WO2024213530A1

WO2024213530A1 - Bracket and bracket system for a tabletop extension plate

Info

Publication number: WO2024213530A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/059563
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Tomas PERELMAN; Amir EL SAFTY; Jesper MØLLER HANSEN
Original assignee: Siso AS
Current assignee: Siso AS
Priority date: 2023-04-13
Filing date: 2024-04-09
Publication date: 2024-10-17
Anticipated expiration: 2025-10-13
Also published as: DK202300322A1; DK181721B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a bracket and a bracket system for use in in connection with a tabletop extension plate, where the bracket is connected to the bottom side of a table and supports the bottom side of the tabletop extension. The bracket comprises a main part for connection to the bottom side of the table, and an extension arm for supporting the tabletop extension, where the main part comprises a table fixing part having table connection means for connection to the bottom surface of the table, the main part further comprising an extension arm support element connected with the table fixing part in rotational engagement, and to the extension arm. The main part comprises a fixing element, comprising leg connection means for connecting a table leg to the main part, and the fixing element being interconnected with the table fixing part, such that the arm support element is arranged between the table fixing part and the fixing element.

Description

Bracket and bracket system for a tabletop extension plate

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a bracket and bracket system for supporting an extension plate in relation to a tabletop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is commonly known that tables can be equipped with one or more extension plates in continuation with the tabletop, such that the actual size of the table surface can be expanded. Usually, such extension plates are connected to the tabletop via a hinge or arranged independent from the tabletop. In both situations, the extension plate needs to be supported by the table, which is typically done by a longitudinal sliding arm connected to the bottom surface of the tabletop on the area between the table legs.

However, the extension plate, when load is applied thereon, exerts et large downward load force on the sliding arm, which creates a huge moment upon the connection between the sliding arm and the bottom of the tabletop, which increases the risk of the sliding arm being forced out of connection with the tabletop. It is a commonly known problem that such table extension plates are quite sensitive to load, and care needs to be taken when using such table systems.

One example of prior art is disclosed in DE 20318003U U1 , which discloses a bracket system for a table extension plate, where part of the bracket is interposed between a tabletop and a table leg. The system is however complicated and does not allow the bracket to be used in connection with different types of legs.

It is thus an object of the present invention to arrange a bracket and a bracket system which eliminates the above disadvantages and establishes a strong connection between the table and a tabletop extension plate, such that the connection plate is less sensitive to an applied load.

The above object and advantages, together with numerous other objects and advantages, which will be evident from the description of the present invention, are according to a first aspect of the present invention obtained by: A bracket for use in connection with a tabletop extension plate, where the bracket is configured for being connected to the bottom side of a table and for supporting the bottom side of the tabletop extension when in use, the bracket comprising a main part for connection to the bottom side of the table and a support arm for supporting the tabletop extension, the main part comprising a table fixing part having table connection means, such as screw holes, for connection to the bottom surface of the table, the main part further comprising an arm support element connected with the table fixing part in rotational engagement and to the support arm, the main part further comprising a fixing element, the fixing element or the table fixing part comprising leg connection means, such as a screw thread, for connecting a table leg to the main part, the fixing element being interconnected with the table fixing part, such that the arm support element is arranged between the table fixing part and the fixing element, the bracket further comprises a leg engagement element having a leg facing surface and being arranged for connection between a table leg and the fixing element.

The bracket is preferably arranged from a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, etc., but may be arranged from a plastic or other suitable material for arranging the bracket with sufficient structural strength to support an extension plate in relation to a tabletop.

The bracket comprises a main part, which is arranged to be connected to the bottom surface of a table, and a support arm arranged for extending out from under the tabletop and for supporting the table extension plate.

The main part comprises a table fixing part, which is preferably arranged as a plate-shaped part, having connection means such as holes, whereby the bracket via the table fixing part can be connected to the bottom surface of the table.

The main part further comprises an arm support element rotationally connected to the table fixing part, and connected to or integrated with the support arm, such that rotational movement between the table fixing part and the arm support element moves the support arm in relation to the table.

The main part further comprises a fixing element which is connected to the table fixing part, and arranged such that the arm support element is sandwiched between the table fixing part and the fixing element. The arm support element may thus rotate freely between the table fixing part and the fixing element, around an axis substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the table, when the bracket is connected thereto. The result is thus that the arm may swing in a plane parallel with the tabletop.

The fixing element or the table fixing part further comprises leg connection means, preferably a screw thread, for connecting a table leg having a corresponding bolt arranged at the top end of the table leg. The table leg can thus be connected to the bracket opposite the bottom surface of the table, such that the bracket for supporting the table extension plate is interposed between the table and the table leg. This has the technical effect that the weight of the tabletop and any objects placed thereon enhance the connection between the bracket and the bottom surface of the table, which connection hereby has an increased strength. The support arm is thus arranged stronger, and the thereon arranged table extension plate is more suitable to sustain increased loads, as compared to the known types of support systems. This results in a strong table construction less prone to destruction due to increased load on the table extension plate(s).

It is preferred that a table, such as a square-shaped table, is provided with at least two brackets being arranged connected with two neighboring table legs at a side of the table where an extension plate is to be connected.

In a further preferred embodiment, a square-shaped table having four legs preferably comprises a bracket in connection with each table leg.

In the most basic embodiment, a table leg with connection means, such as a bolt, at the top end may be screwed directly into engagement with the fixing element; however, in a preferred embodiment the bracket comprises a table leg engaging element suitable to be arranged between the fixing element and the top end of the table leg, acting as a spacer and support for the top end of the table leg. The bolt arranged connected to the top end of the table leg extends through an aperture in the leg engagement element and into a screw thread in the fixing element of the table fixing part. This has the technical advantage that the leg engagement element can be configured in relation to a specifically sized table leg, hereby providing a bracket being used in connection with a number of differently sized table legs.

The outer circumferential shape of the arm support element and the leg engagement element may have a number of different shapes, including round, oval, square, etc. in order for the bracket to be used in combination with different types of table legs. According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the arm support element, due to the rotational engagement with the table fixing part, is suitable for being displaceable between two positions, one position where the support arm is arranged completely within the boundaries of the bottom side of the table, and a second position where the support arm projects out of the boundaries.

Arranging the support arm such that it can be moved between two positions, a first position where the support arm is arranged below the tabletop and within the side boundaries thereof, and a second position where the arm extends out from underneath the tabletop, provides the possibility of having a table both with and without the table extension plate.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the bracket comprises releasable locking means between the support arm and/or the arm support element, and the table fixing part.

In order to arrange the support arm safely in at least the second position, where the arm projects out from underneath the tabletop and supports the extension plate, the bracket comprises locking means between the support arm or the arm support element and the table fixing part. The bracket preferably comprises a spring-biased ball lock connected to the support arm and/or the arm support element, which interacts with an opening, aperture or depression in the table fixing part. When a user pushes the support arm sideways, the ball lock will exit out of connection with the table fixing part and the support arm may swing more freely.

The bracket preferably comprises at least one opening, aperture or depression in the table fixing part, but may comprise more openings, apertures or depressions in the table fixing part, such that the support arm can be retained in several positions, such as a fully stowed position, a fully retracted position, and a position therebetween. This provides a safe and stabile attachment of the table extension plate to the table.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the bracket comprises a cover covering the arm support element. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket comprises a cover which covers and circumvents the arm support element, which covers the connection means in the table fixing part and provides safety for the users of the table.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the leg facing surface comprises friction means.

For providing a firm connection between the table leg and the bracket, the leg engagement element, on the surface facing the table leg, preferably comprises a friction pattern of spaced friction elements. As an alternative to friction elements provided in metal or plastic, the surface of the leg engagement element may comprise a thin layer of a material, such as rubber or the like, which provides the necessary friction between the leg and the bracket.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the leg facing surface has a concave shape.

The leg engagement element in a preferred embodiment comprises a surface facing the table leg which is arranged concave. Arranging the surface with a concave shape has the technical effect that the table leg is securely and correct connected to the bracket, even if the upper end surface of the table leg is not completely planar. When installing a bolt or other connecting element at the top end of the table leg, the material of the leg, if being made of wood, has a tendency to splinter or rise in relation to the remaining surface of the upper end of the table leg. Arranging the leg engagement element with a concave surface eliminates the splinter or raised surface interfering with the connection of the table leg.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the support arm comprises a plate fixing element.

In a preferred embodiment, the support arm comprises a plate fixing element which can be used for connection with the table extension plate. In a most basic embodiment, the plate fixing element may be part of the support arm having a hole for insertion of a screw to be screwed into the table extension plate after placing the plate on the support arm. It should be understood that two brackets are to be used in connec- tion with a table extension plate supporting the plate at opposite ends thereof in relation to a table.

In a preferred embodiment, the plate fixing element may be arranged as an element suitable for interconnection with a corresponding fixing element arranged on the table extension plate.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the above objects and advantages are obtained by:

A system comprising a bracket according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention and an extension plate fixing, the extension plate fixing being arranged for interconnection with the extension plate, via fastening means such as a screw, and further arranged for releasable connection with the plate fixing element.

The system preferable comprises at least one bracket according to the first aspect of the invention and an extension plate fixing suitable to be connected to, such as screwed into, the bottom surface of the table extension plate.

As described above, it is preferred that in connection with one extension plate, two brackets are used, and therefore also two extension plate fixings. The system may thus comprise two brackets and two extension plate fixings.

The plate fixing element and the extension plate fixing are preferably arranged releas- ably, such that they engage upon sliding the extension plate toward the tabletop. The connection between the two may be sliding only, a friction fit or a snap fit, which can be released when a user pushes the extension plate away from the tabletop by a predefined force.

According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the system further comprises a wall fixing, the wall fixing being arranged for interconnection with a wall surface, via fastening means, such as a screw, and further arranged for releasable connection with the extension plate fixing.

In a further embodiment, the system preferably comprises a wall fixing, preferably two wall fixings, which can be connected to a wall surface by e.g., a screw going through the wall fixing. The wall fixing is arranged suitable for being connected to the extension table fixing in a releasable manner, such that a table extension plate not being used can be placed on a wall surface and hereby be stowed away.

Fig. 1 A shows a perspective view of the bracket.

Fig. 1 B shows a side view of the bracket.

Fig. 1C shows a top view of the bracket.

Fig. 1 D shows a cross-sectional view of part of the bracket.

Fig. 2A shows an exploded view of the bracket.

Fig. 2B shows an exploded view of a bracket.

Fig. 3A-3F show bottom and perspective views of a table and a bracket.

Fig. 4A-4D show bottom and perspective views of the table, bracket and extension plate. Fig. 5A-5B show cross-sectional views of part of a table, an extension plate and a bracket.

Fig. 5C shows a view and an enhanced view of an extension plate and an extension plate fixing.

Fig. 6A-6B show perspective views of an extension plate fixing and a wall fixing.

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will thus not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure.

Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of the bracket 10. Fig. 1 B shows a side view of the bracket 10. Fig. 1C shows a top view of the bracket.

The bracket 10 may be arranged from a metal and comprises a support arm 20 arranged from an elongated flat piece of bend material providing an elongate opening in the support arm. The bracket 10 comprises a table fixing part 14 arranged rotatably connected with one end of the support arm 20. The table fixing part 14 is arranged for fixation with a bottom surface of a tabletop and is arranged with connection means 22 (shown in fig. 1C) in the form of holes, such that the bracket 10 can be secured to a table 28. The bracket 10 further comprises an arm support element 12, which is interconnected with one end of the support arm and rotatably connected with the table fixing part 14. The bracket 10 further comprises a leg engagement element 18, arranged such that the arm support element 12 is interposed between the table fixing part 14 and the leg engagement element 18. The leg engagement element 18 and the table fixing part 14 may comprise interconnection means (not shown), such as a screw, which interconnects the two parts and arranges the arm support element 12 in between, such that the arm support element 12 may rotate freely between the leg engagement element 18 and the table fixing part 14. As disclosed above, the bracket 10 is preferably manufactured from a metal, such as aluminium, but may alternatively be manufactured from a plastic material. The table fixing part 14 thus provides a surface of the bracket 10 intended to be mounted to the table 28, and the leg engagement element 18 provides the bracket 10 with a surface intended to be mounted against a table leg 32.

As can be seen from figures 1A-C, the surface of the leg engagement element 18 intended for facing the table leg 32 may in a preferred embodiment be arranged with surface friction means, such that a tight connection between the table leg 32 and the bracket 10 may be obtained. The surface friction means may be arranged from fiction elements incorporated into the leg engagement element 18 but may in an alternative embodiment be arranged as an interposed washer having a friction surface or a rubber sealing ring, creating a friction between the two elements.

The bracket further comprises a cover 36 covering the arm support element. In a most basic embodiment, the bracket 10 may be arranged without the cover.

As can further be seen from figures 1A-C, the leg engagement element 18 comprises an opening in the centre. The opening is arranged such that a connection bolt connected with the table leg may extend through the leg engagement element 18 and into the bracket 10, where it may be interconnected with an element having a screw thread. The element having a screw thread may be interconnected with the leg engagement element 18 or the table fixing part 14, as the two parts are not arranged for mutual displacement. The bracket 10 is thus suitable to be connected in between the bottom surface of a table 28 top and a table leg 32. This results in a bracket having increased strength by being able to cope with an increased moment of inertia generated from the table extension 30 plate and any objects placed thereon, without the risk of compromising the connection between the bracket 10 and the table 28. The table fixing part 14 further comprises a number of lock opening 26 for engagement with a lock 24 (shown in fig. 1 D), such as a ball lock, for releasable engagement with the lock opening 26. The lock openings are arranged in predefined positions such that the support arm upon movement may assume a number of different positions in relation to the tabletop as illustrated in fig. 1C.

Fig. 1C further illustrates the support arm 20 having a number of plate fixing elements 20’ arranged for engagement with a number of extension plate fixings 38 connected to the table extension plate (see fig. 5A and 5B). This ensures that the table extension plate is securely connected to the bracket 10 and correctly positioned in relation to the tabletop.

Fig. 1 D shows a cross sectional view of part of the bracket 10. The figure shows the table fixing part 14 and part of the support arm 20 rotatably connected to the table fixing part via the arm support element 12 and the leg engagement element 18. The figure further shown the lock 24, illustrated as a spring-biased pall lock, and the figure also shows leg connection means 34 arranged as an opening and screw thread for connection with a protruding bolt arranged at an upper part of a table leg 32.

Fig. 2A shows an exploded view of the bracket 10. The individual components are similar as disclosed in relation to the previous figures.

Fig. 2B shows an exploded view of a bracket 10. The exploded view is similar to the view in figure 2A but with the addition of a bushing 40.

The bushing 40 is arranged within the circumference of the arm support element 12 and is arranged such that the connection means, such as screws, interconnecting the table fixing part and the fixing element 16, and extending through the arm support element 12, are prevented from direct contact with an inner surface of the arm support element 12. The bushing 40 thus has the fiction of a slide bearing providing an easier and more controlled movement of the support arm 20. The bushing 40 may be manufactured from a plastic and is arranged to be replaced upon wear.

Fig. 3A-3F show bottom and perspective views of a table 28 and a bracket 10 in different positions. Fig. 4A-4D show bottom and perspective views of the table 28, extension plate 30, and bracket 10.

Fig. 5A-5B show cross sectional views of part of a table 28, an extension plate 30, and a bracket 10. Figure 5A shows a first embodiment, where the support arm 20 has been moved to a position extending out from underneath the table 28, and a table extension plate is loosely positioned on top of the bracket 10. It should be understood that even though the figure only shows one bracket 10, the situation also covers a second bracket extending from the same side of the table, in order for the table extension plate 30 to be supported by two brackets 10. The plate fixing element 20’ and the extension plate fixing 38 are arranged for mutual connection upon mutual displacement.

Fig. 5B shows the table extension plate 30 in a second position, where the extension pate 30, including the extension plate fixings 38, has been slid in abutment with the table 28, whereby the plate fixing elements 20’ and the extension plate fixings 38 are interconnected by e.g. a snap lock.

Fig. 5C shows a view and an enhanced view of an extension plate 30 and the extension plate fixing 38.

Figs. 6A-6B show perspective views of an extension plate fixing 38 and a wall fixing 44, respectively. The wall fixings 44 comprise screw holes for connecting the wall fixings to a wall surface. The screw holes are preferably elongated, which provides an easier correctly positioned installation on the wall. The wall fixings are suitable for connection with the extension plate fixings 38, such that an extension plate 30, when not being used in connection with the table 28, may be hung on a wall surface for storage.

In the following is given a list of reference signs that are used in the detailed description of the invention and the drawings referred to in the detailed description of the invention.

10 Bracket

12 Arm support element

14 Table fixing part

16 Fixing element

18 Leg engagement element

18’ Leg facing surface

20 Support arm

20’ Plate fixing element

22 Connection means

24 Lock

26 Lock opening

28 Table

30 Tabletop extension plate

32 Table leg

34 Leg connection means

36 Cover

38 Extension plate fixing

40 Bushing

44 Wall fixing

Claims

1. A bracket (10) for use in connection with a tabletop extension plate (30), where the bracket (10) is configured for being connected to the bottom side of a table (28) and for supporting the bottom side of said tabletop extension plate (30), said bracket comprising a main part for connection to the bottom side of said table (28), and a support arm (20) for supporting said tabletop extension plate (30) when in use, said main part comprising a table fixing part (14) having table connection means (22), such as screw holes, for connection to said bottom surface of said table (28), said main part further comprising an arm support element (12) connected with said table fixing part (14) in rotational engagement, and to said support arm (20), said main part further comprising a fixing element (16), said fixing element (16) or the table fixing part (14), comprising leg connection means (34), such as a screw thread, for connecting a table leg (32) to said main part, said fixing element (16) being interconnected with said table fixing part (14), such that said arm support element (12) is arranged between said table fixing part (14) and said fixing element (16), characterized in that said bracket (10) further comprising a leg engagement element (18) having a leg facing surface (18’) and being arranged for connection between a table leg (32) and said fixing element (16).

2. A bracket (10) according to claim 1 , wherein said arm support element (12), due to said rotational engagement with said table fixing part (14), is suitable for being displaceable between two positions, one position where said support arm (20) is arranged completely within the boundaries of said bottom side of said table (28), and a second position where said support arm (20) projects out of said boundaries.

3. A bracket (10) according to claim 2, where said bracket (10) comprises releasable locking means (24, 26) between said support arm (20) and/or said arm support element (12) and said table fixing part (14).

4. A bracket (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said bracket comprises a cover covering said arm support element (12).

5. A bracket (10) according to claim 1 , wherein said leg facing surface (18’) comprises friction means.

6. A bracket according to claim 1 or 5, wherein said leg facing surface (18’) has a concave shape.

7. A bracket according to any of the previous claims, wherein said support arm (20) comprises a plate fixing element (20’).

8. A bracket system comprising a bracket according to claim 7 and an extension plate fixing (38), said extension plate fixing (38) being arranged for interconnection with said tabletop extension plate (30), via fastening means, such as a screw, and further arranged for releasable connection with said plate fixing element (20’).

9. A bracket system according to claim 8, wherein said system further comprises a wall fixing (44), said wall fixing (44) being arranged for interconnection with a wall sur- face, via fastening means, such as a screw, and further arranged for releasable connection with said extension plate fixing (38).