U.S. patent application number 11/880378 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-07 for tale with adjustable table top height.
Invention is credited to Tony Cantrell.
Application Number | 20080028999 11/880378 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39027901 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080028999 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cantrell; Tony |
February 7, 2008 |
Tale with adjustable table top height
Abstract
A table with adjustable table top height is provided. In a
preferred embodiment, the table has legs of a first height that
attach to a table top. Additionally, a set of leg extenders is
provided that is adapted to be positioned between the table top and
the legs in order to position the table top at a second, greater
height relative to the surface on which the table is positioned.
Alternatively, an apron may be employed instead of or in addition
to the set of leg extenders.
Inventors: |
Cantrell; Tony; (Cary,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET
SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
39027901 |
Appl. No.: |
11/880378 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60832220 |
Jul 19, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/147.18 ;
108/144.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2009/185 20130101;
A47B 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/147.18 ;
108/144.11 |
International
Class: |
A47B 9/08 20060101
A47B009/08; A47B 9/00 20060101 A47B009/00 |
Claims
1. An adjustable height table including: a table top, wherein said
table top is adapted to connect to one of a leg set and a leg
extender; a leg extender set, wherein said leg extender set is
adapted to connect to said table top and said leg set; and a leg
set, wherein said leg set is adapted to connect to one of said
table top and said leg extender, wherein said table top is adapted
to be positioned at a first vertical height relative to a
supporting surface by connecting said table top directly to said
leg set, wherein said table top is adapted to be positioned at a
second vertical height relative to said supporting surface by
connecting said table to said leg extender set and connecting said
leg extender to said leg set.
2. The adjustable height table of claim 1, wherein said table top
is adapted to directly connect to one of a leg set and a leg
extender.
3. The adjustable height table of claim 1, wherein said leg
extender is adapted to directly connect to said table top and said
leg set.
4. The adjustable height table of claim 1, wherein said leg set is
adapted to directly connect to one of said table top and said leg
extender.
5. The adjustable height table of claim 1, wherein said leg
extender is adapted to be positioned between said table top and
said leg set.
6. The adjustable height table of claim 1, wherein said leg
extender is adapted to be positioned between said leg set and said
supporting surface.
7. The adjustable height table of claim 1 further including a
second leg extender set, wherein said second leg extender set is
adapted to be positioned between either said table top and said leg
extender set or said leg extender set and said leg set.
8. The adjustable height table of claim 1 further including a
second leg extender set, wherein only one of said leg extender set
and said second leg extender set is positioned between said table
top and said legs set at any one time.
9. The adjustable height table of claim 1 further including an
apron, wherein said apron is adapted to connect between either said
table top and said leg extender set or between said leg extender
set and said leg set.
10. The adjustable height table of claim 1, wherein said leg
extender includes a leg extender fastener aperture.
11. The adjustable height table of claim 1, wherein said leg set
includes a leg fastener aperture.
12. The adjustable height table of claim 1, wherein said table top
includes an insert element, wherein said leg extender includes an
insert aperture, and wherein said table top insert element is
adapted to be introduced into said leg extender insert
aperture.
13. An adjustable height table including: a table top, wherein said
table top is adapted to connect to one of a leg set and an apron;
an apron, wherein said apron is adapted to connect to said table
top and said leg set; and a leg set, wherein said leg set is
adapted to connect to one of said table top and said apron, wherein
said table top is adapted to be positioned at a first vertical
height relative to a supporting surface by connecting said table
top directly to said leg set, wherein said table top is adapted to
be positioned at a second vertical height relative to said
supporting surface by connecting said table to said apron and
connecting said apron to said leg set.
14. The adjustable height table of claim 12, wherein said table top
is adapted to directly connect to one of a leg set and an
apron.
15. The adjustable height table of claim 12, wherein said apron is
adapted to directly connect to said table top and said leg set.
16. The adjustable height table of claim 12, wherein said leg set
is adapted to directly connect to one of said table top and said
apron.
17. The adjustable height table of claim 12, wherein said table top
includes a fastening aperture.
18. The adjustable height table of claim 12, wherein said apron
includes a fastening aperture.
19. The adjustable height table of claim 12, wherein said leg set
includes a fastening aperture.
20. An adjustable height table including: a table top, wherein said
table top is adapted to connect to one of a leg set and a height
extender; a height extender, wherein said height extender is
adapted to connect to said table top and said leg set; and a leg
set, wherein said leg set is adapted to connect to one of said
table top and said height extender, wherein said table top is
adapted to be positioned at a first vertical height relative to a
supporting surface by connecting said table top directly to said
leg set, wherein said table top is adapted to be positioned at a
second vertical height relative to said supporting surface by
connecting said table to said height extender and connecting said
height extender to said leg set.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a nonprovisional application
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/832,220, filed Jul. 19, 2006, entitled "Adjustable Height
Table," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to an adjustable
height table. More particularly, the present invention relates to
an adjustable height table where the consumer may determine the
height of the table by including or not including one or more
components to adjust the height of the table top past the height of
the table legs.
[0003] Tables are in wide use by consumers in a variety of
applications and settings, including in private and commercial
settings. Consumers may purchase tables of different heights
according to their needs and wishes, although most consumers are
currently limited by the table heights offered by manufacturers.
The desired height of a table may vary depending upon a number of
factors, including, but not limited to, the space the table will be
used in, the height of the consumers using the table, the purpose
of the table, the style of table and/or the style of the
environment in which the table will be used. Because tables are so
commonly used, it is frequently the case that a table may be
purchased for one use or setting, but then the consumer may wish to
use the same table for a different use or in a different setting.
In changing the purpose or setting of the table, it is likely that
the consumer may wish to change the height of the table.
Additionally, a change in ownership of the table or a number of
other factors, including a change in decor, may cause the consumer
to wish to change the table height.
[0004] Typically if a consumer wishes to have a table of a new
height, the consumer must cut an existing table to a smaller height
or must get a new table of the new desired height. A typical
consumer cannot raise the height of a table his or herself.
Furthermore, a typical consumer is unable to easily lower the
height of the table by cutting the table legs. This is especially
true in light of the variety of table constructions which involve
ornamental or complicated bases.
[0005] In order to reduce the cost to consumers and to increase
flexibility in interior and exterior decorating, it may be
desirable to have a table that allows the consumer to easily adjust
the height of the table, either lower or greater, as they wish.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a
table with an adjustable height table top. The height may be
adjusted by the inclusion or exclusion of a set of components that
may be fastened to the legs or base of the table to adjust the
height of the table. The components may be embodied as the leg
extenders, an apron, or some other form that fits into the
structure of the table. The components may be easily attached to,
or removed from, the table as the consumer desires in order to
adjust the height of the table.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of an
exemplary table according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of an
exemplary table according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of an embodiment of the
exemplary adjustable table of FIG. 1 with the leg extenders
installed.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up view of an embodiment of the
exemplary adjustable table of FIG. 1 with the leg extenders
installed.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
exemplary adjustable table of FIGS. 1-3.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative adjustable table that
employs a removable apron.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative adjustable table that
employs a removable apron.
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic representation of an
exemplary table according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic representation of an
exemplary table according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 10 illustrate exemplary fasteners for the exemplary
embodiment wherein the leg extenders are located at the bottom of
the legs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of an
exemplary adjustable table 100 according to an embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 1 illustrates the adjustable table 100 in an
exploded view. That is, the table 100 includes a table top 110, a
set of table legs 120, a set of leg extenders 130 and a leg support
element 140. Further, each table leg 120 includes a leg insert
aperture 125 preferably at the top of the leg 120. Each of the leg
extenders 130 includes a leg extender insert element 132 and a leg
extender insert aperture 135. The table top 110 includes a
plurality of table top insert elements 112. Each table leg 120
includes at least one leg fastener aperture 127. Each of the leg
extenders 130 includes at least one leg extender fastener aperture
137.
[0018] The table top 110 includes a lower support element 114, a
top support element 116, a support connector 115 and cross-supports
118. The lower support element 114 is connected to the support
connectors 115, which in turn are connected to the top support
element 116. The cross-supports 118 are preferably connected to the
top support element 116.
[0019] The table top insert elements 112 are adapted to fit into
both the leg extender insert apertures 135 and the leg insert
apertures 125, and may be secured using leg extender fastener
aperture 137 or leg fastener aperture 127. The table top 110 thus
able to be positioned at a vertical height either directly above
the table legs 120 or directly above the leg extenders 130, which
are in turn positioned at a vertical height above the table legs
120.
[0020] In operation, in order to position the adjustable height
table with the table top at a first height or vertical position
relative to the surface on which the table is positioned, the user
proceeds as follows. First, the table top insert elements 112 of
the table top 110 are introduced into the leg insert apertures 125
of each of the legs 120. Next, the table top insert elements 112
are fastened into the leg insert apertures 125 of the legs 120
using the leg fastener apertures 127.
[0021] Alternatively, if the user desires to position the table top
110 at a second, greater height relative to the surface on which
the table is positioned, the user proceeds as follows. First, the
table top insert elements 112 may be inserted instead into the leg
extender insert apertures 135, and the table top insert elements
112 may be fastened to the leg extenders 130 using the leg extender
fastener apertures 137. Next, the leg extender insert elements 132
may in turn be inserted into the leg insert apertures 125. Further,
the leg extenders 130 may in turn be fastened to the legs 120 using
the leg fastener apertures 127. Consequently, the vertical height
of the table top 110 relative to the supporting surface on which
the adjustable height table is positioned is increased by the
height of the leg extenders 130.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates the adjustable height table as assembled
with the leg extenders 130 installed between the table top 110 and
legs 120. The leg fastener apertures 127 and leg extender fastener
apertures 137 are also shown. More specifically, bolts 210 have
been inserted into the leg fastener apertures 127 and leg extender
fastener apertures 137 to affix the table top 110 to the leg
extenders 130 and to affix the leg extenders 130 to the legs
120.
[0023] Although the exemplary table in FIGS. 1-2 employs a leg set
120 which includes four legs, a greater or lesser number of legs
may be employed, and the leg set 120 may alternatively include a
single base leg. Also, although FIG. 1 shows legs that curve near
the base, straight legs or legs of other configurations may be
employed. Furthermore, while FIGS. 1-2 shows rectangular legs and
rectangular leg extenders, the legs and leg extenders may be any
shape, including, for example, cylindrical and/or oval. Each of the
legs and/or leg extenders may be of different shapes from one
another. The legs and/or leg extenders may also include
ornamentation. Additionally, the set of several leg extenders may
be referred to as a leg extender set.
[0024] Additionally, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-2
shows the table top insert elements, the leg extender insert
elements, the leg extender aperture and the leg aperture to be
square or rectangular, they may be any shape, including, for
example, round.
[0025] Further, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-2
employs leg extenders that are four inches in height, the height of
the leg extenders may vary as desired. In addition, although the
exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 employs legs that are 17 inches in
height and a table top that is 5 inches in height, the height of
the legs and/or the table top may vary as desired.
[0026] Additionally, more that one set of leg extenders may be
employed. In a first example, the table 100 may be shipped with two
sets of leg extenders. The first set of legs extenders may have a
first length, such as 4 inches for example, and the second set of
leg extenders may have a second length such as 6 inches for
example. In this embodiment, if the user desires the height of the
table top to be increased upward by 4 inches, the user installs the
first set of leg extenders. Conversely, if the user desires the
height of the table top to be increased upward by 6 inches, the
user installs the second set of leg extenders.
[0027] In a second example of an embodiment that is shipped with
two sets of leg extenders, the leg extenders may cooperate to
provide a third, even greater height adjustment for the table top.
For example, the first set of leg extenders may have a height of 4
inches and the second set of leg extenders may have a height of 2
inches. If the user desires the height of the table top to be
increased by 2 inches, then the user installs only the second set
of leg extenders. However, if the user desires the height of the
table top to be increased by 4 inches, then the user installs only
the first set of leg extenders. In addition, if the user desires
the height of the table top to be increased by 6 inches, then the
user first installs the first set of leg extenders, and then
installs the second set of leg extenders on top of the first set of
leg extenders.
[0028] Also, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 shows
the leg extenders as being positioned at the top of the legs, the
leg extenders may alternatively be located anywhere along the
vertical height of the legs. For example, the leg extenders may be
alternatively located at the bottom of the legs.
[0029] In addition, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-2
shows a table top insert element 112 which is introduced into
either a leg extender insert aperture 135 or a leg insert aperture
125, the insert and aperture may be reversed, meaning the table top
may have a table top insert aperture rather than a table top insert
element, and the leg extender insert may be introduced into the
table top insert aperture. Furthermore, the table leg 120 may have
a leg insert instead of a leg insert aperture 125, where the leg
insert is introduced into the leg extender insert aperture. Any of
the embodiments discussed above may also be reversed.
[0030] Further, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-2
shows two leg extender fastener apertures 137 on each leg extender
130, there may be any number of leg extender fasteners, such as one
or three, for example. Additionally, there may be any number of leg
fasteners on each of the legs, such as one or three, for example.
Also, it is not necessary for each leg and/or leg extender to have
the same number of fasteners. Also, where the inserts and apertures
have been reversed, as described above, the table top insert
aperture may have table top fasteners.
[0031] Alternatively, the leg set and/or the leg extenders may not
contain any fasteners. For example, the insert elements may simply
be introduced into insert apertures and may remain there under the
force or gravity or friction.
[0032] Further, although the table top 110 in the exemplary table
in FIGS. 1-2 includes a bottom support element 114, a top support
element 116, a support connector 115 and cross-supports 118, the
table top 110 may include fewer or more elements. For example, the
table top 110 may include only a top support element.
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of an alternative
embodiment of the exemplary adjustable table 100 of FIGS. 1-2 with
the leg extenders installed. The table top 110, legs 120, leg
extenders 130, leg fastener aperture 127 and leg extender fasteners
aperture 137 are all shown, as are the bolts 210. The leg extenders
are installed in a reverse configuration from FIGS. 1-2, in which
the table leg 120 is connected to the leg extender 130 by the
introduction of an insert on the table leg 120 into an insert
aperture on the leg extender 130. Further, the leg extender 130 is
connected to the table top 110 by the introduction of an insert on
the leg extender 130 into an insert aperture on the table top 110.
As shown in FIG. 3, the leg extender 130 is connected to the table
top 110 using a bolt 210 through the leg extender fastener
apertures 137. Further, the leg extender 130 is connected to the
leg using a bolt 210 through the leg fastener aperture 127.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates an additional close-up view of the
alternative embodiment of the exemplary adjustable table 100 as
shown in FIG. 3. The table top 110, legs 120, leg extenders 130,
leg fasteners aperture 127, leg extender fasteners aperture 137,
and bolts 210 are shown. As in FIG. 3, the leg extenders are
installed in a reverse configuration from FIGS. 1-2.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the exemplary adjustable table 100 of FIG. 1-3. The table top 110,
legs 120, leg extenders 130, leg fasteners aperture 127, leg
extender fasteners aperture 137, and bolts 210 are all shown.
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative adjustable table 600 that
employs a removable apron. The apron is a structure, used for
design or support, located below the table top. The table 600
includes a table top 610, a set of legs 620, a removable apron 630,
and a leg support element 640. The table top 610 includes a
cross-support 618 and a plurality of table top fastener apertures
on the bottom of the table top. The legs 620 include leg fastener
apertures 622. The removable apron 630 includes a set of apron-leg
fastener apertures and a set of apron-table top fastener apertures
632.
[0037] In operation, if the user desires to position the table top
at a first vertical height, then the user positions the table top
fastener apertures in proximity to the leg fastener apertures 622
and then passes fasteners through both the table top fastener
apertures and the leg fastener apertures 622 to fasten the table
top 610 to the legs 620.
[0038] Alternatively, if the user desires to position the table top
at a second, greater vertical height, the user positions the table
top fastener apertures in proximity to the apron-table top fastener
apertures 632 and then passes fasteners through both the table top
fasteners apertures and the apron-table top fastener apertures 632
to fasten the table top 610 to the apron 630. The user then
positions the apron-leg fastener apertures in proximity to the leg
fastener apertures 622 and then passes fasteners through both the
apron-leg fastener apertures and leg fastener apertures 622 to
fasten the apron 630 to the legs 620.
[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates the adjustable height table 600 as
assembled with the apron 630 installed between the table top 610
and legs 620. Also shown are the fasteners 627 installed though
both the apron-leg fastener apertures and the leg fastener
apertures 622. Additionally, the fasteners 637 installed through
both the table top fastener apertures and the apron-table top
fastener apertures 632 are also shown.
[0040] Similar to the exemplary embodiment above with regard to the
leg extenders, although the exemplary table in FIGS. 6-7 employs
four legs, a greater or lesser number of legs may be employed, such
as three legs for example. Also, although FIGS. 6-7 show legs that
curve near the base, straight legs or legs of other configurations
may be employed.
[0041] Further, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 6-7
employs an apron that is five inches in height and legs that are 21
inches in height and a table top that is 16 inches in diameter, the
height of the apron and/or legs and/or the diameter of the table
top may vary as desired. Additionally, more that one apron may be
employed.
[0042] Also, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 6-7 shows
the apron as being positioned at the top of the legs, the apron may
alternatively be located anywhere along the vertical height of the
legs. For example, the apron may be alternatively located at the
bottom of the legs.
[0043] Further, although the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 6-7
shows apron-table top fastener apertures, apron-leg fastener
apertures, any other desired way of securing the table top to
either the apron or legs, and/or securing the apron to the legs may
be used, including the use of a table top insert 112 and an apron
insert aperture, an apron insert and a table top insert aperture,
an apron insert aperture and a leg insert, or an apron insert and a
leg insert aperture 125.
[0044] Additionally, an alternative adjustable table may employ
both leg extenders as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 and an
apron as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 6-7.
[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic representation of an
exemplary table 800 according to an embodiment of the invention,
where the adjustable height table 800 employs both leg extenders
and a removable apron. FIG. 8 shows a table top 810, a removable
apron 830, leg extenders 850, a set of table legs 820, a leg
support element 840, leg fasteners 827, leg extender fasteners 857,
an apron insert 832, apron-table top fasteners 837 and table top
insert 812. The set of table legs, or leg set 820, connects to the
leg support 840. The leg set 820 connects to the leg extender 850
using leg fasteners 827. The leg extender 850 connects to the apron
830 using leg extender fasteners 857. The apron 830 connects to the
table top 810 by introducing table top insert 812 into the
apron-table top fastener apertures and using fasteners 837. The use
of both the apron 830 and leg extenders 850 increases the height of
the table top 810 relative to the supporting surface on which the
adjustable height table is positioned to a height greater than the
height obtained by employing the apron 830 or the leg extender 850
alone.
[0046] FIG. 9 is a close up and exploded view of the adjustable
height table 800 of FIG. 8. The apron 830, apron insert 832, leg
extender insert aperture 855, leg extender fasteners 857, leg
extender 850, leg extender insert 852, leg insert aperture 825, leg
fasteners 827 and a leg 820 are all shown. The apron 830 connects
to the leg extender 850 by introducing the apron insert 832 into
the leg extender insert aperture 855 and using the leg extender
fasteners 857. The leg extender 850 connects to the leg 820 by
introducing the leg extender insert 852 into the leg insert
aperture 825 and using the leg fasteners 827.
[0047] FIG. 10 illustrates exemplary fasteners for the exemplary
embodiment wherein the leg set is straight and the leg extenders
are located at the bottom of the legs. Any other desired fastener
for securing the table top to the apron or legs may be used.
[0048] While the invention has been described with reference to
certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the invention without
departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed,
but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within
the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *