oriented in a plane which is different from a plane in which the first surface of the support body <NUM> is oriented. The second surface of the support body <NUM> is oriented in a plane which is rotated in about <NUM> degrees with respect to a plane in which the first surface of the support body <NUM> is oriented.

Hence, in a normal operating position of the table <NUM> with its table stand <NUM> standing on a horizontal floor or ground, the first surface of the support body <NUM> will face upwards towards an underside of the table top <NUM>. As mentioned, the second surface of the support body <NUM> then advantageously faces downwards towards the floor or ground. Examples of the first, upwardly facing surface of the support body <NUM> are seen at <NUM>, <NUM>' in <FIG>, its normal direction being indicated by a first arrow 131n in <FIG>. Examples of the second, downwardly facing surface of the support body <NUM> are seen at <NUM>, <NUM>' in <FIG>, its normal direction being indicated by a second arrow 132n in <FIG>.

Hence, since the second surface (e.g. <NUM>, <NUM>') of the support body <NUM> faces in the opposite direction, i.e. vertically downwards, compared to the first surface (e.g. <NUM>, <NUM>') of the support body <NUM>, there will be an advantage in mechanical strength both from the fact that the accessory is attached to the table stand <NUM> and not to the table top <NUM>, and from the fact that the load on the engagement members on the second surface caused by an attached accessory will act in the direction of gravity - large bending torques on the second surface caused by a heavy accessory may therefore be avoided or reduced.

The orientation of the second surface with its engagement members facing vertically downwards may also make for instance the anchoring means less visible from a typical working position or to standing visitors, thereby avoiding visual disturbance.

The above advantages notwithstanding, alternatives (not part of the presently claimed invention) may be conceivable where, for instance, the second surface of the support body <NUM> faces in a direction perpendicular to the underside of the table top <NUM> (i.e. perpendicular to the direction that the first surface <NUM> faces).

In the disclosed embodiment of <FIG>, the supporting body <NUM> has an elongated main support structure <NUM> and extends in a longitudinal direction L. The supporting body <NUM> also comprises first and second sidewing brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' which are attached to the ends of the elongated main support structure <NUM>. The first and second sidewing brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' are preferably made of metal such as, for instance, steel.

The sidewing brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' are shown in more detail in <FIG>. A more advanced embodiment <NUM> of the sidewing bracket is shown in detail in <FIG>. This embodiment <NUM> of the sidewing bracket is particularly advantageous for the purpose of allowing attachment of said at least one accessory <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the table <NUM>. As will be explained in more detail later with reference to <FIG>, the first surface (e.g. <NUM>, <NUM>') and the second surface (e.g. <NUM>, <NUM>') of the support body <NUM> may advantageously be opposing top and bottom sides of a plate-shaped structure <NUM>, <NUM>' of the supporting body <NUM>, and even more advantageously the plate-shaped structure <NUM>, <NUM>' may be part of the sidewing bracket <NUM>.

A more thorough description of the arrangement for attaching the at least one accessory <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the table <NUM> will be given later with reference to <FIG>.

In the disclosed embodiment, the table stand <NUM> is collapsible and comprises first and second collapsible stands <NUM>, <NUM>' which are preferably made of metal such as, for instance, steel. The first and second stands <NUM>, <NUM>' are pivotally attached to the supporting body <NUM> at or near its respective ends in order to allow the first stand <NUM> and the second stand <NUM>' to extend or collapse relative to the supporting body <NUM>. <FIG> is an isometric view of the table stand <NUM> with the first and seconds stands <NUM>, <NUM>' in a collapsed position relative to the elongated main support structure <NUM> of the supporting body <NUM>. The sidewing brackets <NUM>, <NUM>'; <NUM> of the supporting body <NUM> are not seen in <FIG> by may in fact remain attached to the elongated main support structure <NUM> even when it is collapsed.

The elongated main support structure <NUM> of the supporting body <NUM> of the disclosed embodiment is provided with hooks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>' at its ends. Each hook <NUM> forms a slot 37a for receiving a releasable fastening member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'. The releasable fastening member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>' serves to anchor the first or second sidewing bracket to the elongated main support structure as well as to anchor the first or second stand in an extended position relative to the supporting body.

As seen in <FIG>, each of the first and second sidewing brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' is formed by first and second elongated fixation members <NUM>, <NUM>' extending at an angle from an elongated base member <NUM>. The first and second fixation members <NUM>, <NUM>' of the sidewing brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' are adapted for fastening of the table top <NUM> to the table stand <NUM>. The second sidewing bracket <NUM>' is a mirrored copy of the first sidewing bracket <NUM>. (It is recalled that a more advanced embodiment <NUM> of the sidewing bracket, particularly advantageous for the purpose of allowing attachment of said at least one accessory <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the table <NUM>, is shown in detail in <FIG> and will be described in more detail later).

More specifically, each of the first and second fixation members <NUM>, <NUM>' of the first and second sidewing brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' has a plate portion <NUM> adapted for fastening of the table top <NUM>. To this end, the plate portion <NUM> has openings <NUM> through which fastening elements such as screws or bolts may be inserted and anchored to the underside of the table top <NUM>.

Moreover, each of the first and second fixation members <NUM>, <NUM>' of the first and second sidewing brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' also has a mounting portion adapted for mounting of the first or second sidewing bracket <NUM>, <NUM>' to the elongated main support structure <NUM> as well as to the first or second stand <NUM>, <NUM>', as indicated by an arrow in <FIG>.

The mounting portion <NUM> has a slot <NUM> for receiving the aforementioned releasable fastening member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>', preferably a screw or bolt, which serves to anchor the first or second sidewing bracket <NUM>, <NUM>' to the elongated main support structure <NUM> as well as to anchor the first or second stand <NUM>, <NUM>' in an extended position relative to the supporting body <NUM>.

More specifically, the releasable fastening member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>' may be a screw or alternatively a bolt, and the collapsible table stand <NUM> comprises at least four such screws provided as follows. A first screw/bolt <NUM> and a second screw/bolt <NUM> are provided for anchoring the first stand <NUM> to one end of the elongated main support structure <NUM> in the extended position of the first stand <NUM> relative to the supporting body <NUM> and for anchoring the first sidewing bracket <NUM> to said one end of the elongated main support structure <NUM>. A third screw/bolt <NUM>' and a fourth screw/bolt <NUM>' are provided for anchoring the second stand <NUM>' to another end of the elongated main support structure <NUM> in the extended position of the second stand <NUM>' relative to the supporting body <NUM> and for anchoring the second sidewing bracket <NUM>' to said another end of the elongated main support structure <NUM>.

The slot <NUM> in the mounting portion <NUM> has an outer mouth 16a for receiving a base part 50a of the releasable fastening member <NUM> when attaching the first or second sidewing bracket <NUM>, <NUM>' to the elongated main support structure <NUM>.

The slot <NUM> in the mounting portion <NUM> also has an inner opening 16b for engaging a head part 50b of the releasable fastening member <NUM>. The inner opening 16b is preferably countersunk and facilitates the first or second sidewing bracket <NUM>, <NUM>' to remain attached to the elongated main support structure <NUM> also when the first or second stand <NUM>, <NUM>' is moved from the extended position towards a collapsed position relative to the supporting body <NUM>.

In the disclosed embodiment, the collapsible table stand <NUM> is power-driven to allow assisted adjustment of the vertical height of the table top <NUM> over the ground level. To this end, the first stand <NUM> comprises a first driving unit <NUM> and one or more first telescopic leg sections <NUM> driven by the first driving unit <NUM> to move axially relative to each other and to a fixed leg section 22a (being the outermost leg section in the disclosed embodiment). Correspondingly, the second stand <NUM>' comprises a second driving unit <NUM>' and one or more second telescopic leg sections <NUM>' driven by the second driving unit <NUM>' to move axially relative to each other and to a fixed leg section 22a' (being the outermost leg section in the disclosed embodiment). A controller <NUM> is provided for controlling synchronous actuation of the first and second driving units <NUM>, <NUM>'. The controller <NUM> is connected by first wiring <NUM> to the first driving unit <NUM> and is connected by second wiring <NUM>' to the second driving unit <NUM>'.

As can be seen in the drawings, each of the first and second stands <NUM>, <NUM>' of the disclosed has the general shape of an inverted L, wherein the first and the second driving unit <NUM>, <NUM>', respectively, is contained at the foot portion of the inverted L (i.e. at the upper part of the stand <NUM>, <NUM>', towards the table top <NUM>). At the end of the leg portion of the inverted L (i.e. at the lowermost part of the stand <NUM>, <NUM>', towards the floor or ground), base plate members <NUM>, <NUM>' are provided to allow the table <NUM> to stand stable on the floor or ground. The base plate members <NUM>, <NUM>' are preferably made of metal such as, for instance, steel. They may have feet 24a, 24a' on the underside thereof and may be connected to a lowermost one of the telescopic leg sections <NUM>, <NUM>'. In the disclosed embodiment, the lowermost telescopic leg section is the axially innermost one; however in other embodiments the order may be the opposite. There is no particular limitation in the number of telescopic leg sections <NUM>, <NUM>'; for instance there may be only one such telescopic leg section <NUM>, <NUM>' being axially movable with respect to the fixed leg section 22a, 22a'. In yet other embodiments, the table stand <NUM> may have means for manual adjustment of the vertical height and/or may not have any telescopic leg sections at all.

In the disclosed embodiment, the elongated main support structure <NUM> of the supporting body <NUM> comprises three primary parts: an elongated central beam <NUM>, an elongated first lateral beam <NUM> and an elongated second lateral beam <NUM>'. All of these parts are preferably made of metal such as, for instance, steel.

As is seen particularly in <FIG>, the elongated central beam <NUM> is formed by a bottom surface <NUM> and first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM>' extending perpendicularly from the bottom surface. The central beam <NUM> has a generally U-shaped cross-section. The bottom surface <NUM> is essentially solid, i.e. solid across its entire surface, except that an opening <NUM> for the wirings <NUM>, <NUM>' and/or other minor openings for mounting or ventilation purposes may optionally be made in the bottom surface <NUM>.

As is seen particularly in <FIG> and <FIG>, the elongated first lateral beam <NUM> is formed by first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM> extending perpendicularly between the first and second side walls along a proximal portion <NUM> of the first lateral beam <NUM>. The first lateral beam <NUM> has a generally U-shaped cross-section at the proximal portion <NUM>, and a proximal end <NUM> of the proximal portion <NUM> of the first lateral beam <NUM> is open for slidably receiving the central beam <NUM> from a first end 41a thereof. A distal portion <NUM> of the first lateral beam <NUM> is connected to the first stand <NUM>, as can be seen for instance in <FIG> and as will be discussed in more detail later.

As is also seen particularly in <FIG> and <FIG>, the elongated second lateral beam <NUM>' is formed by first and second side walls <NUM>', <NUM>' and a bottom surface <NUM>' extending perpendicularly between the first and second side walls along a proximal portion <NUM>' of the second lateral beam. The second lateral beam has a generally U-shaped cross-section at the proximal portion <NUM>', and a proximal end <NUM>' of the proximal portion <NUM>' of the second lateral beam <NUM>' is open for slidably receiving the central beam <NUM> from a second end 41a' thereof. A distal portion <NUM>' of the second lateral beam <NUM>' is connected to the second stand <NUM>', as, again, can be seen for instance in <FIG> and will be discussed in more detail later.

Each of the first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>' of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>' may have an angled top portion <NUM> with a flat surface and one or more openings 39a for mounting members, preferably screws or bolts, to fasten the table top <NUM> to the table stand <NUM>. This is best seen in <FIG>. The provision of the angled top portion <NUM> does not change the fact that the elongated first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>' have a generally U-shaped cross-section.

The first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>' and the bottom surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>' are essentially solid, i.e. solid across their entire surfaces, except possibly for certain minor openings e.g. for mounting or ventilation purposes.

As can be seen understood from the drawings, particularly from <FIG>, respective channels are formed by the first lateral beam <NUM> and the central beam <NUM>, and by the second lateral beam <NUM>' and the central beam <NUM>, respectively. The first and second wirings <NUM>, <NUM>' may advantageously run in these channels. Hence, the first and second wirings <NUM>, <NUM>' will be concealed from an external observer by the side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>' as well as the bottom surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM> of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>' and the central beam <NUM>. This is an improvement over the prior art.

As can be seen best in <FIG>, <FIG> and also in <FIG>, <FIG>, in the extended position of the first stand <NUM> relative to the supporting body <NUM>, the first driving unit <NUM> is received between the first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the first lateral beam <NUM> at the distal portion <NUM> thereof. Likewise, in the extended position of the second stand <NUM>' relative to the supporting body <NUM>, the second driving unit <NUM>' is received between the first and second side walls <NUM>', <NUM>' of the second lateral beam <NUM>' at the distal portion <NUM>' thereof.

Each of the first and second driving units <NUM>, <NUM>' comprises a housing and an electric motor contained therein. The housing comprises openings for receiving releasable anchoring members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', preferably screws or bolts, to pivotally anchor the first and second stands <NUM>, <NUM>' to the first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>'. In the disclosed embodiment, the housing also includes a transmission (speed reduction mechanism) between the electric motor and a leading end of an outgoing shaft, such as a screw shaft. The shaft protrudes through an opening in the housing and actuates the telescopic leg sections <NUM>. However, electric driving units for power-driven table stands with telescopic leg sections are available in the market, and the skilled person will readily be able to find or design alternative implementations of the driving units <NUM>, <NUM>' using common general knowledge.

In the disclosed embodiments, the elongated main support structure <NUM> of the supporting body <NUM> further comprises guide means <NUM>, <NUM> for guiding the central beam <NUM> to be slidably supported on the bottom surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>' of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>'. This allows for a convenient adjustment of the length of the supporting body <NUM> in the longitudinal direction L by displacing the first lateral beam <NUM> and/or second lateral beam <NUM>' with respect to the central beam <NUM> in said longitudinal direction L. In this way, the table stand <NUM> may be adapted for use with table tops of different sizes.

In a first design, the guide means <NUM> for guiding the central beam <NUM> comprises a plurality of guide rails <NUM>, preferably made of plastic. One such guide rail <NUM> is shown in detail in <FIG>. Through openings <NUM> and 39b, the guide rails <NUM> are mounted by screws <NUM> or bolts on respective insides of the side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>' of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>'. The guide rails <NUM> are mounted parallel to the respective bottom surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>' of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>' and at a distance between a lower lateral edge 74a of a respective one of the guide rails <NUM> and a respective bottom surface <NUM>, <NUM>' of the first or second lateral beam <NUM>, <NUM>'. This distance is preferably slightly larger than a height of the first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM>' of the central beam <NUM> from its bottom surface <NUM>.

In the disclosed design, for a shortest possible or feasible length of the length-adjustable supporting body <NUM>, the proximal ends <NUM>, <NUM>' of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>' are brought in contact with or at least immediately close to each other. For a longer length than the shortest length of the length-adjustable supporting body <NUM>, the proximal ends <NUM>, <NUM>' of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>' are consequently at a distance from each other, the distance being bridged by the central beam <NUM>.

Advantageously, the table stand <NUM> further comprises a limiter arrangement for preventing the proximal ends <NUM>, <NUM>' of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>' from being displaced more than a threshold distance from each other.

In the first design of the guide means <NUM>, the limiter arrangement is implemented as follows. Each of the guide rails <NUM> comprises a tab <NUM> protruding from the lower lateral edge 74a of the guide rail <NUM>; see in particular <FIG>. At each end of each first or second side wall <NUM>, <NUM>' of the central beam <NUM>, an end stop portion <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM> and an abutment <NUM>; see in particular <FIG>. The recess <NUM> is dimensioned to capture the tab <NUM> of the guide rail <NUM> when the proximal ends <NUM>, <NUM>' of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>' are displaced by said threshold distance from each other. Hence, if during length-adjustment or assembly of the supporting body <NUM> the proximal ends <NUM>, <NUM>' of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>' are moved too far from each other in the longitudinal direction L (i.e. the distance between them reaches the threshold distance), the limiter arrangement will prevent further movement of the proximal ends <NUM>, <NUM>' of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>' away from each other.

A second design of the guide means <NUM> for guiding the central beam <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. In this design, the guide means <NUM> comprises a pair of insert elements <NUM>, <NUM>', preferably made of plastic. Just as in the first design, the insert elements <NUM>, <NUM>' are part of a limiter arrangement for preventing the proximal ends <NUM>, <NUM>' of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>' of the elongated main support structure <NUM> from being displaced more than a threshold distance from each other. In addition, the insert elements <NUM>, <NUM>' in the second design of the guide means <NUM> serve to provide improved stability for the support body <NUM> by allowing the central beam <NUM> to be released and locked, respectively, with respect to the first or second lateral beam <NUM>, <NUM>'. This is done by means of releasable securing means <NUM>, <NUM>, as will be described in more detail below.

As seen in <FIG>, the first insert element <NUM> is mounted inside the first lateral beam <NUM>, whereas the second insert element <NUM>' is mounted inside the second lateral beam <NUM>'. Each insert element <NUM>, <NUM>' is attached to the inside surfaces (inwardly facing surfaces) of the first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>', <NUM>' of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>', respectively, by means of fasteners (such as screws, bolts, rivets, plugs, etc) through openings in the first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>', <NUM>', as seen in <FIG>. The fasteners are anchored to the insert element <NUM> at corresponding positions 61c, as seen in <FIG>. A lowermost portion 61d of each insert element <NUM>, <NUM>' is parallel to the respective bottom surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>' of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>' and is provided at a distance to the respective bottom surface <NUM>, <NUM>' of the first or second lateral beam <NUM>, <NUM>'. The distance is slightly larger than a height of the first and second side walls <NUM>, <NUM>' of the central beam <NUM> from its bottom surface <NUM>.

The releasable securing means <NUM>, <NUM> comprises, for each insert element <NUM> and <NUM>', respectively, a first and a second screw or bolt <NUM> and a first and a second beveled nut <NUM>. The screws or bolts <NUM> are inserted through openings 61a and 61b in the side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>' of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>'. The nuts <NUM> are received in recesses <NUM> at each side of the insert element <NUM> and <NUM>', respectively. When the screw or bolt <NUM> is released (loosened, untightened), as seen in <FIG>, a user may displace the first lateral beam <NUM> and/or the second lateral beam <NUM>' with respect to the central beam <NUM> in the longitudinal direction L, and thereby adjust the length of the support body <NUM>. This is illustrated in <FIG>.

When a desired displacement has been achieved, the user may tighten the screw or bolt <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>. As a result, a locking member 61e of insert element <NUM> will be forced by the beveled nut <NUM> into engagement with the sidewall <NUM> of the central beam <NUM>. In turn, the sidewall <NUM> will engage with the sidewall <NUM> of the lateral beam <NUM>, wherein the central beam <NUM> will be locked in position with respect to the first or second lateral beam <NUM>, <NUM>'. This will also provide improved stability for the support body <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG> and <FIG> which illustrate how the user may displace the first lateral beam <NUM> and/or the second lateral beam <NUM>' with respect to the central beam <NUM> in the longitudinal direction L, and thereby adjust the length of the support body <NUM>, in retracting and extending directions as indicated by the arrows in the drawings. During this operation, the aforementioned limiter arrangement prevents the proximal ends <NUM>, <NUM>' of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>' of the elongated main support structure <NUM> from being displaced more than a threshold distance from each other (the second lateral beam <NUM>' being shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). To this end, the insert element <NUM> has a tab <NUM> which protrudes towards and is biased against the bottom surface <NUM> of the central beam <NUM>. The bottom surface <NUM> has a first opening 69a in which the tab <NUM> may be captured if the displacement reaches the threshold distance.

In the situation shown in <FIG>, the displacement has not reached the threshold distance, and the tab <NUM> has not been captured by the first opening 69a. On the other hand, in the situation shown in <FIG>, the displacement has indeed reached the threshold distance, and the tab <NUM> is captured by the first opening 69a. By the bias of the tab <NUM>, it will also be captured in a second opening 69b in the bottom surface <NUM>' (<NUM>) of the second (first) lateral beam <NUM>' (<NUM>), and accordingly lock the position of the central beam <NUM> with respect to the second (first) lateral beam <NUM>' (<NUM>). Hence, the first and second openings 69a, 69b are adapted capture the tab <NUM> of the insert element <NUM>, <NUM>' when the proximal ends <NUM>, <NUM>' of the first and second lateral beams <NUM>, <NUM>' are displaced by said threshold distance from each other.

Reference is now again made to <FIG> for a more thorough description of the arrangement for attaching the at least one accessory <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the table <NUM>.

<FIG> show isometric, side and bottom views of the sidewing bracket <NUM> of the supporting body <NUM>. The sidewing bracket <NUM> is similar to the sidewing bracket <NUM> of <FIG>, except that it has been provided with additional elements <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>'-<NUM>', which make it particularly advantageous for the purpose of allowing attachment of the at least one accessory <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the table <NUM>. Just like the second sidewing bracket <NUM>' is a mirrored copy of the first sidewing bracket <NUM>, there may be a mirrored copy "<NUM>"'of the sidewing bracket <NUM>, attached at the opposite end of the elongated main support element <NUM> of the supporting body <NUM>, or more specifically to the distal portion <NUM> of the first lateral beam <NUM> in the disclosed embodiment.

The sidewing bracket <NUM> is formed by first and second elongated fixation members <NUM>, <NUM>' extending at an angle from an elongated base member <NUM>. The first and second fixation members <NUM>, <NUM>' are adapted for fastening of the table top <NUM> to the table stand <NUM> and for supporting the table top <NUM>.

More specifically, analogously to what was previously mentioned for the sidewing brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' of <FIG>, each of the first and second fixation members <NUM>, <NUM>' of the sidewing bracket <NUM> has a plate-shaped structure <NUM> (and <NUM>') which is adapted for fastening of the table top <NUM>. To this end, the plate-shaped structure <NUM> (and <NUM>') has openings <NUM> through which fastening elements such as screws or bolts may be inserted and anchored to the underside of the table top <NUM>. Hence, the top side of the plate-shaped structure <NUM> (and <NUM>') is a first surface <NUM> (and <NUM>') of the supporting body <NUM>, the table top <NUM> being supported by this first surface <NUM> (and <NUM>').

Moreover, analogously to what was previously mentioned for the sidewing brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' of <FIG>, each of the first and second fixation members <NUM>, <NUM>' of the sidewing bracket <NUM> also has a mounting portion <NUM> adapted for mounting of the sidewing bracket <NUM> to the distal portion <NUM> of the first lateral beam <NUM> as well as to the first stand <NUM>, as indicated by the arrow in <FIG>.

The mounting portion <NUM> has a slot <NUM> for receiving the aforementioned releasable fastening member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>', preferably a screw or bolt, which serves to anchor the sidewing bracket <NUM> to the elongated main support structure <NUM> as well as to anchor the first stand <NUM> in the extended position relative to the supporting body <NUM>.

The slot <NUM> in the mounting portion <NUM> has an outer mouth 116a for receiving the base part 50a of the releasable fastening member <NUM> when attaching the sidewing <NUM> to the elongated main support structure <NUM>.

The slot <NUM> in the mounting portion <NUM> also has an inner opening 116b for engaging the head part 50b of the releasable fastening member <NUM>. The inner opening 16b is preferably countersunk, thereby facilitating for the sidewing bracket <NUM> to remain attached to the elongated main support structure <NUM> also when the first stand <NUM> is moved from the extended position towards the collapsed position relative to the supporting body <NUM>.

The sidewing bracket <NUM> further comprises engagement members <NUM>, <NUM> (and <NUM>', <NUM>'), which are part of the arrangement according to one embodiment for attaching at least one accessory and which are adapted for attaching an accessory holder <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the supporting body <NUM> of the table stand <NUM>. The engagement members <NUM>, <NUM> (and <NUM>', <NUM>') are provided on a second surface <NUM> (and <NUM>'), respectively, of the supporting body <NUM> of the table stand <NUM>. The second surface <NUM> (and <NUM>') faces in a direction different from a direction in which the supporting body <NUM> supports the table top <NUM>.

More specifically, the second surface <NUM>/<NUM>' is the bottom side of the plate-shaped structure <NUM>, <NUM>' of the sidewing bracket <NUM>, which is part of the supporting body <NUM> of the table stand <NUM>. Hence, in the disclosed embodiment, the first surface <NUM> (<NUM>') and the second surface <NUM> (<NUM>') of the support body <NUM> are the opposing top and bottom sides of the plate-shaped structure <NUM> (<NUM>') of the sidewing bracket <NUM> of the supporting body <NUM>. It is recalled that in a typical operating position of the table <NUM> with its table stand <NUM> standing on a horizontal floor or ground, the first surface <NUM> (<NUM>') of the support body <NUM> faces upwards towards an underside of the table top <NUM> (see normal direction 131n indicated in <FIG>), whereas the second surface <NUM>, <NUM>' of the support body <NUM> faces downwards towards the floor or ground (see normal direction 132n indicated in <FIG>).

According to the invention, and as is seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, each engagement member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>' is a tab which at its base 121a extends from the second surface <NUM> (<NUM>') of (the sidewing bracket <NUM> of) the supporting body <NUM>. Each tab has an elongated main part 121b ending at an open end. The elongated main part is essentially parallel to the second surface <NUM> (<NUM>'). In the disclosed embodiment, each tab <NUM> has been formed integrally with the plate-shaped structure <NUM> (<NUM>') of the sidewing bracket <NUM> by cutting three sides of an opening <NUM> (<NUM>) in the plate-shaped structure <NUM> (<NUM>'), and bending the resulting tab <NUM> to the desired position as seen in the drawings. In other embodiments, the tabs may be separate elements which are welded or otherwise anchored onto the bottom side of the plate-shaped structure <NUM> (<NUM>') (i.e. on the aforementioned second surface <NUM> (<NUM>')).

By using the engagement members or tabs <NUM>, <NUM> (and <NUM>', <NUM>'), an accessory holder <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be attached to the supporting body <NUM> of the table stand <NUM> from below, i.e. from a direction which allows the table top <NUM> of the table <NUM> to remain on the supporting body <NUM> of the table stand <NUM> and/or does not require that the accessory holder <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> be attached to the supporting body <NUM> prior to or after the mounting of the table top <NUM> on top of the supporting body <NUM>. Anchoring means <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM> serve for anchoring the accessory holder <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the supporting body <NUM> of the table stand <NUM>.

Different embodiments of the arrangement for attaching different kinds of accessory holders for different accessories are shown in <FIG>.

Generally, in a first group of embodiments of the arrangement for attaching at least one accessory, the anchoring means comprises an adapter element <NUM> which allows attachment of different accessory holders to the supporting body <NUM> of the table stand <NUM>. The adapter element <NUM> is mounted to the underside of the sidewing bracket <NUM> from a position below the underside of the table top <NUM> by engagement with the engagement members or tabs <NUM>, <NUM> (and <NUM>', <NUM>') and by means of anchoring member(s) of the anchoring means. In turn, one or more accessory holders is/are mounted to the underside of the adapter element by means of additional anchoring member(s) of the anchoring means. The first group of embodiments is illustrated particularly in <FIG>, in which it can be seen that the accessory holder <NUM>, <NUM> is attached to the sidewing bracket <NUM> to the supporting body <NUM> of the table stand <NUM> via the adapter element <NUM>.

In a second group of embodiments of the arrangement for attaching at least one accessory, no adapter element is required. The accessory holder is mounted directly to the underside of the sidewing bracket <NUM> from a position below the underside of the table top <NUM> by engagement with the engagement members or tabs <NUM>, <NUM> (and <NUM>', <NUM>') and by means of anchoring member(s) of the anchoring means. The second group of embodiments is illustrated particularly in <FIG>.

The first group of embodiments of the arrangement for attaching at least one accessory will now be described with particular reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate how a first kind of accessory holder <NUM> may be attached to the supporting body <NUM> of the table stand <NUM> from below. The accessory holder <NUM> comprises holding means 140a for holding an accessory in the form of a cable tray <NUM> (seen in <FIG>). <FIG> are isometric and top views, respectively, of anchoring means in the form of the aforementioned adapter element <NUM>. As mentioned, the adapter element <NUM> allows attachment of different accessory holders to the supporting body <NUM> of the table stand <NUM>, and therefore represents a standardized accessory attachment interface which is an improvement over the prior art.

<FIG> illustrate the adapter element <NUM> in more detail. The adapter element <NUM> may be formed as a main body of suitable material, such as plastic, composite material or metal. The adapter element <NUM> has openings or recesses <NUM>, <NUM> which are dimensioned and positioned to match with the tabs <NUM>, <NUM> on the underside of the sidewing bracket <NUM>. The adapter element <NUM> may hence be slid into engagement with the tabs <NUM>, <NUM> from below, and then be anchored to the sidewing bracket <NUM> by means of an anchoring member <NUM> such as a screw or bolt (seen in <FIG>).

To this end, as can be seen particularly in <FIG> and <FIG>, a space 121c is formed between the elongated main part 121b of the tab <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> (<NUM>') of the supporting body <NUM>, i.e. the bottom side of the plate-like structure <NUM> (<NUM>') of the sidewing bracket <NUM>. The space is adapted for receiving a section 150b of the adapter element <NUM> of the anchoring means when the respective tab <NUM> has been inserted into the respective opening or recess <NUM> of the adapter element <NUM>.

For anchoring purposes, an opening <NUM> is provided in the second surface <NUM> of the sidewing bracket <NUM> of the support body <NUM> between the first and second engagement members (tabs) <NUM>, <NUM>, which are provided at a distance from each other that matches with the distance between the openings or recesses <NUM>, <NUM> in the adapter element <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is adapted for receiving the anchoring member <NUM> as it is inserted through an opening 153a in the adapter element <NUM>.

As seen in <FIG>, it suffices that a tip portion of the anchoring member <NUM> reaches into the opening <NUM> to fixate the adapter element <NUM> on the underside of the sidewing bracket <NUM> when the engagement members (tabs) <NUM>, <NUM> are engaged in the openings or recesses <NUM>, <NUM> in the adapter element <NUM>. However, as is also seen in <FIG>, the opening <NUM> may run through the plate-shaped structure <NUM> and therefore allow, in an alternative embodiment, the anchoring member <NUM> to extend through the opening <NUM> and engage with the table top <NUM> at the opposite first surface <NUM> of the plate-like structure <NUM>.

The adapter element <NUM> has additional openings 154a-157a which are adapted to receive additional anchoring members <NUM>-<NUM> which may be, for instance, screws or bolts. By the provision of the openings 154a-157a and selected ones of the anchoring members <NUM>-<NUM>, the adapter element <NUM> may serve to allow selective mounting of a first kind of accessory holder, such as the accessory holder <NUM>, for a first accessory, such as the cable tray <NUM>, or a second kind of accessory holder, such as the accessory holder <NUM>, for a second accessory being of a different type than the first accessory, such as for instance a desktop screen. This is seen in <FIG>; the accessory holder <NUM> has an opening 142a for receiving a fastening member for fastening such a desktop screen to the accessory holder <NUM>.

In fact, in an advantageous embodiment, the adapter element <NUM> may serve to allow selective mounting of any of the following alternatives:.

Alternative <NUM>) is illustrated in <FIG>.

The second group of embodiments of the arrangement for attaching at least one accessory will now be described with particular reference to <FIG>. It is recalled that for the second group of embodiments, no adapter element is required. The accessory holder <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is instead mounted directly to the underside of the sidewing bracket <NUM> from a position below the underside of the table top <NUM> by engagement with the engagement members or tabs <NUM>, <NUM> (and <NUM>', <NUM>') and by means of anchoring member(s) of the anchoring means. An example of such an anchoring member is seen at <NUM> in <FIG> in the form of a screw or bolt.

The accessory holder <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed as an integral part of the respective accessory <NUM> (computer cabinet holder), <NUM> (trash can) or <NUM> (pen tray), or it may be a separate part attached to the respective accessory <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> by suitable fastening means such as screws, bolts, nuts, adhesive points or welding points. As is seen schematically in <FIG>, the accessory holder <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has an upper, bent portion which comprises openings or recesses similar to the openings or recesses in the adapter element <NUM>. The purpose of these openings or recesses is to allow attachment of the accessory holder <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the underside of the sidewing bracket <NUM> by engagement with the engagement members or tabs <NUM>, <NUM> (<NUM>', <NUM>').

Similarly to what has been described above with reference particularly to <FIG> and <FIG>, the space which is formed between the elongated main part 121b of the tab (e.g. <NUM>) and the second surface <NUM> (<NUM>') of the supporting body <NUM> is adapted for receiving a section of the upper, bent portion of the accessory holder <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> when the tab <NUM> has been inserted into a respective one of the openings or recesses in the upper, bent portion of the accessory holder <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The provision of first and second engagement members or tabs <NUM>, <NUM> which are provided at a distance from each other on the second surface <NUM> of the supporting body <NUM>, e.g. on the underside of the sidewing bracket <NUM>, and with the opening <NUM> for the receiving the anchoring member being provided in the second surface <NUM> between the first and second engagement members or tabs <NUM>, <NUM>, is beneficial. As little as a single anchoring member, such as the screw or bolt <NUM> as seen in <FIG>, may be required for anchoring an accessory (such as the computer cabinet holder <NUM> in <FIG>), and therefore offers a highly expedient and component minimal procedure for securing the accessory to the table <NUM>.

This provision is believed to be beneficial also to the first group of embodiments of the arrangement for attaching at least one accessory, since it will reduce the number of anchoring members for anchoring the adapter element <NUM> to a minimum, namely one.

Alternative embodiments may instead have one engagement member, such as a single tab, and first and second openings being provided at a distance from each other in the second surface of the supporting body <NUM>, the engagement member being positioned between the first and second openings. The first and second openings will be adapted for receiving first and second anchoring members, respectively, comprised in said anchoring means.

The provision either of two engagement members <NUM>, <NUM> and one anchoring member (such the screw <NUM>, or the screw <NUM> seen in <FIG>) which is received in one opening (e.g. opening <NUM>) between the two engagement members, or of one engagement member and two anchoring members received in two openings with the anchoring member provided between them, will provide a strong and yet easily performed anchoring of the accessory holder to the supporting body <NUM> of the table stand <NUM>, capable of preventing rotation of the accessory in a plane parallel to the table top <NUM>. Hence, such provision is believed to be beneficial, for the first group of embodiments as well as for the second group of embodiments of the arrangement for attaching at least one accessory.

As is clear from the description above, the arrangement for attaching at least one accessory according to the invention may provide a standardized interface for attachment of different kinds of accessories to a table. Such accessories may, for instance, include one or more of the following: a cable tray <NUM>, a desktop screen, a computer cabinet holder <NUM>, a trash can <NUM>, and a pen tray <NUM>.

The arrangement for attaching at least one accessory as described herein may advantageously be included in a table (such as the table <NUM>), which comprises: the arrangement for attaching at least one accessory as described herein, a table stand (such as the table stand <NUM>), and a table top (such as the table top <NUM>) mounted on top of the table stand. In some embodiments, the table stand is collapsible and/or power driven.

Claim 1:
A table (<NUM>), comprising:
a table top (<NUM>);
a table stand (<NUM>) with a supporting body (<NUM>), the table top (<NUM>) being supported by at least a first surface (<NUM>, <NUM>') of the supporting body (<NUM>); and
an arrangement for attaching at least one accessory (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) to the table (<NUM>), wherein the arrangement comprises:
an accessory holder (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for said at least one accessory (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>);
anchoring means (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>) for anchoring the accessory holder (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) to the supporting body (<NUM>) of the table stand (<NUM>); and
one or more engagement members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>') provided on a second surface (<NUM>, <NUM>') of the supporting body (<NUM>) of said table stand (<NUM>), said second surface (<NUM>, <NUM>') facing in a direction different from a direction in which the supporting body (<NUM>) supports the table top (<NUM>), said one or more engagement members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>') being adapted for attaching the accessory holder (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) to the supporting body (<NUM>) of the table stand (<NUM>), wherein:
in a normal operating position of the table (<NUM>) with its table stand (<NUM>) standing on a horizontal floor or ground, the first surface (<NUM>, <NUM>') of the supporting body (<NUM>) faces upwards towards an underside of the table top (<NUM>) and the second surface (<NUM>, <NUM>') of the support body (<NUM>) faces downwards towards the floor or ground, and
the first surface (<NUM>, <NUM>') and the second surface (<NUM>, <NUM>') of the supporting body (<NUM>) are opposing top and bottom sides of a plate-shaped structure (<NUM>, <NUM>') of the supporting body (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the or each engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>') is a tab (<NUM>) which at its base (121a) extends from the second surface (<NUM>) of the supporting body (<NUM>) of said table stand (<NUM>) and which has an elongated main part (121b) ending at an open end, the elongated main part being parallel to said second surface (<NUM>, <NUM>').