Display table

Abstract

A table has a plurality of picture frames embedded in the top surface thereof.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the general art of furniture, and to the particular field of tables.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many people have numerous photographs that they wish to display. However, in many instances, wall space is limited. This has led to some people covering an entire wall with photographs. Sometimes, this wall is a wall adjacent to a stairway; however, in any instance, the display of photographs in this manner is a double-edge sword. First of all, display in this manner allows a person to display a great number of photographs. However, displaying a large number of photographs in this manner distracts a viewer's attention and any one of the photographs probably will not receive the attention it deserves.

[0003] Displaying photographs on shelves also creates similar problems. Therefore, there is a need for a means to display additional photographs in a manner that is interesting and which will attract a viewer's attention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The above-discussed disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by a table having a plurality of picture frames defined in the upper surface thereof. Using the table embodying the present invention will permit a user to display a plurality of photographs in an unusual and unique manner and in a manner which will attract a viewer's attention.

[0005] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0006] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a photograph-displaying coffee table embodying the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the table shown in FIG. 1 as seen along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a view of a detail of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Referring to the figures, it can be understood that the present invention is embodied in a table 10. Table 10 comprises a support element 12 which has a first surface 14 which is a top surface when the support element is in use and a second surface 16 which is a bottom surface when the support element is in use. The first and second surfaces are congruent with each other with the first surface lying on the second surface and having an area 20 defined between the first and second surfaces.

[0011] A side wall 24 connects the first surface and the second surface together. A transparent cover, such as a glass sheet 26, lies on top of the first surface. A plurality of cutouts, such as cutout 30, are defined through the first surface. The cutouts are shown as being rectangular, but can be any suitable shape, and are spaced apart from each other.

[0012] A plurality of slots 32 are defined through the side wall. As can be understood from the figures, each slot is in communication with an associated cutout of the plurality of cutouts via the area defined between the first and second surfaces. Pictures or photographs or the like are slid into the cutout areas via the slots to be displayed by the table. A plurality of legs 40 are connected to the second surface to support the table in the manner of a coffee table or the like. A cover or skirt 42 can be used with the table if suitable.

[0013] While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A table comprising: A) a support element having (1) a first surface which is a top surface when the support element is in use, (2) a second surface which is a bottom surface when the support element is in use, (3) the first and second surfaces being congruent with each other with the first surface lying on the second surface and having an area defined between the first and second surfaces, and (4) a side wall connecting the first surface and the second surface together; B) a plurality of cutouts defined through the first surface, the cutouts being spaced apart from each other; C) a plurality of slots defined through the side wall, each slot being in communication with an associated cutout of the plurality of cutouts via the area defined between the first and second surfaces; and D) a plurality of legs connected to the second surface.

2. A table comprising: A) a support element having (1) a first surface which is a top surface when the support element is in use, (2) a second surface which is a bottom surface when the support element is in use, (3) a side wall connecting the first surface and the second surface together; B) a plurality of cutouts defined through the first surface; and C) a plurality of slots defined through the side wall, each slot being in communication with an associated cutout of the plurality of cutouts.