U.S. patent application number 12/387394 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-03 for nesting task table.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sauder Woodworking Company. Invention is credited to Douglas B. Gerig, Douglas P. Krieger, Mark A. Strayer.
Application Number | 20090217847 12/387394 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39870952 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090217847 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gerig; Douglas B. ; et
al. |
September 3, 2009 |
Nesting task table
Abstract
A task table (100) nests inconspicuously with a furniture case
good (200). The table (100) has a base (110), a pedestal (120), and
a table top (130). The pedestal (120) supports the table top (130)
above the base (110). The case good (200) has a front (250), an
opposite back, a left side (252), an opposite right side, and a top
(214). The sides (252) extend generally upward from a supporting
surface (254) and support the top (214) above the surface (254). A
table nest (230) is defined between the surface (254) and the top
(214), extends between the sides (252), and removably receives the
table top (130) in sliding engagement. A base nest (210) is defined
between the sides (252), extends generally upward from the surface
(254), and removably receives the base (110) in sliding engagement.
A pedestal nest (220) extends from the base nest (210) to the table
nest (230) and removably receives the pedestal (120). The table
(230), base (210), and pedestal nests (220) define a task table
nest that corresponds to the task table (100).
Inventors: |
Gerig; Douglas B.;
(Archbold, OH) ; Strayer; Mark A.; (Lamar, MO)
; Krieger; Douglas P.; (Archbold, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VARNUM, RIDDERING, SCHMIDT & HOWLETT LLP
333 BRIDGE STREET, NW, P.O. BOX 352
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49501-0352
US
|
Assignee: |
Sauder Woodworking Company
Archbold
OH
|
Family ID: |
39870952 |
Appl. No.: |
12/387394 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12055792 |
Mar 26, 2008 |
|
|
|
12387394 |
|
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|
60908063 |
Mar 26, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 83/00 20130101;
A47B 2200/0069 20130101; A47B 2200/0068 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/91 |
International
Class: |
A47B 13/00 20060101
A47B013/00; A47B 1/00 20060101 A47B001/00 |
Claims
1. A combination of a furniture case good with a nesting task
table, comprising: a task table having a base, a pedestal extending
generally upward from the base, and a table top, the pedestal
extending from the base to the top, the top being supported above
the base by the pedestal; and a cooperating furniture case good
having a front and an opposite back, having a left side and an
opposite right side, and having a top, the left and right sides
extending generally upward from a supporting surface to the top,
the top being supported above the supporting surface by the left
and right sides, the case good further having a table nest defined
between the top and the supporting surface and extending between
the left and right sides, having a base nest extending generally
upward from the supporting surface toward the top and defined
between the left and right sides, and having a pedestal nest
extending from the base nest to the table nest, the table nest
being adapted to removably receive the table top in free sliding
engagement, the base nest being adapted to removably receive the
base in free sliding engagement, the pedestal nest being adapted to
removably receive the pedestal in free sliding engagement, whereby
the table nest, the base nest, and the pedestal nest define a task
table nest that corresponds to the task table so that the task
table nests with the case good and is camouflaged to appear as a
conventional portion of the case good.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/055,792 filed Mar. 26, 2008, which claims priority of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/908,063 filed Mar. 26,
2007.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFISHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The invention relates to small office and home office market
furniture and more specifically, an accessory task table.
[0005] Laptop computers currently outsell tower and other such
desktop computers by more than a two to one ratio. Home and office
lifestyles are much more mobile now than even just a few years ago.
This may be attributed to current office technologies, including
their affordability as well as their functionality, such as
miniaturization and disconnection as evidenced by laptop and
palmtop computers, various wireless peripheral and network
connections, and multifunction machines. Users of technology have
been taught that technology is adaptable and may be unobtrusive.
Thus, their furnishings may also be reconsidered as something other
than mere office furniture and more desirably should not look and
feel like mere office furniture. Rather, one's environment,
furnishings, should integrate into their lifestyle and meet all the
functional requirements provided by present and new
technologies.
[0006] Thus, a need for satellite work centers for laptops, for
example, not conventional desk solutions, has developed to avail
technology to more user friendly and productive home and office
environments.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, a nesting task table of the invention provides
a flexible and dynamic task support with a nesting task table in
combination with a furniture case good. When not required, the
nesting task table nests with the case good and is camouflaged to
appear as a conventional portion of the case good. Yet, the nesting
task table is readily at hand and easily acquired for use.
[0008] Generally, a nesting task table of the invention has a base,
a pedestal extending generally upward from the base, and a table
top supported above the base by the pedestal. A cooperating
furniture case good has a front and an opposite back, has a left
side and an opposite right side, and has a top. The left and right
sides extend generally upward from a supporting surface to the top.
The top is supported above the supporting surface by the left and
right sides. For the nesting task table, the case good further has
a table nest, a base nest, and a pedestal nest. The table nest is
defined between the top and the supporting surface, extends between
the left and right sides, and is adapted to removably receive the
table top in free sliding engagement. The base nest extends
generally upward from the supporting surface toward the top, is
defined between the left and right sides, and is adapted to
removably receive the base in free sliding engagement. The pedestal
nest extends from the base nest to the table nest and is adapted to
removably receive the pedestal in free sliding engagement.
Considered as a whole, the table nest, the base nest, and the
pedestal nest define a task table nest that corresponds to the task
table so that the task table nests with the case good and is
camouflaged to appear as a conventional portion of the case
good.
[0009] These and other features, objects, and benefits of the
invention will be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the
art and by those who practice the invention, from this disclosure,
including the specification, the claims, and the drawing
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0010] FIG. 1 is an upper front and left perspective view of a
nesting task table of the invention as embodied with a single
pedestal desk, showing the task table not nested;
[0011] FIG. 2 is the view of FIG. 1, showing the task table
nested;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an upper front and left perspective view of a
nesting task table of the invention as embodied with a tall chest
of drawers, showing the task table not nested;
[0013] FIG. 4 is the view of FIG. 3, showing the task table
nested;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an upper front and left perspective view of a
nesting task table of the invention as embodied with a tall display
cabinet, showing the task table not nested;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an upper front and left perspective view of an
entertainment grouping that incorporates the display cabinet of
FIG. 5, showing the task table nested;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an upper front and left perspective view of a
nesting task table of the invention as embodied within a single
pedestal desk, somewhat similar to the pedestal desk shown in FIG.
1, and further showing the task table in an un-nested position;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the nesting task table
and pedestal desk illustrated in FIG. 7;
[0018] FIG. 9 is the an upper front and left perspective view of
the nesting task table and single pedestal desk shown in FIG. 7,
but showing the task table in a nested position;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a left end elevation view of the nesting task
table and single pedestal desk shown in FIG. 7, with the task table
in a nested position;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a left end elevation view of the single pedestal
desk shown in FIG. 7, and with the task table removed from
view;
[0021] FIG. 12 is an upper front and left perspective view of a
nesting task table of the invention as embodied within a second
version of a tall chest of drawers, and showing the task table in
an un-nested position, with FIG. 12 showing the chest of drawers
with a configuration somewhat similar to the drawers shown in FIG.
3;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a left end elevation view of the chest of drawers
and nesting task table shown in FIG. 12;
[0023] FIG. 14 is an upper front and left perspective view of the
nesting task table and chest of drawers shown in FIG. 12, but
showing the task table in a nested position;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of the nesting task table
and tall chest of drawers shown in FIG. 12, but showing the task
table in a nested position;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a left end elevation view of the nesting task
table and tall chest of drawers shown in FIG. 12, with the task
table in a nested position;
[0026] FIG. 17 is an upper front and right perspective view of a
nesting task table of the invention as embodied within a tall
display cabinet, with the cabinet being substantially a mirror
image of the cabinet illustrated in FIG. 5, and showing the task
table in an un-nested position;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the nesting task table
illustrated in FIG. 17; and
[0028] FIG. 19 is a front and open end elevation view of the
nesting task table illustrated in FIG. 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] A preferred embodiment of a nesting task table 100 according
to the invention is generally shown in the drawing figures and
discussed below. Generally, the nesting task table 100 has a base
110, a pedestal 120, and a table top 130. As shown, the nesting
task table 100 has a generally C-shaped configuration with the
table top 130 and the base 110 being two legs extending in the same
general direction from opposite ends of a bight portion that is
provided by the pedestal 120.
[0030] A cooperating case good 200 may be of any desired
configuration or design as is generally shown in the drawing
figures and is generally distinguished from other case goods by
having a table nest 230, a base nest 210, and a pedestal nest 220.
Taken together, the table nest 230, base nest 210, and pedestal
nest 220 define a task table nest that corresponds to the nesting
task table 100. Thus, the nesting task table 100 most desirably
nests in the task table nest of the furniture case good 200 and is
camouflaged to appear as a conventional portion of the case good
200.
[0031] Because the overall configuration of the furniture case good
200 is not particularly material to the present invention, various
case good configurations are shown in the drawing figures to
demonstrate this aspect of the invention. Also, common reference
numbers are used for the same parts of different configurations.
Each of the case goods 200 and the nesting task table 100 may be
fabricated of any suitable material, including woods, plastics,
metals, and combinations thereof. Further, any method or process of
fabrication may be used as is appropriate to the materials
selected.
[0032] Referring again to the nesting task table 100, the base 110
defines a foundation of the nesting task table 100 and is
preferably provided with furniture casters 112 or the like for ease
of mobility. Skids and the like may be used in the alternative as
desired. The pedestal 120 extends upward from one end of the base
110. Further, the pedestal 120 is readily visible when the nesting
task table is nested with the case good 200. Therefore, the
pedestal 120 is most preferably provided with an outer facing
surface that matches the corresponding case good, so that the
nested task table 100 is not conspicuous and appears as a panel of
the case good. As shown in various figures of the drawing, the
pedestal 120, and the nesting task table 100 as a whole, may appear
as a panel of a pedestal desk (FIGS. 1, 2, and 7-11), as drawers of
a chest of drawers (FIGS. 3, 4, and 12-16), or as a panel of a
storage cabinet (FIGS. 5, 6, and 17-19).
[0033] The pedestal 120 supports the task table top 130, which may
be cantilevered from the pedestal 120, completing a C-shaped
configuration as discussed above. The table top 130 may be a fixed
member as is generally shown in the drawing figures, or may be
provided with a fold leaf 134 (FIGS. 3, 12, and 13). Thus, one who
makes the nesting task table 100 is free to choose the size of task
table top, rather than being limited by the configuration of the
companion case good 200.
[0034] As earlier stated, each of the various case goods described
herein and disclosed in the drawings will be identified as a case
good 200. With respect to the variations among the case goods 200,
the principal material distinctions relate to the provisions of the
case good itself and its structure and configuration for receiving
the corresponding nesting task table 100. In this regard, it should
also be noted that in view of the relative similarities of the
example embodiments of nesting task tables in accordance with the
invention, each of the task tables is referred to by reference
number as a nesting task table 100. However, it should be
emphasized that various types of nesting task tables, differing
with respect to size, structure and configuration, may be utilized
without departing from the principal concepts of the invention.
[0035] Turning first to the cooperating case good 200 illustrated
in FIGS. 1 and 2, the case good 200 can be characterized as a
pedestal desk 248. The pedestal desk 248 can be characterized as
including a front 250 and an opposite back (not shown). The
pedestal desk 248 also includes a left side 252, an opposite right
side (not shown) and a top 214. The left side 252 and the right
side (not shown) extend generally upwardly from a supporting floor
or surface 254, to a top 214 as is conventionally known in
furniture case goods. The previously referenced table nest 230 is
defined between the top 214 and the supporting surface 254, and
extends between the left side 252 and right side (not shown). The
table nest 230, as primarily shown in FIG. 1, is located in this
particular pedestal desk 248 immediately below the top 214. The
table nest 230 is anticipated as typically being a generally
rectangular pocket or generally horizontally oriented void space,
having an open side 256 (FIG. 1) that penetrates the interior of
the case good pedestal desk 248. Of course, it will be apparent to
one having ordinary skill in the art that various different and
specific configurations may be utilized, in accordance with
preferences of fabricators.
[0036] More particularly, the table nest 230 is positioned above
the floor 254 so as to match the elevation of the nesting task
table top 130 above the floor 254. Further, the table nest 230 is
configured so as to correspond to and is dimensioned at least as
large as the nesting task table top 130. Thus, the table nest 230
is adapted to removably receive the table top 130 in what is
preferably a free sliding engagement.
[0037] With further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the corresponding
base nest 210 is similarly provided in the cooperating case good or
desk 248. As shown in FIG. 1, the base nest 210 may typically be
provided as a generally rectangular void spaced below the table
nest 230, adjacent the level of the floor 254. Again, however,
various configurations may be utilized. One may, accordingly,
generally describe the base nest 210 as extending generally upward
from the supporting surface 254 toward the top 214, and defined
between the left side 252 and right side (not shown) between the
front 250 and the back (not shown) of the pedestal desk 248. As
with the table nest 230, the base nest 210 is also adapted to
removably receive the base 110 of the nesting task table 100 in a
free sliding engagement.
[0038] The pedestal nest 220 may be somewhat different from the
table nest 230 and the base nest 210, if only because of its
generally vertical orientation. The pedestal nest 210 also connects
between the table nest 230 and the base nest 210. Beyond that, the
pedestal 120 may have an outer surface 258 which remains revealed
when the nesting task table 100 is nested with the pedestal desk
248. Correspondingly, when nested, almost the entirety of the
remainder of the nesting task table 100 is concealed by the
corresponding pedestal desk 248. Accordingly, the pedestal nest 220
does not encase the pedestal 120 in the same manner that the table
nest 230 may encase the table top 130, or the base nest 210 may
encase the base 110 between the case good 248 and the floor 254.
Instead, the pedestal nest 220 may be considered to "wrap around"
or "cradle" the pedestal 120, so as to removably receive the
pedestal 120 and present the outer surface 258. The nested
configuration of the nesting task table 100 and the pedestal desk
248 is illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates an un-nested configuration of a nested
task table 100 with a chest of drawers 260. The chest of drawers
260 includes a left side 262, right side (not shown), front 264 and
top 266. As with the pedestal desk 248, the chest of drawers 260
also includes a table nest 230, base nest 210 and pedestal nest
220. In this particular embodiment, the nesting task table 100 is
adapted to nest and be received within the front 264 of the chest
of drawers 260, at a position essentially corresponding to the
lower half of the chest of drawers 260. Also, as earlier stated,
the particular nesting task table 100 illustrated in FIG. 3
includes a fold leaf 134 which may be extendable outwardly from the
table top 130 immediately above the pedestal 120.
[0040] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the chest of drawers 260 shown
in FIG. 3, with the nested task table 100 being fully received
within the drawers 260.
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates the use of one of the nesting task tables
100 in accordance with the invention with a tall display cabinet
268. With reference to FIG. 5, the tall display cabinet 268 is
conventional in nature with a front 270, left side 272 and right
side (not shown). The cabinet 268 also includes a top 276 and is
supported on a floor or other support surface 254. With this
particular cabinet 268, the nesting task table 100 is received
within the lower half of the left side 272. Specifically, the task
table 100 includes the base 110, pedestal 120 and table top 130.
Correspondingly, the left side 272 of the cabinet 268 includes a
table nest 230, base nest 210 and pedestal nest 220. The table nest
230 is positioned as shown in FIG. 5 upwardly along the left side
272 from the floor 254. The nesting task table 100, in this
particular instance, is shown with a hand-pull recess 274 which may
be extendable outwardly from the position immediately below the
pedestal 120. The hand-pull recess 274 is illustrated in its
retracted position in FIG. 5.
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates what could be characterized as an upper
front and left perspective view of an entertainment grouping 280.
In the particular grouping 280, which is merely an example
embodiment of how nesting task tables in accordance with the
invention may be utilized, the grouping 280 includes the tall
display cabinet 268 positioned on the left side (as viewed from the
front) of the grouping 280, with the display cabinet 268
corresponding to the cabinet 268 previously described herein with
respect to FIG. 5. Positioned at the center of the grouping 280 and
to the right side of the display cabinet 268 is a center credenza
282 having somewhat of a conventional configuration. The credenza
282 supports a TV stand 284, with a television 286 mounted thereon.
To the right side of the center credenza 282 is a second tall
display cabinet 290. If desired, the second tall display cabinet
290 can substantially correspond in size and structural
configuration to the tall display cabinet 268. However, the second
tall display cabinet 290 may include a nesting task table (not
shown) adapted to be received within the right side (not shown) of
the second tall display cabinet 290. Accordingly, the second tall
display cabinet 290 can be characterized as being configured as a
"mirror image" of the tall display cabinet 268.
[0043] A further pedestal desk 292 adapted to be used with a
nesting task table 100 in accordance with the invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 7-11. With reference first to FIGS. 7 and 8,
the pedestal desk 292 includes a front 294 and an opposite back
(not shown). The pedestal desk 292 also includes a left side 296,
an opposite right side (not shown) and a top 298. The left side 296
and the right side (not shown) extend generally upwardly from a
supporting floor or surface 254, to the top 298 as is
conventionally known in furniture case goods. The pedestal desk 292
further includes a table nest 230 which may be characterized as
being defined at its upper portion by the top 298 and at its lower
portion by the pedestal nest 220 of the desk 292. The table nest
230 extends inwardly into the pedestal desk 292 from the left side
296. As with the pedestal desk and nesting task table shown in FIG.
1, the table nest 230 associated with the pedestal desk 292 is
located immediately below the top 298. More specifically, the table
nest 230 is positioned above the floor 254 so as to match the
elevation of the nesting task table top 130 above the floor 254.
Accordingly, the table nest 230 is adapted to removably receive the
table top 130 in what is preferably a free sliding engagement.
[0044] With further reference primarily to FIGS. 7 and 8, the
corresponding base nest 210 is similarly provided in the pedestal
desk 292. The base nest 210, in this particular instance, can be a
generally rectangular void spaced below the table nest 230,
adjacent the level of floor 254. As with the table nest 230, the
base nest 210 is also adapted to removably receive the base 110 of
the nesting task table 100 in a free sliding engagement.
[0045] The pedestal nest 220 has a generally vertical orientation,
and connects between the table nest 230 and the base nest 210. The
pedestal 120 of the nesting task table may have an outer surface
300 which remains revealed when the task table 100 is nested with
the pedestal desk 292. Correspondingly, almost the entirety of the
remainder of the nesting task table 100 is concealed by the
corresponding pedestal desk 292 when the table 100 is nested with
the desk 248. The pedestal nest 220 may be characterized as
"wrapping around" or "cradling" the pedestal 120, so as to
removably receive the pedestal 120 and present the outer surface
300.
[0046] A second version of a chest of drawers 302 adapted for use
with a nesting task table 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 12-16. FIG.
12 is an upper front and left perspective view of the nesting task
table 100 with the second version of the tall chest of drawers 302,
and showing the task table 100 in an un-nested position. With
respect primarily to FIGS. 12 and 13, the second version of the
chest of drawers 302 includes a left side 304, right side (not
shown), front 306 and top 308. A series of drawers 312 are located
in the upper half of the front 306. Immediately below the drawers
312 is a table nest 230. Immediately below the table nest 230 is
the pedestal nest 220, with the pedestal nest 220 having a vertical
orientation. Below the pedestal nest 220 is the base nest 210. The
nesting task table 100 includes the base 110, pedestal 120 and
table top 130. In this particular instance, the table top 130 is
illustrated as not only being receivable within the table nest 230
of the chest of drawers 302, but also slidable relative to the
pedestal 120. Also in this particular embodiment, the nesting task
table 100 is adapted to nest and be received within the front 306
of the chest of drawers 302, at a position essentially
corresponding to the lower half of the chest of drawers 302,
immediately below the lowermost drawer 312.
[0047] FIG. 13 is a left end elevation view of the chest of drawers
302 and nesting task table 100. FIG. 14 is an upper front and left
perspective view of the table 100 and chest of drawers 302, showing
the table 100 in the nested position. FIG. 15 is a front elevation
view of the table 100 and chest of drawers 302, with the table 100
in a nested position. Correspondingly, FIG. 16 is a left end
elevation view of the table 100 and chest of drawers 302, with the
table 100 in a nested position.
[0048] Attention is now directed to FIGS. 17, 18 and 19, which
illustrate a display cabinet 304 which may be utilized with a
nesting task table 100 in accordance with the invention. With some
minor structural variations, the tall display cabinet 304 is
substantially a mirror image of the display cabinet 268 illustrated
in FIG. 5. Accordingly, and again with some minor structural
differences, the tall display cabinet 304 is substantially similar
to the second tall display cabinet 290 illustrated with the
entertainment grouping 280 in FIG. 6. FIG. 17 specifically is an
upper front and right perspective view of the nesting task table
100 of the invention as embodied within the tall display cabinet
304, and showing the task table 100 in an un-nested position.
Correspondingly, FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the nesting
task table 100 illustrated in FIG. 17, while FIG. 19 is a drawing
which may be characterized as a front and open end elevation view
of the nesting task table 100 illustrated in FIG. 17. The tall
display cabinet 304 includes, as shown in FIG. 17, a right side
308, left side (not shown), front 306 and top 310. The cabinet 304
also includes a table nest 230, base nest 210 and pedestal nest
220. In this particular embodiment, the nesting task table 100 is
adapted to nest and be received within the right side 308 of the
tall display cabinet 304, at a position essentially corresponding
to a lower half of the display cabinet 304. The nesting task table
100 includes a base 110 adapted to be received within the base nest
210, and a table top 130 adapted to be received within the table
nest 230. Vertically extending between the base 110 and the table
top 130 is a pedestal 120 having an outer surface 312. In part, the
display cabinet 304 is illustrated and described herein so as to
show the concept that nesting task tables in accordance with the
invention are not limited to being receivable only within one side
or a front of a case good.
[0049] One having ordinary skill in the art and those who practice
the invention will understand from this disclosure that various
modifications and improvements may be made without departing from
the spirit of the disclosed inventive concept. One will also
understand that various relational terms, including left, right,
front, back, top, and bottom, for example, may be used in this
detailed description of the invention and in the claims only to
convey relative positioning of various elements of the claimed
invention without limitation to the invention.
* * * * *