U.S. patent application number 10/233390 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-04 for height-adjustable table.
Invention is credited to Hwang, Sunny.
Application Number | 20040040480 10/233390 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31887682 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040040480 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hwang, Sunny |
March 4, 2004 |
HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE TABLE
Abstract
The present invention provides tables having a tabletop whose
height is adjustable. A table according to the present invention is
useful among other employments as a coffee table whose height can
be varied to suit the needs of persons using the table for various
purposes, including game playing. A table with adjustable height
top portion according to the invention is attractive and functional
Various means for maintaining the selected height at which the
table top is set are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Hwang, Sunny; (Hayward,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Christopher J. Whewell
Western Patent Group
6020 Tonkowa Trail
Georgetown
TX
78628
US
|
Family ID: |
31887682 |
Appl. No.: |
10/233390 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/145 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 3/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/145 |
International
Class: |
A47B 009/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1) A height-adjustable table comprising: a) a base portion having
length, width, and height dimensions, and comprising a top portion,
bottom portion, two face portions, and two end portions; b) a track
means disposed on the top portion of said base portion, wherein
said track means comprises a first linear track member and a second
linear track member, wherein said track members are oriented
parallel to one another, and wherein each of said track members
include a slot, wherein the slot on said first linear track member
and the slot on said second linear track member are oriented in a
parallel configuration with respect to one another, c) a scissoring
support means which comprises. i) a linear first pivoting support
having an upper end portion and a lower end portion; ii) a linear
first slidable pivoting support having an upper end portion and a
lower end portion; iii) a linear second pivoting support having an
upper end portion and a lower end portion; iv) a linear second
slidable pivoting support having an upper end portion and a lower
end portion; wherein said first pivoting support and said second
pivoting support are connected to one another at their upper end
portions by means of a linear upper pivoting support connector, and
wherein said first pivoting support and said second pivoting
support are connected to one another at their lower end portions by
means of a linear lower pivoting support connector, and wherein
said first slidable pivoting support and said second slidable
pivoting support are connected to one another at their upper end
portions by means of a linear upper slidable pivoting support
connector, and wherein said first slidable pivoting support and
said second slidable pivoting support are connected to one another
at their lower end portions by means of a linear lower slidable
pivoting support connector, said first pivoting support and said
first sidable pivoting support being pivotally connected to one
another at a point along their lengths, and said second pivoting
support and said second slidable pivoting support being pivotally
connected to one another at a point along their lengths, said first
and second slidable pivoting supports each have a pin disposed at
their lower end portions which pins are adapted to slidably reside
in said slots of said linear track members, d) a platen which
comprises a first platen width support, a first platen length
support, a second platen width support, and a second platen length
support, wherein said width supports are oriented parallel to one
another, said first platen width support and said second platen
width support each including a slot disposed in their face portion
which faces the interior space between them, said platen being
hingedly connected to the upper end portions of said first pivoting
support and said second pivoting support, and wherein said first
and second slidable pivoting supports each further comprise a pin
disposed at their upper end portions, which pins each reside within
said slots disposed in the face portions of said first platen width
support and said second platen width support; e) a table top
portion, said table top portion being attached to said platen by
connection to at least one of said first platen width support, said
first platen length support, said second platen width support, and
said second platen length support; and f) a means for maintaining
said platen at a selected height above said top portion of said
base portion.
2) A table according to claim 1 further comprising a spring located
at the end portion of, and disposed about the upper pivoting
support connector in such a way as to be coiled about the upper
pivoting supports connector, said spring having two arms, one of
which arms is in each case in contact with a spacer blocks disposed
between a pivoting support and a platen width support and the other
arm of which is in contact with a second platen length support, so
as to reduce the force required to raise or lower the platen
portion with respect to the base portion.
3) A table according to claim 1 wherein said means for maintaining
said platen at a selected height above said top portion of said
base portion comprises: a) a toothed rod having a plurality of
teeth with spaces between said teeth and which toothed rod is
pivotally attached to the face portion of said first platen width
support upon which said slot is disposed; b) a cammed control rod
having a first end portion and a second end portion, said cammed
control rod being pivotally attached to said first platen length
support such that said first end portion of said cammed control rod
is in contact with said toothed rod wherein said toothed rod is
disposed so that said pin which is disposed on said upper end
portion of said first slidable pivoting support is adapted to be
engageable with at least one of the spaces between said teeth of
said toothed rod.
4) A table according to claim 1 wherein said means for maintaining
said platen at a selected height above said top portion of said
base portion comprises: a) a toothed rod which is substantially
circular in cross-section having a first end portion and a second
end portion, said first end portion including a handle means, and
wherein said toothed rod further includes a plurality of teeth on
its outer surface having spaces between said teeth, said toothed
rod being disposed through said first platen length support and
rotably attached at its second end portion to said second platen
length support; b) a housing which is disposed about said toothed
rod and which housing is simultaneously in rigid mechanical contact
with said upper slidable pivoting supports connector, said housing
including a hollow channel space through which said toothed rod may
be moved, and wherein said housing comprises at least one cross bar
oriented parallel to said upper slidable pivoting supports
connector, which cross bar is in sufficient position to engage the
spaces between said teeth when said toothed rod is oriented with
its teeth towards said cross bar so as to prevent motion of said
toothed rod with respect to said upper slidable pivoting supports
connector when said cross bar is engaged within a space between
said teeth.
5) A table according to claim 1 wherein said means for maintaining
said platen at a selected height above said top portion of said
base portion comprises a) a bar having a first end portion and a
second end portion, said first end portion attached to said upper
slidable pivoting supports connector; b) a locking means comprising
i) a base portion, said base portion including a first slot and a
second slot through its surface; ii) a center support having a
first end portion and a second end portion, wherein said first end
portion of said center support is attached to said base portion,
said center support comprising a hole therethrough; iii) a stop
portion attached to said second end portion of said center support;
iv) a first locking tang having a first end portion and a second
end portion, and comprising a hole therethrough, wherein said first
end portion of said first locking tang is disposed within said
first slot of said base portion; v) a second locking tang having a
first end portion and a second end portion, and comprising a hole
therethrough, wherein said first end portion of said second locking
tang is disposed within said second slot of said base portion; said
rod being disposed through said holes in said center support, said
first locking tang, and said second locking tang, vi) a first
spring and a second spring, wherein said first spring is disposed
about said rod in a position between said first locking tang and
said center support, and wherein said second spring is disposed
about said rod in a position between said second locking tang and
said center support; vii) a lever control arm having a first end
portion and a second end portion, which lever control arm is
pivotally attached to said stop; viii) a first connector lever
having a first end portion and a second end portion, which first
connector lever is pivotally attached at its first end portion to
said second end portion of said first locking tang, and wherein
said first connector lever is pivotally attached at its second end
portion to said lever control arm at a point between said first end
portion of said lever control arm and the point at which said lever
control arm is pivotally attached to said stop; ix) a second
connector lever having a first end portion and a second end
portion, which second connector lever is pivotally attached at its
first end portion to said second end portion of said second locking
tang, and wherein said second connector lever is pivotally attached
at its second end portion to said second end portion of said lever
control arm; x) a control rod having a first end portion and a
second end portion, wherein said first end portion of said control
rod is pivotally attached to said first end portion of said lever
control arm, and wherein said second end portion of said lever
control arm passes through the first platen length support, so that
a back and forth movement of said second end of said control rod
causes said first locking tang and said second locking tang to
pivot within said slots on said base, thus effecting a change in
the degree of freedom which said locking means may slide about said
bar, and wherein said base portion is attached to said table top
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to furniture, and more particularly
to tables, and especially to tables whose top portion is adjustable
in height.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Tables have been known since the most ancient times. In
general, tables may take on the roles of either a functional
surface upon which various articles, implements, decorations, etc
may be placed, or are decorative in nature, or both. Most common
persons desiring to add a table to their existing decor will look
to conventional suppliers of tables, and make their selection based
upon the tables which are available from these suppliers.
Oftentimes, a compromise must be made between functionality and
appearances, since it is desirable in most home environments to
first and foremost have a table which matches the dcor in the room
in which the table is intended to reside. However, table
manufacturers do not in general offer tables of the same outer
appearance having table top portions disposed at various height
levels from the floor upon which the table rests, but rather have
adopted in the industry standard heights. Thus, if a person were
desirous of having a table which matched their decor in the room
selected for the table which table also had a specific height, such
a table would not be readily available and would probably need to
be custom fabricated.
[0003] In addition, it is not always desirable to have the tabletop
of a table disposed at the same height with respect to the floor on
which the table as a whole resides, but convenience would require
the height of the table top to be adjustable with respect to the
floor level. Being able to alter the height of the table top of a
table adds versatility to the overall functionality of a table.
[0004] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a
table having a top portion whose height level is adjustable. It is
also an object of the present invention to provide a
height-adjustable table whose height may be varied with a minimal
amount of force by the user, through the use of biasing springs. It
is also an object of the present invention to provide a
height-adjustable table which can be locked in place in any height
desired by the user. These and other objects and advantages are
provided by the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a height-adjustable table
comprising a base portion having length, width, and height
dimensions, and comprising a top portion, bottom portion, two face
portions, and two end portions. There is a track means disposed on
the top portion of the base portion, wherein the track means
comprises a first linear track member and a second linear track
member, wherein the track members are oriented parallel to one
another, and wherein each of the track members include a slot,
wherein the slot on the first linear track member and the slot on
the second linear track member are oriented in a parallel
configuration with respect to one another There is a scissoring
support means which comprises i) a linear first pivoting support
having an upper end portion and a lower end portion; ii) a linear
first slidable pivoting support having an upper end portion and a
lower end portion; iii) a linear second pivoting support having an
upper end portion and a lower end portion; iv) a linear second
slidable pivoting support having an upper end portion and a lower
end portion The first pivoting support and the second pivoting
support are connected to one another at their upper end portions by
means of a linear upper pivoting support connector and wherein the
first pivoting support and the second pivoting support are
connected to one another at their lower end portions by means of a
linear lower pivoting support connector. The first slidable
pivoting support and the second slidable pivoting support are
connected to one another at their upper end portions by means of a
linear upper slidable pivoting support connector and wherein the
first slidable pivoting support and the second slidable pivoting
support are connected to one another at their lower end portions by
means of a linear lower slidable pivoting support connector. The
first pivoting support and the first slidable pivoting support are
pivotally connected to one another at a point along their lengths,
and the second pivoting support and the second slidable pivoting
support are pivotally connected to one another at a point along
their lengths. The first and second slidable pivoting supports each
have a pin disposed at their lower end portions which pins engage
into the slots of the linear track members. There is a platen which
comprises a first platen width support, a first platen length
support, a second platen width support, and a second platen length
support, wherein the width supports are oriented parallel to one
another, the first platen width support and the second platen width
support each including a slot disposed in their face portion which
faces the interior space between them, the platen being hingedly
connected to the upper end portions of the first pivoting support
and the second pivoting support, and wherein the first and second
slidable pivoting supports each further comprise a pin disposed at
their upper end portions, which pins engage into the slots of the
first platen width support and the second platen width support.
There is a table top portion, the table top portion being attached
to the platen A table according to the invention also includes a
means for maintaining the platen at a selected height above the top
portion of the base portion, as further described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] In the annexed drawings:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a height-adjustable table
according to one form of the invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mechanism useful for
providing a height-adjustable table according to one form of the
invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a mechanism
useful for providing a height-adjustable table according to one
form of the invention
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of a locking mechanism useful for
maintaining a table top at a selected height in accordance with one
form of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a height-adjustable table
according to one form of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a clamping means useful in
maintaining the table top portion of a table according to the
invention in a selected height position;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a clamping means useful in
maintaining the table top portion of a table according to the
invention in a selected height position;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a height-adjustable table
according to one form of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a height-adjustable table
according to one form of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a clamping means useful in
maintaining the table top portion of a table according to the
invention in a selected height position
[0017] FIG. 11 is a side view of a clamping means useful in
maintaining the table top portion of a table according to the
invention in a selected height position
[0018] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a clamping means useful in
maintaining the table top portion of a table according to the
invention in a selected height position
[0019] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a clamping means useful in
maintaining the table top portion of a table according to the
invention in a selected height position
[0020] FIG. 14 is a side view of a clamping means useful in
maintaining the table top portion of a table according to the
invention in a selected height position
[0021] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a clamping means useful in
maintaining the table top portion of a table according to the
invention in a selected height position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Referring to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1 there is
shown a height-adjustable table assembly 10 according to the
present invention Such table assembly comprises a base portion that
includes a first table top length support 27, first table top width
support 29, second table top length support 31, and a second table
top width support 33, disposed with respect to one another so that
their edges form, generally, a planar rectangular construct upon
which a flat, rectangular table top such as 11, may be caused to
rest. However, the present invention differs from tables of the
prior art in the fact that the table top 11 is readily height
adjusted by the table's user, to accommodate various desired height
settings by the user when altering the height of the table top 11
is deemed desirable or beneficial for a particular use
[0023] The general mechanism by which a table top according to the
invention is caused to be vertically adjustable is by means of a
first sub-assembly comprising a first pivoting support 13 and
second pivoting support 17, and a second sub-assembly comprising a
first slidable pivoting support 15, and a second slidable pivoting
support 19, disposed as shown, and wherein the first and second
sub-assemblies are pivotally connected to one another at pivot
points 21a and 21b. The lower portion of the first slidable
pivoting support 15 is connected to the lower portion of the second
slidable pivoting support 19 by means of lower slidable pivoting
supports connector 35, and the end portions of these slidable
pivoting supports are fitted with a guide pin 39 on their exterior
faces, which guide pins ride inside a track portion 41 disposed on
the first track member 23. There is a corresponding arrangement
existing at the end portion of the second slidable pivoting support
and the second track member 25. Additionally, there is a lower
pivoting supports connector 37 disposed connectively between the
lower end portions of the first pivoting support and the second
pivoting support. In one preferred form of the invention, the first
and second track members 23 and 25, respectively, are affixed using
conventional means such as screws, nails, glue rivets, etc. to the
first table top length support 27 and the second table top length
support 31; however, equivalent structures are possible.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows the arrangement of the various connections
between the elements of the pivoting support sub-assemblies about
the top portion of a platen assembly to which the table top 11 is
affixed in a table according to the invention The platen comprises
a first platen width support 43, a first platen length support 45,
a second platen width support 47, and a second platen length
support 49, all arranged so that one of their edge portions lie
substantially in the same plane upon which table top portion 11
(FIG. 1) is intended to reside. The first platen width support 43
and second platen width support 47 are each provided with a linear
slot 69 disposed on their faces which lie on the interior of the
polygon comprising the platen assembly.
[0025] Shown again is the slidable pivoting support assembly which
comprises the first slidable pivoting support 15 and second
slidable pivoting support 19, connected at their upper ends by
means of upper slidable pivoting supports connector 85, and at
their lower ends by lower slidable pivoting supports connector
35.
[0026] There is also the pivoting support assembly which comprises
the first pivoting support 13 and second pivoting support 17,
connected at their upper ends by means of an upper pivoting
supports connector 101 (FIG. 5), and at their lower ends by lower
pivoting supports connector 37. The slidable pivoting support
assembly and the slidable support assembly are connected to one
another as shown at pivot points 21a and 21b.
[0027] Disposed at the lower end portions of the first slidable
pivoting support 15 and second slidable pivoting support 19, and
protruding from the outer face portions thereof there are guide
pins 39 (FIG. 3) which reside in slidable arrangement within a
linear slot 41 disposed in the face portion of the first track
member, with identical features and relationship existing between a
slot similarly disposed within the second track member 25 and a
guide pin 39 at the lower end of the second slidable pivoting
support 19. The upper ends of the first slidable pivoting support
15 and second slidable pivoting support 19 are connected to one
another by means of upper slidable pivoting supports connector 85.
Disposed at the upper end portions of the first slidable pivoting
support 15 and second slidable pivoting support 19, and protruding
from the outer face portions thereof here are guide pins (not
shown) analogous to 39 which reside within the linear slot 69 of
the first platen width support and a corresponding slot on the
second platen width support 47.
[0028] The first pivoting support 13 and second pivoting support 17
of the pivoting support assembly are pivotally connected to the
first track member 23 and second track member 25 at their lower
ends, respectively, using conventional means such as screws, nails,
etc. In one preferred form of the invention, spacer blocks 129 and
131 are disposed between the track members and the lower portions
of the first and second pivoting supports to compensate for the
thicknesses of the first and second slidable pivoting supports, and
spacer blocks 133 and 135 are disposed between the upper ends of
the first and second pivoting supports 13 and 17, and the first
platen width support 43 and second platen width support 47. The
first pivoting support 13 and second pivoting support 17 of the
pivoting support assembly are pivotally connected to the first
platen width support 43 and second platen width support 47 at their
upper ends, respectively, using conventional means such as screws,
nails, etc. In one preferred form of the invention, spacer blocks
are disposed between the platen width supports and the upper
portions of the first and second pivoting supports to compensate
for the thicknesses of the first and second slidable pivoting
supports.
[0029] Under such an arrangement as that described in this FIG. 2,
the top planar surface of the platen assembly upon which the table
top portion 11 is intended to rest is vertically moveable with
respect to the plane formed by the edges of the table top length
and width supports, i e., the platen is height-adjustable. However,
the forces of gravity acting on the scissoring assembly will lower
the platen so that the common upper edges of its components, e.g.,
the first platen width support 43, first platen length support 45,
second platen width support 47, and second platen length support
49, will be at the same level as the common upper edges of the
first table top length support 27, first table top width support
29, second table top length support 31, and second table top width
support 33, in the absence of a means for maintaining the platen at
a desired height. The present invention provides such means for
maintaining the platen at a desired height.
[0030] Also shown in FIG. 2 is the lock frame 73 which is useful in
maintaining the platen at a desired height, in conjunction with
other elements of the invention as yet to be described. The lock
frame includes a plate portion 77 to which supports 75 are affixed
by conventional means, and which supports contain the cammed
control rod 57 having handle 71 in such a way that when the handle
71 is moved in a direction indicated by arrow labeled D, the cammed
ends of the cammed control rod move in a direction indicated by the
arrows labeled U The plate 77 is mounted to the inside face of the
first platen length support 45, as shown by arrow A.
[0031] In FIG. 3 is shown the platen, and some of the elements of
the pivoting support assembly and the slidable pivoting support
assembly, including the first platen width support 43, first platen
length support 45, second platen width support 47, second platen
length support 49, first pivoting support 13, first slidable
pivoting support 15, second pivoting support 17, and second
slidable pivoting support 19. The guide pins 39 are shown disposed
at the lower ends of the first and second slidable pivoting
supports 15 and 19 and protruding outward in a direction which
enables them to reside within the linear slots 41 disposed in the
interior face portions of the first track member 23 and second
track member 25 (FIG. 1). Similarly, there are guide pins 39
disposed at the upper ends of the first and second slidable
pivoting supports 15 and 19 and protruding outward in a direction
which enables them to reside within the linear slots 41 disposed in
the interior face portions of the first platen width support 43 and
second platen width support 47. The plate 77 of the lock frame (73,
FIG. 2) is affixed to the interior face of the first platen length
support so that the end portion of the cammed control rod 57 is in
the vicinity of the junction of the first platen width support 43
and the first platen length support 45. There is a toothed rod 55
which is pivotally affixed to the interior face portion of the
first platen width support 43 using conventional fastening means.
The toothed rod 55 is configured so that its toothed portions are
adapted to ride on the guide pin 39 which is disposed at the top
portion of the first slidable pivoting support 15. Preferably, the
toothed rod is flat, and is disposed between the first slidable
pivoting support 15 and the face of the first platen width support
43 as further shown in FIG. 4.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a side view of a means for maintaining the height
of the platen of the present invention in a desired position, and
shows the toothed rod 55 being pivotally attached at 59 to the
interior face portion of the first platen width support 43. The
first pivoting support 13 is shown pivotally connected to the first
platen width support 43 at connection point 61, with spacer block
133 disposed between the upper end portion of the first pivoting
support 13 and the interior face of the first platen width support
43. First slidable pivoting support 15 is shown pivotally attached
to the first pivoting support 13 at pivot point 21a, and comprises
a guide pin 39 which engages one of the depressions along the
length of the toothed rod, thus maintaining the platen at a desired
height. The end portion of the cammed control rod 57 is seen in
sectional view, upon which the flat end portion 67 of the toothed
rod rests, so that when the handle 71 (FIG. 2) is pushed in a
downward direction, the end portion of the cammed control rod 57
exerts an upward force on the flat portion 67 of the toothed rod 55
in the direction of the arrow, thus disengaging the guide pin 39
from the depression in the toothed rod, enabling the first pivoting
support and first slidable pivoting support to pivot about point
21a and thus enabling the height of the platen to be lowered
[0033] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention
having an alternative means for securing the platen portion in a
desired location above the rest of the table 10 according to the
invention. This alternative means includes a housing 83 disposed
about and in mechanical contact with the upper slidable pivoting
supports connector 75, and includes a provision for the passage
therethrough of a second toothed rod 79 having a handle 81 disposed
on one of its end portions. The second toothed rod 79 passes
through the first platen length support 45 near the end portion
having the handle 81, whilst the other end of the second toothed
rod is pivotally engaged with or rotably connected to the interior
face portion of the second platen length support 49, which may be
by means of a dimple within the second platen length support, or
other functionally equivalent alternative such as a bearing Thus,
the housing is disposed about the second toothed rod and the
housing is simultaneously in rigid mechanical contact with the
upper slidable pivoting supports connector The housing includes a
hollow channel space through which the toothed rod may be moved.
The housing, comprising at least one cross bar oriented parallel to
the upper slidable pivoting supports connector, causes the cross
bar to be in sufficient position to engage the spaces between the
teeth when the toothed rod is oriented with its teeth towards the
cross bar so as to prevent motion of the toothed rod with respect
to the upper slidable pivoting supports connector when the cross
bar is engaged within a space between the teeth
[0034] FIG. 6 shows an underside view of the housing 83 in the
proximity of the second toothed rod 79, showing how the spaces
between the teeth 87 on the second toothed rod 79 are disposed on
both sides of cross bars 89 and in such position lateral movement
of the guide pins 39 disposed at the ends of the first slidable
pivoting support 15 and the second slidable pivoting support within
the slots 69 is precluded, thus maintaining the platen portion as a
whole in a desired vertical altitude. However, by rotation of the
handle 81 by an amount of 90.degree., the teeth 87 are caused to be
oriented perpendicularly to the cross bars 89, which, as shown in
FIG. 7, permits adjustment of the vertical altitude of the platen
portion, as shown in FIG. 8 as a non-limiting example of an
embodiment in which the platen is lowered in its vertical altitude
with respect to the position depicted earlier in FIG. 5.
[0035] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the present invention
having an alternative means for securing the platen portion in a
desired location above the rest of the table to according to the
invention. In this embodiment there is a clamp means 93 disposed
about and in mechanical contact with the a bar 103 as more clearly
shown in FIG. 10 in which the clamp means 93 is shown to be
slidably disposed about the bar 103, which itself is in turn
affixed to the upper slidable pivoting supports connector 85 by
conventional means such as a weld W. The clamp means 93 comprises a
base portion 111 having a plurality of holes 137 through which it
is affixed to the table top portion 11 (FIG. 1), and a pair of
slots disposed through its surface which slots are adapted to
receive the end portions of the left locking tang 107 and right
locking tang 109. There is a center support 121 affixed to the base
portion 111 in a perpendicular orientation, and the right and left
locking tangs and center support all contain holes through them
which is adapted to enable the bar 103 of circular cross-section to
be passed through each of these elements in a finished construct
according to the invention. There is also a stop 113 positioned as
shown, whose function is to limit the movement of the right and
left locking tangs. Control rod 91 is shown attached to the lever
control arm 119, which itself is shown to be connected to the right
locking tang 109 by means of the first connector lever 115. Thus,
pulling on control rod 91 towards the left in FIG. 10 ultimately
causes the right locking tang to be adjusted to a position which is
more perpendicular to the base portion 111 than instantly shown in
FIG. 10, thus relieving the interference grasp exerted by the right
locking tang on the bar 103 and thus enabling the bar 103 to slide
freely through the clamping means 93. Springs 105 function to
mechanically bias the right and left locking tangs 107 and 109
towards the positions depicted in FIG. 10, with said locking tangs
providing interference resistance to the motion of the bar 103 when
in the orientation shown. Moving the control rod 91 to the left in
FIG. 10 relieves the interference and enables the sliding of the
bar 103 through the clamping means 93, which by virtue of the bar
103 being connected to the upper slidable pivoting supports
connector 85, enables up and down adjustment of the altitude of a
table top portion 11 which is affixed to the base portion 111 of
the clamping means 93, as shown in cross section in FIG. 11 Here,
the table top 11 is shown held in place against the base portion 11
of the clamping means 93 by means of screws 123. The control rod 91
is in contact with the right and left locking tangs (109 and 107)
by means of the firt connector lever 115 and second connector lever
117, the arrangement of which is more clearly shown in FIG. 12
subsequent. FIG. 11 shows a spacer 12 disposed about the fastening
means 139 to enable smooth motion of the elements comprising the
clamping means, which are generally flat pieces of metal having
holes through their surfaces at the points of connection to the
remaining elements of this clamping means. The connections between
the elements are made using conventional fasteners, and are
sufficiently loose to enable smooth pivoting of the various
elements with respect to one another.
[0036] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the clamping means 93 which more
clearly shows the arrangement of the various elements of the
clamping means including the base portion 111, control rod 91,
lever control arm 119, first and second connector levers 115 and
117 respectively, left and right locking tangs 107 and 109, and bar
103. Thus, FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 show a clamping means 93 according
to one preferred form of the invention in a locked position
disposed about the bar 103.
[0037] FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, on the other hand, show the same views
as for FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 previously; however, with the exception
that the control rod 91 has now been pulled towards the left
direction in FIG. 10, and thus the views of FIGS. 13, 14, and 15
are those showing the clamping means in the non-locked position
about the bar 103 in which the bar 103 is enabled to slide through
the clamping means, and thus to enable the vertical altitude of the
table top 11 affixed to the base portion 111 to be adjusted to a
desired level. By providing a table according to the invention
having such a clamping means and with easy access to the control
rod 91, a possessor of such a table can readily adjust the vertical
height of the table.
[0038] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention, there are springs 141 and 143 located at the end
portions of and disposed about the upper pivoting supports
connector 101 (FIGS. 2, 3, 8). These springs are coiled about the
upper pivoting supports connectors and each have two arms, one of
which is in each case in contact with the spacer blocks 133, 135
and the other of which in each case is in contact with the second
platen length support 49. Springs 141 and 143 and are in a most
compressed position when the platen is in its lowermost position,
that is, as the platen is raised, the potential energy stored in
the springs decreases. Such a feature reduces the force which a
person must exert when raising or lowering the platen and makes use
of a table according to the invention a very light task.
[0039] Connections between the various elements of a table
according to the present invention are made using conventional
fastening means, such as glue, wood screws, sheet metal screws,
rivets, welds, etc.
[0040] A table according to the present invention appears as any
other table having a flat top, because the mechanisms for
adjustment of the table top altitude with respect to the frame, or
base portion, to which it is ultimately attached are concealed
beneath the table top portion 11A table according to the invention
is simple to use. Once supplied and placed into the position within
a room at which it is desired to be located, a person desiring to
raise the height of the table top portion 11 merely disengages the
particular means for maintaining the platen at a selected height
above said top portion of said base portion, and lifts or permits
the table top portion 11 to be raised or lowered into a desired
position, at which point the means for maintaining the platen at a
selected height is returned to its locked position. Such means have
been described herein as those embodied in the various figures.
However, consideration must be given to the fact that although this
and other features of the present invention have been described and
disclosed in relation to certain preferred embodiments, obvious
equivalent modifications and alterations thereof will become
apparent to one of ordinary skill in this art upon reading and
understanding this specification and the claims appended hereto.
Accordingly, the presently disclosed invention is intended to cover
all such modifications and alterations, and is limited only by the
scope of the claims which follow at the end of this
specification
[0041] The materials from which a table according to the present
invention may be constructed include those materials recognized by
those skilled in the art of building furniture and other fixtures,
and include without limitation various woods, plastics, polymers,
composites, metals, alloys, conglomerates, particle boards,
masonite, plywood, glass, etc
[0042] A table made in accordance with the present invention has
many potential uses, including use as a game table during the play
of a game such as chess, in which it is desired to raise the level
of the game board. In such regard, a table according to the
invention may be a coffee table Another employment for a table
according to the invention is as an examination table for animals
within a veterinary medicine practice, to adjust the height of the
plane upon which an animal is disposed during an examination or
surgical process. Of course a table according to the invention may
also be used by surgeons who operate on human patients, within a
hospital setting Accordingly, for convenience, the present
invention contemplates the use of mechanized motion for altering
the height of the platen portion with respect to the base portion
of a table according to the invention, such as motors and gears,
etc. for automating the raising and lowering of the platen
portion.
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