Table

Abstract

A table may include a table top and one or more support structures that are sized and configured to support the table top. The table top and/or the support structures may be sized and configured to pivot or move between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position. The table may also include one or more shelves that are sized and configured to pivot or move between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position. The table top, support structures and shelves may be positioned generally parallel to each other when in the collapsed position. In addition, the shelves may be connected to the support structures to help reinforce the support structures. The table may also include one or more cables and one or more cable guides that are sized and configured to help position cables in desired locations.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/818,130, which was filed on Jun. 30, 2006 and entitled TABLE.

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/844,784, which was filed on Sep. 15, 2006 and entitled TABLE.

[0003] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/891,000, which was filed on Feb. 21, 2007 and entitled TABLE.

[0004] The disclosures of each of these applications are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] 1. Field of the Invention

[0006] The present invention generally relates to furniture and, in particular, to tables.

[0007] 2. Description of Related Art

[0008] Tables may be used for a variety of purposes. Tables may also be used in connection with or form part of a desk. Tables and desks may be used in a wide variety of situations and locations, such as in classrooms in public and private schools. Desks may also be used at home and/or at work. Unfortunately, some desks are constructed from relatively heavy materials, such as wood or metal. Consequently, these desks may be difficult to move from one location to another. Further, some desks may be relatively large, which may make them less efficient to ship and/or store.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A need therefore exists for tables and/or desks that eliminate or diminish the disadvantages and problems described above.

[0010] One aspect is a table that may be sized and configured to move between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position. For example the table may include a table top and one or more support structures sized and configured to support the table top; and the table top and/or the support structures may be sized and configured to pivot or otherwise move between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position. The table may also include one or more shelves, and the shelves may be sized and configured to pivot or otherwise move between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position. The table may advantageously be more efficiently stored and/or shipped when in the collapsed or storage position.

[0011] Another aspect is a table that may include a table top that may include a lip. The lip may extend in a generally downward direction and may form a recessed portion. Advantageously, at least a portion of one or more components of the table may nest within the recessed portion when the table is in the collapsed or storage position. For example, at least a portion of one or more support structures may nest within the recessed portion of the table top when the table is in the collapsed or storage position.

[0012] A further aspect is a table that may include a table top and one or more support structures sized and configured to support the table top. A support structure may include, for example, one or more generally vertical support members. The support structure may also include one or more generally horizontal support members, which may interconnect the generally vertical support members. The support structure may also include a central support assembly. The central support assembly may include one or more slanted support members that may be connected to one or more of the generally horizontal support members and/or the generally vertical support members. The slanted support members may also be interconnected proximate a central portion of the support structure. For example, the central support assembly may also include a connector sized and configured to interconnect the slanted support members proximate a central portion of the support structure.

[0013] A still further aspect is the support structure that may be constructed from relatively strong and durable materials. In particular, the support structure may be constructed from metal, such as steel. For example, the support structure may include one or more generally vertical support members and/or one or more generally horizontal support members. The generally vertical support members and generally horizontal support members are preferably constructed from metal tubes, which may advantageously be strong and yet relatively lightweight. The support structure may also include a central support assembly, which may include one or more slanted support members. The slanted support members are preferably constructed from relatively thin metal rods.

[0014] Yet another aspect is a table that may include a table top, a shelf, a first support structure, a second support structure and a back member. The table top, the shelf, the first support structure and/or the second support structure may be connected to the back member. The table top, the shelf, the first support structure and/or the second support structure are preferably pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the back member, which may help the table top, the shelf and/or the support structures pivot or otherwise move between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position. In particular, the table top may be pivotally or movably connected to an upper portion of the back member, the shelf may be pivotally or movably connected to a lower portion of the back member, the first support structure may be pivotally or movably connected to a first side portion of the back member and/or the second support structure may be pivotally or movably connected to a second side portion of the back member. The table top, the, shelf, the first support structure and/or the second support structure may be pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the back member using one or more brackets, hinges, connectors and/or any other suitable means.

[0015] Still another aspect is a table that may include a shelf, which may be connected to one or more support structures. For example, the first and second support structures may include a central support assembly, and the shelf may be connected to the central support assemblies using one or more fasteners or other suitable means. Connecting the shelf to the support structures may advantageously help to reinforce and/or stabilize the support structures and the table.

[0016] A still further aspect is a table that may include a shelf and the shelf may be selectively connected to and disconnected from one or more support structures. For example, when it is desired to use the shelf, the shelf may be pivoted or otherwise moved from a collapsed or storage position to an extended or use position, and the shelf may be connected to the support structures. When use of the shelf is not desired, the shelf may be disconnected from the support structures, which may help allow the shelf to be pivoted or otherwise moved from the extended or use position to the collapsed or storage position.

[0017] Another aspect is a table that may include a back member and the back member may include one or more grips. For example, the back member may include one or more grips, such as openings sized and configured to provide a handhold. The grips may advantageously facilitate moving and/or carrying the table. For example, the table may be configured to move between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position, and the grips may help in carrying the table when the table is in the collapsed or storage position. At least a portion of a grip may be formed by a wall extending between a front surface and a rear surface of the back member. For example, the back member may be constructed from blow-molded plastic, and at least a portion of the grip may be formed by a wall extending between a front wall and a rear wall of the blow-molded plastic back member. Advantageously, at least a portion of the wall extending between the front and rear walls may be integrally formed in the back member during the blow-molding process.

[0018] Yet another aspect is a table that may include one or more cable guides. For example, the table may include a back member that may include one or more cable guides, such as openings sized and configured to provide one or more features around which one or more cables may be wrapped and/or to which one or more cables may be tied. Exemplary cables may include, for example, power cords, USB cables, FireWire.RTM. cables, speaker cables, communication cables for communication to peripherals (such as monitors, printers, scanners and the like), and other types of cables. Desirably, the cable guides may facilitate holding and/or positioning cables, which may advantageously help prevent the cables forming a tangled mess. For example, the cable guides may include one or more projections around which the cables may be wrapped in a "figure-8" pattern or other suitable manner. At least a portion of a cable guide may be formed by a wall extending between a front surface and a rear surface of the back member. For example, the back member may be constructed from blow-molded plastic, and at least a portion of the cable guide may be formed by a wall extending between a front wall and a rear wall of the blow-molded plastic back member. Advantageously, at least a portion of the wall extending between the front and rear walls may be integrally formed in the back member during the blow-molding process.

[0019] Still another aspect is a table that may include a table top, a first shelf, a second shelf, a first support structure, a second support structure and a back member. The first shelf may be connected to the first and second support structures; and the table top, the second shelf, the first support structure and/or the second support structure may be connected to the back member. The first shelf is preferably pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the first and second support structures; and the table top, the second shelf, the first support structure and/or the second support structure are preferably pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the back member. Advantageously, this may help the table top, the first shelf, the second shelf, the first support structure and/or the second support structure pivot or otherwise move between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position.

[0020] Another aspect is a table that may include a table top and a back member, which may include a plurality of interconnected components. For example, the back member may include an upper member, a lower member, a first side member connected to the upper and lower members, and a second side member connected to the upper and lower members. The table may also include a table top, a first support structure and a second support structure. The first and second support structures may be pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the first and second side members, respectively. In addition, the table top may be pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the upper member. Advantageously, this may help the table top, the first support structure and/or the second support structure pivot or otherwise move between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position. In addition, because the back member may be constructed from metal tubes, that may allow a relatively strong and lightweight table to be constructed. It will be appreciated, however, that the back member may be constructed from other suitable materials and may have other suitable configurations. It will also be appreciated that the back member need does not have to be constructed from a plurality of interconnected components and may consist of, for example, a unitary, one-piece structure.

[0021] Yet another aspect is a table that may include a table top, a shelf, a first support structure and a second support structure. The shelf may be connected to the first and second support structures; and the shelf may be positioned at a plurality of different heights. For example, the first support structure may include an adjustable length support member to which the shelf may be connected, and the second support structure may include an adjustable length support member to which the shelf may be connected. The lengths of the adjustable length support members may be increased to increase the shelf's height or decreased to decrease the shelf's height. The adjustable length support members may include, for example, two or more telescopically coupled tubes, which may be constructed from metal and/or other suitable materials. It will be appreciated, however, that the adjustable length support members may include other suitable structures and that the shelf need not be adjustable in height.

[0022] Still another aspect is a table that may include a table top, a first support structure, a second support structure, a shelf and a hinge component that is sized and configured to movably interconnect the first support structure and the shelf. In particular, the hinge component may include a first portion that is movably connected to the shelf to allow the shelf to pivot or otherwise move between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position; and the hinge component may include a second portion that is movably connected to the first support structure to allow the first support structure to pivot or otherwise move between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position. For example, the shelf may pivot about a first axis between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position; and the first support structure may pivot about a second axis between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position. The first axis is preferably a generally level axis and the second axis is preferably a generally upright axis. The table may also include a second hinge component sized and configured to movably interconnect the second support structure and the shelf.

[0023] Another aspect is a table that may include a table top, a first support structure, a second support structure, a shelf and a brace that is sized and configured to support at least a portion of the shelf. The brace may be connected to the first support structure, and the brace may contact, abut and/or engage the shelf to help support the shelf. The brace may include a gusset, an elongated rod or other suitable structure. The brace may be permanently connected to the first support structure using, for example, one or more adhesives, welds, and/or other suitable means. The brace, however, may be sized and configured to be selectively connected to and/or disconnected from the first support structure using one or more fasteners and/or other suitable means.

[0024] Yet another aspect is a table that may include one or more components constructed from a relatively lightweight material, such as plastic. For example, the table may include a table top, a back member and/or one or more shelves that may be constructed from plastic using a blow-molding process. The blow-molded plastic components may advantageously include a hollow interior portion integrally formed in the components during the blow-molding process. The hollow interior portion may advantageously help the blow-molded plastic components to be relatively lightweight, which may help reduce the overall weight of the table. In addition, the blow-molded plastic components may advantageously include a pair of spaced apart walls, which may help provide stronger components. In addition, the blow-molded plastic components may include one or more depressions, also called "tack offs" or "kiss offs," which may be sized and configured to strengthen and/or reinforce the components.

[0025] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments to further illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantages and features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary table;

[0028] FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the table shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the lower shelf in a collapsed or storage position and exemplary braces supporting the upper shelf;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 3, illustrating the braces removed;

[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the portion of the table shown in FIG. 4, illustrating the upper shelf in a collapsed or storage position;

[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the portion of the table shown in FIG. 5, illustrating one of the support structures in a collapsed or storage position;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the portion of the table shown in FIG. 6, illustrating both of the support structures in a collapsed or storage position;

[0034] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the portion of the table shown in FIG. 7, illustrating the table top in a collapsed or storage position;

[0035] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the portion of the table shown in FIG. 8;

[0036] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the portion of the table shown in FIG. 8;

[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 12 is a partially exploded view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 11.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a partially exploded view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 11;

[0040] FIG. 14 is a partially exploded view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 12;

[0041] FIG. 15 is a partially exploded view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 13;

[0042] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 11, illustrating an exemplary hinge component;

[0043] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 11, illustrating an exemplary shelf;

[0044] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the shelf shown in FIG. 17;

[0045] FIG. 19 is an enlarged bottom view of a portion of the shelf shown in FIG. 18;

[0046] FIG. 20 is an enlarged bottom view of a portion of the shelf shown in FIG. 18;

[0047] FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the table shown in FIG. 1;

[0048] FIG. 22 is another bottom perspective view of the table top shown in FIG. 1;

[0049] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the upper shelf shown in FIG. 1;

[0050] FIG. 24 is a rear view of the table shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an exemplary panel including exemplary cable guides;

[0051] FIG. 25 is a rear view of the table shown in FIG. 24, illustrating an exemplary cable wrapped onto a cable guide.

[0052] FIG. 26 is a side view of the table shown in FIG. 1, illustrating exemplary cable guides;

[0053] FIG. 27 is a side view of the table shown in FIG. 26, illustrating an exemplary cable inserted through a cable guide;

[0054] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the table shown in FIG. 1, illustrating exemplary cable guides;

[0055] FIG. 29 is a side view of the table shown in FIG. 28, illustrating an exemplary cable inserted through a cable guide;

[0056] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 11, illustrating an exemplary brace;

[0057] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of another exemplary table, illustrating the table in an extended or use position;

[0058] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the table shown in FIG. 31, illustrating the table in a collapsed or storage position;

[0059] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of still another exemplary table, illustrating the table in an extended or use position; and

[0060] FIG. 34 is a rear perspective view of the table shown in FIG. 33.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0061] The present invention is generally directed towards a table. The principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to tables. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the tables and various components thereof disclosed herein may be successfully used in connection with other types of furniture and structures.

[0062] Additionally, to assist in the description of the table, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left may be used to describe the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. It will be appreciated, however, that the table can be located in a variety of desired positions and/or orientations. A detailed description of the table now follows.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 1, a table 10 may include a table top 12 and one or more support structures 14, 16 that are sized and configured to support the table top. The table 10 may also include one or more shelves, such a lower shelf 18 and an upper shelf 20.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the support structures 14, 16 may include one or more generally vertical support members, such as a front support member 22, 24 and a rear support member 26, 28. The support structures 14, 16 may also include one or more generally horizontal support members, which may interconnect the generally vertical support members. For example, the support structure 14 may include upper and lower support members 30, 32 that may be connected to the support members 22, 26 and the support structure 16 may include upper and lower support members 34, 36 that may be connected to the support members 24, 28.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 1, the support structures 14, 16 may also include a central support assembly 38, 40. The central support assemblies 38, 40 may include one or more slanted support members that may be connected to one or more generally horizontal support members and/or the generally vertical support members of the support structures 14, 16. For example, the central support assembly 38 may include one or more slanted support members 42 that may be connected to one or more of the support members 22, 26, 30, 32 and the central support assembly 40 may include one or more slanted support members 44 that may be connected to one or more of the support members 24, 28, 34, 36.

[0066] The slanted support members 42, 44 may be interconnected proximate a central portion of the support structures 14, 16, respectively. For example, the central support assemblies 38, 40 may include a hub or other connector 46, 48 sized and configured to interconnect the slanted support members 42, 44 proximate a central portion of the support structures 14, 16. It will be appreciated that the central support assemblies 38, 40 may include a variety of other suitable components having other suitable configurations. It will also be appreciated that the support structures 14, 16 do not require generally horizontal support members 30, 32, 34, 36, generally vertical support members 22, 24, 26, 28 or a central support assembly 38, 40 and that the support structures may include a variety of other suitable components having other suitable configurations and orientations.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1, the shelf 18 may be connected to one or more of the support structures 14, 16. The shelf 18 preferably interconnects the support structures 14, 16, which may desirably reinforce the support structures and/or the table 10. For example, the shelf 18 may be connected to central support assemblies 38, 40 of the support structures 14, 16. In particular, the shelf 18 may be connected to the slanted support members 42, 44 using the connectors 46, 48. The shelf 18 is preferably sized and configured to automatically lock onto the connectors 46, 48 and then may be selectively unlocked from the connectors 46, 48 as desired. It will be appreciated, however, that the shelf 18 may be connected to other portions of the support structures 14, 16 using one or more fasteners, connectors, adhesives, welds and/or any other suitable means.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the shelf 20 may be connected to the support members 6, 28 of the support structures 14, 16. In addition, one or more braces 50, 52 may be connected to the shelf 20 and the support members 26, 28, which may help support the shelf 20. If desired, the support members 26, 28 may have an adjustable length. The lengths of the support members 26, 28 may be increased to increase the shelf's height or decreased to decrease the shelf's height. The support members 26, 28 may include, for example, two or more telescopically coupled tubes, which may be constructed from metal and/or other suitable materials. It will be appreciated, however, that the support members 26, 28 may include other suitable structures and that the shelf 20 need not be adjustable in height. It will also be appreciated that the support members 26, 28 do not require an adjustable length.

[0069] The table 10 may be sized and configured to move between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position. In particular, the table top 12 and/or the support structures 14, 16 may be sized and configured to pivot or otherwise move between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position. In addition, the shelves 18, 20 may be sized and configured to pivot or otherwise move between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position. The table 10 may advantageously be more efficiently stored and/or shipped when in the collapsed or storage position as shown, for example, in FIGS. 8-10.

[0070] In further detail, to collapse the table 10, the shelf 18 may be pivoted from an extended or use position shown in FIG. 1 to a collapsed or storage position shown in FIG. 3, and the shelf 20 may be pivoted from an extended or use position shown in FIG. 3 to a collapsed or storage position shown in FIG. 5. In addition, the support structures 14, 16 may be pivoted from an extended or use position shown in FIG. 5 to a collapsed or storage position shown in FIG. 7. Finally, the table top 12 may be pivoted from an extended or use position shown in FIG. 7 to a collapsed or storage position shown in FIG. 8. To help facilitate the movement of the shelves 18, 20, the shelf 18 may be disconnected from the central support assemblies 38, 40 and, as shown in FIG. 4, the braces 50, 52 may be disconnected from the support members 26, 28 and/or the shelf 20.

[0071] To expand the table 10, the table top 12 may be pivoted from the collapsed or storage position shown in FIG. 8 to the extended or use position shown in FIG. 7. In addition, the support structures 14, 16 may be pivoted from the collapsed or storage position shown in FIG. 7 to the extended or use position shown in FIG. 5. Finally, the shelf 18 may be pivoted from the collapsed or storage position shown in FIG. 3 to the extended or use position shown in FIG. 1, and the shelf 20 may be pivoted from the collapsed or storage position shown in FIG. 5 and the extended or use position shown in FIG. 3. To help secure the shelves 18, 20 in the extended or use position, the shelf 18 may be connected to the central support assemblies 38, 40 and the braces 50, 52 may be connected to the support members 26, 28 and/or the shelf 20.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 1-8, the table top 12, the support structure 14, the support structure 16, the shelf 18 and the shelf 20 may be sized and configured to, when the table 10 is expanded or collapsed, independently move between the extended and collapsed positions. Desirably, the table top 12, the support structure 14, the support structure 16, the shelf 18 and the shelf 20 may be sized and configured to move between the extended and collapsed positions in any suitable order to expand or collapse the table 10 depending, for example, upon the particular configuration of the table. It will be appreciated that the table top 12, the support structures 14, 16 and the shelves 18, 20 may be moved between the extended and collapsed positions at the same time, in a particular order, randomly or in any other desired manner to expand or collapse the table 10.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the table 10 may include a back member 54 to which the table top 12, the support structures 14, 16 and/or the shelf 18 may be connected. Desirably, the table top 12, the support structures 14, 16 and/or the shelf 18 may be pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the back member 54, which may facilitate their movement between extended and collapsed positions.

[0074] In further detail, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, the back member 54 may include an upper member 56, a lower member 58 and a pair of side members 60, 62 that may be connected to the upper and lower members. For example, the table top 12 may be pivotally connected to the upper member 56 using one or more hinges 64. Also, the support members 26, 28 of the support structures 14, 16 may be rotatably connected to the side members 60, 62 using connectors 66, 68, which may help the support structures 14, 16 pivot between extended and collapsed positions. In addition, the shelf 18 may be pivotally connected to the lower member 58 using connectors 70. As shown in the accompanying figures, the back member 54 may be sized and configured to allow the shelf 18 to pivot about a generally level axis and to allow the support structures 14, 16 to pivot about generally upright axes. It will be appreciated, however, that the table top 12, the support structures 14, 16 and/or the shelf 18 may be connected to other portions of the back member 54 in other suitable manners using one or more brackets, hinges, connectors and/or any other suitable means.

[0075] The members 56, 58, 60, 62 are preferably constructed from metal tubes. This may allow a relatively strong and lightweight back member 54 and table 10 to be constructed. It will be appreciated, however, that the back member 54 may be constructed from other suitable materials and may include a variety of other components arranged in other configurations. It will also be appreciated that the back member 54 need not comprise a plurality of interconnected components and may comprise, for example, a unitary, one-piece structure. It will be further appreciated that that table 10 does not require any back member 54.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the table top 12, the support structures 14, 16, the shelf 18, the shelf 20 and the back member 54 may be generally aligned in one or more planes to provide a relatively compact collapsed or storage arrangement for the table 10. For example, the table top 12 and the shelf 20 may be generally aligned in a first plane, the shelf 18 and the back member 54 may be generally aligned in a second plane and the support structures 14, 16 may be generally aligned in a third plane. The first, second and/or third planes may be parallel to each other to help more efficiently provide the collapsed or storage arrangement for the table 10. It will be appreciated, however, that the table top 12, the support structures 14, 16, the shelf 18, the shelf 20 and the back member 54 may be positioned in other configurations when the table 10 is collapsed.

[0077] If desired, the table top 12, the support structures 14, 16, the shelves 18, 20 and the back member 54 need not be interconnected to be moved between the extended and collapsed positions. For example, some or all of these components may be unconnected from each other when in the collapsed position, for example if the table 10 is in an exemplary packaging arrangement, and may be connected to each other when in the extended position. When in such a packaging arrangement, the table top 12, the collapsed positions of the support structures 14, 16, the shelves 18, 20 and/or the back member 54 may help the table 10 to be more efficiently disposed within a box or other packaging container. It will be appreciated, however, that the table top 12, the support structures 14, 16, the shelves 18, 20 and/or the back member 54 may be pivotally or otherwise movably interconnected to be facilitate their movement between the extended and collapsed positions.

[0078] As mentioned above, the braces 50, 52 may be connected to the support members 26, 28 and the shelf 20. In further detail, as shown in FIGS. 11-13, the braces 50, 52 may be connected to the support members 26, 28 using fasteners 72, 74. For example, the fasteners 72 may be used to connect the braces 50, 52 to a rail 76, and the rail may be connected to the shelf 20 to connect the braces to the shelf. As shown in FIGS. 12-13, the fasteners 74 may include a first portion 78 connected to the support members 26, 28 and a second portion 80 sized and configured to threadably engage the first portion.

[0079] The fasteners 72 may pivotally connect the braces 50, 52 to the rail 76 and the shelf 20. This may allow the braces 50, 52 to pivot from a collapsed position and a collapsed position. When the braces 50, 52 are in the collapsed position, the shelf 20 may be freely moved between extended and collapsed positions, as discussed above. When the braces 50, 52 are in the extended position, a part of the braces are positioned between the portions 78, 80 of a fastener 74, which portions may threadably engage each other to grip the braces to secure the braces in their extended position. As shown in FIGS. 12-13, the braces 50, 52 may include recesses 82 that may receive part of the portions 78 to help locate the braces in the desired extended position. The shelf 20 may include a receiving portion 81 sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the rail 76. It will be appreciated, however, that the shelf 20 does not require the receiving portion 81 and that the table 10 does not require the rail 76.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 11-16, the table 10 may include one or more hinge components 82 sized and configured to movably interconnect the shelf 20 and the support structures 14, 16. In particular, a first portion of the shelf 20 may be pivotally or otherwise movably connected to a first hinge component 82 and a second portion of the shelf may be pivotally or otherwise movably connected to a second hinge component 82. This may help the shelf 20 pivot or move between the extended and collapsed positions. In addition, the support structures 14, 16 may be pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the first and second hinge components 82, respectively, which may help the support structures pivot or move between the extended and collapsed positions. As shown in the accompanying figures, the hinge components 82 may be sized and configured to allow the shelf 20 to pivot about a generally level axis and to allow the support structures 14, 16 to pivot about generally upright axes.

[0081] In further detail, the hinge components 82 may include a receiving portion 84 into which a portion of a pivot 86, such as a rod or tube, may be inserted. The pivot 86 may be sized and configured to rotate within the receiving portion 84. Consequently, when the pivot 86 is connected to the shelf 20, the shelf may pivot between extended and collapsed positions. As shown in FIGS. 14-15, the shelf 20 may include receiving portions 88 sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the hinge components 82. The shelf 20 may also include a receiving portion 90 sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the pivot 86.

[0082] The hinge components 82 and the shelf 20 may include one or more alignment members, such as projections and channels. The channels may be sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the projections, which may help align the shelf 20 relative to the hinge components 82. A projection 92 may be formed in a portion of the hinge component 82 as shown in FIGS. 14-16 and a channel 94 may be formed in a portion of the shelf 20, such as in the receiving portion 88 and/or other portions of the shelf. The projection 92 is preferably integrally formed in the hinge component 82 as part of a unitary, one-piece structure using, for example, an injection molding process or other molding process. The channels 94 are preferably integrally formed in the shelf 20 as part of a unitary, one-piece structure using, for example, a blow-molding process or other molding process. It will be appreciated, however, that one or more projections, channels and/or other alignment members may be integrally formed in the hinge components 82, the shelf 20 or both using any suitable manufacturing process. It will also be appreciated that neither the hinge component 82 nor the shelf 20 require a unitary, one-piece configuration and that each may comprise a plurality of interconnected components.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 12-13, a portion of the first hinge component 82 may be inserted into a hollow interior portion of the support member 26, and a portion of the it second hinge component 82 may be inserted into a hollow interior portion of the support member 28. The support members 26, 28 may rotate about the inserted portions of the first and second hinge components 82, which may help the support structures 14, 16 pivot or move between the extended and collapsed positions.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 14-16, the hinge components 82 may include a recess 96. With a portion of the hinge components 82 inserted into the hollow interior portions of the support members 26, 28, a portion of a positioning member 98 (such as a fastener, a pin or other positioning member) may be inserted through an opening 100 in the support members and into the recess 96. The inserted portion of the positioning member 98 may contact, abut and/or engage a portion of the recess 96, for instance an upper wall 102 of the recess, to help keep the hinge component 82 and the support member interconnected. The recess 96 desirably has an elongated shape and the inserted portion of the positioning member 98 may move along the recess's length to allow the support members 26, 28 to rotate relative to the hinge components 82 and the support structures 14, 16 to pivot between the extended and collapsed positions.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 2, the table 10 may include a support member 104. The support member 104 may be connected to a lower portion of the table top 12 and may be sized and configured to contact, abut, engage and/or rest upon the support structures 14, 16. For example, a first end of the support member 104 may contact, abut, engage and/or rest upon the support member 22 and a second end of the support member 104 may contact, abut, engage and/or rest upon the support member 24.

[0086] The table top 12 may include a receiving portion sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the support member 104. For example, as shown in FIGS. 21-22, the table top 12 may include a receiving portion 106 sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the support member 104. In addition, the table top 12 may include receiving portions 108, 110 sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the support members 22, 24, respectively. The table top 12 may also include receiving portions 112 sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the hinges 64.

[0087] The table top 12 may further include a lip 114. The lip 114 may extend in a generally downward direction and may form a recessed portion 116. Advantageously, at least a portion of one or more components of the table 10 may nest within the recessed portion 116 when the table 10 is in the collapsed or storage position. For example, at least a portion of one or more of the support structures 14, 16 may nest within the recessed portion 116 when the table 10 is in the collapsed or storage position. It will be appreciated, however, that the table top 12 does not require any lip 114 or recessed portion 116.

[0088] The table top 12, the shelf 18, the shelf 20 and/or other components of the table 10 may be constructed from a relatively lightweight material, such as plastic. For example, the table top 12, the shelf 18 and/or the shelf 20 may be constructed from plastic using a blow-molding process. The blow-molded plastic components may advantageously include a hollow interior portion integrally formed in the components during the blow-molding process. The hollow interior portion may advantageously help the blow-molded plastic components to be relatively lightweight, which may help reduce the overall weight of the table 10. In addition, the blow-molded plastic components may advantageously include a pair of spaced apart walls, which may help provide stronger components. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 21-23, the blow-molded plastic components may include one or more depressions 118, also called "tack offs" or "kiss offs," which may be sized and configured to strengthen and/or reinforce the components.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 23, one or more depressions 118 may be at least partially disposed in and/or aligned with the receiving portion 81 and/or the receiving portion 90 of the shelf 20. Of course, the depressions 118 may be disposed in any suitable portion of the table top 12, the shelf 18, the shelf 20 and/or other components of the table 10. It will be appreciated, however, that the table top 12, the shelf 18, the shelf 20 and/or other components may be constructed using a blow molding process, an injection molding process, a compression molding process, other molding processes and/or other suitable manufacturing processes. It will also be appreciated that the table top 12, the shelf 18, the shelf 20 and/or other components need not be constructed from plastic and may be constructed from other materials having other characteristics.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 24-25, the table 10 may include one or more cable guides. For example, the back member 54 may include one or more cable guides 120. The cable guides 120 may include one or more openings 122, 124 sized and configured to provide one or more features around which one or more cables 126 may be wrapped and/or to which one or more cables may be tied. Exemplary cables 126 may include, for example, power cords, USB cables, FireWire.RTM. cables, speaker cables, communication cables for communication to peripherals (such as monitors, printers, scanners and the like), and other types of cables. Desirably, the cable guides 120 may facilitate holding and/or positioning cables 126, which may advantageously help prevent the cables forming a tangled mess. For example, the cable guides 120 may include one or more projections 128, 130 around which the cables may be wrapped in a "figure-8" pattern or other suitable manner. To help facilitate such wrapping, the projections 128 and the projections 130 may extend in generally opposing directions.

[0091] The openings 122, 124 preferably comprise elongated slots that may include one or more curves and/or angles that may help form the projections 128, 130. It will be appreciated that the openings 122, 124 and the projections 128, 130 may have a variety of different sizes, shapes and/or configurations.

[0092] At least a portion of a cable guide 120 may be formed by a wall extending between a front surface and a rear surface of the back member 54. For example, the back member 54 include a panel 132 that may be constructed from blow-molded plastic, and at least a portion of the cable guide 120 may be formed by a wall extending between a front wall and a rear wall of the blow-molded plastic panel. The panel 132 may be connected to the upper member 56, the lower member 58 and/or the side members 60, 62 of the back member 54.

[0093] Advantageously, at least a portion of the wall extending between the front and rear walls of the panel 132 may be integrally formed in the panel during the blow-molding process. In addition, the panel 132 may have a hollow interior portion, which may help provide a relatively lightweight 132. The panel 132 may include further include one or more depressions, also called "tack offs" or "kiss offs," which may be sized and configured to strengthen and/or reinforce the panel. It will be appreciated that the panel 132 does not require a hollow interior portion or such depressions, that the panel need not be constructed from blow-molded plastic and that the panel may be constructed from plastic, wood, metal, particle board, hardboard, fiberboard, pressed wood, plywood and/or other suitable materials using any suitable process.

[0094] If desired, the cable guides 120 may be formed in any suitable portion of a table--such as side panels, desktops, shelves, and/or other portions of the table--which may be constructed from plastic, wood, metal, particle board, hardboard, fiberboard, pressed wood, plywood and/or other suitable materials using any suitable process. It will be appreciated, however, that the table 10, the back member 54 and the panel 132 do not require any cable guides 120.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 24-25, the panel 132 of the back member 54 may include one or more grips 134, 136, such as openings sized and configured to provide a handhold. The grips 134, 136 may advantageously facilitate moving and/or carrying the table 10. For example, the grips 134, 136 may help in carrying the table 10 when the table is in the collapsed or storage position. At least a portion of a grip 134, 136 may be formed by a wall extending between a front surface and a rear surface of the back member 54. For example, the panel 132 of the back member 54 may be constructed from blow-molded plastic, and at least a portion of the grip may be formed by a wall extending between a front wall and a rear wall of the blow-molded plastic panel. Advantageously, at least a portion of the wall extending between the front and rear walls may be integrally formed in the panel 132 during the blow-molding process. It will be appreciated, however, that the panel 132 need not be constructed from blow-molded plastic, as mentioned above. It will also be appreciated that the table 10, the back member 54 and the panel 132 do not require any grips.

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 26-29, the table 10 may include one or more cable guides 138. The cable guides 138 may include a receiving portion through which one or more cables 126 may be inserted to help position the cables in a desired arrangement. The cable guides 138 may have a generally tubular configuration and may contact, abut, engage and/or be connected to the supports 26, 28 and/or the back member 54. This may help position at least a portion of the cables 126 in a less obstructive position proximate the supports 26, 28 and/or the back member 54. It will be appreciated, however, that the cable guides 138 may be connected to any suitable portion of the table 10 and may have a variety of other suitable positions, shapes and configurations. It will also be appreciated that the table 10 does not require any cable guides 138.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 30, the table 10 may include a brace 140 that is sized and configured to support at least a portion of the shelf 20. The brace 140 may be connected to the support member 28 of the support structure 16 and the brace may contact, abut and/or engage the shelf 20 to help support the shelf. The brace 140 may also contact, abut and/or engage the rail 76. The brace 140 may include a gusset 142 and the gusset may be permanently connected to the support member 28 using, for example, one or more adhesives, welds, and/or other suitable means. The gusset 142, however, may be sized and configured to be selectively connected to and/or disconnected from the support member 28 using one or more fasteners and/or other suitable means.

[0098] The brace 140 may be connected in a generally fixed position relative to the support member 28. Preferably, the brace 140 may remain in this generally fixed position relative to the support member 28 as the support structure 16 moved between the extended and collapsed positions. Consequently, when the support structure 16 is moved to the extended position, the brace 140 is positioned in an extended or use position to support the shelf 20. In addition, when the support structure 16 is moved to the collapsed position, the brace 140 is positioned in a collapsed or storage position that permits the shelf 10 to be freely collapsed and extended.

[0099] If desired, the table 10 may include one or more components constructed from a relatively lightweight materials, such as plastic. For example, the table top 12; the shelves 20; the back member 54; the hinge components 82; the panel 132; the cable guides 138 and/or any other component of the table 10 may be constructed from plastic using a blow molding process, an injection molding process, a compression molding process, other molding processes and/or other suitable manufacturing processes. Desirably, any feature of these components may be integrally formed in these components using, for example, such molding processes. It will be appreciated that these components, however, need not be constructed from plastic and may be constructed from other materials having other characteristics.

[0100] If desired, the table 10 may include one or more components constructed from relatively strong and durable materials. In particular, the support structures 14, 16; the support members 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 42, 44; the braces 50, 52, 140; the members 56, 58, 60, 62 of the back member 54; the hinges 64; the connectors 70; the rail 76; the pivot 86 and/or the gusset 142 may be constructed from metal, such as steel. For example, the support members 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36; the members 56, 58, 60, 62 of the back member 54 and the pivot 86 are preferably constructed from metal tubes, which may advantageously be strong and yet relatively lightweight. The support members 42, 44 are preferably constructed from relatively thin metal rods. It will be appreciated, however, that these components need not be constructed from metal and may be constructed from other suitable materials.

[0101] Although the table 10 is illustrated above as having exemplary features and components, it will be appreciated that all such features and components are optional and not required. For example, the shelf 20 is not required as illustrated by the exemplary table 144 shown in FIGS. 31-32. Also, for example, the central support assemblies 38, 40 and the panel 132 are not required as illustrated by the exemplary table 146 shown in FIGS. 33-34. In addition, although the above-described features and components are illustrated with exemplary sizes and configurations, it will be appreciated that such features and components may have any suitable size and configuration depending, for example, upon the particular configuration of the table.

[0102] Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A table comprising: a table top sized and configured to pivot about a first generally level axis to move between an extended position and a collapsed position; a first support structure sized and configured to pivot about a first generally upright axis to move between an extended position and a collapsed position; a second support structure sized and configured to pivot about a second generally upright axis to move between an extended position and a collapsed position; and a back member connected to the first support structure, the second support structure and the table top.

2. The table as in claim 1, wherein, when the first and second support structures and the table top are in the collapsed position, the first and second support structures are generally aligned in a first plane, the back member is generally aligned in a second plane and the table top is generally aligned in a third plane, the first, second and third planes being generally parallel to each other.

3. The table as in claim 1, further comprising: a first shelf connected to the back member, the first shelf being sized and configured to pivot about a second generally level axis to move between an extended position and a collapsed position; and a second shelf connected to the first and second support structures, the second shelf being sized and configured to pivot about a third generally level axis to move between an extended position and a collapsed position.

4. The table as in claim 3, wherein, when the first and second shelves are in the collapsed position, the first shelf and the back member are generally aligned in a first plane and the second shelf and the table top are generally aligned in a second plane, the first and second planes being generally parallel to each other.

5. The table as in claim 3, wherein, when the first and second support structures, the table top and the first and second shelves are in the collapsed position, the first and second support structures are generally aligned in a first plane, the first shelf and the back member are generally aligned in a second plane and the second shelf and the table top are generally aligned in a third plane, the first, second and third planes being generally parallel to each other.

6. The table is in claim 1, further comprising a shelf sized and configured to pivot about a second generally level axis to move between an extended position and a collapsed position.

7. The table as in claim 6, wherein the shelf and the back member are generally aligned in the same plane when the shelf is in the collapsed position.

8. The table as in claim 6, wherein the shelf and the table top are generally aligned in the same plane when the shelf is in the collapsed position.

9. The table as in claim 6, wherein the shelf is connected to the back member, the shelf being sized and configured to be releasably connected to the first and second support structures when the shelf is in the extended position.

10. The table as in claim 6, wherein the height of the shelf is adjustable.

11. The table as in claim 10, wherein the first support structure includes an adjustable length support member connected to the shelf; and wherein the second support structure includes an adjustable length support member connected to the shelf.

12. The table as in claim 6, further comprising a unitary, one-piece hinge component including a first portion and a second portion, the shelf being pivotally connected to the first portion of the unitary, one-piece hinge component, the first support structure being pivotally connected to the second portion of the unitary, one-piece hinge component.

13. The table as in claim 6, further comprising a brace connected to the first support structure in a generally fixed position relative to the support structure; wherein, when the first support structure is in the extended position, the brace is positioned in an extended position that supports the shelf; wherein, when the first support structure is in the collapsed position, the brace is positioned in a collapsed position that permits the shelf to be freely collapsed and extended.

14. The table as in claim 6, further comprising a gusset connected to the first support structure in a generally fixed position relative to the support structure; wherein, when the first support structure is in the extended position, the gusset is positioned in an extended position that supports the shelf, wherein, when the first support structure is in the collapsed position, the gusset is positioned in a collapsed position that permits the shelf to be freely collapsed and extended.

15. The table as in claim 1, wherein the back member comprises a panel, the panel including a cable guide, the cable guide including a plurality of slots integrally formed in the panel as part of a unitary, one-piece panel.

16. The table as in claim 1, further comprising a cable guide positioned proximate a generally upright support member of the first support structure, the cable guide having a generally tubular configuration.

17. A method for using a table, the table comprising a table top, a first support structure, a second support structure and a shelf, the method comprising: moving the table top from a collapsed position to an extended position by pivoting the table top about a first generally level axis; moving the first support structure from a collapsed position to an extended position by pivoting the first support structure about a first generally upright axis; moving the second support structure from a collapsed position to an extended position by pivoting the second support structure about a second generally upright axis; and moving the shelf from a collapsed position to an extended position by pivoting the shelf about a second generally level axis.

18. The method as in claim 17, further comprising connecting the shelf to the first and second support structures when the shelf and the first and second support structures are in the extended position.

19. The method as in claim 18, further comprising: disconnecting the shelf from the first and second support structures; and moving the shelf from the extended position to the collapsed position by pivoting the shelf about the second generally level axis.

20. The method as in claim 17, wherein, when the first and second support structures, the shelf and the table top are in the collapsed position, the first and second support structures are generally aligned in a first plane, the shelf is generally aligned in a second plane and the table top is generally aligned in a third plane, the first, second and third planes being generally parallel to each other.

21. The method as in claim 17, wherein, when the first and second support structures, the shelf and the table top are in the collapsed position, the first and second support structures are generally aligned in a first plane and the shelf and the table top are generally aligned in a second plane, the first and second planes being generally parallel to each other.

22. The method as in claim 17, wherein, when the first and second support structures and the table top are in the collapsed position, the first and second support structures are generally aligned in a first plane and the table top is generally aligned in a second plane, the first and second planes being generally parallel to each other.

23. The method as in claim 17, wherein, when the first and second support structures and the shelf are in the collapsed position, the first and second support structures are generally aligned in a first plane and the shelf is generally aligned in a second plane, the first and second planes being generally parallel to each other.

24. The method as in claim 17, wherein, when the shelf and the table top are in the collapsed position, the shelf is generally aligned in a first plane and the table top is generally aligned in a second plane, the first and second planes being generally parallel to each other.

25. The method as in claim 17, wherein, when the shelf and the table top are in the collapsed position, the shelf and the table top are generally aligned in the same plane.