Telescoping Load-Bearing Frame Assembly and Use of the Same

Abstract

The invention refers to a telescoping frame assembly (1) for height adjustment adjacent a wall (23) comprising: bracket structure for structure load mounting; self-blocking telescoping columns for height adjustment; movement of telescoping columns synchronized by mechanical means and/or common control of individual actuators; one telescoping column part being wall-mounted with possible supporting foot; with: a separate main beam (42) of constant circumscribed profile for horizontal arrangement and having means (52, 53) along its length for positioning and fixation of both vertical telescoping columns and horizontal brackets, with freely selectable positions along the main beam (42); telescoping columns (43) as separate units with specific positioning and fixation means (49, 54) for mounting to the main beam (42) at the selected positions; and brackets (44) as separate units provided with specific positioning and fixation means (47, 48, 49, 50) for mounting to the main beam (42) at the selected positions. The invention also refers to the use of such an assembly for, e.g., the mounting of basins and tubs.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Application

This invention relates to telescoping load-bearing frames for selectively height adjustable structures. More specifically the invention concerns a telescoping load-bearing frame assembly according to the preamble of claim 1.

Uses of the inventive elements are also claimed.

Telescoping load-bearing frame assemblies of such type find a wide range of applications; also they often preferably are used in arrangements for incapacitated/handicapped persons requiring installations with variable height adjustment. E.g. in a kitchen installation one or more of such telescoping load-bearing frame assemblies are very useful as the selective height adjustment allows the user to comfortly stand, half-stand/-sit, or sit—possibly in a wheelchair, during performing kitchen work, as the level of e.g. the table top can be adjusted to the actual need of and by the user.

Especially a wheelchaired user requires substantial free space below a table top, both in the horizontal depth direction square to the user edge of the table top, and to the sides—for having the torso/arms adjacent that edge to reach over the table and possible installations there, and for easy maneuvering to and fro, respectively. Therefore bracket structure can support e.g. a mounted kitchen table top possibly including sink, watertap, and heater plates for cooking, etc, in an overhanging way from the rear side, thus eliminating or at least substantially reducing the obstructing structures below the user side of the table top to provide free space for e.g. a wheelchaired user.

As such table tops often require connection to fixed installations (e.g. electricity, hot/cold tap water, drain) they are often via the telescoping load-bearing frame assembly mounted to a wall with built-in outlets for electricity, water and/or connection to the sewer. In case of relevant wall being estimated to not possess adequate load-bearing capacity for the telescoping carrying frame plus the static and dynamic loads imposed thereon, telescoping columns being fixedly wall-mounted can have a supplementary stiff supporting leg/foot to transmit vertical load along the wall to be taken up by the floor via the leg, or even via the stiff foot, which is able to provide a force-couple to keep the free user-edge from sinking, if the wall material/structure is very porous/weak, thus only being able to define the position of the assembly, while loads must be taken up by the floor.

Static loads can—in addition to the obvious inherent part—originate from e.g. one/more cupboards, refrigerator/freezer, (disc) washing machine, etc. hanging under the tabletop. Dynamic loads are contributed to by all materials not permanently positioned, e.g. food-stuff, cooking pots, kitchen utensils, water in a sink; a contribution also to be calculated with, is the force-reaction from a person leaning over or grasping the table to prevent a fall, or the like.

E.g. instead of being positioned below the table to occupy space else being usable e.g. to a wheelchair, cupboards can be positioned conventionally above the table top, at the wall. Here, they can be mounted to a movable frame structure with a function corresponding to the one supporting the table top; or the telescoping load-bearing frame assembly can incorporate a structure to support e.g. the cupboards at a more elevated level, thus keeping the relative vertical distance between cupboards and table top constant, also during height adjustment.

Above, use in a kitchen has been taken as model for a description of the background for the invention, but of course, similar situations are encountered e.g. at a basin in bath/toilet rooms, at the house-owner's work bench, in institutions, and in professional working situations, too.

Normally two columns with telescoping means are mounted to the wall. Their motions are usually synchronized to avoid jamming from difference in length of stroke/overall telescoped position, which can impose very severe and even destructive loads on the structure. Due to safety and security considerations well known in the related art, the telescoping movement is often performed via a screw-and-nut principle, which is inherently self-blocking in a left-alone situation without power connected, thus avoiding sudden, unforeseen movements. Mechanical screw systems in the telescoping columns can be mechanically coupled for synchronization e.g. via a common axle and local gearing, while e.g. the individual electrical actuators—one per relevant telescoping column—themselves functioning according to a screw-and-nut-principle or similar—are synchronized via a common control means based on pulse counting without fix reference, thus often necessitating a count reset in an extreme position.

2. Prior Art and Disadvantages

Prior to filing, a thorough search in the patent literature for related prior art responded negative.

The most related prior art is therefore believed to be a product programme disclosed under the name “KitFlex” by the Danish producer/marketer firm ROPOX, DK-4700, Denmark. At least up to and on the day of filing of the first, priority-giving application, the most related art was publicated via ROPOX' Internet-homepages www.ropox.com and www.ropox.dk, the specific links being: http://www.ropox.dk/Katalog/eng/koekkentegninger_uk.htm and http://www.ropox.dk/Katalog/dan/koekkentegninger.htm, respectively. The FIGS. 1-4 of the accompanying drawing are copies from these links (slightly modified by removal of few disturbing details) to keep and illustrate the most related prior art.

Telescoping load-bearing frame assemblies according to the most related prior art—as can be seen directly from FIG. 1-4 without further detailed explanation being necessary—are composed of two basic frame structures which are precision welded to be able to telescope by means of at least two columns including elements from both frames. The lower frame is mounted stationary to a wall (FIG. 3) and can for reasons mentioned above be supplemented by legs (FIG. 2) or even feet (FIGS. 1 and 4) for adequate stability. The upper frame is the relatively moving part of the assembly and is in an end view of substantially Γ-shape, the upper horizontal branch of the Γ describing a bracket structure platform frame to support the load, e.g. a table top for kitchen use as shown in FIG. 3, while the vertical branch of the Γ “contains” the moving parts of the telescoping columns co-operating with their partners from the stationary frame. At the factory such assembly is completed, i.e. also with mounting and adjustment of the means for performing the height adjustment movement, which can be manual mechanically synchronized cranking means (FIG. 1) or preferably electric actuators separate for each column (FIGS. 2 and 4) synchronized with a (not shown) common control means well-known in the art. The finished assembly is shipped as a unit with a fairly bulky structure ready for installation to a wall and for receiving an e.g. kitchen table top which is fastened to the bracketing platform frame e.g. with screws from below through the profiles of the platform or through ears thereon.

In the handling sequence of such an assembly from the factory to the fully installed functioning state at the relevant wall, two major groups of disadvantages are experienced: first, the shipment and storing of such bulky structures have become relatively expensive as the volume of standard container modules used for these purposes, cannot be effectively exploited; second, many rejections from the customers are experienced requiring a re-make—not because of bad quality of the delivered product, but because the informations given in advance from the customer regarding position of fixed installations for electricity/water/drain in the relevant wall was incorrect or was changed during a subsequent building phase without further information given to the supplier of the assembly ordered for installation at that wall; therefore the columns and/or the horizontal beams in the fixed frame can conflict with such outlets, rendering use thereof impossible; another related disadvantage of the second group is collision with structures of the table top, which also might have been added or shifted to another position after ordering the assembly; such situation easily comes up, e.g. if the occupant of the related kitchen table is left-handed instead of being right-handed as expected. Such conflict is easily understood by comparing FIGS. 1 and 3: the axle with factory-fixed position through the platform beam and for manual telescoping movement by means of the separate cranking handle (FIG. 1—far end of platform frame) can not pass through e.g. the built-in sink in the table top (FIG. 3—corresponding end of platform area), when positioned on that assembly.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the purpose of the invention is to provide an improved telescoping load-bearing frame assembly of the relevant type, which eliminates the disadvantages mentioned, plus yields other benefits as will be explained below.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

This purpose is fulfilled with a telescoping load-bearing frame assembly for selective height adjustment above a floor level adjacent a wall, comprising:

• bracket structure for mounting of substantially static load structure to be borne;
• at least two telescoping columns comprising means for performing the height adjustment movement and being self-blocking in the selected height;
  • for at least two columns: the movement of the telescoping columns being synchronized by coupled mechanical means and/or by common control of individual actuators;
• one part of each of at least two telescoping columns being fixedly wall-mounted and possibly having a supplementary stiff supporting leg/foot;
  as such assembly according to the invention at least is composed of:
• a separate lengthy main beam of constant circumscribed profile along it's length, for substantially horizontal arrangement, and having prepared means along its length allowing positioning and fixation of both vertical telescoping columns and horizontal bracket structure brackets, with their positions along the beam being selectable freely or at small modular steps of maximum 50 mm;
• minimum two telescoping columns being separate units and being provided with specific positioning and fixation means for mounting to the main beam at the selected positions; and
• minimum two bracket structure brackets being separate units and being provided with specific positioning and fixation means for mounting to the main beam at the selected positions.

In this way the first type of disadvantages can be solved by shipping and storing the assemblies as separate rod-like parts permitting a much more efficient filling of a container.

Disadvantages of the second type can now be avoided as the positioning of the telescoping columns and of the brackets can wait for exact definition of fixing point along the main beam, until at the site of use, where the actual circumstances can be respected, as the separate columns and brackets now easily can be mounted to the main beam off factory; this also permitting easier transport through a building's narrow door openings, etc.

The telescoping columns are conventionally fixed to the wall e.g. via integrated ears, possibly with interposed shims to adjust the columns vertical to a common, ideal wall plane, but in reality with contact to a physical, uneven wall surface.

If not simply being holes, the prepared means along the length of the main beam preferably have the form of undercut grooves extending continuously and parallel all along the main beam. Such profiled grooves can be milled out from a massive rod's profile, but preferably the main beam is a section of an extruded profile, preferably of metallic material, preferably with a high content of aluminium, as such metallic alloys both economically can be extruded directly to the required finished profile, and possess adequate mechanical properties to fulfill the load-bearing requirements. An alternative to metallics is e.g. polymer-composites as glass fiber reinforced polyester, which might be chosen for installation of the inventive assembly in a corrosive environment.

Moreover, the constant circumscribed profile along the main beam's length can be substantially rectangular, and in the horizontal mounted position the beam thus can provide two vertical and two horizontal sides for mounting of brackets and telescoping columns, respectively. In this way the assembling is further facilitated, as these flat surfaces easily can be mated by corresponding flat surfaces on the columns/brackets, then just requiring simple fixation with minor adjustment, e.g. by set screws from the columns/brackets pressing on the corresponding flat face of the main beam, while being fixed e.g. to the groove by means of tensioning means as e.g. screws.

Preferably a part of the means for mounting/fixing a telescoping column and/or a bracket to the main beam can be positioned in the undercut groove with a dimensional extension square to the groove direction, which is larger than the groove's mouth span, the part also having at least one means of connection to tensioning means, preferably at least one threaded bore for a screw; the use of a screw as both a positioning element (via it's diameter in the groove's mouth) and as a tensioning element (engaging the threaded bore in the blocking part in the undercut groove from e.g. an ear on the column/bracket) has proven satisfactory in many situations and represents an very economical solution.

While positioning of such blocking part in the groove by sliding it in from a free end of the groove, always is possible, this may require removal of parts already mounted, now blocking the slide-way. Especially for repair situations and cases, where e.g. an extra bracket is to be mounted because of change in use for heavier loads, the blocking element to be positioned in the undercut groove, preferably can have shape and dimensions allowing for insertion into correct undercut position in the groove from the side, preferably by some translatoric movement through the groove's mouth succeeded by some rolling movement in the groove having sufficient free sectional area to allow such rolling. Then such mounting can be performed without need for removing e.g. brackets already mounted: both to the main beam, and to a table top, where delicate, hard-to-de-and-re-mount details might additionally have been installed at the free edge in relation to the brackets—thus saving considerable effort and money by the independant mounting of e.g. an extra bracket.

In a situation, where the inventive assembly has the movement of at least two telescoping columns being synchronized by means of coupled mechanical means, these coupling means can be a section of a length of axle material with a constant, non-circular outer profile along it's length, this profile thus directly allowing transfer of torsional force-couples in either direction substantially without backlash, by insertion in/through a correspondingly formed hole. Thereby also a gear unit for transfer of the manual cranking movement to telescope the columns and comprising such corresponding through hole, can be moved freely along that synchronizing axle to be positioned and fixed at a suited location, not interfering with e.g. a sink built-into the table top. A driving mechanism with a through hole corresponding the profile of the synchronizing axle can instead of being a manual cranking unit be a controllable elektromotor gearing unit with similar mounting facilities.

Preferably the mechanically coupling length of axle material with constant outer profile along it's length is insertable/retractable through one or more of the relevant telescoping columns. Thereby the mechanical coupling from the synchronizing axle to a telescoping column and/or a manual cranking/elektropowered gear unit can easily be interrupted in a part-exchange-situation by sliding the axle in the direction(s) of it's axis. Also total removal of this axle is facilitated this way.

For cost and administrative reasons the telescoping columns and/or the brackets preferable are identical, respectively, thus reducing the number of stocked/produced articles, and also further eliminating the risk of performing an incorrect mounting of the inventive assembly at the site of use.

Preferably the main beam can comprise means for mounting other load-bearing structure for load-bearing of substantially static loads at another height than that defined by the brackets. E.g. in the kitchen situation also a cupboard can then be mounted to the assembly for height adjustment simultaneously with the kitchen table top, thus eliminating a separate device for height adjustment of the cupboard. Similarly in e.g. a bathroom e.g. a mirror, lightning, side cupboards, and possibly mains outlet for e.g. an electric hair dryer can be mounted for movement simultaneously with a hand basin carried by the brackets.

Finally an obvious alternative use of the inventive assembly scoped by the claims, yields a resulting telescoping load-bearing frame assembly for selective height adjustment above a floor level, which is free-standing independant of a wall. The inventive assembly then can have one main beam horizontally positioned on at least two telescoping columns with feet, or can have more horizontal main beams co-operating in a common level for common load-bearing support of a structure possibly also supported on brackets mounted to the main beams. In the latter case the columns normally only need legs for the contact to the floor, as the mounted telescoping columns are sufficiently spread to stably support the applied load without need for further stabilizing force-couples from feet.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The drawing accompanying this description is showing, partly prior art assemblies, partly—as non-limitating examples—preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Of said drawing, FIG. 1-4 are inclosed to illustrate the most related prior art as above described, and are showing in:

FIG. 1 a PRIOR ART telescoping load-bearing frame assembly for selective height adjustment above a floor level adjacent a wall, this version having feet at the columns and manual cranking by means of a separate handle;

FIG. 2 a PRIOR ART telescoping load-bearing frame assembly for selective height adjustment above a floor level adjacent a wall, this version having an individual electric actuator for each telescoping column fitted with a hardly visible leg;

FIG. 3 a PRIOR ART telescoping load-bearing frame assembly mounted to an imaginary stable wall and carrying a kitchen table top including sink with drain, water tap, and heater plates for cooking; above the assembly with the table top some cupboards as attached to the same imaginary wall;

FIG. 4 another PRIOR ART assembly to be regarded as a FIG. 2-version with feet replacing legs, or as a FIG. 1-version with the manual drive replaced by actuators.

The inventive assembly is illustrated in the drawing's FIGS. 5-12 showing in:

FIG. 5 a mounted inventive assembly with legs and manual drive;

FIG. 6 a slightly exploded version of the FIG. 5 embodiment, showing essential details;

FIG. 7 a perspective view from above of an inventive bracket complete with fixation and adjustment means for a main beam undercut groove;

FIG. 8 the end of the inventive bracket from FIG. 7, to be mounted to a vertical side of a main beam;

FIG. 9 the bracket from FIG. 7 and/or FIG. 8 as seen from the free end towards the ears with the mounting means;

FIG. 10 a low quality photo, to illustrate blocking parts positioned in respective undercut grooves in a main beam;

FIG. 11 use of the inventive assembly for mounting a hand basin in a bathroom using specialized bracket for an else wall mounted basin; and

FIG. 12 use of the inventive assembly for mounting a basin of integral bench-top-type to be supported from below by lying on the structure.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1-4 PRIOR ART telescoping load-bearing frame assemblies 1 from the same family for selective height adjustment above a floor level adjacent a wall, are shown in a slightly modified copy to keep the reference, as mentioned, to the most related prior art.

Easily identifiable from FIGS. 1-4 are: two telescoping columns 2 for each assembly (FIGS. 1, 2, 4), which as mentioned can be supplementary fitted with a foot 3 (FIGS. 1, 4—if the wall is very weak) or with a leg 4 (FIG. 2 (hardly visible) to transmit just vertical forces). An Γ-configured upper/movable welded frame structure comprises bracket structure 5 in form of a platform in the top Γ branch, and internal parts for the telescoping columns 2 in the Γ-vertical branch. A lower, stationary frame 6 for mounting to a wall (23, FIG. 3) comprises ears 14 for the fastening means to the wall and is held together via horizontal traverses 7 to exactly define the parallel spacing of the outer telescoping column 2 parts to perfectly match the corresponding inner parts from the upper frame 5. The assembly's telescoping movement can be performed via actuators 8 individual to each column 2 and being commonly controlled according to well-known principles; else the columns can be manually driven by incorporating a gearing and a self-locking screw/nut-combination in each column. From a separate handle 13 via a crancking axle 12 to a gear 11, these manually driven telescoping columns 9 can be driven simultaneously, as the synchronising axle 10 both is passing through the manual gear 11 and is reaching the internal gearing in each manual column 9. Of course the internal gearing, etc. in the column is omitted, if the column is driven by an externally mounted actuator 8.

E.g. a kitchen table top 16 (FIG. 3) complete with sink 17 including drain 18, water tap 19, electrical heater plates 20, and trim/controls 21 at the free edge of the table top 16 is—often at the site of installation/use—mounted on the assembly via e.g. screws through ears 15 of the bracket structure 5. In a relevant kitchen, cupboards 23 (FIG. 3) can be mounted to the wall 23 not to occupy space below the kitchen table, for the benefice of a wheelchaired user.

An inventive assembly 41 is shown in FIG. 5 in a “ready-for-wall-mount-and-table top-mount” state; the same assembly 41 is shown somewhat exploded in FIG. 6, especially to further elucidate the mounting principle to the main beam 42. The illustrated version in FIGS. 5, 6 is meant for a wall with fairly good supporting characteristics as legs 4 here are chosen at the manual telescoping columns 43, instead of feet as 3 or nothing (for the very stable wall with excellent load-bearing properties). A manual version for cranking via handle 13, gear 45 and synchronizing axle 10 to the two telescoping columns 43 is shown. The telescoping columns 43 are constructed according to the same principles as the prior art type 9, but are finished as separate units with mounting surface and means for the main beam 42 in this embodiment having a rectangular circumscribed profile. Instead of the prior art platform bracketing structure 5, the inventive assembly comprises separate brackets 44, preferably manufactured to all be similar for the same assembly (variations of course can occur e.g. due to varying depth of table tops or special requirements for articles to be mounted). At the bracket free end 46 a fitting 51 for connection to trim/controls as 21 and having an ear 15 for fastening to a table top as 16 can be mounted with conventional means.

Now to FIGS. 7-10 for a more detailed explanation of the mounting to the main beam 42, which is explained for a bracket 44, but is similar for columns 43 and manual drive gear 45. As roughly shown in FIG. 10, the main beam 42, whose right end profile is seen, downwards and to the left in FIG. 10 shows undercut grooves 53 and 52 respectively, especially for mounting of the columns and of the brackets.

A separate bracket from FIGS. 5, 6 is perspectively shown in FIG. 7 in the same position. In FIG. 7 at the mounting end of the bracket 44 is shown an ear 47 having a threaded bore for an adjustment screw 50, and a through-hole for positioning and tensioning means 49. Of course such means 49 can be elaborated with profilations and exact dimensions to perform the fixation in a groove in a main beam 42, without play to any desired degree, but in the present embodiment, simple positioning and tensioning means as screws 49 has proven satisfactory for the intended purpose. Through the ear 47 the screw 49 is engaging the threaded bore in a blocking part 48, which from FIGS. 8 and 9 can be seen to be designed as an oblong flat profile with threads for two positioning and tensioning screws 49 through a respective ear 47. From FIG. 10 can now easily be understood, that the bracket 44 (to the left) with loosened screws 49 and blocking part 48, from the end of the main beam 42 can be slid into the undercut groove 52 behind the main beam vertical side; at the same time the bracket 44 end face is sliding along the beam to the desired position along the beam length (to be free of e.g. sink and other obstructing structures below the table top to be positioned afterwards). In correct position the screws 49 are tightened so the blocking part firmly seats in an undercut position in the groove 52 for stably attaching the bracket end face to the beam side face. Normally the main beam 42 from the combination of size, extruded profilation, and material possess the necessary mechanical properties to stably and stiffly take up bending and twisting moments imposed, especially via the brackets 44 and columns 43. But if the free end of a bracket for some reason should need to be raised, this free end can be adjusted up to the desired level via the adjustment screws 50 from the bracket ear 47, being adjusted to press adequately against the vertical side of the main beam below the tensioning screws 49. The mechanics in such adjustment is well known in the art; such adjustment is performed during the fixation of the bracket 44 to the main beam 42. The arrangement most clearly shown in FIG. 9 also permits minor adjustment of the bracket free end 46 in the main beam 42 direction.

Also the telescoping columns 43 and/or corresponding actuator operated models, are mounted to the main beam 42 according to the same principle; as 54 a blocking part for a column is shown in FIG. 5 and in FIG. 10. Also the columns can at the site of use be slid along the main beam (fully independant of the brackets and vice versa) to a desired position free of built-in outlets in the wall, etc, before fixation to the main beam 42 by means of screw 49 through hole in column (FIG. 10).

E.g. at retroplacement of an extra bracket between other brackets much effort can be saved, if the blocking part 48 can be slid sideways into the undercut groove and rolled therein to be “fished” to have the correct blocking position for engagement of the screws 49 from the bracket ears 47 (obvious means for this of course can be provided); the undercut bracket mounting groove 52 in FIG. 10 is voluminous enough to offer this facility, while the downfacing undercut groove 53 for column mounting does not offer this feature in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, due to a less voluminous groove profile.

Normally the synchronizing axle 10 has a hexagonal profile offering at the same time favourable torsional stiffness and adequate non-circularity to permit direct transfer of momentum from the cranking gear 45 to the gearing in the manual telescoping columns 43 by insertion in mating holes. Via a mounting plate 57 the gear 45 slid to a desired unobstructed position is mounted same way as a bracket 44. The plate is formed so the hex through hole in mounted gear 45 is aligned with the corresponding column hex through holes used. Alternatively, instead of a manual cranking gear 45, a suitedly designed electric gear motor unit (57, FIG. 11) can be provided with similar mounting facilities and through hole for the synchronizing axle. As also the columns preferably are identical, each is provided with two aligned outer holes 55 (FIGS. 5, 6, 10) permitting through-put of the synchronizing axle 10. This axle 10 normally is delivered a bit shorter than the main beam 42 and of course always can be adapted to an adequate shorter length to just reach the most distant manually telescoping columns 43. With a loose(ned) gear 45 hanging thereon, this axle 10 easily can be liberated from the two telescoping columns 43 by a zig-zagging movement in a horizontal plane—even if the assembly is positioned between walls adjacent both ends of the main beam 42.

An extra column might be mounted midway between the extreme columns 43 for purpose of supplying added lifting capacity during height adjustment and/or added stiffness against bending down of the free edge of a very deep table top. In the first situation a standard manual telescoping column 43 is used; in the latter situation an “empty” telescoping column of the (same basic) type used at individual actuator operation might be used, as “only” the load-bearing precision guiding feature is used in this situation; such version of course also has two holes 55 for axle passage. For a liberation in this case of the synchronizing axle 10 as explained above—e.g. for shifting the gear 45 to a new position at the other side of a fix installation in the wall obstructing the sliding movement along the mounted axle 10 to the new position, e.g. at renewal of the kitchen table top to another “layout”—the third/extra leg must be freed from the main beam, the wall, and possibly the floor, to follow the axle movements. The benefits here are, that the overall positioning and stability of the assembly is kept during this work, so the extra leg(s) easily remount afterwards. Of course such handling situation can be avoided by use of shorter axle sections of suited lengths connected and/or guided by suitable coupling(s), e.g. of demountable type or being an element in the drive-train present anyway having a sufficiently long through-hole for safe reception of two axle ends.

Of course also an automated version of the inventive assembly 41 can be established with individually actuator operated telescoping columns, as in the prior art in FIGS. 2 and 4. In an actuator-version with common electronic control of movement and stroke, of course, the parts for manual operation as 13, 45, 57, and 10, and of course the columns 43, are not delivered; but the other components as the main beam 42, the brackets 44 with mounting means and fittings 51, and possible legs 4/feet 3 are the same components. Therefore also a later shift from manual drive to automated actuator activation is an easy job to perform at an already fully installed and operational inventive assembly.

Especially the automated version with individual actuators at the respective telescoping columns, opens a beneficial possibility for synchronized movement of the columns, even if space between the columns is elsewise occupied, so no room is left for a synchronizing axle and/or drive means thereabout. Also combined use of e.g. two main beams 42 in a corner setup e.g. in a kitchen is made possible by means of individually actuated columns; at least three actuator columns are then normally used, the one in/near the corner supporting an end of both main beams 42. The nose shown at the column tops under the blocking part 54 in FIG. 6 can be modified for this purpose to function as an ear for a second blocking part slid into the groove 53 at the other main beam end in the corner. By the common electronic control of all (three) columns delicate angled synchronizing transmission is avoided. Preferably the brackets 44 to the two corner main beams 42 are arranged so the bonding line between the two table top parts which often are contributing to such angled table surface, is positioned resting near/on a bracket for mutual stable fixation of the bonded edges via the bracket. Table top mounting holes as 56 in the brackets 44, positioned in two adequately spaced rows along a bracket could be beneficial to such bonding line support.

Both an angular setup for a corner as just described with legs or feet at lower column ends for floor contact, and a linear setup as in FIG. 5, but with feet, of the inventive assembly, can be stably standing “alone” on a floor without reference to a wall. Also an arrangement with e.g. two linear setups “on legs”, facing each other can yield a stable structure if mutual stability can be acquired via the common table top. Therefore also such obvious uses for freestanding versions combined from the inventive parts, are scoped by the claims.

Of course a wall mounted inventive assembly also can include extension/supplement to also carry e.g. a superposed cupboard in constant relative distance to the structure carried by the brackets, for height adjustment synchronous with the main beam/bracket structure.

FIG. 11 illustrates use of the inventive assembly for mounting a hand basin in a bathroom. Here, specialized brackets 58 are used, with intentional short horizontal reach and vertical contacting face with slit/holes for mounting. In this way a vertical wall is simulated for the mounting of an else wall mounted fix hand basin. Also a toilet bowl for wall mounting and the like can be mounted this way. Even if the inventive assembly in this example is not much wider than the basin self, the mounting environment is expected to leave free space for use of an synchronizing axle 10 and an electric gearmotor unit 57. At the beam end, at 59, an example of another design than i FIG. 10, of a profile section of an inventive beam is distinguishable.

FIG. 12 shows use of the inventive assembly for mounting a basin of bench-top-type consisting of both table top and basin. In this exemplifying situation a solution with individually actuator driven columns 43 is chosen. To fully support the bench-top basin, two brackets 44 are here connected with a front bar 60 to form some U-shaped structure to yield continuous support under all edges of the basin, possibly via some load distributing padding as such basins often are made from stiff. but fragile ceramic material. Bath tubs etc. can be mounted correspondingly. The bar 60 can be connected to the brackets 44 by any suited means, also including e.g. welding, and the bar can additionally be used for mounting of other articles. Both here and in e.g. the FIG. 11 situation, supplementary structure of the inventive assembly can hold e.g mirror, lightning, etc. for movement/position synchronous with the basin.

In addition to the above described preferred embodiment of, partly a manually operated version of, partly an automated gearmotor/actuator operated version of, the telescoping load-bearing frame assembly for selective height adjustment above a floor level according to the present invention, any suited other methods, materials, components, treatments, alternatives, analogies and detailed designs and constructions, etc, can be scoped by the invention, when such realization with knowledge to the information here given, presents no problem to a skilled person.

The extent of the present invention applied patent protection for, is specified by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Telescoping load-bearing frame assembly (1) for selective height adjustment above a floor level adjacent a wall (23), comprising:

bracket structure for mounting of substantially static load structure to be borne;

at least two telescoping columns comprising means for performing the height adjustment movement and being self- blocking in the selected height;

for at least two columns: the movement of the telescoping columns being synchronized by coupled mechanical means and/or by common control of individual actuators;

one part of each of at least two telescoping columns being fixedly wall-mounted and possibly having a supplementary stiff supporting leg/foot;

characterized in said assembly being at least composed of:

a separate lengthy main beam (42) of constant circumscribed profile along it's length, for substantially horizontal arrangement, and having prepared means (52,53) along its length allowing positioning and fixation of both vertical telescoping columns (43) and horizontal bracket structure brackets (44), with their positions along the main beam (42) being selectable freely or at small modular steps of maximum 50 mm;

minimum two telescoping columns (43) being separate units and being provided with specific positioning and fixation means (49, 54) for mounting to the main beam (42) at the selected positions; and

minimum two bracket structure brackets (44) being separate units and being provided with specific positioning and fixation means (47,48, 49,50) for mounting to the main beam (42) at the selected positions.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in, the prepared means along the length of main beam having the form of undercut grooves (52,53) extending continuously and parallel all along the main beam (42) preferably being a section of an extruded profile, preferably of metallic material, preferably with a high content of aluminium.

3. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in, the constant circumscribed profile along the main beam's length being substantially rectangular, and in the horizontal mounted position of the beam providing two vertical and two horizontal sides for mounting of brackets (44) and telescoping columns (43), respectively.

4. Assembly according to claim 2, characterized in, a part (48,54) of the means for mounting/fixing a telescoping column (43) and/or a bracket (44) to the main beam (42), is to be positioned in the undercut groove (52,53) with a dimensional extension square to the groove direction, which is larger than the groove's mouth span, the part (48,54) having at least one means of connection to tensioning means (49), preferably at least one threaded bore for a screw (49).

5. Assembly according to claim 4, characterized in, such part (48) to be positioned in the undercut groove (52), having shape and dimensions allowing for insertion into correct undercut position in the groove (52) from the side, preferably by some translatoric movement through the groove's mouth succeeded by some rolling movement in the groove having sufficient free sectional area to allow such rolling.

6. Assembly according to claim 5 and having the movement of at least two telescoping columns (43) being synchronized by coupled mechanical means (10), characterized in, the mechanically coupling means (10) being a section of a length of axle material with a constant outer profile along it's length, the profile thus directly allowing transfer of torsional force-couples in either direction substantially without backlash by insertion in/through a correspondingly formed hole.

7. Assembly according to claim 6, characterized in, the mechanically coupling length of axle material with constant outer profile (10) along it's length is insertable/retractable through one or more of the relevant telescoping columns.

8. Assembly according to claim 7, characterized in, the telescoping columns (43) and/or the brackets (44) being identical, respectively.

9. Assembly according to claim 8, characterized in, the main beam (42) having mounted second load-bearing structure for load-bearing of substantially static loads at another height than that defined by the brackets (44).

10. Use of assembly according to claim 9, characterized in, mounting of a hand basin, toilet bowl, or the like for wall mounting, the necessary brackets (58) being designed with a face simulating a wall for mounting.

11. Use of assembly according to claim 10, characterized in, mounting of an integral bench-top-type basin, bath tub, or the like, the necessary brackets being connected to a bar (60) to form a structure to yield continuous support at least under all edges of the basin, bath tub, or the like, possibly via some load distributing padding means.

12. Use of elements of claim 11, characterized in, the resulting telescoping load-bearing frame assembly for selective height adjustment above a floor level, being freestanding having one main beam (42) horizontally positioned on at least two telescoping columns with feet, or having more horizontal main beams cooperating in a common level for common load-bearing support of a structure possibly also supported on brackets (44) mounted to the main beams (42).