COMBINATION COLLAPSIBLE TABLE PICTURE FRAME

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a collapsible table, and more particularly to a collapsible table having an aesthetic display and the ability to be suspended vertically from a support structure such as a wall.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a collapsible table, and more particularly to a collapsible table having an aesthetic display and the ability to be suspended vertically from a support structure such as a wall.

BACKGROUND

Conventional tables are known in the art for having a table top and legs providing structural support for multiple purposes. Collapsible tables are known which have foldable or collapsed to allow for easy and convenient stowing. However, no conventional collapsible tables are known which have an aesthetic display and the ability to be suspended vertically from a support structure. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be explained and will become obvious to one skilled in the art through the summary of the invention that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Collapsible or foldable tables are widely used to provide temporary table space in houses, apartments, office rooms, and conference rooms. Collapsible tables are popular for such applications because they may be folded into a relatively flat package which allows for storage between uses.

Prior conceived collapsible tables have been lacking in their designs because they pose storage problems for users who do not have adequate storage space in their apartments or houses to store even the collapsed table, or are required to store the collapsed tables in remote storage areas, a significant distance away from the location in which the table will be used as a support structure.

What is needed, therefore, is a folding table which is sturdy, relatively light-weight, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and configured to be aesthetically displayed on a wall or like structure, avoiding the need for storage space within a storage unit such as a closet or the like and providing a means to store the table at a location near which the table will be used as a support structure.

The present invention comprises a novel table which is readily collapsible into a significantly compact unit without the removal of any component parts and aesthetically stowable for display on a vertical support structure such as a wall. The invention further provides for the display of artistic pieces such as photographs or paintings both when the table is in its collapsed and its fully extended positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a combination collapsible table picture frame in its fully extended position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom perspective view of a combination collapsible table picture frame in its fully extended position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a combination collapsible table picture frame stowed on a wall in its collapsed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of a combination collapsible table picture frame in its fully collapsed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a hanging means for hanging a combination collapsible table picture frame in its fully collapsed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the table top portion of a combination collapsible table picture frame in its fully collapsed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a combination collapsible table picture frame in its fully collapsed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a combination collapsible table picture frame affixed to a wall in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one of more of the associated listed items. It will further be understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

Disclosed herein is a collapsible table having picture frame functionality which allows a user to fold the table into its picture frame form in order to stow it on a wall or any similar vertical structure. The combination in its basic form and function consists of two major elements: a collapsible table and a framed display.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved collapsible table having a table top constructed to hold a picture, mirror, or the like items for display and allow for the hanging and stowing of the collapsed table on a vertical support structure.

In some embodiments, the table top has a photo aperture in its front face and is arranged for the insertion of a photo between the top and bottom surfaces of the table top. The front member is held in place within the recess of the back member by cooperating metal elements.

In addition to the display of photographs, the present invention has utility for the display of a range of items including leaflets, drawings, mirrors, and the like items frequently found in framed displays. It is particularly useful to house items for display while the table is in its collapsed form and hung on a wall, or when the table is erected and in use as a supporting structure, to create a display of the framed item on the table top surface. For the purpose of illustration, the item housed for display within the table top frame will be described herein as photograph.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the table top portion of the combination collapsible table picture frame consists of a lower edge, an inward section that further has a front side, a back side, an outer edge and a lower edge. There is no limitation to the type of material or size of a photo retaining table top frame that can be used to implement the invention. The indicia, the size of the photo insert and photo slot can be made to accommodate most any size photo commensurate with the overall size of the table top.

Further, the present invention discloses a variety of hanging means that may be implemented to hang the table in its collapsed form onto a wall or like upright supporting structure to display the framed picture located on the table-top surface.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for the manufacturing of a collapsible table with a picture frame table-top configuration. The method includes forming a table-top having a substantially planar top surface with a framed outer edge, a removable bottom surface opposite the top surface allowing for the insertion of a photo or the like between the top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of legs attached to the bottom surface able to alternate between the collapsed and fully extended modes.

In some embodiments, the table top portion of the combination collapsible table picture frame is primarily comprised of a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the table top may be substantially flat and has the ability to be removeably attached to the bottom portion of the table top. In some embodiments, the bottom surface comprises a plurality of foldable or collapsible legs.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a portion of the combination collapsible table picture frame is affixed to a portion of a wall or like vertical support structure. In this embodiment, the legs of the collapsible table are concealed from plain sight when the table is hanging vertically on the wall in its collapsed position. The table is thus affixed to a portion of the wall at all times via a track system that allows the table top of a collapsed table to be slidably lowered from a vertical position to a horizontal position along the wall. In such embodiment, the legs of the table are folded against the bottom side of the table top when the table is in its vertical position on the wall in its collapsed position. Further in this embodiment, the table legs become accessible when the table top is lowered to its horizontal positioning, and allows a user to easily disengage the legs from their collapsed position to their fully extended position. In this embodiment, the aesthetic display of the table top is viewable both in the substantially vertical and horizontal positioning of the table top.

The present invention will now be described by referencing the appended figures representing preferred embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, there is generally depicted a table frame 10 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Table frame 10 generally includes a table top 12 having a top surface 11 with a framed edge 15 and an opposing bottom surface 13. In some embodiments, top surface 11 is held in place within the recess of opposing bottom surface 13 by retaining plates 21.

FIG. 1 shows table frame 10 in its fully extended position. As shown in FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present invention, table frame 10 comprises table top 12 having a top surface 11 and a bottom surface 13 (not shown) encased by framed edge 15. In some embodiments, table frame 10 is further comprised of legs 14 having a first end 19 (not shown) and a second end 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, according to embodiments of the present invention, table frame 10 comprises table top 12 having a top surface 11 (not shown) and a bottom surface 13 encased by framed edge 15. In some embodiments, table frame 10 is further comprised of legs 14 having a first end 19 (not shown) and a second end 20.

Although table top 12 of table frame 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-8 is generally square shaped, it should be appreciated that the structures described herein are applicable to table tops that are rectangular, circular, elliptical, or any other shape. Thus, the scope of the invention is not limited to any particular shape of the table top 12.

Table frame 10 further generally comprises a plurality of legs 14. Each leg 14 has a first end 19 and a second end 20. Legs 14 may be pivotably connected to table top 12 of table frame 10 at first ends 19 by pivoting connection members 16. In some embodiments, pivoting connection members 16 are hinges. Legs 14 are attached to table top 12 in a manner that allows legs 14 to pivot or fold so that table frame 10 is in its collapsed position (FIG. 4), and to extend, so that table frame 10 is in its fully extended position (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, legs 14 pivot or fold and may be disposed within the bottom portion of table top 12 in storage space 23.

In some embodiments, the opposing bottom surface 13 of table top 12 is removable from table top 12, enabling a user to place a photograph, memorabilia or the like for display on top surface 11.

In some embodiments, top surface 11 is glass, plexiglass, or the like relatively clear material pressed up against framed edge 15. In some embodiments, top surface 11 acts as a photo aperture on the front face of the table, allowing for the display of a photo on the front side of table top 12. In some embodiments, top surface 11 is a slab of mirror pressed against framed edge 15.

As shown in FIG. 3, according to embodiments of the present invention, table frame 10 may be suspended from a wall 50 or similar support structure in its collapsed position. In some embodiments, legs 14 (not shown) are disposed within storage space 23 (not shown) within table top 12 having a framed edge 15. In some embodiments, table frame 10 is suspended on wall 50 by hanging means 29 (not shown) suspended on support means 28 (not shown).

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of table frame 10 in its collapsed position. As shown in FIG. 4, according to embodiments of the present invention, table top 12 may store collapsed legs 14 in storage space 23. In some embodiments, table top 12 may be suspended from a wall or similar support structure by a mounting system 17. Mounting system 17 is comprised of hanging means 29 and fastening members 27. Hanging means 29 are disposed along the bottom portion of table top 12. In some embodiments, hanging means 29 are attached to the bottom portion of table top 12 by fastening members 27 such as screws or the like fastening members. In some embodiments, first ends 19 of legs 14 pivot, allowing table frame 10 to be in its fully extended position (FIG. 1) or in its fully collapsed position (FIG. 4). In some embodiments, opposing bottom surface 13 is held in place by retaining plates 21. In some embodiments, retaining plates 21 fasten to framed edge 15 by fastening members 27. In some embodiments, fastening members 27 are screws.

As shown in FIG. 5, according to embodiments of the present invention, the bottom portion of table top 12 has a mounting system 17 comprised of hanging means 29 and fastening members 27. Hanging means 29 may be used to hang or suspend table frame 10 in its collapsed position from a vertical structure 50 such as a wall or the like support structure. In some embodiments, hanging means 29 is a hook or similar suspension mechanism. In some embodiments, hanging means 29 removeably attaches to support means 28. In some embodiments, hanging means 28 is constructed to fit firmly within support means 28.

As shown in FIG. 6, according to embodiments of the present invention, table frame 10 is comprised of table top 12 with legs 14 having first ends 19 and second ends 20 (not shown) and a framed edge 15, having a top surface 11 and opposing bottom surface 13. In some embodiments, opposing bottom surface 13 is held in place by retaining plates 21. In some embodiments, retaining plates 21 fasten to framed edge 15 by fastening members 27. In some embodiments, fastening members 27 are screws. In some embodiments, legs 14 are pivotably attached to table top 12 by pivoting connection members 16. In some embodiments, pivoting connection members 16 may be concealed from plain sight by covers 26. In some embodiments, covers 26 are caps or the like concealing members. In some embodiments, locking members 24 and plugs 25 may lock legs 14 in their fully extended positions. In some embodiments, locking members 24 are ball detents. In some embodiments, framed edge 15 comprises a rubber 22 or like lining between the bottom surface of framed edge 15 and top surface 11, as a means to prevent food, liquid, or any like material from seeping between framed edge 15 and top surface 11 when table frame 10 is used for dining. In some embodiments, table top 12 contains a storage space 23 for storing legs 14 when legs 14 are in their collapsed positions.

As shown in FIG. 7, according to embodiments of the present invention, table frame 10 is comprises legs 14, having the ability to swing or pivot into table top 12. In some embodiments, legs 14 are pivotable and collapse into table top 12 via swinging motion 52.

In some embodiments, table top 12 of the combination collapsible table picture frame is primarily comprised of top surface 11 and bottom surface 13, without a framed edge. The top surface 11 of the table top 12 may be substantially flat and has the ability to be removeably attached to the bottom surface 13 of the table top 12. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 13 comprises hanging means 29 and a plurality of collapsible legs 14.

In some embodiments, table frame 10 is affixed to a portion of a wall 50 or like vertical support structure. In this embodiment, legs 14 are concealed from plain sight when the table is hanging vertically on the wall in its collapsed mode. Table 10 may be affixed to a portion of the wall at all times via a track system 17 that allows table top 12 to be slidably lowered from a vertical position to a horizontal position along the wall (FIG. 8). In some embodiments, legs 14 are folded against opposing bottom 13 of the table top 11 when table 10 is in its vertical position on the wall in its collapsed mode. Legs 14 of this embodiment become accessible when table top 11 is lowered to its horizontal positioning, and allows a user to easily disengage legs 14 from their collapsed position to their fully extended position (FIG. 5). In this embodiment, a framed photograph placed within table top 12 is viewable in both the vertical and horizontal positions of the table.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with modifications as is suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table comprising: a table top having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface having an outwardly extending, rearwardly opening recess therein of a predetermined size;a recess between said top surface and said bottom surface;at least one leg member disposed within a bottom portion of said table top; andat least one hanging means for hanging said combination picture frame and collapsible table from a support structure such as a wall.

2. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 1 wherein said top and bottom surfaces are substantially square.

3. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 1 wherein said top and bottom surfaces are substantially rectangular.

4. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 1 wherein said top and bottom surfaces are substantially round.

5. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 1 further comprising a storage space for said at least one leg member within said bottom surface.

6. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 1 wherein the top and bottom surfaces are encased by a frame.

7. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 6 wherein a bottom portion of the frame is lined with rubber or the like liquid resistant material.

8. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 1 wherein said recess is an aperture for the placement of a photo or similar object for display.

9. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 1 wherein said top surface is glass.

10. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 1 wherein said top surface is plexiglass.

11. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 1 wherein said top surface is a mirror.

12. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 1 wherein said at least one leg member is detachable from said bottom portion.

13. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 1, wherein said rearwardly opening recess of said bottom surface is secured to said table top by at least one retaining plate;

14. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table comprising: a table top having a top surface and a bottom surface;at least one leg member disposed within a bottom portion of said table top; andat least one hanging means for hanging said combination picture frame and collapsible table from a support structure such as a wall.

15. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 14 wherein said top and bottom surfaces are substantially square.

16. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 14 wherein said top and bottom surfaces are substantially rectangular.

17. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 14 further comprising a storage space for said at least one leg member within said bottom surface.

18. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 14 wherein said top surface is glass or plexiglass.

19. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 14 wherein said top surface is a mirror.

20. The combination of a picture display and collapsible table of claim 14 wherein said at least one leg member is detachable from said bottom surface.