U.S. patent application number 12/815183 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-15 for combination table and parition.
Invention is credited to Bernard Fryshman.
Application Number | 20110303127 12/815183 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45095177 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110303127 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fryshman; Bernard |
December 15, 2011 |
Combination Table and Parition
Abstract
A combination table and room partition. The table is provided
with a partition that is connected thereto by way of one or more
hinges. The partition is thus movable from a resting position to a
deployed position above and orthogonal to the tabletop.
Inventors: |
Fryshman; Bernard;
(Brooklyn, NY) |
Family ID: |
45095177 |
Appl. No.: |
12/815183 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 83/001
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/50.11 |
International
Class: |
A47B 37/00 20060101
A47B037/00 |
Claims
1. A table comprising: a tabletop supported by legs, said tabletop
having a front side and a rear side; a partition hingedly attached
to said rear side of said table; whereby said partition is movable
from a first vertical position below and substantially orthogonal
to said tabletop to a second vertical position above and
substantially orthogonal to said tabletop.
2. The table of claim 1, further comprising a pair of hinges having
at least one hinge leaf attached to said rear side of said table
and at least one hinge leaf attached to said partition.
3. The table of claim 1, wherein said partition comprises a solid
panel.
4. The table of claim 1, wherein said partition comprises a
substantially rectangular frame said frame comprising a
substantially parallel horizontal members and substantially
parallel vertical members and a fabric segment attached to said
frame.
5. The table of claim 4, wherein said substantially vertical
members comprise telescoping members
6. The table of claim 5, wherein a top of said fabric segment is
attached to a first of said substantially parallel members and a
bottom of said fabric segment is attached to a second of said
substantially parallel members.
7. The table of claim 1, further comprising a securing mechanism
for securing said partition to said table when said partition is in
a vertical position above and substantially orthogonal to said
tabletop.
8. The table of claim 1, wherein said partition comprises a frame
comprising substantially parallel vertical members and
substantially parallel horizontal members and a fabric segment
attached within said frame.
9. The table of claim 8, wherein said vertical members comprise
telescoping members.
10. A table comprising: a tabletop supported by legs, said tabletop
having a front side and a rear side; a partition hingedly attached
to said rear side of said table; whereby said partition is movable
from a first, horizontal position substantially parallel to said
tabletop to a second, vertical position above and substantially
orthogonal to said tabletop.
11. The table of claim 10, wherein a rear face of said partition
comprises a tabletop surface when said partition is in said first
horizontal position.
12. The table of claim 11, further comprising a securing mechanism
for securing said partition to said table.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The current invention relates to the furniture field, more
specifically to a table that is adapted to be a room partition
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are many instances in which it may be desirable to
partition off certain sections of a room For example, in settings
such as in a social hall or the like, often a room will be larger
than necessary for a given group. To section off a portion of the
room, movable, temporary partitions are commonly used.
[0003] There are many instances in which it may be desirable to
partition off certain sections of a room. For example, in settings
such as in a social hall or the like, often a room will be larger
than necessary for a given group. To section off a portion of the
room, movable, temporary partitions are commonly used.
[0004] Movable partitions--which typically consist of vertically
supported panels or wall sections--are widely used; however, they
suffer numerous disadvantages. The partitions are often quite large
and unwieldy. As a result, they require a significant amount of
storage space, which oftentimes is at a premium. Partitions must
also be carried from storage to use, which can be time-consuming,
disruptive and requires a great deal of effort.
[0005] There is, therefore, a need for partitions that are require
minimal storage space and that are quickly and conveniently
deployable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] These and other advantages are realized with the combination
table and partition of the current invention--wherein a partition
is designed to be an integral part of a table. The partition
conveniently rests on the tabletop or hangs down therefrom like a
skirt when not in use. When a partition is desired, the partition
section is raised and locked into place along the length of the
table.
[0007] Embodiments of the invention thus allow for room partitions
to be easily stored without requiring extra storage place. In
addition, when a partition is desired--it is available at or near
the exact location that it is needed. When the partition is no
longer needed, it is quickly and easily returned to its storage
position--as an integral part of the table. This presents a vast
improvement over the prior art whereby multiple, bulky partitions
must be stored, carried and returned to storage after use
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of a table shown with its partition
hanging down according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side, perspective view of the table of FIG. 1
with its partition deployed according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is front, perspective view of the table and partition
of FIG. 2, shown locked in place according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a side view of the table of FIGS. 1-3 with its
partition deployed and locked in place.
[0012] FIG. 4a is an enlarged view of a joint between a partition
and table according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of a table with a partition resting on
the tabletop according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side view of the table of FIG. 5 with the
partition deployed to an upstanding position.
[0015] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the joint between the table
and partition of FIG. 6.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a real, perspective view of the table and
partition of FIG. 6.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a front, perspective view of a table and a
partition having a fabric surface according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0018] FIG. 9a is a front, perspective view of the table of FIG. 9,
with its partition hanging down according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a front view of a table having rotatable blocking
members for securing a partition in place according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a front view of a table and partition having
telescoping members according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a side view of a table and partition positioned
on the underside and substantially parallel to the tabletop
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a side, perspective view of a table and partition
having a main partition and an additional segment according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a front, perspective view of a table having two
partition segments--one extending from the table top and upwardly
and one descending from the table top downwardly--according to an
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The following is a detailed description of the preferred
embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the drawings
in which the same reference numerals identify the same elements of
structure in each of the several figures.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention.
As shown, a standard table--having a tabletop 22 defining a plane
substantially parallel to the ground and supported by legs 24 also
is provided with a downward hanging panel 26, which is deployable
for use as a partition. Note that in this document, the view shown
in FIG. 1 is the "side" of the table, the side to which the panel
26 is attached is the "rear" and the side opposite thereof is the
"front."
[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, tabletop 22 has a thickness along its
rear length 28 to which the partition 26 is hingedly connected.
Partition 26 has a length 32, a width 34 and a thickness 36. A
hinge having one leaf 37 fixed to rear length 28 of tabletop 22 and
a second leaf 38 fixed to the outside face 40 of partition 26 joins
the partition 26 to the table top 22. The hinge knuckle 42 faces
outward (i.e. in the direction facing away from the table). This
configuration allows for the partition 26 to be rotated by roughly
180.degree. about the axis of hinge knuckle 42 from a downward
hanging vertical orientation below and substantially orthogonal to
the tabletop 22 (as shown in FIG. 1)--to an upstanding vertical
position above and substantially orthogonal to tabletop 22 (as
shown in FIG. 2). When the partition 26 is so raised to an
upstanding position, its bottom thickness 36a rests on tabletop
22.
[0027] Once placed in an upstanding vertical position (as shown in
FIG. 2) the tabletop 22 presents a physical barrier to further
rotation of the hinge in the direction toward the front of the
table. With the partition so positioned, no specific structures or
mechanisms are required to prevent frontward rotation thereof.
However, to ensure that partition 26, does not rotate rearward
(i.e. toward hanging position), a securing mechanism is provided
for preventing the partition from dropping toward its hanging
position.
[0028] In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 3 a hook and eye 44
is provided--with the hook, for example, inserted on the movable
partition 26 and the eye inserted on the stationary table portion.
The hook and eye are positioned, such that when the partition 26 is
raised and is resting on the surface of tabletop 22--the hook and
eye are spaced apart such that the hook could be rotated and
inserted into the eye.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a table with its partition
deployed and resting on the top surface of tabletop 22 and secured
in place by way of a hook and eye. FIG. 4a shows an enlarged view
of the hinged joint between partition 26 and tabletop 22 in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 4.
[0030] In another embodiment of the invention, a partition folds
directly onto to the surface of the tabletop. In this embodiment,
the rear face 40 of partition 26 serves as the tabletop surface
when it is in storage position.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 5, a partition 26 is shown having a width
34 that is slightly longer than that of tabletop 22. As such, when
partition 26 is laid directly on top of tabletop 22 with top
thickness 36b substantially aligned with the front of tabletop 22,
the bottom portion of partition 26 slightly overhangs from the rear
side of the table. The overhanging area 41 is wide enough to
receive a leaf of a hinge 38. The second hinge leaf 37 is attached
to the rear thickness 28 of tabletop 22. In this manner, partition
22 could be lifted upward and rearward until partition 22 is
brought to upstanding orientation.
[0032] When partition is so deployed and vertically oriented, rear
thickness 28 (alternatively referred to as "rear length" herein)
prevents any further movement of the partition in the direction
toward the rear of the table. However, to ensure that the partition
does not fall forward (i.e. returning to its resting position on
the surface of tabletop) a locking mechanism is provided for
locking the partition 22 to the side of the table.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 5, a hook (or eye) is attached to bottom
thickness 36a of partition 22, which mates with an eye (or hook)
located on the underside of tabletop 22. When partition is raised
to a vertical orientation (as shown in FIG. 6) hook and eye 44
members are brought into close enough proximity to each other to be
engaged. Locking the partition in this fashion temporarily joins
the bottom portion of the partition to the table and prevents
forward movement of the same. FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of the
hinged joint between partition 26 and tabletop 22.
[0034] FIG. 8 shows a rear, perspective view of the table and
partition of FIG. 6. It should be noted that rear surface 40 acts
as a tabletop when the partition is in its resting position (as
shown in FIG. 5) and, as such, surface 40 is preferably smoothly
finished to achieve tabletop quality.
[0035] It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art
that partitions need not be comprised of solid material. In some
embodiments of the invention, partition 26a comprises a solid frame
that supports a fabric or such similar soft material.
[0036] FIG. 9 shows a partition 26a, which comprises a
substantially rectangular solid frame 48 having two substantially
parallel horizontal support members 49a, 49b and two substantially
parallel vertical members 51a, 51b A segment of fabric 50 having
outside dimensions that are roughly the same as the inside
dimensions of the frame is attached to and held within the frame 48
In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 9a, frame 48 is hingedly
attached to tabletop 22 in a manner similar to that described with
reference to FIGS. 1-4. In this embodiment, when frame 48 is
lowered to its resting position (i.e. hanging down from the rear of
the table), fabric 50 serves as a decorative table skirt (as shown
in FIG. 9a).
[0037] It will be understood that partitions of the invention, when
deployed, may be secured in place using any of various securing
mechanisms known in the art. For example, in the embodiments
described with reference to FIGS. 1-8, a hook and eye was described
as a temporary locking device for securing the partition in place.
However, any of various securing mechanisms or male/female
engagements may be utilized. It will be understood by those of
ordinary skill that a "securing mechanism" refers to any device,
hardware or mechanical design that presents a physical obstacle to
substantial lateral movement of the partition when it is in a
deployed position.
[0038] For example, FIG. 9 shows a bolt 52 (handle portion showing)
that is guided by a track 54 and which inserts into a cavity or
receiving chamber 56 disposed on the table portion. In FIG. 9, the
bolt 52 is shown positioned on the side thickness 36 of the
partition 48 and the receiving chamber 56 is provided on the table
portion, however, the bolt may alternatively be positioned on the
table portion--with the chamber 56 on the partition.
[0039] As another example, FIG. 10 shows blocking members 58 that
are pivotably connected to rear thickness 28 of a table. Blocking
members 58 comprise a slender piece of material such as wood,
metal, hard plastic or the like that is attached to rear thickness
28 by way of a pivot, such as a screw 60 or rivet in its general
center. When not in use, members 58 are pivoted to rest
horizontally along thickness 28. However, when partition 26a is
deployed, members 58 may be swiveled upward, thereby presenting a
physical barrier to lateral (rearward) movement of partition 26a.
Preferably, a catch or trap 59 is positioned to maintain member 58
in place when rotated vertically (and/or when resting
horizontally--although not shown).
[0040] In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 11, a partition 26b
comprises a frame with a fabric insert similar to the one described
with reference to FIGS. 9-11. However, parallel vertical members
51a, 51b--rather than being a solid, fixed flame member--are
instead telescoping members that are capable of expanding and
retreating. A fabric segment 50b is attached at its top to
horizontal member 49b and at its bottom to horizontal member 49a.
The height of the fabric (i.e. top to bottom) is roughly equal to
the height defined by the distance between horizontal member 49a
and horizontal member 49b when telescoping members 51a, 51b are
extended to their maximum extension. When telescoping members 51a,
51b are not extended to the maximum, there is some degree of slack
in the fabric.
[0041] In another embodiment of the invention, and as shown in FIG.
12 a partition may be stored on the underside of the tabletop--and
substantially out of view. The partition is hingedly connected to
the tabletop in a manner allowing for approximate 270.degree. of
rotation from a substantially horizontal orientation on the
underside of the table to a vertical orientation substantially
above and orthogonal thereto.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 12 a partition 64 (shown in dotted lines)
is hingedly connected to the underside of tabletop 22. The length
of partition 64 is preferably somewhat shorter than the distance
between a first set of legs on one side of the table and a second
set of legs on the other side of the table. In this manner,
partition 64 fits between the sets of table legs and is free to
swing from a resting position on the underside of the table (and
substantially parallel thereto) to be deployed (and returned
thereafter). A securing mechanism is provided for securing the
partition 64 in place on the underside of tabletop 22.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, a partition is approximately 3'
in width. For a table whose tabletop stands at about 3' off the
ground, the partition will reach about 6' in height. If a higher
partition is desired, embodiments of the invention allow for some
extension thereof.
[0044] In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 13, a solid
partition similar to those described in reference to FIGS. 1-8 is
provided with an additional segment 66 that folds back onto the
main partition 26 and that may be deployed when extra height is
desired. As shown in FIG. 13, segment 66 is hingedly connected to
main partition 26. When additional height is desired, segment 66 is
rotated upwardly (in the direction of arrow 67a). When not being
deployed, segment 66 rests on the rear side of partition main
partition 26. Segment 66 is lowered from a deployed position to a
resting position by being rotated in the direction shown be arrow
67b.
[0045] FIG. 14 shows yet another embodiment of the invention,
whereby a partition comprises two segments--one segment 68
extending from the tabletop and upward and another segment 70
extending from the tabletop to the floor. For example, a table may
comprise a first partition that rests on the surface of a tabletop
as shown in FIG. 5 and a second partition that rests in the
underside of the tabletop as shown in FIG. 12. The first partition
rises to a vertical position, above and substantially orthogonal to
the tabletop 22, and the second partition lowers to a vertical
position, below and substantially orthogonal to tabletop 22. In
another embodiment, the vertical parallel members described with
reference to the partition of FIG. 11 extend downwardly in addition
to extending upwardly. An attached fabric segment selves as a
bottom segment of a partition.
[0046] In another embodiment of the invention, a partition is
provided with clamps at or near its bottom length. The clamps are
correspondingly sized to grip a tabletop thickness. In this manner,
the partition may be selectively clamped onto the tabletop and
easily removed.
[0047] Having described this invention with regard to specific
embodiments, it is to be understood that the description is not
meant as a limitation since further modifications and variations
may be apparent or may suggest themselves to those skilled in the
art. It is intended that the present application cover all such
modifications and variation as fall within the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *