The present invention relates generally to activity tables, and more particularly, to a childrens activity table assembled without any need for any tools.
Many children use activity tables for learning and recreational activities. Oftentimes such childrens activity tables are difficult to assemble in light of the multitude of component parts and the gauntlet of tools required by a user to assemble the respective childrens activity table.
Interlocking building blocks and other toys of the type sold under the trademarks DUPLO, LEGO, MEGA BLOKS and PLAYMOBIL have for many years been a popular children's toy. Because such blocks are excellent teaching tools, it is desirable to encourage children to play with them, and to that end, products have been sold under the mark TABLE TOYS since 1989, for example, which is intended to provide such encouragement. That product includes a childrens activity table with plates inset into the top thereof having projections for interdigitating with such building blocks molded therein so that the children are encouraged to erect various structures on the table top with those blocks, using the projections on the plates of these tables to stabilize the structure on the table. Of course such blocks also have a habit of disappearing and/or constantly being under foot, and so the product sold under the mark TABLE TOYS has long been provided with a cutout in the center of the table surface having a bag attached to the table underneath that cutout for storing the interlocking building blocks. This product has enjoyed considerable success and acceptance in the marketplace. However, the childrens activity tables of the sort are not easily transportable nor easy to ship when fully assembled, in the sense that they are not easily transportable from place to place. As a result, such childrens activity tables must be shipped or transported as component parts, which oftentimes proves difficult for users to assemble, requiring a multitude of tools and requiring users to expend and waste a lot of time in the process.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide a childrens activity table that is easily transportable and also easy to assemble, and particularly, to provide a childrens activity table that does not require any tools for assembly. These and other needs are which the devices of the present invention are directed.
Specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a childrens activity table preferably for interlocking building blocks that is easy to transport and easy to assemble, with need for any tool and without expensive cost of manufacture.
Other objects, and the advantages of the present invention, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the presently disclosed embodiments thereof.
The following presents a simplified summary of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented herein.
In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is provided a children's activity table having a first u-shaped leg and a second u-shaped leg. The first u-shaped leg has an inner surface opposite an outer surface. The inner surface preferably includes a first elongated mounting plate and a second elongated mounting plate.
In a preferred embodiment, the first and second elongated mounting plates each have a first elongated annular rail spaced apart in a non-parallel orientation to a second elongated annular rail, respectively. The first elongated annular rail and the second elongated annular rail of the respective the first and second elongated mounting plates form respective mounting brackets.
The second u-shaped leg has an inner surface opposite an outer surface. The inner surface comprises a third elongated mounting plate and a fourth elongated mounting plate. The third and fourth elongated mounting plates each have a first elongated annular rail spaced apart in a non-parallel orientation to a second elongated annular rail, respectively. The first elongated annular rail and the second elongated annular rail of the third and fourth elongated mounting plates of the second u-shaped leg each form a respective mounting bracket on the second u-shaped leg each.
The childrens activity table preferably includes a first apron and a second apron. The first apron has a first end opposite a second end. The first end comprises a first elongated apron plate, and the second end comprises a second elongated apron plate.
The first and second elongated apron plates of the first apron and of the second apron, respectively, each have respective elongated annular rails, spaced apart in a non-parallel orientation forming a first annular pocket and a second annular pocket, respectively, on the ends of the first and second elongated apron plates.
The first annular pocket and second annular pocket of the first elongated apron plate and of the second elongated apron plates are each configured to be slidably and removably engaged with the respective mounting brackets of the u-shaped legs when the childrens activity table is in a standing position.
In a preferred embodiment, the first apron has an outer wall opposite an inner wall, where the outer wall has a height that is greater than a height of the inner wall. As described in further detail below, such difference in height provides for an inset that is adapted for receipt of a table top inset at a top of the first apron and second apron of the childrens activity table.
In one embodiment of the children's activity table, the first apron includes an outer wall opposite an inner wall, where the outer wall has a length that is greater than a length of the inner wall. As described in further detail below, such difference in length provides for flush mount between the aprons and the u-shaped legs.
In one embodiment, the inner wall of the first apron has a first mounting end surface opposite a second mounting end surface; the first elongated apron plate is disposed on the first mounting end surface, and the second elongated apron plate is disposed on the second mounting end surface.
In a preferred embodiment, the first elongated apron plate is oriented opposite the second elongated apron plate.
In one embodiment, the first u-shaped leg of the childrens activity table includes a horizontal support member disposed on the inner surface of the first u-shaped leg. The horizontal support member is adapted to receive and support an edge of the table top when the childrens activity table is in the upstanding position (aka, the standing position).
The table top preferably comprises a planar body that is sized and configured to slidably and removably engage the first u-shaped leg, the second u-shaped leg, and the first apron in the standing position. The planar body that is preferably sized and configured to slidably and removably engage the first u-shaped leg, the second u-shaped leg, the first apron, and the second apron, in the standing position. In such manners, a portion of the planar body (e.g., the edge) of the table top is removably engaged atop the horizontal support member of the u-shaped leg.
In a preferred embodiment, the planar body of the table top defines an opening that is adapted to receive children's play toys therethrough.
The childrens activity table preferably includes a storage net that is removably connected to a bottom surface of the planar body of the table top, and the storage net is preferably disposed beneath the opening, where the storage net is adapted to receive and contain the children's play toys that pass through the opening of the table top and into the storage net. In a preferred embodiment, at least one elongated support member holds the storage net to the bottom surface of the table top. In another preferred embodiment, at least two elongated support members hold the storage net to the bottom surface of the table top.
In one embodiment, the table top of the childrens activity table has a top playing surface that contains a plurality of knobs, with each knob projecting perpendicularly from the top playing surface. The plurality of knobs are preferably sized and adapted for mating with interconnecting play toys of the children's play toys.
In another embodiment, the childrens activity table includes a storage bin that is removably connected to a bottom surface of the planar body of the table top. The storage bin is disposed beneath the opening, where the storage bin is adapted to receive and contain the children's play toys that pass through the opening of the table top. In such embodiment, the table top has a top playing surface that has a plurality of knobs projecting perpendicularly from the top playing surface, and the plurality of knobs are adapted for mating with interconnecting toys of the children's play toys.
In a preferred embodiment, the first apron has an outer wall opposite an inner wall, wherein the outer wall has a height that is greater than a height of the inner wall, and the planar body of the table top is removably disposed atop the inner wall of the first apron in the standing position. In such embodiment, the planar body is sized and configured to slidably and removably engage with the first u-shaped leg, the second u-shaped leg, and the first apron in the standing position.
In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, there is provided a children's activity table comprising at least a first leg having a first side surface that is perpendicular to a second side surface, where the first side surface comprises a first elongated mounting plate, and the second side surface comprises a second elongated mounting plate.
In one embodiment, the first and second elongated mounting plates each respectively have a first elongated annular rail spaced apart in a non-parallel orientation to a second elongated annular rail, which respectively form a first annular pocket on the first side surface of the at least first leg and a second annular pocket on the second side surface of the at least first leg.
In one embodiment, the childrens activity table includes at least a first apron having at least a first elongated apron plate, which has a pair of elongated annular rails spaced apart in a non-parallel orientation forming a first annular apron mounting bracket on the at least first apron. In such embodiment, the first annular apron mounting bracket, which is formed by the at least a first elongated apron plate, is sized and configured to slidably engage into the first annular pocket of the at least first leg in an upstanding table position.
In a preferred embodiment, the childrens activity table includes at least a second apron having at least a second elongated apron plate, and the at least second elongated apron plate has a pair of elongated annular rails spaced apart in a non-parallel orientation, which forms a second annular apron mounting bracket. In such preferred embodiment, the second annular apron mounting bracket is sized and configured to slidably engage into the second annular pocket of the at least second leg in the upstanding table position. In such embodiment, the table top includes a planar body disposed atop the at least first apron and atop the at least second apron in the upstanding table position. In one embodiment, the childrens activity table includes a table top having a planar body that is removably connected to the at least first apron and is removably connected to the at least second apron.
In a preferred embodiment, the childrens activity table includes a table top having a planar body that is fixed to a top of the at least first apron and that is fixed to a top of the at least second apron.
In another preferred embodiment, the planar body of the table top of the childrens activity table defines an opening that is adapted to receive children's play toys therethrough. In one embodiment the children's activity table includes a storage net that is removably connected to a bottom surface of the table top, where the storage net is preferably disposed beneath the opening, such that the storage net is adapted to receive and contain children's play toys that pass through the opening of the table top.
In another embodiment, the childrens activity includes a storage bin that is removably connected to a bottom surface of the table top, and the storage bin is preferably disposed beneath the opening, such that the storage bin is adapted to receive and contain children's play toys that pass through the opening of the table top.
In a preferred embodiment, the table top of the children's activity table has a top playing surface that has a plurality of knobs projecting perpendicularly from the top playing surface, and the plurality of knobs are adapted for mating with interconnecting toys.
In another embodiment, the table top has a smooth top playing surface, without a plurality of knobs. In yet another embodiment, the table top has a top playing surface where a portion of the top playing surface is smooth and a separate portion of the top playing surface includes a plurality of knobs projecting perpendicularly from the top playing surface, and the plurality of knobs are adapted for mating with interconnecting toys.
In a preferred embodiment, the planar body of the table top of the childrens activity table defines at least two openings, and each opening of the at least two openings is adapted to receive children's play toys therethrough.
In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, there is provided a children's activity table comprising at least a first leg having a first side surface perpendicular to a second side surface at a first corner, and the first corner comprises a first elongated mounting plate. In such embodiment, the first elongated mounting plate has a first elongated annular rail spaced apart in a non-parallel orientation to a second elongated annular rail, and the first elongated annular rail and the second elongated annular rail form an annular pocket at the first corner of the at least first leg.
In a preferred embodiment, the childrens activity table includes a first apron that is disposed perpendicular to a second apron. The childrens activity table includes an apron corner support bracket having a first end opposite a second end. The first end of the apron corner support bracket is fixed to the first apron. The second end of the apron corner support bracket is fixed to the second apron. The apron corner support bracket has an outer surface that is opposite an inner surface, and the apron corner support bracket includes an elongated mounting plate disposed on the outer surface.
In such preferred embodiment, the elongated mounting plate has elongated annular rails spaced apart in a non-parallel orientation, and the elongated annular rails form an annular mounting bracket that is configured sized and configured to slidably engage into the annular pocket of the first corner of the at least first leg, for an upstanding table position.
In one embodiment, the childrens activity table includes a table top having a planar body that is removably connected to the first apron and that is removably connected to the second apron. In a preferred embodiment, the childrens activity table includes a table top having a planar body that is fixed to the first apron and that is fixed to the second apron.
In a preferred embodiment, the planar body of the table top of the children's activity table has a top surface that is in coplanar alignment with a top surface of the first apron and is in coplanar alignment with a top surface of the second apron.
The planar body of the table top preferably defines an opening that is adapted to receive children's play toys therethrough.
In a preferred embodiment, the children's activity table includes a storage net that is removably connected to a bottom surface of the table top, and the storage net is preferably disposed beneath the opening, such that the storage net is adapted to receive and contain the children's play toys that pass through the opening of the table top and into the storage net.
In another embodiment, the childrens activity table includes a storage bin that. is removably connected to a bottom surface of the table top, and the storage bin is preferably disposed beneath the opening, such that the storage bin is adapted to receive and contain the children's play toys that pass through the opening of the table top and into the storage bin.
In a preferred embodiment, the table top of the childrens activity table includes a top playing surface having a plurality of knobs projecting perpendicularly from the top playing surface, and the plurality of knobs is adapted for mating with interconnecting toys.
In a preferred embodiment, the childrens activity table includes a table top having a planar body that defines at least two openings, and each opening is adapted to receive children's play toys therethrough.
In another embodiment, the table top of the childrens activity table has a smooth top playing surface.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.
Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
For a further understanding of the nature and function of the embodiments, reference should be made to the following detailed description. Detailed descriptions of the embodiments are provided herein, as well as the best mode of carrying out and employing the present invention. It will be readily appreciated that the embodiments are well adapted to carry out and obtain the ends and features mentioned as well as those inherent herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following disclosure is illustrative only and not in any way limiting, as the specific details disclosed herein provide a basis for the claims and a representative basis for teaching to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. It should be understood that the devices, materials, methods, procedures, and techniques described herein are presently representative of various embodiments. Other embodiments of the disclosure will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure.
Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.
Referring initially to
Referring to
The childrens activity table preferably includes a second u-shaped leg 116. The second u-shaped leg 116 has an inner surface 118 opposite an outer surface 120. The inner surface preferably includes a third elongated mounting plate 122 and a fourth elongated mounting plate 124, as shown in
The third and fourth elongated mounting plates 122,124 each have a first elongated annular rail 122a,124a spaced apart in a non-parallel orientation to a second elongated annular rail 122b, 124b, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the third and fourth elongated mounting plates 122,124 are identical in structure as the first and second mounting plates 108,110. The first elongated annular rail 122a, 124a and the second elongated annular rail 122b, 124b form respective mounting brackets 126,128 on the inner surface 118 of the second u-shaped leg 116, as shown in
Referring to
As shown in
The first annular pocket 140 and second annular pocket 142 are configured to slidably and removably receive and engage, respectively, the mounting bracket 112 of the first u-shaped leg 102 and the mounting bracket 126 of the second u-shaped leg 126, as shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the first apron 130 of the children's activity table 100 has an outer wall 144 opposite an inner wall 146, wherein the outer wall 144 has a height 148 that is greater than a height 150 of the inner wall 146, as illustrated in
In a preferred embodiment, as shown in
Referring to
As exemplified in
As shown in
Referring to
In a preferred embodiment, the u-shaped legs (102,116) and the planar body 164 of the table top 162 of the children's activity table 100 are fabricated out of wood. The wood is preferably a hard wood, yet in another embodiment, the u-shaped legs (102,116) and the planar body 164 of the table top 162 of the children's activity table 100 include non-laminated or laminated covered particle board or MDF.
In another embodiment, the planar body 164 of the table top 162 of the children's activity table 100 is fabricated out of plastic. In yet another embodiment, the planar body 164 of the table top 162 of the children's activity table 100 is fabricated out of metal.
In a preferred embodiment, the planar body 164 of the table top 162 defines an opening 168 that is adapted to receive children's play toys 170 therethrough, as shown in
As illustrated in
The children activity table preferably includes a second apron 184 that mirror images the first apron 130, as shown in
As shown in
The top playing surface 176 is preferably formed from one or more plates (preferably having thin planar bodies) that is/are respectively fixed atop the planar body 164 of the table top 162, and the table top 162 and plates are inset in a shallow cavity formed by the first apron 130 having its outer wall 144 (opposite the inner wall 146) having a height that is greater than the height of the inner wall 146, as shown in
Referring to
In one embodiment, the plurality of plurality of knobs 178 are integrally formed with the top playing surface 176 of the planar body 164 of the table top 162 as a unitary construction. In another embodiment, the top playing surface 176 is preferably formed as either one plate 264 or as multiple plates that is/are fixed atop the planar body 164 of the table top 162, where the one plate 264 or the multiple plates are preferably fixed with glue or resin, as illustrated in
Referring to
In another embodiment, there are preferably four (4) thin plates 264 glued atop the planar body 164 of the table top 162, and, for example, two (2) of the thin plates 264 are smooth and two (2) of the thin plates comprise a respective plurality of plurality of knobs 178 projecting upwardly therefrom.
In another embodiment, the children's activity table 100 includes a storage bin 180 that is removably connected to a bottom surface 174 of the planar body 164, and as illustrated in
In a preferred embodiment, the planar body 164 of the table top 162 is sized and configured to adapted slidably and removably engage with the first u-shaped leg 102, the second u-shaped leg 116, and the first apron 130 when the childrens activity table 100 is in the standing position that is shown in
In a preferred embodiment, each u-shaped leg 102, 116 of the childrens activity table 100 is fabricated out of wood. In another embodiment, each u-shaped leg 102, 116 and the table top 162 of the children's activity table 100 are fabricated out of plastic. In yet another embodiment, each u-shaped leg 102, 116 and the table top 162 of the children's activity table 100 are fabricated out of metal.
In one embodiment, the table top 162 includes a smooth top laying surface 186, as illustrated in
Referring to
The first elongated mounting plate 208 and the second elongated mounting plate 210 each have a respective first elongated annular rail 208a,210a spaced apart in a non-parallel orientation to a second elongated annular rail 208b,210b. As shown in
The childrens activity table 200 includes at least a first apron 216 having at least a first elongated apron plate 218, as illustrated in
The childrens activity table 200 preferably includes at least a second apron 224 having at least a second elongated apron plate 226. The at least second elongated apron plate 226 (
As shown in
As exemplified in
As shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the planar body 232 of the children's activity table 100 is fixed to a top 234 of the at least first apron and is fixed to a top 236 of the at least second apron 224.
As illustrated in
In another embodiment, the legs (203, 203, 205, 207) and the planar body 232 of the table top 230 of the children's activity table 200 are fabricated out of plastic. In yet another embodiment, the legs (203, 203, 205, 207) and the planar body 232 of the table top 230 of the children's activity table 200 are fabricated out of metal.
In a preferred embodiment, the children's activity table 200 includes a storage net 240 that is removably connected to a bottom surface 242 of the table top 230. The storage net 240 is preferably disposed beneath the opening 238 of the table top 230, as the storage net 240 is adapted to receive and contain children's play toys 170 that pass through the opening 238 of the table top 230 and into the storage net 240.
As can be appreciate from this above description and respective Figures herein, the storage net 240 shown in
As shown, the opening 238 shown in
In another embodiment, the children activity table includes a storage bin 180 (
The storage bin 180 is attached to the bottom surface 242 of the table top 230 in the same manner as is illustrated in
In a preferred embodiment, the table top 230 of the children's activity table 200 includes a top playing surface 244 having a plurality of knobs 246 projecting perpendicularly from the top playing surface 244. The plurality of knobs 246 are adapted for mating with interconnecting toys, in the same manner as described in detail above. In another preferred embodiment, the planar body 232 of the table top 230 of the childrens activity table 200 defines at least two openings 168, 238 adapted to receive children's play toys therethrough, as described above.
In another embodiment, the table top 230 of the children's activity table 200 has a smooth top playing surface 248, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, the plurality of plurality of knobs 246 are integrally formed with the top playing surface 244 of the planar body 232 of the table top 230 as a unitary construction. In another embodiment, the top playing surface 244 is preferably formed as either one plate 264 (
Referring to
In one embodiment, a plurality of fasteners 262 (such as wood screws, for example) connect the first elongated mounting plate 208 to the first leg 202, as exemplified in
Similarly, in one embodiment, the first elongated apron plate 218 and the second elongated apron plate 226 are respectively connected to the at least first apron 216 and the at least second apron 224 with a plurality of fasteners 262 (such as wood screws, for example), as illustrated in
Referring to
Referring to
In one embodiment, the first elongated annular rail 208a and the second elongated annular rail 208b collectively form a single annular pocket 212 at the first corner 250 of the at least first leg 202, such that the first corner 250 does not include any other means of connection to the childrens activity table apart from the single annular pocket 212.
Referring to
As shown in
In the upstanding table position, the first side surface 204 of the first leg 202 has a vertical plane that is parallel to the vertical plane of the at least first apron 216. And the second side surface 206 of the first leg 202 has a vertical plane that is parallel to the vertical plane of the at least second apron 224, as shown in
Referring to
The childrens activity table 200 includes a table top 230 comprising a planar body 232 connected to the first apron 216 and also connected to the second apron 224. In a preferred embodiment, the planar body 232 comprises a top surface 246 that is in coplanar alignment with a top surface of the first apron 216 and with a top surface of the second apron 224. An illustration of the top surface of the planar body 232 in coplanar alignment with the top surface of the first apron 216 and in coplanar alignment with the top surface of the second apron 224 is exemplified in
In a preferred embodiment, the planar body 232 of the table top 230 defines an opening 238 that is adapted to receive children's play toys 170 therethrough.
The childrens activity table 200 preferably includes a storage net 240 that is removably connected to a bottom surface 242 of the table top 230, and the storage net 240 is disposed beneath the opening 238, as illustrated in
In another embodiment, the childrens activity table 200 includes a storage bin 180 that is removably connected to a bottom surface 242 of the table top 230, and the storage bin 180 is disposed beneath the opening 238 that is defined by the table top 230.
The storage bin 180 is attached to the bottom surface 242 of the table top 230 in the same manner as is illustrated in
The childrens activity table 200 preferably includes a table top 230 having a top playing surface 244 that includes a plurality of knobs 246 projecting perpendicularly from the top playing surface 244, and the plurality of knobs 246 are adapted for mating with interconnecting toys 170, as described above. In yet another preferred embodiment, the childrens activity table 200 includes a planar body 232 that defines at least two openings 168,238 adapted to receive children's play toys 170, in the same nature as is described in detail above.
In a similar nature to the description above, as shown, the opening 238 shown in
In one embodiment, the table top 230 has a smooth top playing surface 248. Such smooth top playing surface 248 is exemplified in
As shown in
In one embodiment, a plurality of fasteners 262 (such as wood screws, for example) connect the elongated mounting plate 208 to the corner 250 of the first leg 202. In another embodiment, the elongated mounting plate 258 is connected to the apron corner support bracket 252 with glue or resin. In yet another embodiment, the elongated mounting plate 258 is fabricated with the apron corner support bracket 252 as a unitary construction, through plastic molding, for example.
In accordance with preferred embodiments of the inventions described above, each of the elongated mounting plates (e.g., 108, 110, 122, 124, 208, 210) and each of the elongated apron plates (e.g., 136, 138, 218, 226) are preferably fabricated out of steel or metal. Meaning, for instance, each one is preferably forged from steel, for example. Similarly, each elongated mounting plate (e.g., 258) is preferably fabricated out of steel or metal. In other embodiments, each of these components are fabricated out of plastic.
In a preferred embodiment, each leg 202, 203, 205, 207 of the childrens activity table 200 is fabricated out of wood. In another embodiment, each leg 202, 203, 205, 207 of the children's activity table 200 is fabricated out of plastic. In yet another embodiment, each leg 202, 203, 205, 207 of the children's activity table 200 is fabricated out of metal. In other embodiments, each of these components are fabricated out of plastic.
While preferred embodiments of the invention include a childrens activity table primarily fabricated with wood, each of the childrens activity tables described herein could be fabricated out of plastic or steel.
On other embodiments, the childrens activity table 100, 200 is fabricated out of one or more composite materials, including for example, ABS Plastic (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Polypropylene (PP) Polyethylene (PE), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), Polycarbonate (PC), Nylon Polyurethane (PU) Foams, or Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE).
Except as may be expressly otherwise indicated, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the description or a claim to a single element to which the article refers. Rather, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is intended to cover one or more such elements, unless the text expressly indicates otherwise.
This invention is susceptible to considerable variation within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.