U.S. patent application number 10/858724 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-08 for conference table.
Invention is credited to Bakker, Mitchell R., Bockheim, Robert J., Carpenter, Scott E., DeJule, Aaron, Fedrigo, Michael, Surman, Robert J..
Application Number | 20050268823 10/858724 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35446279 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050268823 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bakker, Mitchell R. ; et
al. |
December 8, 2005 |
Conference table
Abstract
A conference table includes a work surface supported by at least
two supports and a plurality of receiving slots positioned
generally beneath the work surface and accessible from at least one
side of the conference table. The receiving slots are configured to
receive electronic racking units therein, and include electrical
connections for electrically connecting a power source to the
racking units when the racking units are inserted into the
receiving slots. The racking units are securable in the receiving
slots and are generally concealable within the receiving slots via
at least one movable cover. The table may include a plurality of
lights positioned around the table and movable between a raised
position, where the lights may illuminate the work surface, and a
lowered position, where the lights may be positioned generally
beneath the work surface. The table may include an accessory well
for movably housing an accessory within the well of the conference
table.
Inventors: |
Bakker, Mitchell R.;
(Holland, MI) ; Bockheim, Robert J.; (Grand
Rapids, MI) ; Carpenter, Scott E.; (Caledonia,
MI) ; DeJule, Aaron; (Chicago, IL) ; Fedrigo,
Michael; (Comstock Park, MI) ; Surman, Robert J.;
(East Grand Rapids, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VAN DYKE, GARDNER, LINN AND BURKHART, LLP
2851 CHARLEVOIX DRIVE, S.E.
P.O. BOX 888695
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49588-8695
US
|
Family ID: |
35446279 |
Appl. No.: |
10/858724 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 21/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/050.02 |
International
Class: |
A47F 005/12; A47B
037/00 |
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A conference table for a plurality of people to confer at, said
conference table comprising: a work surface supported by at least
two supports; and a plurality of receiving slots positioned
generally beneath said work surface and accessible from at least
one side of said conference table, said receiving slots being
configured to receive electronic racking units therein, said
receiving slots including electrical connections for electrically
connecting a power source to said racking units when said racking
units are inserted into said receiving slots, said racking units
being securable in said receiving slots and being generally
concealable within said receiving slots via at least one movable
cover.
2. The conference table of claim 1, wherein said receiving slots
are positioned beneath and along at least one side of said work
surface.
3. The conference table of claim 1, wherein said supports comprise
at least one column configured to house at least some of said
receiving slots.
4. The conference table of claim 1, wherein said electrical
connections connect to a power supply via an electrical cord
extending from said conference table.
5. The conference table of claim 1 including at least one accessory
connector positioned within a recess of said work surface and being
accessible from above said work surface, said accessory connector
being configured to connect to an accessory and being connected to
an electrical power source or a communication link.
6. The conference table of claim 1 including at least one recess
formed in said work surface, said at least one recess being
configured to receive at least one accessory therein.
7. The conference table of claim 6 including at least one accessory
connector positioned within said recess, said accessory connector
being configured to connect to said accessory and being connected
to an electrical power source or a communication link.
8. The conference table of claim 7, wherein said at least one
recess is selectively accessible via opening of a cover that is
movably positioned at least partially over said recess.
9. The conference table of claim 8 including a movable platform
that is movably positioned in said recess, said movable platform
supporting said accessory at least partially within said
recess.
10. The conference table of claim 9, wherein said platform is
movable between a lowered position, where said platform and said
accessory are within said recess, and a raised position, where said
platform and said accessory are elevated such that said accessory
is at a level generally coplanar with said work surface.
11. The conference table of claim 10, wherein said cover is
positionable to generally cover said recess and said accessory when
said platform is in said lowered position, and said cover is
positionable to be remote from an opening of said recess when said
platform is in said raised position.
12. The conference table of claim 11, wherein said platform and
said cover are operated generally in unison, said cover being
automatically moved to be remote from said opening when said
platform is being raised toward said raised position.
13. The conference table of claim 6, wherein said at least one
recess provides at least one connection for providing electrical
connection to a portable accessory positioned at said conference
table.
14. The conference table of claim 1 including a plurality of
microphones spaced along said work surface for receiving vocal
signals from a person sitting near a respective microphone.
15. The conference table of claim 14, wherein said microphones are
fixedly mounted to said work surface.
16. The conference table of claim 1 including a plurality of lights
along said work surface, said lights being vertically movable
between a raised position, where said lights function to illuminate
at least a portion of said work surface, and a lowered position,
where said lights are positioned below said work surface and
substantially concealed by a cover portion of said lights.
17. The conference table of claim 16, wherein said lights are
automatically activated when moved to said raised position and
automatically deactivated when moved to said lowered position.
18. The conference table of claim 16, wherein each of said lights
includes an elongated upper bar that houses an illumination source,
said elongated upper bar defining said cover portion, said cover
portion generally corresponding with the surface of said work
surface at said light when said light is in said lowered
position.
19. The conference table of claim 18, wherein said lights are
positioned along a trim strip of said work surface, said cover
portion of said light generally corresponding with an upper surface
of said trim strip.
20. The conference table of claim 1 including a pair of
longitudinally extending support beams, said support beams
supporting said work surface and being supported by said at least
two supports.
21. A conference table for a plurality of people to confer at, said
conference table comprising: a work surface supported by at least
two supports; a plurality of work stations defined at least
partially around said work surface, each of said work stations
being configured for a person to sit at; and a plurality of lights
along said work surface, said lights being positioned generally at
respective ones of said work stations, said lights being movable
between a raised position, where said lights function to illuminate
at least a portion of said work surface at the respective work
station, and a lowered position, where said lights are positioned
below said work surface and substantially concealed by a cover
portion of said lights, each of said lights being independently
vertically movable.
22. The conference table of claim 21, wherein said lights are
automatically activated when moved to said raised position and
automatically deactivated when moved to said lowered position.
23. The conference table of claim 22, wherein each of said lights
includes an elongated upper bar attached at an upper end of at
least one generally vertical support, said generally vertical
support vertically moving along a track to vertically move said
light between the raised and lowered positions.
24. The conference table of claim 23, wherein said upper bar houses
an illumination source for illuminating said at least a portion of
said work surface.
25. The conference table of claim 24, wherein said elongated upper
bar defines said cover portion, said cover portion generally
corresponding with the surface of said work surface at said light
when said light is in said lowered position.
26. The conference table of claim 21, wherein said lights are
positioned along a trim strip of said work surface, said cover
portion of said light generally corresponding with an upper surface
of said trim strip.
27. The conference table of claim 21 including receiving slots
positioned generally beneath said work surface and accessible from
at least one side of said conference table, said receiving slots
being configured to receive electronic racking units therein, said
receiving slots including electrical connections for electrically
connecting a power source to said racking units when said racking
units are inserted into said receiving slots, said racking units
being securable in said receiving slots and being generally
concealable within said receiving slots via at least one movable
cover.
28. The conference table of claim 27, wherein said electrical
connections connect to a power supply via an electrical cord
extending from said conference table.
29. The conference table of claim 21 including at least one
accessory connector positioned within a recess of said work surface
and being accessible from above said work surface, said accessory
connector being configured to connect to an accessory and being
connected to an electrical power source or a communication
link.
30. The conference table of claim 21 including at least one recess
formed in said work surface, said at least one recess being
configured to receive at least one accessory therein.
31. The conference table of claim 30 including at least one
accessory connector positioned within said recess, said accessory
connector being configured to connect to said accessory and being
connected to an electrical power source or a communication
link.
32. The conference table of claim 31, wherein said at least one
recess is selectively accessible via opening of a cover that is
movably positioned at least partially over said recess.
33. The conference table of claim 32 including a movable platform
that is movably positioned in said recess, said movable platform
supporting said accessory at least partially within said
recess.
34. The conference table of claim 33, wherein said platform is
movable between a lowered position, where said platform and said
accessory are within said recess, and a raised position, where said
platform and said accessory are elevated such that said accessory
is at a level generally coplanar with said work surface.
35. The conference table of claim 34, wherein said cover is
positionable to generally cover said recess and said accessory when
said platform is in said lowered position, and said cover is
positionable to be remote from an opening of said recess when said
platform is in said raised position.
36. The conference table of claim 35, wherein said platform and
said cover are operated generally in unison, said cover being
automatically moved to be remote from said opening when said
platform is being raised toward said raised position.
37. The conference table of claim 21 including a plurality of
microphones spaced along said work surface for receiving vocal
signals from a person sitting near a respective microphone.
38. The conference table of claim 21 including a pair of
longitudinally extending support beams, said support beams
supporting said work surface and being supported by said at least
two supports.
39. A conference table for a plurality of people to confer at, said
conference table comprising: a work surface; a pair of
longitudinally extending support members that extend at least
partially along an underside of said work surface to provide
support of said work surface; at least two generally vertical
supports supporting said support members; a plurality of receiving
slots positioned generally beneath said work surface and accessible
from at least one side of said conference table, said receiving
slots being configured to receive electronic racking units therein,
said racking units being securable in said receiving slots; a
plurality of lights positioned along said work surface, said lights
being vertically movable between a raised position, where said
lights function to illuminate at least a portion of said work
surface at the respective locations of said lights, and a lowered
position, where said lights are positioned below said work surface
and substantially concealed by a cover portion of said lights; and
a recess in said work surface and a movable platform movably
positioned in said recess, said movable platform supporting an
accessory at least partially within said recess, said platform
being movable between a lowered position, where said platform and
said accessory are within said recess, and a raised position, where
said platform and said accessory are elevated such that said
accessory is at a level generally coplanar with said work
surface.
40. The conference table of claim 39, wherein said receiving slots
include electrical connections for electrically connecting a power
source to said racking units when said racking units are inserted
into said receiving slots.
41. The conference table of claim 39, wherein said electronic
racking units are generally concealable within said receiving slots
via at least one movable cover.
42. The conference table of claim 39, wherein each of said lights
is independently vertically movable.
43. The conference table of claim 39, wherein said lights are
automatically activated when moved to said raised position and
automatically deactivated when moved to said lowered position.
44. The conference table of claim 43, wherein each of said lights
includes an elongated upper bar attached at an upper end of at
least one generally vertical support, said generally vertical
support vertically moving along a track to vertically move said
light between the raised and lowered positions.
45. The conference table of claim 44, wherein said upper bar houses
an illumination source for illuminating said at least a portion of
said work surface.
46. The conference table of claim 45, wherein said elongated upper
bar defines said cover portion, said cover portion generally
corresponding with the surface of said work surface at said light
when said light is in said lowered position.
47. The conference table of claim 39, wherein said lights are
positioned along a trim strip of said work surface, said cover
portion of said light generally corresponding with an upper surface
of said trim strip.
48. The conference table of claim 39, wherein said movable platform
is positioned along a generally central region of said table and
between said pair of support members.
49. The conference table of claim 39 including at least one
accessory connector positioned within said recess, said accessory
connector being configured to connect to said accessory and being
connected to an electrical power source or a communication
link.
50. The conference table of claim 39, wherein said at least one
recess is selectively accessible via opening of a cover that is
movably positioned at least partially over said recess.
51. The conference table of claim 50, wherein said cover is
positionable to generally cover said recess and said accessory when
said platform is in said lowered position, and said cover is
positionable to be remote from an opening of said recess when said
platform is in said raised position.
52. The conference table of claim 39, wherein said at least one
recess provides at least one connection for providing electrical
connection to a portable accessory positioned at said conference
table.
53. The conference table of claim 39 including a plurality of
microphones spaced along said work surface for receiving vocal
signals from a person sitting near a respective microphone.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to conference tables
and, more particularly, to conference tables at which electronic
accessories and devices may be used or connected.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is known to provide a conference table that includes a
large work surface that may provide for electrical connection or
power supply to a computer or laptop or the like positioned at the
table. The conference table may include a plurality of outlets
and/or communication wiring or network or video cabling that may be
accessible from the work surface. The outlets or connectors may be
provided for plugging in a computer or the like while the computer
is placed on the work surface. The outlets and connectors may be
positioned within a channel along the work surface and may be
covered with a removable cover. An example of such a table is shown
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,327,983.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention provides a conference table that may
receive or house a plurality of racking units or electronic
accessories therein. The conference table may include electrical
power supply connectors or other communication links and the like
to the racking units as the racking units are received into the
respective openings in the conference table. The conference table
may also provide for other electrical connections, such as power
connections, telecommunication connections, video and network
connections and the like, for other electronic accessories and the
like that may be positioned at the conference table. The
connections may be readily accessed through one or more openings in
the tabletop or work surface of the conference table. The
conference table may also include one or more accessory wells for
holding one or more electronic accessories therein. The wells may
be raised upwardly so that the accessory is positioned generally at
or above the tabletop or work surface, and may be lowered down into
the conference table and closed over, such that the accessory is
positioned within the well and covered by a cover generally at the
work surface. The conference table may include lights or other
accessories as well to provide an enhanced work surface at which
the people sitting around the conference table may work or
confer.
[0004] According to an aspect of the present invention, a
conference table for a plurality of people to confer at includes a
tabletop or work surface supported by at least two supports and a
plurality of receiving slots or shelves positioned generally
beneath the tabletop. The receiving slots are accessible from at
least one side of the conference table and are configured to
receive electronic racking units therein. The receiving slots
include electrical connections for electrically connecting one or
more electrical wires to the racking units when the racking units
are inserted into the receiving slots. The wires may connect to a
power source and/or other electrical accessories or units at or
near or associated with the conference table. The racking units are
securable in the receiving slots and are selectively concealable
within the receiving slots via at least one movable or removable
cover.
[0005] The receiving slots may be positioned within, beneath and
along at least one side of the work surface and/or may be
positioned within a column that defines at least one of the
supports of the work surface. The conference table may include at
least one accessory connector that is positioned within a recess of
the work surface and that is accessible from above the work
surface. The accessory connector is configured to connect to an
accessory and may be connected to an electrical power source or
communication link. The recess may receive an accessory therein and
may be selectively accessible via opening a cover that is movably
positioned at and at least partially over the recess. The recess
may include a movable platform that may support an accessory and
that is movable between a lowered position, where the platform and
the accessory are at least substantially within the recess, and a
raised position, where the platform and the accessory are elevated
such that the accessory is at a level generally coplanar with the
work surface.
[0006] The conference table may include a plurality of microphones
spaced along the work surface for receiving vocal signals from a
person sitting near the respective microphone. The microphones may
be fixedly mounted to the work surface and may be positioned at
least partially within and along a trim strip along the work
surface. The conference table may include a plurality of lights
that may be vertically movable between a raised position, where the
lights function to illuminate at least a portion of the work
surface, and a lowered position, where the lights are positioned
below the work surface and substantially concealed by a cover
portion of the lights. The lights may be automatically activated
when moved to the raised position and automatically deactivated
when moved to the lowered position. Each of the lights may include
an elongated upper bar that houses the illumination source of the
light. The elongated upper bar may define a cover portion that
generally corresponds with the upper surface of the work surface at
or around the light when the light is in the lowered position. The
lights may be positioned along a trim strip of the work surface,
such that the cover portions of the lights generally correspond
with the surface of the trim strip at either side of the
lights.
[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
conference table for a plurality of people to confer at includes a
work surface supported by at least two supports, a plurality of
work stations defined at least partially around the work surface,
and a plurality of lights along the work surface. Each work station
is configured for a person to sit at, and the lights are positioned
generally at respective ones of the work stations. The lights are
vertically movable between a raised position, where the lights
function to illuminate at least a portion of the work surface at
the respective work station, and a lowered position, where the
lights are positioned below the work surface and substantially
concealed by a cover portion of the lights. Each of the lights is
independently vertically movable.
[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides a conference table
that may house or receive a plurality of electronic accessories or
racking units therein, and that may provide for electrical or
telecommunication connections to the racking units and/or other
accessories. The conference table of the present invention thus
provides for enhanced and convenient storage for audio and/or
visual equipment where they may be easily or readily accessible by
a person sitting at the conference table. The conference table of
the present invention also provides for readily accessible
connections for various electronic devices and, thus, provides an
enhanced work surface at which people may work with their laptops
and the like.
[0009] These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features
of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the
following specification in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conference table in
accordance with the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the conference table of FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one end of the conference
table of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is perspective view of the opposite end of the
conference table of FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an end elevation and partial sectional view of the
conference table of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side elevation of another conference table of
the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side elevation of another conference table of
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another conference table of
the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the conference table of FIG.
8;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a side elevation of another conference table
similar to the conference table of FIGS. 8 and 9, with the lower
shelving removed;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a side elevation of an end of a conference table
of the present invention, with a projector raised upwardly by a
retractable well of the conference table;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another conference table of
the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 13 is an end elevation and partial sectional view of an
access module for use with the conference table of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the access module of FIG.
13;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another conference table of
the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one of the modules or bays
of the table of FIG. 15;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another conference table of
the present invention, with a power module positioned along a
center portion of the table;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the power module of FIG.
17;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a plan view of another conference table of the
present invention, with a plurality of microphones positioned along
the trim strips of the conference table; and
[0029] FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the trim strip
and microphone of FIG. 19.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative
embodiments depicted therein, a conference table 10 includes a work
surface or tabletop 12 and a pair of generally vertical legs or
columns or supports 14, one at or near each end of the conference
table 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2). In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS.
1-5, supports 14 comprise column supports that include a plurality
of equipment racks or shelves or receiving slots 16 for holding a
plurality of electronic accessories or racking units 18 (FIGS. 2
and 4). Conference table 10 may also include a lower shelf or
trough 20 that extends generally along and beneath work surface 12
and that includes one or more equipment racks or shelves or
receiving slots or racks 22 for receiving additional electronic
accessories or racking units 18. Conference table 10 may include a
cover panel 24 for selectively accessing and concealing racking
units 18 in column supports 14, and may further include movable or
removable cover panels 26 for selectively accessing and concealing
the racking units 18 in the lower channel 20. Conference table 10
may also include one or more accessory or power or communication
modules 28 positioned generally along a center portion of the work
surface 12 and accessible by people sitting by conference table 10,
as discussed below.
[0031] Work surface 12 may be supported on supports 14 by a pair of
longitudinally extending beams or support members 30 that extend
substantially the length of the work surface and that at least span
the gap between the supports to provide support over substantially
the entire length of the work surface 12. The beams 30 may comprise
a metallic material, such as an extruded aluminum material, and may
connect to a plurality of side braces 32 (FIGS. 2 and 5) that may
extend outwardly from the beams 30 to provide additional support
toward the lateral sides of the work surface 12. The work surface
12 is thus supported by the beams 30, braces 32 and supports 14,
and thus may comprise a lighter weight or less rigid material than
conventional tabletops or work surfaces, without affecting the
structural integrity of conference table 10. As shown in FIG. 5,
beams 30 may includes flanges 30a, 30b extending laterally inwardly
therefrom for engaging corresponding grooves or flanges 28a of the
center accessory modules 28 and for engaging flanges or lips 20a of
the lower shelves or troughs 20 to support the various
accessories/racking units and electronic connections and circuitry
that may be implemented with the conference table 10, as discussed
below. Because the beams are spaced apart along and below the work
surface, the accessory or center modules may be positioned at a
generally central region of the work surface and between the beams,
such that the accessory modules and the like may extend below the
work surface, yet may be substantially hidden or concealed by and
supported by the beams.
[0032] Although shown in FIGS. 1-5 as having a pair of column
supports 14 at opposite ends of the table, clearly other support
configurations for the conference table may be implemented, without
affecting the scope of the present invention. For example, a
conference table 110 (FIG. 6) may include a center column support
14 and a pair of leg supports 14' at opposite ends of the table, or
a conference table 210 (FIG. 7) may include three leg supports 14'
spaced along the conference table, or a conference table 310 (FIGS.
8 and 9) may include just a pair of opposite leg supports 14'. In
the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10, the conference table 310' is
substantially similar to conference table 310, but does not include
the lower trough or shelf for receiving and supporting racking
units along and generally underneath the work surface of the
conference table. The conference tables 110, 210, 310, 310' are
otherwise substantially similar to conference table 10, discussed
in detail herein, such that a detailed discussion of the conference
tables will not be repeated herein. The similar components and
modules and the like of the conference tables are shown with
similar reference numerals in the associated drawings. In each
embodiment, the work surface and support members or beams may be
substantially similar, with different vertical supports or legs or
columns supporting the beams and work surface, which may in turn
support different accessory or center modules, lights, lower
channels or troughs, and the like at and between the beams,
depending on the particular application of the conference
table.
[0033] As best shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12, conference table 10 may
include the electrical wiring 33, such as power cords or cables
and/or data cables and/or other communication lines or cables or
the like routed through and along the conference table and
substantially concealed therewithin. The wires and cables and cords
33 connect the various connectors or outlets 33a or the like of the
center modules 28 of the conference table to an output wire or
connector 33b that connects the electrical or communication system
of the conference table to a power source or communication network
or the like. The conference table thus may be positioned in a
conference room and the connectors 33b for electrical power and
communication signals may be plugged into or connected to the
appropriate wires of the conference room, whereby the multiple
outlets and communication lines and the like of the conference
table will receive the power and data and the like via that
connection. Because the wiring 33 and connectors 33a, 33b are
routed along the conference table 10, the accessories or racking
units may be readily connected to the power source or appropriate
network or the like without requiring separate wires to be
individually run from each accessory to the desired power source or
network connections.
[0034] As best shown in FIGS. 2-5, racking units 18 may be attached
to the brackets or racking attachments 16, 22 of conference table
10 to substantially fixedly, yet removably, retain the racking
units 18 to conference table 10. The column supports 14 and the
lower troughs 20 may include racking attachments 16, 22,
respectively, for receiving the racking units therein. The racking
units 18 may be readily inserted into the racking attachments 16,
22 of the column supports 14 and lower trough 20, whereby the
electrical connections to the corresponding wiring may be made as
the racking units are inserted into the racking attachments.
[0035] As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, racking units 18 may
comprise typical racking units having a front panel and controls
and a mounting plate at the front panel for connecting or securing
the racking unit to the respective brackets, such as via fasteners
or the like. The racking units may comprise electrical circuitry
and connectors, which may not be contained within a casing or
housing, and which may readily connect to corresponding connectors
or wires of the conference table. For example, the racking units
may include plugs or connectors or wires that readily connect to
the corresponding connectors or wires of the conference table as
the racking units are inserted into the shelving areas of the
column support or lower trough, such that additional wiring
connections and cables or cords or the like are not required. The
connectors of the conference table may connect the racking units
(such as via the wiring 33 routed along the conference table) to
appropriate outputs or controls or circuitry at the table to
achieve the desired connection and operation of the racking
units.
[0036] Racking units 18 thus may be electronically connected to the
appropriate connectors and wiring as they are attached to the
racking bracketry 16, 22. The wiring may be routed in and along the
conference table 10 when the table is assembled, as can be seen
with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The racking units and racking
shelving or receiving slots of the conference table thus provide
for connection of the desired electronic accessories or units to
the conference table without requiring individual wiring of the
components after they are positioned at the conference table. The
racking units may provide for various audio and visual equipment
that may be desired to control speakers and/or other audio
equipment and/or projectors, cameras and/or other video equipment
or the like, without affecting the scope of the present invention.
Because the electrical wiring is already installed in the table,
and because the racking units may be readily connected to the
electrical wiring as they are inserted into or received into the
racking shelves, the conference table 10 may be readily configured
to have the desired components or accessories or racking units at a
desired location depending on the particular application of the
conference table 10, without requiring individual or separate
wiring for the components to be installed after the table is
assembled.
[0037] After the racking units 18 have been installed and secured
to the racking brackets 16, 22, the covers 24, 26 may be positioned
at the racking units to generally conceal the racking units within
the column support 14 or lower trough 20, respectively. The covers
may be readily removed or opened by a person sitting at the table
to access the racking units or accessories. For example, the covers
24, 26 may be readily removed from the conference table to provide
access to the racking units, such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0038] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the lower trough 20 may include a
flange or lip 20a for engaging a corresponding groove or lip 30b of
elongated beams 30 to attach the lower trough 20 to the beams 30 of
conferencing table 10. The lower trough or channel 20 thus may be
readily installed to conference table 10, if desired, by slidably
inserting the lip 20a into the groove or channel 30b. Optionally,
the lower trough may be readily removed from the table if such a
configuration is not desired or necessary for the particular
application of the conference table (such as shown in FIG. 10).
[0039] Conference table 10 may also include one or more center
modules 28, which may also be mounted to or attached to or
supported by the flanges 30a of the longitudinal beams 30, such as
shown in FIG. 5. The center modules 28 may include an accessory
compartment or well 34 for receiving and storing various equipment
or accessories, such as laptop computers, keyboards, remote control
devices, projectors, telephones and/or the like. The storage well
34 may provide a generally fixed shelf (not shown) that may be
positioned beneath the level of the work surface 12 and may support
the equipment or accessory therein. The storage well 34 may include
a cover 36, such as a pair of synchronized doors 36a, to
substantially close the well and conceal the accessory or equipment
therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the doors 36a are gull wing
type doors that may pivot to a generally vertical and open
position, and that may retract or slide downwardly along the sides
of the well to be positioned substantially at or below the level of
the work surface when in the opened position, such that the well is
substantially open for access to the equipment or accessory
contained therein.
[0040] Optionally, the storage well may comprise a retractable or
adjustable well 38 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 11) that may house or receive
other accessories or equipment, such as projectors and the like.
Retractable well 38 may include an equipment support platform 38a
(FIG. 11) that may be vertically adjusted to move the platform 38a
and the accessory 39 supported thereon between a lowered position,
where the platform and the accessory are positioned within the
conference table and generally or substantially below the work
surface 12, and a raised position (as shown in FIG. 11), where the
platform 38a and the accessory 39 are positioned generally at or
above the level of the work surface 12. The platform 38a may be
electronically controlled, such that the platform may be raised or
lowered in response to a user input, such as a switch or button or
the like, which may be positioned inside the retractable well 38 or
elsewhere at the conference table. The retractable well 38 may be
substantially covered or concealed by a pair of synchronized doors
40 or the like, which may open and close (such as in a similar
manner as discussed above with respect to doors 36) as the platform
is raised or lowered. In the illustrated embodiment, the
retractable well is positioned toward an end of the conference
table, such that when the accessory 39 is a projector, and the
projector is raised to its operating position at or above the work
surface, the projector may project toward a projection screen 39a
without having other accessories or doors of other modules of the
conference table interfere with the projected image. However, a
retractable well and any accessory or equipment contained therein
may be positioned elsewhere along the conference table, without
affecting the scope of the present invention.
[0041] Optionally, the center modules 28 of the conference table of
the present invention may include one or more access modules 42
(FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 12-14), which may be substantially concealed
behind a pair of gull wing doors 44. Each access module 42 may
provide multiple electrical outlets 42a (FIG. 14),
telecommunication connectors 42b, such as RJ-11 connectors, RJ-45
connectors and/or the like, and/or other connectors or interface
cards or the like as may be desired for the particular application
of the conference table. As shown in FIG. 14, one or more blank
interface cards 43 may be provided within the access module 42, and
may be removed and replaced with the desired connections and links
or the like as desired. The access module or modules 42 thus
provide for electrical and telecommunication connections for
laptops and other devices that people may utilize at the conference
table, and may be readily accessible by opening one or both of the
doors 44. The cord or plug or connector or the like of the device
may then be readily plugged into the appropriate outlet or
connector of the access module to provide the electrical or
telecommunication connection to the device. The interface cards and
connectors 42c of the access module 42 may be connected to the
appropriate wiring 33 that is routed within and along the
conference table 10, such that additional wiring is not needed to
connect the various devices to the appropriate power source or
telecommunication link or the like.
[0042] The access modules may provide power connections and
voice/data connections concealed beneath the dual gull wing doors
44, which may comprise a metallic material, a veneer material or a
glass material or the like. The access modules may be provided in
various lengths, depending on the particular application of the
conference table. Each access module may be equipped with multiple
outlet receptacles and RJ-11 (voice) and RJ-45 (data) snap-in
connectors, all of which may be accessible from either or both
sides of the access module. The quantity of receptacles and
connectors may be selected and changed depending on the length of
the access module and/or on the length or application of the
conference table. The access module or modules may also be equipped
with blank interface cards, which may serve as the mounting
platform for additional separately specified voice or data
connectors or the like, as may be desired after the conference
table is assembled.
[0043] Optionally, the center modules 28 of the conference table of
the present invention may further include a fixed shelf 50 (FIGS.
1, 3, 4, 8 and 12), which may provide a platform or shelf at the
center portion of the table for supporting commonly used equipment
or components, such as a speaker telephone or the like. The
speakerphone or the like may be positioned on the shelf 50 and,
thus, may not have to be moved into and out from the different
access modules or retractable wells or storage wells or the like of
the conference table. The wiring or electrical connections to the
speakerphone or other accessory positioned at the fixed shelf may
be readily connected to the appropriate connectors at the access
module adjacent to the fixed shelf.
[0044] Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, conference table
10 may include one or more, and preferably a plurality of,
presentation lights 52 positioned along one or both sides of the
center modules 28. The lights may be selectively and independently
raised and lowered to provide illumination (when raised) and to
substantially conceal the lights (when lowered) when they are not
in use. The presentation lights 52 may be activated to provide
ancillary lighting to illuminate the work surface area in the
vicinity of the lights, such as when the conference room lights may
be dimmed, such as for presentations or the like. For example, each
light may be positioned at a respective work station (an area at
which a person may sit and work during a conference at the table)
and may be independently raised/lowered and activated/deactivated
by a person sitting at the respective work station to provide
selective illumination of the work station as desired.
[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the presentation lights 52
include a generally horizontal upper bar 52a that houses the
illumination source or light bulb 52b or the like. The upper bar
52a is connected between a pair of generally vertical supports 52c
to support the upper bar and the illumination source generally
above the work surface when the presentation light is in its
operable position. As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4,
the presentation lights 52 may be raiseable and lowerable between a
lowered position, where an upper surface 53 of the upper bar 52a of
presentation light 52 may generally correspond with the work
surface 12 or a trim strip or rail or trim portion 54 along the
center modules 28, and a raised position, where the illumination
source is positioned above the work surface. Preferably, the trim
rail 54 and the presentation lights 52 share the same aesthetic
upper surface details, such that when the presentation lights are
in their lowered position, the trim rail and presentation lights
provide a substantially uniform trim strip along one or both sides
of the center modules. In the illustrated embodiment, the
presentation lights may be vertically adjusted via sliding of the
vertical supports 52b along and within corresponding channels or
raceways within the conference table, such as between the center
modules 28 and the support beams 30.
[0046] The presentation lights may be raised and lowered via a
touch and release mechanism, whereby pushing downward on the
presentation light when it is in its lowered position releases the
light, such that the light may raise upward to its raised position
in response to a biasing member or spring or the like within the
presentation light and/or conference table. Optionally, pressing
the presentation light and allowing the presentation light to be
raised to its elevated position may also function to activate the
illumination source, such that the presentation light is on when in
its raised position. Pressing downward on the presentation light to
move it back to its retracted or lowered position may then also
function to deactivate the illumination source to turn off the
presentation light when it is stored in the conference table.
[0047] Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the conference
table of the present invention may also or otherwise include a
plurality of microphones 56 positioned along the trim rail or trim
rails 54 along the center modules 28. The microphones may comprise
a microphone system that provides enhanced reception of people's
voices at various locations along and around the conference table
to provide for enhanced teleconferencing capabilities and the like.
In the illustrated embodiment, low profile microphones 56 may be
installed on or partially in the trim rail 54, with the wiring to
the microphones running along the trim rail to an appropriate
connector or wiring within the access modules or other center
modules of the conference table, or to one or more connections for
connecting to one or more of the racking units positioned at or
inserted in the column support or lower shelf of the conference
table. The low profile microphones may receive less tabletop sound
reflections over conventional microphones, and may be used in
conjunction with an automatic/gated mixer that automatically
deactivates all of the microphones of the system except the one
that is receiving a vocal signal, thereby further enhancing sound
clarity of the microphone system.
[0048] Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the conference
table may include a plurality of access or tech bays or modules 60
spaced along the conference table that provide for connections of
accessories or equipment, such as laptops and the like, to
corresponding receptacles and connectors and jacks 62 within the
bays 60. The tech bays 60 provides for easy tabletop accessibility
to the power and voice/data connections and may feature a flip-up
door 64 that conceals the power and voice/data connections 62 when
it is closed. The number of bays along the conference table may be
selected depending on the length of the conference table and
particular application of the conference table. The connectors 62
of bays 60 may be connected to the appropriate wiring 33 of the
conference table via plugs or connectors 68. Optionally, the bays
60 may include gripper grommets 66 at one or both sides thereof to
facilitate receiving and holding cords and cables that may be
routed into the bay or out from the bay and underneath the
conference table.
[0049] Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a generally
central relocated power center 70 may be provided along the
conference table and may provide multiple power receptacles 72 and
voice/data jacks 74 for connections to the appropriate accessory or
equipment at the conference table. The power center 70 may be
concealed by an access cover plate or door 76 that may
substantially cover and conceal the power center, but that may
allow the cords to the accessory or equipment to be routed
therethrough, such that the power center may be utilized while
still being covered and, thus, may provide an aesthetically
pleasing appearance to the conference table when in use. The length
and number of receptacles and connectors of the power center may
vary and may be selected depending on the length of the conference
table and/or the particular application of the conference
table.
[0050] Because the center modules and lower channels or troughs may
be readily inserted into the channels or grooves extending along
the beams (as shown in FIG. 5), the conference table of the present
invention may be assembled in different configurations depending on
the desired features and particular application of the conference
table. For example, a conference table may be assembled with the
well or wells at a center region if desired or with or without the
lower channel or trough (which may be provided if racking units are
desired along the conference table or if the trough may be
necessary or desired to cover or hide the wells if they extend
substantially down under the work surface). The wires and cords and
cables and the like may be routed along the modules and/or beams to
the desired locations while the modules and beams are accessible
and before the work surface is attached to the beams and/or
modules. After the selected modules and lights and microphones and
trim strips are arranged in the desired manner on the work surface
and along the beams, the beams (and the work surface and modules
attached thereto) may be attached to the desired or selected or
appropriate column supports and/or leg supports to complete the
assembly by the conference table.
[0051] Therefore, the present invention provides a conference table
that may be configured to have one or more storage wells and
racking units and power connections and telecommunication
connections, depending on the particular application of the
conference table. The conference table may receive a plurality of
racking units therein to substantially fixedly retain the desired
components and to provide the electrical connections thereto when
the components or units are mounted to or attached to the
conference table. The conference table may further include one or
more storage wells or retractable wells for receiving and storing
one or more accessories or the like within the conference table.
The conference table may also include multiple power and/or data
and/or communication connections for readily connecting or plugging
a cord or cable or the like of a computer or laptop or accessory or
the like to the appropriate connectors of the conference table. The
conference table may further provide presentation lights for
selectively illuminating an area or work station of the work
surface to provide enhanced illumination when the lights of the
conference room may be dimmed, such as for presentations or the
like. The work surface and the modules and racking units and lights
may be mounted to or attached to and supported by a pair of
longitudinally extending support beams, such that the work surface
or tabletop of the conference table need not provide structural
rigidity to the conference table.
[0052] Changes and modifications to the specifically described
embodiments can be carried out without departing from the
principles of the present invention, which is intended to be
limited only by the scope of the appended claims, as interpreted
according to the principles of patent law.
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