DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular table system for manufacturing and/or reconfiguring a table in a plurality of shapes and sizes.

[0002] The modular table systems of the prior art comprise modular "in-factory" table systems to reconcile the need to increase the degree of industrialization with the need to ensure a high versatility of shape and size of the tables that can be manufactured. These modular table systems use a certain number of prefabricated, standardized components, which can be assembled together in the factory in different configurations, in particular a plurality of modular panels that are connected together to form the table top. By varying the quantity of individual panels joined together, it is possible to vary the surface area and the shape of the table top.

[0003] The modular table systems of the prior art also comprise modular systems "in use" or "modular table" to reconcile the need to have rather large tables with the need to be able to store these tables in a disassembled configuration in relatively small spaces. These systems comprise a certain number of finished, modular components, which can be fitted together by the user in one or more configurations, in particular a plurality of panels which can be connected together and with respective legs to form a large-sized table that can be easily assembled and disassambled.

[0004] The "in-factory" modular table systems of the prior art have some drawbacks. They still require an undesirably high level of processing, adaptation and craft finishing. Compared to tables designed and manufactured in an optimized manner for a specific size and shape, the mechanical resistance and the precision and stability of shape of the modular tables are still unsatisfactory. The assembly of the individual modules often requires complex manipulations of the individual modules of the table and of the assembly parts and, therefore, skilled labor. Last but not least, the degree of versatility of size and shape is still limited and the aesthetic aspect is often negatively influenced by the requirements of modular assembly which is difficult to conceal.

[0005] The modular table systems in use, in addition to having drawbacks similar to those described with reference to the "in-factory" modular table systems, do not meet the aesthetic standards and cannot ensure the precision of assembly and surface finishing indispensable for the furnishing of domestic environments, hotels, offices, etc. [0006] A further drawback of the prior art modular table systems is that, precisely because of the necessity of integrating the individual modules of the table top, the latter is as a whole undesirably thick or chunky stocky and unsuitable for a thin and slim appearance.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved modular table system, having such features as to overcome at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0008] A particular object of the invention is to provide an improved modular table system, having such features as to achieve a high rigidity and dimensional and shape accuracy of the table top and, at the same time, an easy and simplified assembly.

[0009] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved modular table system, having such features as to be usable also for manufacturing tables having a thin and slim appearance.

[0010] A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved modular table system, having such features as to allow the manufacture of the table top with a high variability of shapes and sizes, as well as to allow a positioning and orientation of the table legs as desired.

[0011] A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved modular table system, having such features as to allow the table to be manufactured with a high level of industrialization and reduce the number and type of adaptation or craft finishing operations.

[0012] At least some of these objects are achieved by a modular table system according to claim 1 . The dependent claims refer to advantageous and preferred embodiments.

[0013] According to an aspect of the invention, a modular table system comprises:

- a plurality of modular panels of identical shape and connectable to one another in a plane to form a table top,

- a plurality of legs connectable to the table top to form a table,

- one or more cross coupling profiles each having an elongated shape and two opposite longitudinal coupling edges,

- a plurality of longitudinal covering laths each having an elongated shape with two opposite end portions, a longitudinal connecting side and a longitudinal finishing side opposite the longitudinal connecting side,

- one or more tie rods each having two opposite anchoring ends,

wherein each of said modular panels is an extruded metal, in particular aluminum, which forms:

a planar upper surface, - a lower surface parallel to the upper surface,

- two longitudinal edges opposite and parallel to each other,

- two transversal edges opposite and parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal edges,

- two lateral grooves parallel to the longitudinal edges and each formed in one of the two longitudinal edges, respectively,

- a plurality of transversal holes, parallel to the transversal edges and opening at the longitudinal edges in said lateral grooves,

wherein, in the assembled configuration of the table top:

- two or more of the modular panels are arranged, side by side in a transversal row, with the longitudinal edges adjacent and facing each other, and with the transversal coupling profile received in both lateral grooves of both adjacent and facing longitudinal edges,

- two or more of the tie rods are extended through the transversal holes of the modular panels of the transversal row with the opposite anchoring ends received in the lateral grooves of two of the longitudinal edges forming two opposite outer longitudinal edges of the transversal row, and wherein the tie rods are pretensioned in a direction parallel to the transversal edges,

- the longitudinal covering laths are housed, with the longitudinal connecting side thereof, in the lateral grooves of the opposite outer longitudinal edges and conceal the anchoring ends of the tie rods.

[0014] This facilitates the manufacturing of the table top with a variable width according to the number of modular panels forming the transversal row, and ensures a high rigidity and mechanical resistance of the table top, due to a shape coupling between the lateral grooves of the modular panels and the transversal coupling profiles. Furthermore, the tie rods and the transversal coupling profiles are hidden inside the modular panels and concealed by the longitudinal covering laths and, therefore, do not negatively affect the appearance of the table top.

[0015] To better understand the invention and appreciate the advantages thereof, some exemplary non-limiting embodiments of the modular table system are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

figure 1 is a lateral-top perspective view of a table made by the modular table system, according to an embodiment, figures 2 and 3 are lateral-bottom perspective views of two tables made by the modular table system, according to further embodiments,

figure 4 is an exploded view of a transversal row of modular panels and further components of a table top which can be manufactured by the modular table system according to an embodiment,

figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a table made by means of the modular table system, according to an embodiment,

figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a modular panel of the modular table system according to an embodiment,

figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a table top of the modular table system, partly in an exploded view (to the left of figure 7) and partly in an assembled configuration (to the right of figure 7), according to an embodiment,

figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a longitudinal channel of the modular panel of the modular table system according to an embodiment, and of the sequence of movement for inserting a longitudinal connecting plate,

figure 9 is a partially exploded view of a connecting region between two transversal rows of modular panels of the table top and a leg of the modular table system according to an embodiment,

figures 10 and 1 1 are further views of the connecting region in figure 9,

figures 12 and 13 illustrate the possibility of varying the position and orientation of the legs of the modular table system according to embodiments,

figures 14 and 15 are sectional views of the connecting region in figure 9,

figure 16 is a partially exploded view of a connecting region between a transversal covering lath and a transversal row of modular panels of the modular table system according to an embodiment,

figure 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connecting region shown in figure 16.

[0016] With reference to the figures, a modular table system 1 comprises:

[0017] - a plurality of modular panels 2 of identical shape and connectable to one another in a plane 3 to form a table top 4,

[0018] - a plurality of legs 5 connectable to the table top 4 to form a table 6,

[0019] - one or more cross coupling profiles 7 each having an elongated shape and two opposite longitudinal coupling edges 8,

[0020] - a plurality of longitudinal covering laths 9 each having an elongated shape with two opposite end portions 10, a longitudinal connecting side 1 1 and a longitudinal finishing side 12 opposite the longitudinal connecting side 1 1 ,

[0021] - one or more tie rods 13 each having two opposite anchoring ends 14.

[0022] Each of the modular panels 2 is a metal extrusion, preferably of aluminum, which forms a planar upper surface 15, a lower surface 16 opposite and preferably parallel to the upper surface 15, two longitudinal edges 17 opposite and parallel to each other, two transversal edges 18 opposite and parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal edges 17, two lateral grooves 19 parallel to the longitudinal edges 17 and each formed respectively in one of the two longitudinal edges 17, a plurality of through transversal holes 20, parallel to the transversal edges 18 and opening at the longitudinal edges 17 in the lateral grooves 19.

[0023] In the assembled configuration of the table top 4, at least some of the modular panels 2 are arranged, side by side in at least one transversal row 21 , with the longitudinal edges 17 adjacent and facing each other, and with the transversal coupling profile 7 received in both lateral grooves 19 of both longitudinal edges 17 that are adjacent and facing each other.

[0024] The two or more tie rods 13 are extended through the transversal holes 20 of the modular panels 2 of the transversal row 21 with the opposite anchoring ends 14 received in the lateral grooves 19 of two of the longitudinal edges 17 forming two opposite outer longitudinal edges 22 of the transversal row 21 (and thus of the table top 4), and wherein the tie rods 13 are pretensioned in a direction parallel to the transversal edges18 and/or perpendicular to the longitudinal edges 17.

[0025] The longitudinal covering laths 9 are housed, with the longitudinal connecting side 1 1 thereof, in the lateral grooves 19 of the opposite outer longitudinal edges 22 and conceal the anchoring ends 14 of the tie rods 13.

[0026] This allows easy manufacture of the table top 4 with a variable width according to the quantity of modular panels 2 forming the transversal row 21 , and ensures a high rigidity and mechanical resistance of the table top 4, due to the shape coupling between the lateral grooves 19 of the modular panels 2 and the transversal coupling profiles 7. Furthermore, the tie rods 13 and the transversal coupling profiles 17 are hidden inside the modular panels 2 and concealed by the longitudinal covering laths 9 and, therefore, do not negatively affect the appearance of the table top 4.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the longitudinal coupling edges 8 of the transversal coupling profiles 7 have a complementary section shape, advantageously identical, with the cross-sectional shape of the lateral grooves 19 for a coupling thereof with zero clearance or with very reduced clearance. Preferably, the transversal coupling profiles 7 have a constant cross-sectional shape along their longitudinal and preferably rectangular extension, and the lateral grooves 19 also have a preferably rectangular and constant shape along their longitudinal extension.

[0028] Advantageously, the transversal coupling profiles 7 are solid section profiles made of wood material, preferably MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard).

[0029] The transversal coupling profiles 7 form a geometric reference for a correct and precise relative positioning of respectively two adjacent modular panels 2 in the transversal direction of table 6, as well as for the transmission of the shear forces and, at least a part of the bending moments, between two adjacent modular panels 2.

[0030] To facilitate the assembly of the table top 4, the transversal coupling profiles 7 and the lateral grooves 19 are shaped to allow a mutual insertion from the side, that is to say, in a direction transverse to their longitudinal direction.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the anchoring ends 14 of the tie rods 13 are enlarged with respect to the section of a central portion 25 of the tie rod, for example by means of a clamping bush 23 which can be screwed onto a threaded end portion 24 of the central portion of the tie rod 25. The pretensioning of the tie rod 13 takes place by screwing the clamping bush 23 onto the threaded end portion 24 and against the lateral groove 19 of the respective outer longitudinal edge 22.

[0032] The central portion of the tie rods 13 is preferably a steel bar.

[0033] The tie rods advantageously extend also through auxiliary transversal holes 26 formed in the transversal coupling profiles 7. Preferably, the diameter of the transversal holes 20 and the diameter of the auxiliary transversal holes 26 is less than 120%, even more preferably less than 105%, of the diameter of the central portion 25 of the tie rod 13, so as to form a further assembly reference in the correct relative position between these three components.

[0034] The longitudinal connecting side 1 1 of the longitudinal covering lath 9 forms a tongue 28 extending in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal covering lath 9, which can be inserted in the lateral groove 19 and interrupted by a plurality of cavities 27 at the anchoring ends 14 of the tie rods 13.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the tongue 28 of the longitudinal covering lath 9 has a complementary section shape, advantageously identical, with the cross-sectional shape of the lateral grooves 19 for a coupling thereof with zero clearance or with very reduced clearance. Preferably, the tongue 28 of the longitudinal covering lath 9 has a constant cross- sectional shape along its longitudinal extension and preferably along its rectangular extension, and the lateral grooves 19 also have a preferably rectangular and constant shape along their longitudinal extension.

[0036] Advantageously, the longitudinal covering laths 9 are solid section profiles, for example made of wood material, preferably of wood selected on the basis of aesthetic criteria.

[0037] To facilitate the assembly of the table top 4, the tongue 28 of the longitudinal covering lath 9 and the lateral grooves 19 are shaped to allow mutual insertion from the side, that is to say, in a direction transverse to their longitudinal direction.

[0038] The fixing of the longitudinal covering laths 9 in the lateral grooves 19 of the outer longitudinal edges 22 can be carried out by means of fixing screws 60 inserted in respective holes of the modular panel 2 and screwed into the tongue 28 (figures 4, 14).

[0039] According to an embodiment, the modular panels 2 each form a plurality of (preferably three) continuous longitudinal channels 29, parallel to the longitudinal edges 17 and open in the opposite transversal edges 18, wherein the longitudinal channels 29 are open in the lower surface 16 along the entire extension thereof through an inlet slot 32 having a width smaller than a maximum width 37 of the longitudinal channels 29 inside the modular panel 2.

[0040] System 1 further comprises a plurality of longitudinal coupling profiles 30 elongated in shape and having a width 35 smaller than the maximum width 37 of the longitudinal channels 29 but greater than the width 38 of the inlet slots 32. The longitudinal coupling profiles 30 may be inserted into the longitudinal channels 29 of the modular panels 2 and positioned as desired in a desired position along the extension of the longitudinal channels 29 and form an anchoring profile for the connection of the legs 5 to the table top 4 and/or for a mutual connection of adjacent modular panels 2 arranged in a longitudinal row 31.

[0041] Advantageously, the longitudinal coupling profiles 30 have a thickness 36, measured in a direction orthogonal to their width 35 and to their length, smaller than the width 38 of the inlet slot 32, and the longitudinal channel 29 has a cross-sectional shape not symmetrical with a first channel side 39 of reduced depth and a second channel side 40 of depth greater than the reduced depth of the first channel side 39 (wherein the depths are measured in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the modular panel 2), so that the longitudinal coupling profiles 30 are insertable into the longitudinal channels 29, preferably by means of a sequence of two roto-translational movements (figure 8), directly through the inlet slot 32 up to a stop position in which the difference between the widths of the longitudinal coupling profile 30 and the longitudinal channel 29 prevents the longitudinal coupling profile 30 from coming out of the longitudinal channel 29 in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the modular panel 2.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the longitudinal channels 29 comprise, in cross section:

[0043] - a lower plane 41 formed by a lower wall 42, preferably planar, of the modular panel 2 and centrally interrupted by the inlet slot 32,

[0044] - a first arc-shaped side wall 43 that connects the lower wall 42 with an upper wall 44 of the modular panel 2 and forms the above second channel side 40 of the longitudinal channel 29,

[0045] - an intermediate plane 45 opposite the lower plane 41 , formed by a planar wall portion connected to the first arc-shaped wall 43 and parallel to but spaced from the upper wall 44 and from the lower wall 42,

[0046] - a second side wall 46, opposite the first side wall 43 and which connects the intermediate plane 45 with the lower wall 42 and forms an inclined stretch with respect to the lower plane 41 , wherein the intermediate plane 45 and the second side wall 46 together form the first channel side 39.

[0047] In this way, the wall which forms the longitudinal channels 29 constitutes itself a longitudinal reinforcing rib of the modular panel 2, both alone and together with the longitudinal coupling profile 30 received and blocked therein, as will be described below.

[0048] Each leg 5 comprises a connecting plate 33 having a width larger than the width of the slots 32 and which forms a plurality of holes 34 for a tightening of the leg 5 against the lower surface 16 of the one or more modular panels 2 by tightening clamping screws 47 inserted in the holes 34 of the connecting plate 33 and in the inlet slot 32 of the longitudinal channel 29 and screwed into the longitudinal coupling profiles 30 positioned within the longitudinal channels 29 (figures 9, 1 1 -15).

[0049] According to an embodiment, the connecting plate 33 extends over at least two, preferably three, longitudinal channels 29 and is screwed to at least 2 longitudinal coupling profiles 30 inside at least two longitudinal channels 29 mutually spaced apart transversally (figures 10, 1 1 , 14).

[0050] This creates a connection of the legs 5 rigid and resistant to bending moments. [0051] With a further advantage, the connecting plate 33 extends on at least two adjacent modular panels 2, and is screwed to at least 2 longitudinal coupling profiles 30 inside at least two longitudinal channels 29 of the at least two adjacent modular panels 2 (figures 10, 1 1 , 15).

[0052] This provides a rigid structural node, resistant to bending moments, between a plurality of modular panels 2 and at least one leg 5 of table 6.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the holes 34 in the connecting plate 33 are arranged along a plurality of connecting lines 48 offset from one another at an angular pitch, for example of 45°, to allow an angular adjustment of the orientation of the legs 5 with respect to the table top 4, for example with constant angular pitches, e.g. of 45° (figures 1 1 , 12).

[0054] Moreover, the distances between the holes 34 of the connecting plate 33 and the distances between the longitudinal channels 29 are selected in a compatible manner and such that they allow, in addition to the angular adjustment, also an adjustment of the position of the legs 5 along the extension of the longitudinal channels 29 (figure 13).

[0055] For the manufacture of the table top 4 with a plurality of modular panels 2 one next to the other in one or more longitudinal rows 31 , with the transversal edges 18 adjacent and facing each other, at least some of the longitudinal coupling profiles 30 are inserted in the mutually aligned longitudinal channels 29 of two adjacent modular panels 2 and extend continuously in both adjacent modular panels 2 (figures 9, 10, 1 1 , 15).

[0056] A plurality of perforated counterplates 49 having a width greater than the width of the inlet slots 32, are clamped against the lower surface 16 of the adjacent modular panels 2, by tightening of clamping screws 47 inserted into holes 50 of the counterplates 49 and into the inlet slot 32 of the longitudinal channels 29 and screwed into the longitudinal coupling profiles 3 (figures 9, 10, 15).

[0057] It is therefore possible to vary the shape and size of the table 6 by selecting the number of modular panels 2 arranged in a transversal row 21 and the number of modular panels arranged in a longitudinal row 31.

[0058] It is also possible and advantageous to use the same longitudinal coupling profiles 30 for connecting one or more legs 5 to the table top 4 and for connecting together pairs of modular panels 2 in a longitudinal row (figures 9, 10, 1 1 , 15).

[0059] The longitudinal coupling profiles 30 have a preferably constant section shape along their longitudinal extension and, preferably, along their rectangular extension. Advantageously, the longitudinal coupling profiles 30 are solid section profiles made of wood material, preferably MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the modular panels 2 are multi-cell hollow section profiles with a plurality of closed channels 51 (with the exception of the transversal edges) interspersed with the longitudinal channels 29 and with the lateral grooves 19 (figures 14, 16). In this way, the table top 4 is particularly light and rigid and can be made with very small thicknesses suitable for slim and elegant designs.

[0061] The table system 1 further comprises at least two transversal covering laths 52 each having an elongated shape with two opposite end portions, a fixing side 53 and a finishing side 54 opposite the fixing side 53. Two or more longitudinal coupling profile portions 30 protrude from the fixing side 53, insertable and fixable in the longitudinal channels 29 of the modular panels 2 at two of the transversal edges 18 forming two opposite outer transversal edges 55 of the table top 4 or of the longitudinal row 31 of modular panels 2 (figures 16, 17). The fixing of the transversal covering laths 52 takes place by means of a plurality of perforated counterplates 49 having a width greater than the width of the inlet slots 32, which counterplates 49 are clamped against the lower surface 16 of the modular panel 2, by tightening of clamping screws 47 inserted into holes 50 of the counterplates 49 and into the inlet slot 32 of the longitudinal channels 29, and screwed into the longitudinal coupling profile portions 30.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the transversal covering laths 52 comprise a support plate 56, e.g. metal, preferably made of aluminum, to which the longitudinal coupling profile portions 30 are screwed, and an ornamental plate, for example made of wood, fixed (for example glued) to the support plate 56 (figures 16, 17).

[0063] System 1 further comprises a plurality of coating sheets 58 applied, for example glued, on the upper surface 15 of the modular panels 2, to give table 6 a desired appearance.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the modular panels 2 form, at each longitudinal edge 17, a rectilinear contour tab 59 projecting towards an upper side of the table top 4 (in the use position) and extending along the entire extension of the longitudinal edge 17. The two contour tabs 59 of each modular panel 2 may delimit the extension of the covering sheets 58 and be visible from the outside of table 6 as ornamental metal lines (figure 1 ).

[0065] The skilled in the art will appreciate that the table system 1 achieves the objects of the invention. The table system 1 , the table top 4 and table 6 according to the invention require a smaller amount of workmanship, adaptation and crafted finish. The mechanical strength and the precision and stability of shape of table 6 are comparable to those of tables designed and manufactured in an optimized manner for a specific size and shape. In particular, system 1 is characterized by a high rigidity of the table top with the same thickness. The assembly of the individual modular panels 2 is simple, requires a reduced number of connecting parts, and reduces the risk of confusion of parts and assembly errors. At the same time, the modular table system 1 allows a high variability in the size and shape of table 6.

[0066] Table 6 meets the aesthetic standards of surface finishing required for the furnishing of houses, hotels, offices, etc.

[0067] The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing a table 6 by means of the steps:

[0068] A) connecting together a plurality of modular panels 2 of identical shape in a plane 3 to form a table top 4, through the steps of:

- arranging at least some of the modular panels 2, one next to the other in at least one transversal row 21 and inserting a transversal coupling profile 7 in two lateral grooves 19 of two adjacent and facing longitudinal edges 17, respectively, of two adjacent modular panels 2 of the transversal row 21 , respectively,

- extending one or more tie rods 13 through transversal holes 20 of the modular panels 2 of the transversal row 21 and arranging anchoring ends 14 of the tie rods 13 in side grooves 19 of two opposite outer longitudinal edges 22 of the transversal row 21 of modular panels 2,

- pretensioning the tie rods 13 in a direction perpendicular to the two opposite outer longitudinal edges 22 of the transversal row 21 of modular panels 2,

- inserting longitudinal covering laths 9 into the side grooves 19 of the opposite outer longitudinal edges 22 for concealing the anchoring ends 14 of the tie rods 13,

[0069] B) connecting a plurality of legs 5 to the table top 4 to form a table 6.

[0070] The further features and advantages of the method are the same as those already described with reference to system 1 and are not repeated herein for the sake of conciseness.

[0071] A person skilled in the art may make several changes and variants in order to meet specific and incidental needs, all falling within the scope of protection as defined by the claims.