U.S. patent application number 10/926433 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-02 for table with multiple configurations.
This patent application is currently assigned to Magna Design, Inc.. Invention is credited to Donald E. Giovannoni, John R. Stevens.
Application Number | 20060042520 10/926433 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35941224 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060042520 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stevens; John R. ; et
al. |
March 2, 2006 |
Table with multiple configurations
Abstract
A table includes a plurality of surface sections joined to a
base. At least one of the surface sections is joined to the base
with an attachment device having a slidable portion and a rotatable
portion. A mounted end of the slidable portion is secured to the
base and the opposite end of the slidable portion is slidably
coupled to a rotatable joint, which is mounted to one of the
surface sections. The rotatable joint is configured to rotate
relative to the base, so that the surface section can be translated
and rotated relative to the base to enable the table to readily be
changed into four different configurations. Utility trays mounted
under the surface sections provide access to power and data leads
feeding from the base. A pleated accordion fold cover hides the
attachment device and leads when a gap is formed between the
surface sections.
Inventors: |
Stevens; John R.;
(Shoreline, WA) ; Giovannoni; Donald E.;
(Snohomish, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICES OF RONALD M ANDERSON
600 108TH AVE, NE
SUITE 507
BELLEVUE
WA
98004
US
|
Assignee: |
Magna Design, Inc.
Lynnwood
WA
|
Family ID: |
35941224 |
Appl. No.: |
10/926433 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 1/08 20130101; A47B
2200/0079 20130101; A47B 1/10 20130101; A47B 21/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/050.02 |
International
Class: |
A47B 37/00 20060101
A47B037/00 |
Claims
1. A table system comprising: (a) a base; (b) a first surface
section having a first inside edge; (c) a second surface section
having a second inside edge, the second inside edge being
configured to abut the first inside edge of the first surface
section so that when thus arranged, the first surface section and
the second surface section form a combined table surface; (d) a
first attachment device that translatably and rotatably secures the
first surface section to the base, the first attachment device
including: (i) a first attachment end having a rotatable joint that
is configured to be joined to one of the base and the first surface
section; and (ii) a second attachment end that includes a slidable
member slidably coupled to the rotatable joint and configured to be
joined to the other of the base and the first surface section to
which the first attachment end is not joined; and (e) a second
attachment device that is configured to secure the second surface
section to the base.
2. The table system of claim 1, wherein the second attachment
device movably joins the second surface section to the base such
that the second surface section is translatable and rotatable
relative to the base, the second attachment device including: (a) a
first attachment end having a rotatable joint that is configured to
be joined to one of the base and the second surface section; and
(b) a second attachment end that includes a slidable member
slidably coupled to the rotatable joint and configured to be joined
to the other of the base and the second surface section to which
the first attachment end is not joined.
3. The table system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first
surface section and the second surface section includes a utility
tray extending below said at least one of the first surface section
and the second surface section.
4. The table system of claim 3, wherein said at least one of the
first surface section and the second surface section that includes
the utility tray is configured to be secured to at least one of the
first attachment device and the second attachment device at the
utility tray.
5. The table system of claim 3, wherein the utility tray defines an
interior channel configured to receive a plurality of wires
extending from the base and to convey the wires generally parallel
to one of the first and second inside edges of the at least one of
the first and the second surface sections under which the utility
tray extends.
6. The table system of claim 5, further comprising at least one
access opening in an upper face of at least one of the first and
the second surface sections through which the interior channel is
accessible.
7. The table system of claim 6, wherein the access opening includes
a closure device enabling the opening in an upper face of the
surface section to be selectively partially closed.
8. The table system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
table supports that support each of the first and the second
surface sections, each of the plurality of table supports having
opposite first and second ends, the first end being secured to one
of the first and the second surface sections and the second end
being supported by an underlying floor surface.
9. The table system of claim 8, wherein the second end of the table
support includes at least one of a sliding surface and a caster to
facilitate movement of the second end of table support across the
underlying floor surface.
10. The table system of claim 1, further comprising an extensible
cover secured over a top of the base to at least partially cover an
opening formed between the first inside edge and the second inside
edge when at least one of the surface sections is moved relative to
the base, the opening being adapted to convey leads from inside the
base toward each of the first and the second surface sections.
11. A table that is selectively reconfigurable in a plurality of
configurations, including: (a) a first table section having an
upper generally planar surface; (b) a second table section having
an upper generally planar surface; (c) a base that is generally
centrally disposed relative to the first section and the second
table section, an upper portion of the base being rotatably coupled
to the first table section and the second table section, at least
one of the first table section and the second table section being
coupled through a rail assembly to the base, enabling the first
table section and the second table section to be moved apart from
each other while supported by the base and selectively rotated
relative to the base; and (d) wherein, in the second configuration,
at least one of the first table section and the second table
section is positioned away from the other while supported on the
rail assembly by the base, and while rotating at least one of the
first table section and the second table section relative to the
base, so that adjacent corners at one end of each of the first
table section and the second table section are moved toward each
other coupled to the first table section and the second table
section adjacent to ends thereof and extending downwardly to
support the ends of the first table section and the second table
section, the table being selectively configurable in a plurality of
configurations, including: (i) a first configuration in which the
first table section and the second table section are substantially
parallel to each other; and (ii) a second configuration in which at
least one of the first table section and the second table section
is rotated relative to the base so that the first table section and
the second table section are not parallel with each other.
12. The table of claim 11, wherein, in the first configuration, an
edge of the first table section generally abuts against an opposing
edge of the second table section.
13. The table of claim 11, wherein, in the first configuration, an
opposing edge of the first table section is spaced apart by a
substantial gap from an opposing edge of the second table
section.
14. The table of claim 11, wherein, in the second configuration, at
least one of the first table section and the second table section
is positioned away from the other while supported on the rail
assembly by the base, and wherein at least one of the first table
section and the second table section is rotated relative to the
base, so that adjacent corners at one end of each of the first
table section and the second table section are moved toward each
other.
15. The table of claim 14, wherein, in an alternative second
configuration, at least one of the first table section and the
second table section is positioned away from the other while
supported by on the rail assembly by the base, and wherein at least
one of the first table section and the second table section is
rotated relative to the base, so that adjacent corners at an
opposite end of each of the first table section and the second
table section are moved toward each other.
16. The table of claim 11, wherein the end support members include
friction reducing components that reduce a frictional resistance as
the end support members are moved over a supporting surface, to
change the table to a different configuration.
17. The table of claim 11, further comprising: (a) a cable conduit
disposed within a vertical portion of the base, for carrying data
and electrical leads to both the first table section and the second
table section; (b) cable trays underlying the upper generally
planar surface of the first table section and the second table
section, the cable trays each being accessible through the
generally planar surface of the first table section and the second
table section; and (c) a power strip disposed within each cable
tray, the power strip being adapted to couple to an alternating
current source through an electrical lead that is conveyed through
the cable conduit and outwardly toward the cable trays.
18. The table of claim 17, wherein a cable pathway is disposed
between the cable conduit and the cable trays, the cable pathway
being adapted to convey data and electrical leads from the cable
conduit into the cable trays, to enable connection of the data and
electrical leads with user-supplied electronic devices that are
disposed on the generally planar surfaces of the first table
section and the second table section.
19. The table of claim 18, further comprising an expandable cover
that substantially overlies the cable pathway, the expandable cover
expanding as required to cover the cable pathway when the first
table section and the second table sections are moved apart from
each other.
20. The table of claim 11, wherein the rail assembly includes a
pair of tracks, each track having a fixed rail connected to the
base and a sliding rail connected to a turntable, a turntable
rotatably coupling one of the first table section and the second
table section to the sliding rails of the rail assembly.
21. The table of claim 20, wherein the other of the first table
section and the second table section is also coupled to the base
through another rail assembly that also includes a pair of tracks,
including a fixed rail connected to the base and a sliding rail
connected to another turntable that is rotatably coupled to the
other of the first table section and the second table section.
22. A method for supporting a plurality of table sections to enable
the plurality of table sections to be arranged in a plurality of
configurations relative to a base that supports the table sections,
the method comprising the steps of: (a) joining a first end of a
first support member to one of the first surface section and the
base, (b) rotatably and slidably joining a second end of the first
support member to the other of the first surface section and the
base, the second end being generally opposite to the first end; and
(c) joining the second surface section to the base.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of movably
joining the second surface section to the base such that the second
surface section is translatable and rotatable relative to the
base.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of movably joining the
second surface section to the base includes the steps of: (a)
joining a first end of a second support member to one of the second
surface section and the base; and (b) rotatably and slidably
joining a second end of the second support member to the other of
the second surface section and the base, the second end being
generally opposite to the first end of the second support
member.
25. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of forming
a channel under at least one of the first surface section and the
second surface section, the channel being configured to receive a
plurality of leads extending from within the base and further
configured to convey the wires generally parallel to the inside
edge of said at least one the first and the second surface
sections.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of
providing at least one access opening into the channel through said
at least one of the first and the second surface sections.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of
providing a cover enabling the access opening to be selectively at
least partially closed.
28. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of
supporting ends of the first and the second surface sections on
table support members.
29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of reducing
friction between an underlying surface and the table support
members so as to facilitate movement of the table support members
across the floor surface.
30. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of covering
an opening formed in the base, between the first inside edge and
the second inside edge when said at least one of the first and the
second surface sections is moved relative to the base, so that
leads conveyed within the opening are not visible when the first
and the second surface sections are spaced apart from each other at
the base.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally pertains to conference
tables, and more specifically, to conference tables that are
selectively configurable in a plurality of different
configurations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Most office suites include one or more conference rooms.
These conference rooms may be used for any number of functions, but
are typically used for meetings in which participants are seated
around a table to discuss matters of interest to the participants.
While a single conference table with seating on both sides can
server this function, there are times when it is desirable to
provide two sets of tables that are spaced apart from each other
longitudinally. For example, it might be desirable to seat opposing
parties along opposite sides of spaced-apart tables during
negotiations. Still further, conference rooms might host
presentations where a presenter, standing at one end of the table
and using one or more visual aids, such as a video screen or
monitor mounted on the wall at the opposite end of the table,
addresses a number of participants seated around the table.
[0003] FIG. 1A shows a conference room 100a furnished with a
conventional conference room table 110a surrounded by a number of
chairs 120a-136a. As arranged, conference room table 110a and
chairs 120a-136a are configured to enable people seated in chairs
120a-136a to see and speak to persons who are seated in the other
chairs. Unfortunately, conference room table 110a and chairs
120a-136a are less well-suited to other purposes. For example, if
people are gathered in conference room 100a to listen to a speaker
140 speaking at a podium 150, people seated in chairs 120a-136a
will have to turn in their chairs to look at speaker 140. People
seated in chairs 126a and 136a may find this inconvenient because
they will have to turn rather sharply in their chairs to look at
speaker 140. Certainly, the people seated in chairs 126a and 136a
will have to turn back and forth if they want to look at speaker
140 and take notes on pads that may be placed on table 110a before
them. However, it may prove even less convenient for people seated
in chairs 120a and 130a, who will have to turn even further in
their seats to look at speaker 140, and may also have to lean
forward to see around people seated in chairs 122a-126a and
132a-136a, respectively. If the meeting requires that the
participants view material displayed on a monitor 160, which is
disposed at the opposite end of the room, then everyone has to turn
around in their chairs, and the nature of the inconvenience for the
people seated in chairs 120a-136a is reversed.
[0004] One way that has been developed in the prior art to make the
furniture in a conference room more adaptable to different purposes
and needs is to use two narrower tables, such as conference tables
112b and 114b, as shown in a conference room 100b illustrated in
FIG. 1B. By using two such narrower conference tables 112b and
114b, the conference tables can be rearranged to suit the purpose
for which conference room 100b is used. Thus, if people are called
to conference room 100b to view a presentation on monitor 160,
conference tables 112b and 114b can each be positioned at an angle
toward each other, with adjacent corners touching at one end and
forming a "V" shape, so that both conference tables 112b and 114b
at least partially face monitor 160. As a result, people seated in
chairs 120b-136b will not have to turn so far in their chairs to
view monitor 160, and if they are taking notes, their notepads will
be more in front of them than in the arrangement of FIG. 1A.
Although not shown, it will be apparent that the conference tables
can alternatively, be arranged with the adjacent corners at the
opposite end touching, to form the opposing "V" shape, when the
participants' attention is directed only to speaker 140, at podium
150.
[0005] This prior art solution to the problem of achieving multiple
configurations to address different functions and needs for
conference tables unfortunately also has drawbacks. For example,
even if tables 112b and 114b are narrower than a single conference
table, such as conference table 110a (shown in FIG. 1A), conference
tables 112b and 114b will still have to be moved to effect the
position of the conference tables shown in FIG. 1B. If conference
tables 112b and 114b are of good quality, the work involved in
moving even these narrower conference tables may be significant. In
addition, if the participants are listening to speaker 140 at
podium 150, tables 112b and 114b will have to be laboriously
rearranged again, to achieve the opposite "V" shape configuration,
or the people seated in chairs 120b-136b will really have to turn
acutely in their chairs to be able to look at the speaker.
[0006] For still other purposes, such as hosting a meeting between
opposing parties in a negotiation, FIG. 1C shows how conference
tables 112b and 114b might be arranged to provide some separation
in the form of a gap 116c so that the participants of the meeting
who are associated with one side of the discussion are seated in
chairs 120c-126c and participants associated with other side of the
discussion are seated in chairs 130c-136c. Unfortunately, arranging
furniture as shown in FIG. 1C again may involve nontrivial labor in
moving conference tables 112b and 114b.
[0007] Furthermore, as is the case in most meetings, people seated
at conference tables 112b and 114b may need to use laptop computers
and other devices. As a result, power cords, telephone cords,
network cables, and other wiring, such as a video data lead for
monitor 160, might need to be run to computers or other data device
disposed on one or both of conference tables 112b and 114b. The use
of laptops and other digital devices in conference rooms has become
so prevalent that conference tables that are not intended to be
moved about within a conference room are often provided with
longitudinally extending cable trays disposed under the surface of
the conference table, so that the data ports for digital (and even
optical connections), and AC power strips disposed in the tray are
accessed through a slot in the surface of conference table
overlying the tray. These digital and power leads typically feed
down through the supports for the conference table and into trays
hidden under the flooring. Unfortunately, because one of the
objects of using two separate tables 112b and 114b is to permit the
reconfiguration of the conference tables to be readily carried out
by moving the conference tables, it is not practical to equip these
movable conference tables with cabling trays and conduits, since
the data and power leads would then be exposed when the tables are
moved to achieve the different configurations, creating a tripping
hazard. As a result, when computers and other digital devices are
used on conference tables 112b and 114b, the various data and power
cords and cables will be run as needed, potentially presenting a
tripping hazard and at least creating an inconvenient, tangled, and
untidy set of leads, which might extend between the conference
tables, e.g., hanging in gap 116 between tables 112b and 114b as
shown in FIG. 1C, or between the conference tables when arranged in
either "V" shaped configuration as shown by the example in FIG.
1B.
[0008] Considering the examples of FIGS. 1A-1C, having either one
conventional conference room table or a plurality of narrower
tables that can be moved to achieve different configurations is not
a complete solution to the problem of addressing the need for
different configurations discussed above. It would be highly
desirable to provide an adaptable conference room table that can be
readily reconfigured to accommodate a range of uses in a conference
room, such as described above. It is also highly desirable that
such a multiplicity of uses be accomplished without significant
effort being required to rearrange the furniture into the various
configurations for different uses. Furthermore, it is desirable
that the furniture present an attractive appearance and avoid the
need to string cables and leads when computing devices or other
digital or electronic devices are used on the furniture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, one of the advantages of the present invention
is that it provides a table that can readily be configured to suit
a number of different uses or functions. As a result, a space such
as a conference room that is equipped with such a table can be
efficiently used for different purposes without having to exchange
or move furniture around the room. For example, if a pair of
separate but facing tables are needed, sections of the table, which
are rotatably supported by a base, can be moved apart to present
generally parallel, spaced-apart table sections, thereby avoiding
the need to bring an additional table into the room. Alternatively,
one or more table sections can be rotated relative to the base to
present a "V" shape configuration of the table sections that is
selectively open at either end of the table to enable people seated
around the table to more easily view a speaker and/or another
object of interest, such as a display screen or monitor, disposed
at open end of the "V" shape configuration.
[0010] The table sections are supported by the base and preferably,
at other points adjacent to their ends, by a plurality of table
supports. Each table support engages only one of the table
sections, so as to avoid interfering when one of the table sections
is moved relative to another table section. The lower end of each
of the table supports preferably includes a device for reducing
friction, such as a sliding surface or a caster, to further
facilitate movement of the table sections while at least partially
supported by the table supports.
[0011] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention
includes utility trays that extend along the undersurface of the
table sections and which are configured to receive cables and leads
that pass through the base of the table. Included within the
utility trays are electrical power strips that are connected to a
source of alternating current through leads that extend downwardly
through the base. The cables and leads within the utility trays can
be accessed at different points along the length of the table
sections. As a result, even when table sections are moved,
connections to the cables and leads disposed within the utility
tray are available through an opening into the utility tray through
the table surface. Persons seated around the table are thus
provided ready access to integral data and electrical connections
within the utility trays. To further enhance the appearance of the
table surface system and hide the cables and leads that are
conveyed to the utility trays, an extensible cover is joined to
each of the table sections so that as the table sections are moved
relative to one another, the extensible cover continuously covers
the cables and leads that are conveyed through an opening at the
top of the base.
[0012] One aspect of the present invention as claimed is thus
directed to a table system. The table system includes a base, a
first surface section having a first inside edge, and a second
surface section having a second inside edge. The second inside edge
is configured to abut the first inside edge of the first surface
section so that when thus arranged, the first surface section and
the second surface section form a combined table surface. Also
included is a first attachment device that translatably and
rotatably secures the first surface section to the base. The first
attachment device includes a first attachment end having a
rotatable joint that is joined to one of the base and the first
surface section, and a second attachment end that includes a
slidable member slidably coupled to the rotatable joint and joined
to the other of the base and the first surface section to which the
first attachment end is not joined. A second attachment device
secures the second surface section to the base.
[0013] The second attachment device preferably also movably joins
the second surface section to the base such that the second surface
section is translatable and rotatable relative to the base.
Accordingly, the second attachment device includes a first
attachment end having a rotatable joint that is joined to one of
the base and the second surface section, and a second attachment
end that includes a slidable member slidably coupled to the
rotatable joint and joined to the other of the base and the second
surface section to which the first attachment end is not joined
[0014] At least one of the first surface section and the second
surface section preferably includes a utility tray extending below
the surface section. The surface section that includes the utility
tray is then secured to at least one of the first attachment device
and the second attachment device at the utility tray. An interior
channel is defined by the utility tray and is configured to receive
a plurality of wires extending from the base. The interior channel
conveys the wires generally parallel to the inside edge of the
surface section.
[0015] At least one access opening is provided in an upper face of
at least one of the first and the second surface sections, to
provide access to the interior channel. The access opening includes
a closure device enabling the access opening in the upper face of
the surface section to be selectively partially closed.
[0016] The table system also includes a plurality of table supports
that support each of the first and the second surface sections. The
table supports each have opposed first and second ends, and the
first end is secured to one of the first and the second surface
sections, while the second end is supported by an underlying floor
surface. Preferably, the second end of the table support includes
either a sliding surface or a caster to facilitate movement of the
second end of table support across the underlying floor
surface.
[0017] An extensible cover is secured over a top of the base to at
least partially cover an opening formed between the first inside
edge and the second inside edge when at least one of the surface
sections is moved relative to the base, to create a gap between the
two surface sections. The opening is adapted to convey leads from
inside the base toward each of the first and the second surface
sections.
[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
method for supporting a plurality of table sections to enable the
plurality of table sections to be arranged in a plurality of
configurations relative to a base that supports the table sections.
The method recites steps that are generally consistent with the
functions of the table system discussed above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURES
[0019] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same
becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0020] FIGS. 1A-1C (Prior Art) are overhead views of one or more
conventional tables and chairs positioned in a conference room;
[0021] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a table according to an
embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position;
[0022] FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the table of FIG.
1;
[0023] FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of a base of the table
of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 5A is an end view of utility trays secured to the
attachment mechanism mounted atop the base of FIG. 4 in a retracted
position;
[0025] FIG. 5B is an end view of utility trays secured to the
attachment mechanism mounted atop the base of FIG. 4 in an extended
position;
[0026] FIG. 6A is a bottom view of a portion of a surface section,
illustrating a utility tray joined to the surface section and to a
supporting leg;
[0027] FIG. 6B is a side elevational view showing a portion of the
utility tray mounted to a leg;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a top view of utility trays installed on the base
in an extended position;
[0029] FIGS. 8A-8D are overhead views of the table in a retracted
position and in a plurality of extended positions;
[0030] FIGS. 9A-9B are cross-sectional views of the table deployed
in different positions to illustrate operation of an extensible
cover extending between utility trays of beneath the table surface;
and
[0031] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the logical steps for
assembling and using a table system according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Structure of Multipurpose Conference Room Table
[0032] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a table 200 in a retracted
position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
3 illustrates an exploded view of table 200, showing more detail of
its internal structure. Table 200 includes a tabletop 210, which
has a plurality of table surface sections 212, which are described
below in further detail. Surface sections 212 include a plurality
of closeable access openings 214, permitting access to an interior
of utility trays 220 that are attached to the undersides of surface
sections 212. The interior of utility trays 220 convey leads 236
for data, signals, and power. These leads provide network access,
data communication, electrical power, and other functions for
portable computers or other devices that one or more persons
sitting at table 200 may be using.
[0033] Tabletop 210 is supported by a base 250 and a plurality of
table supports or legs 280. Base 250 supports tabletop 210
approximately at a midpoint of tabletop 210. More particularly, in
the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, base 250
is connected to utility trays 220 and thus provide support for
surface sections 212. Base 250 includes an access panel 252, which
can be opened to access a junction box (not shown) in the floor
surface, e.g., to connect/disconnect leads 236 that are conveyed
through utility trays 220, as described below. However, a
significant advantage of the present invention is that table 200
can be changed to different configurations without the need to
disconnect and reconnect these leads. Legs 280 support utility
trays 220 and/or surface sections 212 of tabletop 210 at positions
spaced apart from base 250. Legs 280 each include a plurality of
caster 282 mounted to their lower ends to facilitate movement of
legs 280 across a floor surface. Alternatively, other forms of
friction reducing components, such as plastic sliding surfaces can
be employed instead of the casters to reduce the friction as the
legs are moved over an underlying floor surface.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, table 200 appears to be conventional.
However, as FIGS. 3-7 clarify, the structure of table 200 enables
table 200 to be adapted to a number of different uses, by enabling
it to be reconfigured in three other forms.
[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, tabletop 210 is shown in a
retracted position, in which adjacent edges of surface sections 212
abut each other, so that the table appears as a single, integral
surface. In the retracted position shown, the adjacent longitudinal
edges of surface sections 212 abut at a center joint 216.
Similarly, the adjacent transverse edges of surface sections 212
meet at lateral seams 218. As will be better understood from the
discussion below, surface sections 212 are fixedly joined at
lateral seams 218, but movably abut at center joint 216.
[0036] Utility trays 220 may be integrally formed into surface
sections 212, but in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the utility
trays are separately formed and coupled with surface sections 212
with suitable fasteners (not shown) that extend through flanges 228
and into the undersides of the surface sections. Each of the
utility trays 220 includes an interior channel 222. Mounted inside
interior channel 222 are power outlet strips 224 and connections to
other leads 226. Optionally, interior channels 222 may be equipped
with a wiring harness (not shown) that can be connected to wiring
facilities in the room through base 250. Thus, people seated around
table 200 can access power outlet strips 224 and connect to other
leads 226 through closable access openings 214, which are formed in
tabletop 210. Each utility tray 220 is joined to a rotatable joint
256 of attachment mechanism 254 at a receiving portion 230 of the
utility tray. Utility trays 220 thus couple surface sections 212 to
attachment mechanism 254, which in turn is mounted to the top of
base 250 with appropriate threaded fasteners (not shown).
[0037] Attachment mechanism 254 thus supports a plurality of
rotatable joints 256 that are slidably mounted to the base as
described below. Surface sections 212 are coupled to rotatable
joints 256 via utility trays 220. Accordingly, as will be further
appreciated from the discussion that follows, surface sections 212
of tabletop 210 can be both translated laterally and rotated with
respect to base 250.
[0038] Legs 280 include inner support braces 281, which provide
internal structural support to the legs. In the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 3, inner support braces 281 each have a
planar upper surface 284 that are connected with fasteners (not
shown) to a plurality of flanges 286 that extend outwardly from
legs 280. Planar upper surfaces 284 are coupled with surface
sections 212 using fasteners (not shown). Casters 282 (or other
friction reducing components) are mounted to the bottom ends of
inner support braces 281, to facilitate moving legs 280 over an
underlying floor surface. In addition, in the embodiment of the
invention shown, each leg 280 includes an inner surface 288
supporting a plurality of attachment devices 290 that are mounted
to utility trays 220 with threaded fasteners (not shown). When the
components shown in FIG. 3 are assembled, one configuration of
table 200 appears as shown in FIG. 2.
Mechanism Providing for Configurability of Surface Sections
[0039] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, exploded isometric view of base 250
of table 200 (not shown). As previously described, base 250
includes an access panel 252 allowing for manipulation of wiring or
leads emanating, preferably, from a junction box (not shown) that
is inset into the floor surface to enable the leads to be fed into
utility trays 220. Alternatively, access panel 252 allows for
connecting one or more wiring harnesses previously installed in
interior channels 222 of utility trays 220 to connections in the
junction box that is inset into the floor surface of a room.
[0040] Upper edges 259 of base 250 engage and support a lower
surface 261 of attachment mechanism 254, which provides supports
for rotatable joints 256. Rotatable joints 256 preferably comprise
bearing-supported turntables such that, when coupled to the surface
sections of the tabletop (not shown in FIG. 4), enable the surface
sections to be rotated relative to base 250. Furthermore, in
accordance with the present invention, rotatable joints 256 are
slidably mounted to attachment mechanism 254, so that the surface
sections coupled to rotatable joints 256 are both rotatable and
laterally translatable relative to base 250.
[0041] In particular, attachment mechanism 254 includes a support
panel 258 to which are mounted channel mounts 260. Slidable
channels 262 are preferably slidably bearing-mounted to mounted to
channel mounts 260 and include channel stops, such as stop blocks
268, to limit the travel of slidable channels 262. Limiting the
travel of slidable channels 262 allows adjustment to the range of
motion the table sections (not shown) to suit the size of the room
where the table will be located. In the example shown, stop blocks
268 extend through a lower portion of support member 254 and block
further travel of slidable channels 262 when the desired limit of
their travel is reached.
[0042] Bases 264 of rotatable joints 256 are coupled with slidable
channels 262, and rotatable upper portions 266 of rotatable joints
256 are rotatably secured to joint bases 264. Thus, securing the
surface sections of the table to rotatable upper portions 266 of
rotatable joints 256 enables the surface sections to be rotated
relative to joint bases 264 of rotatable joints 256. Also, slidable
channels 262 are laterally translatable relative to channel mounts
260, such that rotatable joints 256 are translatable relative to
support member 254 along the line of travel of slidable channels
262.
[0043] Preferably, rotatable upper portions 266 of rotatable joints
256 engage the surface sections via tension mounts 270 to flexibly,
yet securely, join the surface sections to attachment mechanism
254. Attachment mechanism 254 also preferably includes wiring
orifices 272 enabling wiring or leads (not shown) that extend
through a central channel 274 of base 250 to pass through and on to
utility trays 220, as explained below.
[0044] It is contemplated that in other embodiments (not shown),
the surface sections can be attached to the base in other ways that
still enable the surface sections to be translated and rotated
relative to the base. For example, one surface section may be
fixedly mounted to the base, while the adjacent surface section is
movably mounted on the base, so as to be rotatable and translatable
with respect to the base (and the other surface section). In
addition, if both surface sections are coupled to rotatable joints
that are slidably mounted to the base, the rotatable joints may be
slidably mounted to opposing ends of a single support member, or
the rotatable joints may be slidably mounted to separate support
members. Further, although FIGS. 3 and 4 show rotatable joints
slidably mounted to base 250, the slidable joints could be
rotatably mounted to the base, and the surface sections coupled to
the slidable joints. It is also contemplated that other forms of
rotatable joints can be employed instead of the those shown in the
Figures.
[0045] In one alternative embodiment of the present invention,
surface sections 212 integrally include utility trays 220. However,
in the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the utility
trays are attached to the undersides of the surface sections and
are coupled to base 250. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate how utility
trays 220 are coupled with attachment mechanism 254. As noted
above, utility trays 220 are coupled with the rotatable upper
portions (not shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B) of rotatable joints (also
not shown in these two Figures) that are mounted on slidable
channels 260. Utility trays 220 include flanges 228 to which the
surface sections (not shown) are attached. In a retracted position,
as shown in FIG. 5A, slidable channels 262 and in turn, utility
trays 220 that are mounted thereto, are translated laterally to a
retracted position. In the retracted position shown for this
embodiment of the present invention, slidable channels 262 engage
each other, causing the adjacent longitudinal edges of surface
sections (not shown) to abut each other at the central joint.
However, exploiting the functionality of slidable channels 262,
utility trays 220 and the surface sections connected thereto may be
translated away from the central joint. For example, by sliding
utility trays 220 that are secured to slidable channel 262 in the
opposite directions indicated by arrows 550, utility trays 220 and
the surface sections connected thereto are translatable laterally
apart, relative to base 250. FIG. 5A shows the support devices for
the table according to the present invention, in a retracted
position so that the adjacent longitudinally extending edges of the
surface sections abut, while FIG. 5B shows the support devices for
the table in a partially extended position, so that the surface
sections are spaced apart from each other.
Retracted and Expanded Positions of Structural Elements of
Table
[0046] As shown and FIGS. 6A and 6B, table supports or legs 280
provide additional support to the table. FIG. 6A is a bottom view
of a portion of a surface section mounted on a utility tray
supported by leg 280. As shown in FIG. 6A, leg 280 includes planar
upper surface 284 with a plurality of flanges 286 used to secure
leg 280 to an underside of surface section 212. In addition,
flanges 2 are used to couple legs 280 to utility tray 220. It
should be noted that leg 280 engages only one surface section 212,
so that when taking advantage of attachment mechanism 254 to
translate surface sections relative to the base, the legs attached
to the surface section are also translated relative to the
base.
[0047] FIG. 7 is a top view of utility trays 220 supported by
attachment mechanism 254 mounted on base 250 and by legs 280 in a
laterally extended position. Utility trays 220 are secured to
rotatable portions of rotatable joints (not shown) beneath
receiving portions 230 of utility trays 220. Wiring or leads (not
shown in this Figure) extending through wiring orifices 272 in
attachment mechanism 254 pass beneath receiving portions 230 and
into interior channels 222 of utility trays 220.
[0048] In the extended position shown in FIG. 7, utility trays 220
are drawn away from one another along the line of travel of
slidable channels 262 as they slide over channel mounts 260.
Slidable channels 262, which are coupled to utility trays 220 via
the rotatable joints (not shown in this Figure) slide along channel
mounts 260, enabling the surface sections (not shown) to be
laterally separated. Legs 280, coupled with utility trays 220
and/or surface sections (not shown), move with utility trays 220
and surface sections to support the utility trays and surface
sections in all positions. It should also be appreciated that as
utility trays 220 are moved into the extended position shown in
FIG. 7, wiring or leads extending up through base (not shown) and
wiring orifices 272, which are provided in the interior channels,
move with utility trays 220 and the surface sections.
Configurations of the Table
[0049] FIGS. 8A-8D are plan views of table 200, illustrating
surface sections 212a-212d in retracted, extended, and partially
extended positions and showing the four different configurations in
which the table can be readily placed. FIG. 8A shows a plan view of
table 200 in a retracted position 800, in which table 200 appears
to be generally conventional in form, appearing as an integral
single table surface. However, in the illustrated embodiment, table
200 includes four surface sections, 212a-212d. Surface sections
212a and 212b are coupled to one of the utility trays (not shown),
while surface sections 212c and 212d are coupled to the other
utility tray (not shown). Thus, surface sections 212a and 212b meet
at lateral seam 218a and, being fixedly joined, effectively
comprise a single surface section. Similarly, surface sections 212c
and 212d meet at lateral seam 218b and also effectively comprise a
single surface section. It will thus be apparent that the surface
sections may be monolithic (i.e., only a single surface section may
be employed instead of surface sections 212a and 212b, as well as a
single surface section instead of surface sections 212c and 212d,
or as many joined sections may be employed as desired. In this
preferred embodiment, all surface sessions 212a-212d include
closable access openings 214 permitting access to interior channels
(not shown) and a wiring extending therethrough.
[0050] In the retracted position shown in FIG. 8A, the longitudinal
edges of joined surface sections 212a and 212b abut the adjacent
longitudinal edges of joined surface sections 212c and 212d along
center joint 216. Thus, surface sections 212a-212d form a single,
monolithic tabletop when table 200 is positioned in a retracted
position. Joined surface sections 212a and 212b may be latched to
joined surface sections 212c and 212d to further ensure that table
200 presents a single tabletop surface.
[0051] By contrast, FIG. 8B shows table 200 in a fully extended
position 820. In fully extended position 820, joined surface
sections 212a and 212b are moved in the direction indicated by an
arrow 822, while joined surface sections 212c-212d are moved in the
direction indicated by an arrow 824. Movement of joined surface
sections 212a-212b away from joined surface sections 212c and 212d
is enabled by the movable attachment mechanism (not shown), and by
the legs (not shown), which are independently connected to
different surface sections. As a result, the single, monolithic
tabletop shown in FIG. 8A is reconfigured as two separate tabletops
divided by a gap 826, which is useful in situations where the
configuration of two separate tables is desired.
[0052] FIGS. 8C and 8D illustrate table 200 configured in
partially-extended positions 840 and 860, respectively. In FIG. 8C,
table 200 is opened between an inner corner 842 of joined surface
sections 212a and 212b and an inner corner 844 of joined surface
sections 212c and 212d, forming a "V"-shaped configuration.
Partially-extended position 840 may be useful if a speaker or a
visual aid is disposed adjacent to the end of table 200 where inner
corners 842 and 844 are spread apart. Table 200 is deployed in
partially-extended position 840 by applying force to joined surface
sections 212a and 212b directed so that inner corner 842 moves in a
direction indicated by an arrow 846, and by applying force to
joined surface sections 212c and 212d directed so that inner corner
844 moves in a direction indicated by an arrow 848. Joined surface
sections 212a and 212b and joined surface sections 212c and 212d
both translate and rotate relative to the base and to each other
such that joined surface sections 212a and 212b and joined surface
sections 212c and 212d effectively pivot about a point where inside
corners 852 and 854 meet. A gap 850 is thus formed between inside
corners 842 and 844 to enable those seated at table 200 to more
comfortably view a speaker, visual aid, or other object of interest
disposed adjacent to gap 850.
[0053] Similarly, in FIG. 8D, table 200 is shown in
partially-extended position 860, opening the table at its opposite
end, between inner corner 852 of joined surface sections 212a and
212b and inner corner 854 of joined surface sections 212c and 212d.
Partially-extended position 860 may be useful if a speaker or a
visual aid is positioned at the end of table 200 adjacent to inner
corners 852 and 854. Table 200 is deployed in partially-extended
position 860 by applying force to joined surface sections 212a and
212b directed so that inner corner 852 moves in a direction of
arrow 862 and applying force to joined surface sections 212c and
212d directed so that inner corner 854 moves in a direction of
arrow 864. Joined surface sections 212a and 212b and joined surface
sections 212c and 212d translate and rotate relative to one another
such that joined surface sections 212a and 212b and joined surface
sections 212c and 212d effectively pivot opposite one another about
a point where inside corners 842 and 844 meet. A gap 870 is thus
formed to present a widened end of table 200 between inside corners
852 and 854 near where a speaker, visual aid, or other object of
interest is disposed, to enable those seated at the table to view
the person or visual aid in greater comfort.
[0054] It should be appreciated that caster locks (not separately
shown) may be provided on casters 282 or other sliding or rolling
devices that are disposed on the bottom of the legs and used to
secure table 200 in any of positions 800, 820, 840, and 860 to
prevent the table from being unintentionally moved out of the
desired configuration as a result of people bumping into the table
or otherwise pressing against surface sections 212a-212d.
Extensible Cover Overlying the Gap Between Table Sections
[0055] As described in connection with FIGS. 8B-8D, relative
movement between joined surface sections 212a and 212b and joined
surface sections 212c and 212d can create a gap between the joined
surface sections. Such a gap would normally expose attachment
mechanism 254 and leads 226 that extends from base 250 and through
wiring orifice 272 (FIG. 4). It will be appreciated that exposing
the wiring and leads within the gap to the view of people seated
around table 200 detracts from the appearance of the table.
Accordingly, it is desirable to cover gap 826, gap 850 (FIG. 8C),
and gap 870 (FIG. 8D), to conceal the wiring and leads, as well as
to conceal attachment mechanism 254 from view.
[0056] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate an extensible cover that covers the
gap between the joined table sections. While not specifically shown
in these Figures, it will be understood that the extensible cover
appears as an inverted "U"-shaped cover, having sides that extend
downwardly to cover the sides of the attachment mechanism 254,
including slidable channels 262a/b and 262c/d. In FIG. 9A, with
table 900a in a retracted position, extensible cover 910a is shown
in a contracted state. End sections 920a and 920b of extensible
cover 910a are coupled with utility trays 220 a/b and 220c/d to
which joined surface sections 212a/b and 212c/d are joined,
respectively. Alternatively, extensible cover 910a could be joined
to the interior edges or undersides of joined surface sections
212a/b and 212c/d, and joined surface sections 212c and 212d, or
otherwise coupled with the joined surface sections and their
attached utility trays. Further alternatively, extensible cover
910a may include a single cover fully covering a gap between table
sections 212a/b and 212 c/d, thereby covering attachment mechanism
and gaps formed between table sections 212a/b and 212 c/d to either
side of attachment mechanism 254.
[0057] Preferably, extensible cover 910a includes an opaque
material that conceals objects under the extensible cover. In
particular, extensible cover 910a conceals a top end of base 250
and leads 226 extending from base 250 along slidable channels
262a/b and 262c/d. Slidable channels 262a/b and 262c/d travel on
channel mount (not shown in FIG. 9A) and into interior channels of
utility trays 220a/b and 220c/d.
[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 9B, with table 900b in an extended
position, extensible cover 910b, which is pleated with a plurality
of accordion folds 915, extends as needed to cover any gap formed
between joined surface sections 212a/b and 212c/d as the surface
sections are moved further apart when translated in the direction
of arrows 930a/b and 930c/d. As the joined surface sections are
translated further apart from each other, the pleated folds
comprising extensible cover 910b extend to cover the widening gap.
As a result, extensible cover 910b also covers exposed channel
mount 260, slidable channels 262a/b and 262c/d, leads 226, and the
rest of attachment mechanism 254 and top of base 250. On the other
hand, as shown in a partial view 900a in FIG. 9A, when joined
surface sections 212a/b and 212c/d are moved to configure the table
in its fully retracted position 900a, accordion-folded extensible
cover 910a compresses to a size that easily fits below the joined
surface sections.
[0059] Thus, extensible cover 910a-910b provides an automatically
adaptable covering for any potential gap that may form between the
surface sections when the table is reconfigured from any retracted
position to any extended position and back. It should be noted that
an extensible covering may comprise material other than pleated
accordion fold covering. Extensible covering 910a-910b also may
include elastic materials or scissor-folding materials that can be
stretched or extended, to cover a variable-size gap formed between
the joined surface sections.
Logical Steps for Assembling and Using the Reconfigurable Table
[0060] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram 1000 of the logical steps
for assembling and using a reconfigurable table according to the
present invention. Flow diagram 1000 begins at a step 1002. At a
step 1004, a base for the table is positioned at the desired
location. At a step 1006, an attachment mechanism capable of
supporting surface sections is secured to the base. At a step 1008,
utility trays are secured to rotatable joints of the attachment
mechanism. For purposes of flow diagram 1000, it is assumed that
the utility trays are separate from and attachable to the surface
sections and not integrally formed with the surface sections.
[0061] At a step 1010, leads are extended from the base through the
wiring orifice of the attachment mechanism and into the interior
channels of the utility trays. Alternatively, if interior channels
of the utility trays are preinstalled with one or more wiring
harnesses, the wiring harnesses are joined with wiring extending up
through the base or are coupled to external wiring in a utility box
set into the flooring under the table. At a step 1012, the legs are
connected to the ends of the utility trays, if desired, at
positions away from the base. Alternatively, the legs may be
connected only to the surface sections if desired. At a step 1014,
the surface sections are secured to the utility trays and/or to the
legs directly. At a step 1016, an extensible gap covering is
secured to the inside edges of the surface sections, or otherwise
joined to the surface sections, as described above. The table is
now assembled and ready for use.
[0062] Now that the table is assembled, at a decision step 1018, it
is determined if the surface sections are configured as desired. If
so, flow diagram 1000 ends at a step 1024. However, if the surface
sections are not in the desired configuration, at a step 1020, the
surface sections are translated using the slidable channels, and,
at a step 1022, the surface sections are rotated to a desired
angular orientation, using the rotatable joints. It will be
appreciated that steps 1020 and 1022 can be undertaken
concurrently, because the surface sections can be both translated
and rotated at the same time, as described above. After the surface
sections are translated and rotated, flow diagram 1000 loops to
decision step 1018 to determine if the surface sections now are in
a desired configuration If so, the flow diagram ends at step 1024.
However, if the surface sections are still not in a desired
configuration, steps 1020 and 1022 are repeated. It should be
appreciated that steps 1018, 1020, and 1022, maybe performed as
often as desired to change the table to a different configuration
suitable for a particular purpose.
[0063] Although the present invention has been described in
connection with the preferred form of practicing it and
modifications thereto, those of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that many other modifications can be made to the present
invention within the scope of the claims that follow. Accordingly,
it is not intended that the scope of the invention in any way be
limited by the above description, but instead be determined
entirely by reference to the claims that follow.
* * * * *