U.S. patent application number 13/713609 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-27 for multi-purpose table with inlaid storage container.
The applicant listed for this patent is Betsy Federici, Jamie Hathaway. Invention is credited to Betsy Federici, Jamie Hathaway.
Application Number | 20130160679 13/713609 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48653296 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130160679 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Federici; Betsy ; et
al. |
June 27, 2013 |
Multi-Purpose Table with Inlaid Storage Container
Abstract
A piece of furniture having a relatively flat upper surface and
at least one aperture for inserting at least one removable storage
bucket. The bucket has a lid that also fits within the aperture,
and is flush with the top of the furniture upper surface. Service
items such as ice, bottles, sauce containers and the like may be
stored within the bucket. Alternatively the lid may have a
plurality of small holes so that flower stems, decorative grasses,
or sparklers can be inserted into the bucket to provide decor
without cluttering the upper surface. The underlying furniture may
be a table, ottoman, side table, desk, or any other furniture with
a flat upper surface.
Inventors: |
Federici; Betsy; (Weldon
Spring, MO) ; Hathaway; Jamie; (Weldon Springs,
MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Federici; Betsy
Hathaway; Jamie |
Weldon Spring
Weldon Springs |
MO
MO |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48653296 |
Appl. No.: |
13/713609 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61579496 |
Dec 22, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 13/08 20130101;
A47B 13/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/26 |
International
Class: |
A47B 13/08 20060101
A47B013/08 |
Claims
1) An article of furniture having at least one removable storage
container, comprising: a piece of furniture having a flat upper
surface and at least one support, and having at least one aperture
in said upper surface; a removable storage container having at
least one wall and a bottom, defining an interior volume, and
having a rim extending outward from an upper edge of said wall,
wherein said rim has a diameter less than that of said aperture; a
lid for said container, wherein said lid has a diameter
approximately equal to that of said aperture.
2) The device of claim 1, wherein said aperture further comprises:
a ledge extending around the circumference of said aperture,
wherein said ledge engages with and supports said removable storage
container rim.
3) The device of claim 1, wherein an edge of said aperture proximal
to said furniture upper surface has a diameter greater than an edge
distal from said upper surface.
4) The device of claim 1, wherein said piece of furniture is a
table.
5) The device of claim 1, wherein said removable storage container
is a bucket.
6) The device of claim 1, wherein said lid has a handle.
7) The device of claim 1, wherein said lid has a plurality of
apertures extending through it.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/579,496 filed on Dec. 14, 2011, entitled
"Outdoor and Indoor Table."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a dining surface with
removable storage. More specifically, it relates to a table with a
built-in storage recess. A lid is provided for the storage recess
to prevent tabletop objects from falling down into the recess
unintentionally. The table will be appreciated by crowded dining
establishments with small tables or inadequate table space.
[0004] A lack of available surface space is a common problem at
restaurants, bars, and even in homes. Furniture quickly becomes
cluttered with items, leaving users to seek out new and creative
places to put things they want to keep close at hand. The most
common manifestation of this problem is the dining table covered in
plates, glasses, and serving dishes. Waiters, waitresses, and party
hosts alike, all experience the frustration of trying to fit all
the necessary serving items and dishes onto a single table. The
problem is further compounded by the fact that many restaurants use
small tables in order to conserve floor space. Poolside tables,
side tables, and small dinning room tables present similar problems
to homeowners. There simply is not enough table space to
accommodate all the items that must be served at one time.
[0005] Decorative table items make space usage even more difficult.
Hosts and restaurants alike, use decorative table displays to make
a room seem prettier, brighter, more interesting, or more fun.
While these decorative elements certainly a touch of color to the
dining environment, they present one more thing on a table that
takes up space and can be easily knocked over.
[0006] As the table surface space dwindles, and the stacks of
dishes begin to mount, the risk of knocking items over begins to
increase. Vertically oriented items such as wine glasses, wine
bottles, flower vases, beer glasses, salt and pepper shakers, and
the like, are all prone to collision with a user's hands or other
tabletop items. This risk poses both a physical and economic threat
in that broken glass and porcelain can cut users, and the cost of
replacing the damaged items will cut the wallets of the restaurant
or homeowner. A solution is needed that facilitates the effective
storage and display of service and display items, so that surface
space is freed up for users to place necessary items.
[0007] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0008] The present invention is a table with a removable recess for
holding serving items or displaying decor. The table has a flat
table top with a large aperture, in which a bucket sits. A cover
for the bucket is provided that sits within the aperture and on top
of the bucket, creating a flush fit with the tabletop surface.
Items may be stored in the bucket for use during the meal. The
cover may have a number of apertures to permit flower stems to pass
through the cover. Thus when the recess is filled with water,
flowers may be inserted through the apertures to create an
attractive table display. The prior art devices are directed
towards table with built-in storage but they do not describe a
table with at least one removable bucket that can hold serving
items or table decor such as flowers.
[0009] Tables with storage compartments have been developed for use
in nightclubs and restaurants where a number of drinks must fit on
a single serving surface. One such table is described in Donnelly,
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0129746, which
discloses a desk or table with an aperture in the tabletop. A
removable tray is provided that can be inserted down into the
aperture and supported by the tabletop. An upper rim of the tray
extends over the upper surface of the tabletop to support the
weight of the tray and any items placed therein. Items such as
pencils, pens, service items, or the like can be placed in the
tray. It can be removed for easy cleaning and replaced as
necessary. Unlike the present invention, Donnelly does not disclose
a lid that fits flushly with the table surface.
[0010] Similar versions of the Donnelly table include built in
recesses for holding multiple beverage containers. One such table
is disclosed in Luiso, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2008/0000394. Luiso teaches a table with a solid outer wall that
supports an upper tabletop surface. The surface has several
built-in recess for holding drinks, ice buckets, and bottles. These
recesses are trough shaped and may be oriented in various different
directions. Multiple users can place drinks in the troughs and cup
holders to reduce the likelihood that drinks will be knocked over
as the surface becomes crowded. Like the Donnelly invention, the
Luiso table does not disclose lids for the troughs. Nor does Luiso
disclose removable recesses, like the bucket of the present
invention.
[0011] Devices that hold serving items at table height are also
known in the art. Simmons, U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,127 teaches a large
table-like piece of furniture without a tabletop surface. The
device has two sets of folding legs secured to the underside of a
large rectangular container. A number of troughs extend across the
bottom of the container, separated by upstanding walls. When the
container is filled with ice and serving items, the upper edges of
the trough walls serve as supports to items placed within the
container. Thus the device is a portable refrigeration table that
is used to provide cold food and drink to guests. It does not
include a tabletop surface, lids for the troughs or a means for
displaying decor.
[0012] Levesque, U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,881 discloses a flowerpot
holder that includes a removable tabletop surface. The device has
an upper support ring, a base platform and three supporting legs
extending between the upper support ring and the base support. A
flowerpot can be placed within the upper support ring, for display
purposes. When a flowerpot is not in use, a tabletop surface may be
secured to the support ring, transforming the supports into a small
table. Though this invention does provide uses with the option of
displaying decor or using the table surface, it does not permit the
user to do both at the same time. The present invention gives users
the ability to have a flowerpot, cut flowers, or other decorative
items set into the table surface.
[0013] The prior art fails to disclose a piece of furniture having
a flat upper surface and an aperture with an interior ridge that
holds a removable bucket with a lid. The present invention provides
a device having these elements and giving users the ability to
store serving items or decorative items. It substantially diverges
in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear
that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing
furniture with storage recesses. In this regard the instant
invention substantially fulfills these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of furniture with removable storage recesses now present in
the prior art, the present invention provides a new furniture with
at least one removable bucket insert with a lid wherein the same
can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when storing
service items or decor on a tabletop surface.
[0015] The present invention is a piece of furniture that can hold
a variety of service items or decorative pieces, within a removable
storage container. The furniture comprises an upper surface that is
generally flat and has a large aperture disposed along the surface.
A ridge extends around the interior of the aperture for engaging
with a removable storage container, such as a bucket. The container
may have any geometrical shape, but must have at least one wall, a
bottom, and a rim around the top of the wall(s). When the container
is inserted into the upper surface aperture, the rim of the
container engages with the aperture ledge. A lid is included that
fits over the container or may engage with the container opening
and rim. The lid fits flushly with the upper surface, so that a
smooth tabletop surface is created when the lid is in place.
[0016] A benefit of the present invention is the many uses the
storage container provides. Serving items such as flatware and
napkins can be stored in the container when the furniture is not in
use. Ice, food, and drink can be placed in the container when the
tabletop surface is needed for other food and drink items. This
reduces clutter and the risk of spilled items, via removal of loose
items from the tabletop surface. One embodiment of the invention
provides a lid with a number of small apertures in it. Decorative
items such as flower stems, pipe cleaners, decorative grasses,
sparklers, and the like, may be inserted into the holes and held in
place over the tabletop surface. This eliminates the need for a
vase, flowerpot, or other decor container.
[0017] The container can be removed from the upper surface aperture
and cleaned as necessary. Containers of different shape and size
may be used according to the need of the user. Insulated containers
are also contemplated. In another embodiment, the container may be
a bag made of a durable material such as burlap, canvas, or heavy
duty plastic.
[0018] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide new and improved furniture with removable storage device
that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the
disadvantages.
[0019] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a piece of furniture that has at least one removable
storage container for retaining a variety of items.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lid
for the removable storage container that sits flush with the top of
the upper furniture surface, to allow full use of the surface when
the container is not in use.
[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
lid for the storage container that has a number of apertures for
insertion of flower stems or other decorative items.
[0022] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a storage container for a piece of furniture that can be easily
removed for cleaning.
[0023] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
piece of furniture having a removable storage container to reduce
the amount of clutter on the upper surface of the furniture.
[0024] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Although the characteristic features of this invention will
be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and
manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood
after a review of the following description, taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are
provided throughout.
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the furniture in a table
embodiment with the removable bucket set within an aperture in the
tabletop.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the table embodiment of the
present invention with flowers placed in the bucket and held in
place via the lid.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the bucket inserted
into the tabletop surface and held in place via the aperture
ledge.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an insulated bucket
inserted into the tabletop surface and held in place via the
aperture ridge. A lid is placed on of the bucket, fitting flush
with the top of the tabletop surface.
[0030] FIG. 5A shows an overhead view of the bucket lid with a
plurality of small apertures in the top.
[0031] FIG. 5B shows an overhead view of the bucket lid with a
handle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like
reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like
or similar elements of the furniture with a removable storage
recess. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear
description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will
be discussed as used for storing service and decor items in the
upper surface of a piece of furniture while the furniture is in
use. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and
should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view
of the present invention in a table embodiment. The invention may
be expressed in any type of furniture that has a relatively flat
upper surface. Furniture such as ottomans, coffee tables, side
tables, dressers, and desks are contemplated for use with the
removable storage recess. The invention comprises a piece of
furniture, shown in the figure as a table, with an upper surface
and a support means. In the table embodiment, the table has a
tabletop 11 that is supported by a plurality of legs 15. The
tabletop has an upper surface 12 bounded by an outer edge 26 and an
aperture 14 extending through the tabletop. A removable storage
container 16 in the form of a bucket is secured within the upper
surface aperture. The bucket extends down below the tabletop to
allow tall or cumbersome items to be securely held while the upper
surface is in use.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side view of the
table with the removable storage means in use as a decor holder.
The tabletop 11 is shown with a plurality of legs 15 secured to a
lower surface 13 of the table. An aperture extends through the
tabletop, from the upper surface 12 to the lower surface. A
removable storage container 16 is secured within the aperture and
holds a bouquet of flowers 17. In this way, the removable storage
means can be used to store both practical and decorative items.
Rather than placing a vase on the upper surface, where it can be
easily tipped over, water can be placed in the bucket along with
the flower bouquet. Unlike a vase, the bucket cannot be knocked
over by people using the table upper surface. Service items such as
wine bottles or glasses can also be placed in the storage means
reduce the likelihood that they will be knocked over by a user.
[0035] The shape of the removable storage container and the means
of engagement between the container and upper surface aperture will
differ according to the preferred use of the device. An exemplary
embodiment of the removable storage container is shown in FIG. 3.
The tabletop 11 has an upper surface 12 and a lower surface 13 and
an aperture 14 extending therebetween. Extending around the
interior of the aperture is a supporting ledge 19. This rim engages
with the removable storage container 16 via a rim 18 that protrudes
outward from the upper edges of the container. The diameter of the
rim is similar to that of the aperture, but should be larger than
that of the aperture ledge, so that the rim rests on top of the
ledge. A single material is used in the construction of the wall 20
of the removable storage container and may consist of plastic,
metal, wood, or a durable fabric.
[0036] Another embodiment of the aperture is shown in FIG. 4. The
aperture 14 extends through the upper surface 12 of the tabletop 11
to the lower surface 13 and has slanted sidewalls. The walls taper
inward from the upper to lower surface such that the diameter of
the aperture is largest at the upper surface. A removable storage
container 16 with at least one wall 20, 21 a bottom defining an
open cavity, and a rim 18 extending outward along the upper edge of
the wall. Walls of the container may be single layered, as shown in
FIG. 3, or double layered as in FIG. 4 to provide better thermal
insulation to objects stored within the container. Insulated
versions of the storage container will be useful for storing ice,
fondue sauces, and other substances that require particular thermal
conditions.
[0037] In this embodiment the container rim has a diameter larger
than that of the bottom of the aperture sits thereon. On top of the
storage container is a lid 22 that covers the open portion of the
container. The thickness of the lid should permit it to lie flush
with the upper surface of the tabletop when the lid is placed over
the container. Users will be able to have full use of all available
surface space when the lid is in place because it will not result
in an uneven surface. Uneven serving surfaces can increase the risk
that items will be spilled or knocked over because the base of the
items are not level on the table surface. Thus the flush fitting
lid of the present invention will be appreciated by restaurants and
users who need to maximize their use of small table surfaces.
[0038] Several embodiments of the lid are contemplated for use with
the furniture and the removable storage container. In a preferred
embodiment the device will come with several lids, so that a
restaurant or personal user can switch the lid out according to the
intended use of the storage container. In FIG. 5A a lid 22 is shown
with a plurality of apertures 25, and a cutout region along one of
the lid outer ridge. This cutout is large enough for a user to fit
at least one finger into so that the lid can be pried out of the
aperture for removal. The holes in the lid permit flower stems,
pipe cleaners, sparklers, or decorative grasses to be inserted into
the container and held in an upright position. This lid facilitates
the presentation of decorative items on the tabletop without taking
up surface space with a vase. Another embodiment of the lid is
shown in FIG. 5B. The lid 22 has a built-in handle 23 and a
recessed region 24 below the handle to permit a user's fingers to
curl around the handle. A handled lid without apertures will be
useful when a user stores thermally sensitive materials, because
this lid does not have apertures that would allow air to escape the
container. Other embodiments of the lid are also contemplated such
as one with a single aperture that is sized to allow the top of a
wine bottle to pass therethrough. The specific design of the lid
will vary according to the practical and aesthetic needs of the
user.
[0039] In use an individual inserts the removable storage container
into the aperture in the furniture surface with the open end of the
container facing upward. The container is positioned so that the
rim of the container engages with a corresponding part of the
aperture, either a ledge or a protruding slope. Water is poured
into the container and a lid with many apertures is placed on top
of the container. The lid should fit flush with the upper surface
of the furniture. Next a user inserts the stems of flowers through
the apertures in the lid, such that the bottom of the stem is
dipped into the water in the container. Once all the flowers are
inserted, the user can orient them individually, to form an
attractive arrangement for the table. Service items can be placed
around the flowers without concern that the flower container will
be knocked over by items on the surface.
[0040] The present invention is a piece of furniture with a
removable storage recess. A variety of different furniture types
can be used, but the selected furniture embodiment should have a
flat upper surface. An aperture extends down through the upper
surface, and is adapted to receive and retain a storage container.
The aperture does not need to be centered in the furniture surface,
but may be offset. It may also be of any geometric shape desired by
the manufacturer. A number of different lid styles are provided for
closing off the open top of the storage container and creating a
level surface with the furniture. Lids can be used to help insulate
thermally sensitive objects stored in the container or retain
decorative items within the container. The container itself may be
solid, such as a bucket or bowl, or may be flexible, such as a
burlap bag. Thus the invention provides users with a variety of
ways to store and display items on their furniture while preserving
as much surface space as possible.
[0041] To this point, the instant invention has been shown and
described in what is considered to be the most practical and
preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures
may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious
modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With
respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that
the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the
invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,
function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed
readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all
equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and
described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by
the present invention.
[0042] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *