1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to light-weight, aluminum tables. More particularly, the present invention relates to an aluminum table with a continuous, uninterrupted and flat upper surface.
2. Related Art
Folding tables are known in the art and typically include legs foldably coupled to a table top. Such table tops can be formed of plastic with wood or metal reinforcement. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,271,338; 5,311,825 and 5,173,348; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0184419. Some plastic or wood tables have been proposed with corner pieces. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,219,401; 5,173,348 and 5,947,037.
Sheet metal table tops, such as stainless steel, have been proposed. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,684,966 and 2,905,334; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0260519.
Aluminum tables have been proposed that are formed of a plurality of aluminum slats formed of extruded, open channel aluminum slats bolted together to form the table top. Such slats typically present a picnic-type table top that includes creases or breaks between slats, and that are not flat. For example, see ALulite™ tables from Southern Aluminum.
It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop an aluminum table with a continuous, uninterrupted and flat upper surface. In addition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a light-weight foldable aluminum table that is rigid.
The invention provides a table with a metal top including at least one leg assembly coupled to a table top. The table top has a single, continuous and sheet of metal forming substantially an entire uppermost surface of the table top that is flat, continuous and uninterrupted over substantially the entire uppermost surface. The sheet is folded down around a perimeter thereof forming substantially an entire outermost perimeter of the table top that is continuous and uninterrupted around substantially the entire outermost perimeter and extending downward and away from the uppermost surface. A perimeter frame is formed by a perimeter rail at least substantially circumscribing the perimeter of the sheet inside the outermost perimeter of the sheet and attached directly to an inner surface of the sheet at the perimeter.
In addition, the invention provides a foldable and portable table with an aluminum and rectangular top including a table top. The table top has a single, continuous sheet of aluminum forming substantially an entire uppermost surface of the table top that is flat, continuous and uninterrupted over substantially the entire uppermost surface. The sheet is folded down on opposite sides and opposite ends forming substantially an entire outermost perimeter of the table top that is continuous and uninterrupted around substantially the entire outermost perimeter and extending downward and away from the uppermost surface. The uppermost surface and outermost perimeter of the table top is interrupted only at corner voids cut-out in each corner of the sheet in the uppermost surface and an adjacent side and end at a respective corner. Plastic corner pieces are disposed in the corner voids in each corner of the sheet. The corner pieces have upper surfaces flush with an upper surface of the sheet and forming the entire uppermost surface of the table top along with the sheet. The corner pieces also have side and end surfaces flush with respective sides and ends of the sheet to form the entire outermost perimeter along with the sheet. Opposite side rails are affixed to an inner surface of the sheet with double-sided tape. The side rails are disposed inside the opposite sides of the sheet. The opposite side rails are coupled to corner pieces at opposite ends of the side rails with fingers of the corner pieces extending into the side rails. Opposite end rails are affixed to the inner surface of the sheet with double-sided tape. The end rails are disposed inside the opposite ends of the sheet. The opposite end rails are coupled to corner pieces at opposite ends of the end rails with fingers of the corner pieces extending into the end rails. At least two spaced-apart channel spars with upper channel lips are affixed to the inner surface of the sheet with double-sided tape. At least two leg assemblies are coupled to the table top and pivotal between an open position elevating the table top and a closed position against the table top. Each leg assembly includes: a pivot coupled to the at least two spaced-apart channel spars; at least one leg attached to the pivot; a brace coupled between the at least to spaced-apart channel spars and spaced-apart from the pivot; a linkage coupled between the brace and the at least one leg; and a cap disposed in an end of the pivot and having a size extending beyond the pivot in a direction away from the table top to abut to an uppermost surface of an adjacent stacked table.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and, wherein:
a is a top perspective view of a table in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with foldable leg assemblies shown extended and folded;
b is a bottom perspective view of the table of
c is a side view of the table of
d is a bottom view of the table of
e is a partial bottom perspective view of the table of
f is a partial bottom perspective view of the table of
a is a top perspective view of another table in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention with foldable leg assemblies shown extended and folded;
b is a side view of the table of
c is a bottom view of the table of
a is a partial perspective bottom view of the table of
b is a partial perspective bottom view of the table of
a is a top perspective view of another table in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
b is a bottom perspective view of the table of 12a;
c is a bottom view of the table of 12a;
d is a side view of the table of 12a;
e is a cross-sectional bottom perspective view of the table of 12a taken along line 12a in
f is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the table of 12a;
a is a side view of another table in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
b is a bottom view of the table of
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.
The term “rectangular” is used broadly herein to refer to a shape with straight sides that can be unequal in length, such as with four sides forming a traditional rectangle, or sides of equal length, such as with four sides forming a square. Longer sides can be sides, while shorter sides can be ends.
The phrase a “single, continuous sheet” is used herein to refer to a sheet of material that is a single sheet or piece, as opposed to a plurality of pieces coupled together. Thus, the single, continuous sheet is self integral or monolithic, without seams or joints. The phrase “flat, continuous and uninterrupted” is used herein to refer to a surface that has no protrusions, indentations or interruptions, such as seams, although the surface may have a surface treatment or finish, such as a buff. In addition, such a surface may have no protrusions or indentation on a macro-scale to the touch or unaided eye, although on a micro-scale the structure of the surface may have contours as viewed through a microscope or magnifying glass.
The phrase an “substantially an entire” is used herein to refer to slightly less than an entire amount, such as greater than 95%, 98% or even 99%.
As illustrated in
The table 10 includes a table top 14 with one or more legs or leg assemblies 18a and 18b coupled to the table top and pivotal between an open position (shown by the leg assembly 18a on the left had side of
The table top 14 includes a single, continuous sheet of metal or aluminum 22 forming substantially an entire uppermost surface 26, such as greater than 95%, 98% or even 99% of the uppermost surface. The uppermost surface of the table top is flat, continuous and uninterrupted over substantially the entire uppermost surface. The single, continuous sheet allows for the uppermost surface to be flat, continuous and uninterrupted. Thus, the uppermost surface is without seams formed by abutting and bolted aluminum extruded planks. In addition, the uppermost surface can be flat and smooth, without the protrusions and/or indentations deliberately formed in such aluminum extruded planks that extend the longitudinal length of such planks. Thus, the uppermost surface of the table top can be devoid of interruptions, creases, seams, protrusions, apertures, holes, contours, bends, etc. across the upper surface; providing an acceptable working surface. Thus, the flat and smooth surface can provide a writing surface upon which a sheet of paper can be placed and written upon with a writing instrument without the writing instrument penetrating the sheet of paper due to portions of the sheet of paper being elevated with cavities thereunder. The uppermost surface can have a surface treatment or finish associated with the metal or aluminum, such as anodized, glossed, powder coated, brushed, etc. while remaining flat and smooth. It will be appreciated that such surface finishes are substantially flat and smooth to the touch and unaided eye, without creating an unfit writing surface, although such micro-scale structural contours may be visible through a microscope or magnifying glass. It will also be appreciated that the flatness of the uppermost surface is flat as determined by the unaided eye, even though some inherent curvature may extend across the entire surface due to gravity and the imperfections of materials. The uppermost surface is flat, continuous and uninterrupted over substantially the entire uppermost surface, e.g. the entire surface except the corners, as described in greater detail below. Thus, the uppermost surface is flat, continuous and uninterrupted over substantially the entire uppermost surface including greater than 95%, 98% or even 99% thereof. Such an uppermost surface is obtained by using a single sheet of material, as opposed to slats, planks, etc. that can leave seems or exposed fasteners, such as bolt heads or welds. In one aspect, the sheet can form the entire uppermost surface of the table top.
The sheet 22 can be folded down on opposite sides 30a and 30b and opposite ends 34a and 34b to form substantially an entire outermost perimeter 38 of the table top, such as greater than 95%, 98% or even 99% thereof. The outermost perimeter is continuous around substantially the entire outermost perimeter. The opposite sides 30a and 30b can be longer than the opposite ends 34a and 34b to form a rectangular shaped table top with the long sides designated as sides and the short sides designated as ends for convenience. It will be appreciated that all sides of the table can be of equal length to form a square shaped table (which is intended to be described by the term rectangular as well). The opposite sides can also designate front and back sides 30a and 30b respectively, as described in greater detail below. In the case of a conference table that is relatively long and shallow, tables can be configured end to end to form a longer row with users seated at the front side. The opposite sides and ends of the sheet can extend downward (relative to the table in the open configuration and oriented horizontally) and away from the uppermost surface 26. The opposite sides and ends can be coupled to the uppermost surface by a bend or fold in the sheet, as opposed to an attachment by mechanical fasteners or welds. Thus, the opposite sides and ends and the uppermost surface can be formed of the single, continuous sheet. The folds in the sheet to form the sides and ends also can help maintain the flatness and rigidity of the table top by forming a beam with angled cross section. The outermost perimeter 38 is continuous around substantially the entire outermost perimeter including greater than 95%, 98% or even 99%. In one aspect, the sheet, or folded portion thereof, can form the entire outermost perimeter of the table top.
The uppermost surface 26 and the outermost perimeter 38 of the table top can be interrupted only at corner voids 42 (
The corner pieces 46 have upper surfaces 50 flush with the uppermost surface 26 of the sheet 22, and form the entire uppermost surface of the table top along with the sheet, as shown in
A perimeter frame 78 can be formed by a perimeter rail 66 and 70 at least substantially circumscribing the perimeter of the sheet 22 inside the outermost perimeter 38 of the sheet. The perimeter frame or rails can be attached directly to an inner surface of the sheet at the perimeter. A plurality of rails or support beams can extend between adjacent corner pieces, including opposite side rails 66 and opposite end rails 70, as shown in
The corner pieces 48 can be coupled to the table top 14 or sheet 22 thereof by the rails 66 and 70 which can be directly attached to the sheet, without the corner pieces being directly coupled to the sheet. Thus the sheet is separated or only indirectly coupled to the corner pieces. It will be appreciated that folding, unfolding, and/or moving the table results in inadvertent impact of the table with other object. For example, the table can be dropped or an end thereof can pivot or drop onto the floor. The corner pieces are likely to directly impact the other object or floor. Such an impact on the corner piece is absorbed and/or transmitted to the perimeter frame 78 and rails 66 and 70, and thus spread out through the table top without concentrating the impact force at the corner. In addition, separating the corner piece from the sheet helps separate the impact forces from the sheet to help maintain the flatness and integrity of the uppermost surface 26. As described above, the corner pieces can be configured to absorb or resist damage from impact, such as being formed of plastic. In addition, the corner pieces can be removably coupled to the rails, and thus can be replaceable in the event of catastrophic damage. Thus, the corner pieces can be sacrificial to wear and tear so that the entire table top does not need to be replaced.
An interior frame 98 can be formed by at least two spaced-apart channel spars 82 and the least two leg assemblies 18a and 18b coupled to and spanning the at least two spaced-apart channel spars. The interior frame can be inside the perimeter of the sheet with the at least two spaced-apart channel spars attached directly to the inner surface of the sheet inside of the perimeter of the sheet and the perimeter frame. One or more channels or spars can be attached to the underside of the sheet to help maintain the flatness and rigidity of the uppermost surface. For example, at least two spaced-apart channel spars 82 can be attached to sheet with upper channel lips 86 affixed to the inner surface of the sheet, such as with double-sided tape. Thus, the channel spars can be coupled directly to the sheet. The channel spars can be block U-shaped or tapered U-shape extrusions with lips or flanges on the upper arms of the U-shape. The channel spars 82 can be aligned longitudinally with the length of the table and can extend substantially the length of the table without reaching the ends thereof or the end rails of the perimeter frame. The channel spars 82 can also be positioned inside the perimeter of the sheet or the perimeter frame. The leg assemblies 18a and 18b can be attached to the table top or the channel spars of the table top. The leg assemblies can include pivots 90 coupled to the channel spars. The pivots can span the channel spars, and can span substantially the width or depth of the table, and can be pivotally coupled to the channel spars by clamps 94. The channel spars 82 and the leg assemblies or pivots 90 thereof can form an interior frame 98 inside a perimeter of the sheet and inside the perimeter frame 78. Both the perimeter frame 78 and the interior frame 98 can be coupled together by the sheet 22, but without being directly attached to one another. It will be appreciated that the sheet 22 has a certain amount or degree of flexibility. In addition, the double-sided tape allows a certain amount or degree of play or movement between the sheet and the frames. The flexibility or play between the frames and the sheet and between the perimeter and interior frames can allow the legs or leg assemblies to be self leveling so that all legs rest on the ground or floor, even if uneven or unlevel, to resist rocking of the table.
The leg assemblies can further include one or more legs 102 attached to the pivot 90. A foot 106 can be disposed on the opposite end of the legs, opposite the pivot. Such a foot can have a similar width to that of the table top to resist tipping. A brace or plate 110 can be coupled between the at least two spaced-apart channel spars 82 and spaced-apart from the pivot 90. The brace 110 can be an extrusion with outer flanges to attached to the channel spars and an inner flange. A linkage 114, as known in the art, can be coupled between the brace 110, or inner flange thereof, and the legs 102. The linkage can include to pivotal links and a locking member that can removably cover the pivot between the links to selectively maintain the legs in the open position.
As stated above, the table 10 can be configured as a conference table, i.e. can be long and narrow or shallow to accommodate numerous rows. In addition, the legs 102 or leg assemblies 18a and 18b can be off-center with respect to a longitudinal axis of the table. Similarly, the pair of channel spars 82 can also be off-center, with one located approximately in the center of the table, and with the other near an end (namely the back end 30b) of the table top. Such a configuration positions the legs 102 and linkage 114 nearer a back of the table top, providing more leg room at the front of the table top and resisting user's kicking their knees into the legs or linkages. A channel segment 118 can be located at an end of the pivot 90 near the front side, opposite the channel spar at the back side, and between the pivot and the inside surface of the sheet. The channel segment can be similar to the channel spar, but without extending a length of the table. The channel segment 118 provides support between the sheet or table top and the pivot while reducing the weight of the table. Alternatively, a pair of channel segments can be located at a different opposite ends of the pivot with the at least two spaced-apart channel spars disposed between the pair of channel segments, as shown in
The legs of the leg assemblies can include a pair of arcuate legs. The arcuate shape of the legs can further increase leg room under the table and can provide increased stability between the pivot and foot. The legs can have opposite curvature with respect to one another between the proximal and distal ends of the legs.
As discussed above, the table can be folded and stacked with adjacent tables. The table or leg assemblies can further include a tubular, open ended pivot with a cap 122 disposed in an end of the pivot. The cap can have a size or diameter greater than the pivot and extending beyond the pivot in a direction away from the table top to abut to an uppermost surface of an adjacent stacked table. Such a cap can be formed of plastic or the like to resist marring or scratching the adjacent table top. Similarly, the feet can have end caps with a width or size greater than the cross-section of the feet to extend beyond the feet in a direction away from the table top to about to an uppermost surface of an adjacent stacked table.
An outermost perimeter edge between the outermost perimeter and the uppermost surface can be provided with a radius, chamfer or bevel.
As described above, the channel spars and rails can be coupled to the sheet with double-sided tape which allows a degree of flexibility or play. In addition, the double-sided tape also provides sound deadening. Alternatively, an adhesive can be sued, such as an aircraft grade adhesive for increased rigidity.
Referring to
Although the tables above have been described as having rectangular shapes, it will be appreciated that the tables can have other shapes, such as polygonal, hexagonal, octagonal, circular, semi-circular, etc. Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.
Priority is claimed to copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61/173,294 and 61/173,308, both filed Apr. 28, 2009, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61173294 | Apr 2009 | US | |
61173308 | Apr 2009 | US |