U.S. patent application number 10/865386 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-15 for table system with modular tops and supports.
Invention is credited to Bransen, Bradley Keith, Glowiak, Matthew Vincent, Montague, Edgar B. III, Morehart, Jack Byron.
Application Number | 20050274297 10/865386 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35459180 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050274297 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Montague, Edgar B. III ; et
al. |
December 15, 2005 |
Table system with modular tops and supports
Abstract
A table system with a multitude of tabletops and a modular
constructed table support. The tabletops are of various sizes and
shapes with peripheries that complement each other so that table
systems may be grouped together. The table support includes a
module of a horizontally disposed base member, a connected,
upwardly directed curved leg member, a mounting pad and opposing
foot members. A second variation includes two back-to-back base
members, corresponding leg members, pads and foot members and a
linear bridge structure. A third variation includes four base
members, four leg members, four pads, four foot members and a cross
shaped bridge structure.
Inventors: |
Montague, Edgar B. III;
(Fort MIll, SC) ; Glowiak, Matthew Vincent;
(Muscatine, IA) ; Morehart, Jack Byron;
(Janesville, WI) ; Bransen, Bradley Keith;
(Bettendorf, IA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JONES DAY
77 WEST WACKER
CHICAGO
IL
60601-1692
US
|
Family ID: |
35459180 |
Appl. No.: |
10/865386 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 87/002
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/064 |
International
Class: |
A47B 057/00 |
Claims
1. A versatile table system comprising: a plurality of tabletops of
different sizes and shapes; and a table support module, said module
functioning singly to support a tabletop or combined with a second
module to support a tabletop, or combined with three additional
modules to support a tabletop.
2. The table system of claim 1 wherein: some of said plurality of
tabletops have peripheral shapes for complementing peripheral
shapes of other tabletops for combining tabletops in predetermined
groupings.
3. The table system of claim 1 wherein: a table support module
functioning singly includes a generally horizontally disposed base
structure and a upwardly curving leg structure.
4. The table system of claim 3 wherein: said singly functioning
table support module includes a long foot structure and a short
foot structure.
5. The table system of claim 1 wherein: said table support module
functioning with two modules include two generally horizontally
disposed base structures, two upwardly curving leg structures and a
first bridge structure connecting the two base structures.
6. The table system of claim 5 wherein: said table support module
includes two long foot structures.
7. The table system of claim 1 wherein: said table support module
functioning with four modules includes four horizontally disposed
base structures, four upwardly extending leg structures and a
second bridge structure connecting the four base structures.
8. The table system of claim 7 wherein: said second bridge
structure is cross shaped.
9. The table system of claim 5 wherein: said first bridge structure
is linear.
10. A modular table support system comprising: a plurality of
generally horizontally disposed base structures; a plurality of
upwardly extending leg structures including a pad structure for
attachment to a tabletop; and a plurality of bridge structures,
wherein a table support structure is formed by a single base
structure connected to a single leg structure, by two base
structures connected to two corresponding leg structures and to a
first bridge structure, or by four base structures connected to
four corresponding leg structures and to a second bridge
structure.
11. The modular table support system of claim 10 wherein: each of
said plurality of base structures includes opposing end portions,
each of said end portions having a connector component; and
including a first long foot structure having a connector component;
and a first floor contact structure engaging said first foot
structure.
12. The modular table support system of claim 11 including: a
second short foot structure having a connector component; and a
second floor contact structure engaging said second foot
structure.
13. The modular table support system of claim 12 wherein: said
first floor contact structure is a glide.
14. The modular table support system of claim 13 wherein: said
second floor contact structure is a caster.
15. The modular table support system of claim 10 wherein: each of
said plurality of base structures includes opposing end portions,
each of said end portions having a connector component; two of said
base structures are aligned and extend in opposite directions; two
leg structures are connected to said two base structures; and a
first bridge connected to both of said two base structures at end
portions thereof.
16. The modular table support system of claim 15 including: two
floor contact structures, each of said floor contact structures
connected to a one of said two base structures.
17. The modular table support system of claim 16 wherein: said two
floor contact structures are two glides.
18. The modular table support system of claim 10 wherein: each of
said plurality of base structures includes opposing end portions,
each of said end portions having a connector component; four of
said base structures are aligned in a cross and extend in four
directions; four leg structures are connected to said four base
structures; and a second bridge is connected to each of said four
base structures at end portions thereof.
19. The modular table support system of claim 18 including: four
floor contact structures, each of said floor contact structures is
connected to a one of said four base structures.
20. The modular table support system of claim 19 wherein: said four
floor contact structures are four glides.
21. A table support system comprising: a tubular base member
disposed in a generally horizontal direction; a support structure
connected to said tubular base member for spacing said tubular base
member from a floor; a tubular table support member extending
upwardly in a curved form from said tubular base member and
connected thereto; and a connector pad connected to said tubular
table support member, said connector pad disposed in a horizontal
position for mounting a tabletop structure.
22. The table support system of claim 20 wherein: said base member
includes opposing end portions having a connector structure.
23. The table support system of claim 20 including: a second
tubular base member disposed in a generally horizontal direction; a
second support structure connected to said second tubular base
member; and a linear bridge structure for connecting said first
mentioned base structure and said second base structure.
24. The table support system of claim 20 including: a second
tubular base member disposed in a generally horizontal direction; a
second support structure connected to said second tubular base
member; a third tubular base member disposed in a generally
horizontal direction; a third support structure connected to said
third tubular base member; a fourth tubular base member disposed in
a generally horizontal direction; a fourth support structure
connected to said fourth tubular base member; and a cross bridge
structure, said first, said second, said third and said fourth base
members being connected to said cross bridge structure.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATION
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to office and professional
type table systems and more particularly to such table systems with
modular tops and supports that are both functional and elegant.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Many new offices and professional spaces and plant areas
include large open spaces that are intended to serve different
functions at different times during the day or on different days of
the week. Typically, equipment and furniture are moved in and out
or around the space depending upon the task to be accomplished at
the moment. Hence, a single building space may be used for
classroom training, conferencing, meetings, lounges and dining.
[0007] Numerous furniture systems already exist including those
having different shaped table tops, and different types of
supports, such as slab bases, arc bases, cylindrical bases, "X"
bases, column bases and post bases. Nevertheless, there continues
to be a need for furniture flexibility, versatility and efficiency
to enhance the move to multi-functioning interior space
layouts.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The continuing desire for versatility has been met by the
present invention. What is described here is a table system
comprising a plurality of tabletops of different sizes and shapes
and a table support module with the module functioning either
singly to support a tabletop or combined with a second module or
with three additional modules to support a tabletop. The modules
generally include a tubular base member dispose in a generally
horizontal direction, a tubular support member extending upwardly
in a curved manner connected to the base member and a connector pad
attached to the table support member to which a tabletop is
mounted.
[0009] There are a number of advantages, features and objects
achieved with the present invention which are believed not to be
available in earlier related devices. For example, the present
invention provides a table system with modular table tops and
supports that are simply constructed, robust and reliable. In
addition, the inventive system is attractive, versatile and
relatively inexpensive. The system also provides a professional
appearance and yet is practical by being adjustable to different
room sizes and shapes. The systems provide for rapid changes of
furniture configuration but reduces the need for a large inventory
of components. There is modularity of individual table components
as well as complete table systems, whereby table systems may be put
together in a multitude of different configurations.
[0010] A complete understanding of the present invention and other
objects, advantages and features thereof will be gained from a
consideration of the present specification which provides a written
description of the invention, and of the manner and process of
making and using the invention, set forth in such full, clear,
concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art
to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to
make and use the same in compliance with Title 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112
(first paragraph). Furthermore, the following description of
preferred embodiments of the invention read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawing provided herein represent examples of the
invention in compliance with Title 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112 (first
paragraph), but the invention itself is defined in the claims
section attached hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0011] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a table system illustrating a
modular support version having two single leg structures.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a table system featuring a
modular support version with three two-leg structures.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a table system illustrating a
modular support version having a four leg structure.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a modular table support
system illustrating a version with a single base structure and leg
structure.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the modular table
support system shown in FIG. 4.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a modular table support
system illustrating a version with a double base structure and leg
structure.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view of the modular table
support system illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a modular table support
system illustrating a version with four base structures and leg
structures.
[0019] FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric view of the modular support
system shown in FIG. 8.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded bottom plan view of the
single base structure and leg structure version of the modular
table support system showing connector components for two foot
structures.
[0021] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a rectangular shaped
tabletop.
[0022] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a racetrack shaped
tabletop.
[0023] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a boat shaped tabletop.
[0024] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a round shaped tabletop.
[0025] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a pentagon shaped
tabletop.
[0026] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a trapezoid shaped
tabletop.
[0027] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a half-ellipse shaped
tabletop.
[0028] FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic plan view of tables and chairs
arranged for a seminar or training session.
[0029] FIG. 19 is another diagrammatic plan view of tables and
chairs arranged for a seminar or training session.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a third diagrammatic plan view of tables and
chairs arranged for a seminar or training session.
[0031] FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic plan view of tables and chairs
arranged for a conference setting.
[0032] FIG. 22 is another diagrammatic plan view of tables and
chairs arranged for a conference setting.
[0033] FIG. 23 is a third diagrammatic plan view of a table and
chairs arranged for a conference setting.
[0034] FIG. 24 is a fourth diagrammatic plan view of a table and
chairs arranged for a conference setting.
[0035] FIG. 25 is a fifth diagrammatic plan view of tables and
chairs arranged for a conference setting.
[0036] FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic plan view of tables and chairs
arranged for a lounge, off-lobby or cafeteria setting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0037] While the present invention is open to various modifications
and alternative constructions, the preferred embodiments
illustrating the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying
out his invention are shown in the various figures of the drawing
and will be described herein in detail, pursuant to Title 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112 (first paragraph). It is understood, however, that there
is no intention to limit the invention to the particular
embodiments, forms or examples which are disclosed herein. To the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalent
structures and methods, and alternative constructions falling
within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the
appended claims section attached hereto, pursuant to Title 35
U.S.C. .sctn.112 (second paragraph).
[0038] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate three table systems with modular
tabletops and modular table supports. In FIG. 1, a table system 10
includes a modular tabletop 12 and two modular table supports 14,
15. The tabletop 12 has a pentagon shape. Each modular table
support illustrates a version having a single base structure and
leg structure. In FIG. 2, a table system 16 is shown with a
different modular tabletop 18 and a different modular table support
20. The tabletop 18 has a long rectangular shape and the modular
table support is a version having a double base and leg structure.
The table system 16 actually uses three double base and leg
structures 22, 24, 26 to which the tabletop 18 is mounted.
[0039] In FIG. 3, there is illustrated a table system 30 having yet
another modular tabletop 32 that is mounted to yet another modular
table support 34. The modular tabletop 32 has a round shape and the
modular table support is a version having four base structures and
leg structures.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the single base and leg
version 14 of a modular table support is illustrated. The single
version modular table support includes a base structure or member
40 having a tubular shape and extending in a generally horizontal
direction, and connected to the base member is an upwardly
extending leg structure or member 42 having a gently curved shape.
At the upper end portion is a connector pad 44. The connector pad
is a rectangularly shaped plate having eight openings 46, 47, 48,
49, 50, 51, 52, 53 for receiving fasteners, such as bolts,
exemplified by a bolt 54 which attaches the modular tabletop to the
connector pad. The leg structure is attached to the base structure
by any convenient arrangement, such as by welding. The connector
pad may be attached to the leg structure by welding also. Other
attachment mechanisms may also be used.
[0041] The base member has opposite end portions 60, 62 to which
are connected foot structures or members 64, 66. The left or first
foot member 66 extends a longer distance than the right or second
foot member 64 and includes a floor contacting structure in the
form of an adjustable glide 70 to make contact with a floor
surface. The shorter foot member 64 is connected to another floor
contacting structure in the form of a caster 72. With the
arrangement illustrated, the modular table system 10, FIG. 1, can
be tilted off the glides so that the table system may be easily
moved by rolling on the casters. The base member 40 may have a
tubular shape with a generally round cross-section and the leg
member 42 may have a tubular shape with an elliptical
cross-section. Both members are formed of steel although other
metals may be used if desired.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a double or two base and leg
version 24 of the modular table support is illustrated. The two
base and leg version includes a first base member 80 connected to a
second base member 82 using a first or linear bridge structure 84.
The linear bridge structure substitutes for the short right foot 64
described in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5, and the base members 80, 82
extend in opposite directions creating a mirror image of one
another. Two leg members 86, 88 extend upwardly from the base
members, also providing a mirror image appearance. Connector pads
90, 92 are mounted to each of the leg members. At extended end
portions of the base members 80, 82, foot structures 94, 96 are
connected. These are identical to the long left foot member 66
described in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5. A glide 98, 100 is attached
to each of the foot members.
[0043] The modular table support 20 illustrated in FIG. 2
illustrates three of the double base and leg versions being used.
The center modular support 24 is aligned with a longitudinal axis
101 of the tabletop. The two end modular supports 22, 26 are
aligned perpendicularly or laterally to the longitudinal axis of
the tabletop.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is illustrated a third
version 34 of the modular table support in the form of a blossom of
four base structures and four leg members. The four base members
102, 104, 106, 108 extend in a generally horizontal direction at
ninety degrees to each other and the four connected leg members
110, 112, 114, 116 curving gently upwardly and outwardly. Four
connector pads 118, 120, 122, 124 are welded to the extended ends
of each of the four leg members. Each of the base and leg members
are identical to the modular base and leg members used in the
double leg/base version (FIGS. 6 and 7) and in the single leg/base
version (FIGS. 4 and 5). To attach the four base members together
is a second or cross-shaped bridge structure 130.
[0045] At extended ends of each of the base members 102, 104, 106,
108 is a foot structure 132, 134, 136, 138 identical to the long
foot structure 66 described for the single version modular support
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Connected to each of the foot structures is
a glide 140, 142, 144, 146. It is to be understood that casters may
be used in place of the guides should it be desired.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 10, illustrating a partially exploded
bottom plan view of the base member 40, each foot structure, the
short foot member 64 and the long foot member 66, includes a
connector component in the form of projecting sleeves 150, 152 with
two fastener receiving openings 154, 156, 158, 160 in each sleeve.
Each end portion 60, 62 includes connector components in that each
is formed as a receiving sleeve with fastener receiving openings.
When each foot is inserted into the end portions of the base member
40, they align with the connector components of the base member in
the form of the two pairs of fastener receiving openings 164, 166
and 168, 170. The aligned fastener receiving openings receive
suitable fasteners, such as the bolt 172.
[0047] There is illustrated in FIGS. 11-17 a number of modular
tabletops for the table system. In FIG. 11 a tabletop 180 with a
rectangular shape is illustrated. In FIG. 12, a racetrack shaped
tabletop 182 is illustrated. In FIG. 13, a boat shaped tabletop 184
is shown and in FIG. 14, a round-shaped tabletop 186 is shown. In
FIG. 15, the tabletop 188 has the shape of a pentagon and in FIG.
16 the tabletop 190 is shaped as a trapezoid. In FIG. 17, the
tabletop 192 has a half-ellipse shape.
[0048] It is to be understood that the tabletops of FIGS. 11-17 are
not to be considered limiting because other shapes and sizes may
also be part of the plurality of modular tabletops that may be used
in the table system disclosed here.
[0049] In FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 there is illustrated a sampling of
the patterns that the table system and accompanying chairs may take
when used for seminar or training classes. In FIG. 18, a group of
small rectangular tables 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204 are used,
each with a pair of chairs, such as the chairs 206, 208. In FIG.
19, a group of trapezoidal shaped tables 210, 212, 214, 216, 218,
220 are ganged or combined together in rows and in FIG. 20, there
is illustrated three elongated rectangular shaped tables 222, 224,
226, configured in a "U" shape, each with three chairs.
[0050] In FIGS. 21-25, there is illustrated table systems either in
groups or singly as they might be used for conferences. Such
conferences are sometimes held by participants around the table or
with a video arrangement as illustrated in FIG. 21. In FIG. 21, the
table arrangement includes two elongated, rectangular tables
systems 230, 232 and a pentagon shaped table 234. In FIG. 22, four
tables are grouped or ganged to create an enlarged conference
table. These include two pentagon shaped tables 236, 238 and two
trapezoidal shaped tables 240, 242. In FIG. 23, a racetrack shaped
conference table 244 is illustrated and in FIG. 24, a boat shaped
table system 246 is illustrated. FIG. 25 displays four rectangular
table systems 250, 252, 254, 256 centrally located and capped by
two half-ellipse table systems 258, 260 at each end. An assortment
of chairs are also shown. As can be seen, the various tabletops
have peripheral shapes that complement each other.
[0051] In FIG. 26, five round table systems 262, 264, 266, 268, 270
are illustrated as they might be used in a cafeteria setting or for
a meeting in a lounge or off-lobby area.
[0052] In operation, a manufacturer can produce the multitude of
modular table tops and a relatively few components for the modular
table supports because each modular table support is constructed of
a base member or structure, a leg member or structure with a
connector pad and foot members. The only other components needed
are casters, glides and two bridge structures. From these few
components, several variations of modular table supports may be
formed, ranging from a single base/leg version to a version having
two bases/legs and a version having four bases/legs. Hence, the
table system is efficient.
[0053] Versatility at the user's level has been shown by the
numerous arrangements of different table systems possible,
depending upon whether the room or space to be used is for a
training session, a conference or a meeting. As mentioned above
with regard to the FIG. 1 embodiment, various table systems may be
easily moved by rolling the table system on attached casters, when
those table systems are so constructed.
[0054] Versatility may even be enhanced by a user should he/she
maintain disassembled modular tabletops and modular table supports
which may then be quickly assembled in response to a desired
activity.
[0055] It is now apparent that the table systems described are
simply constructed, yet robust and reliable. The different table
systems are attractive and professional in appearance, yet
versatile and very practical.
[0056] The above specification describes in detail several
preferred embodiments of the present invention. Other examples,
embodiments, modifications and variations will, under both the
literal claim language and the doctrine of equivalents come within
the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims. For
example, changing the shapes and dimensions of the tabletops or of
the modular table supports would still produce equivalent
structures that will also come within the literal language of the
claims. Still other alternatives will also be equivalent as will
many new technologies. There is no desire or intention here to
limit in any way the application of the doctrine of equivalents nor
to limit or restrict the scope of the invention
* * * * *