Patent Application
20200345137
The present invention relates to dynamic furniture, and more particularly to the interaction of stationary and rotating circular tables.
Tables are commonly configured as rectangles or circles, with seating positions around the sides. Once a person selects their seating position, they generally maintain that position throughout the duration of the meeting or meal.
This arrangement of people generally remains static throughout the meeting or meal. One person may comfortably interact with a person on either side, and the people across from them.
However, the static positions of people sitting at tables inhibit collaboration with others. People sitting on the same side, but two or more chairs away are blocked by the person(s) in between. Additionally, it is impractical to communicate with people sitting far away, at larger tables.
With tables of more than four people, the inability to communicate effectively with all, or the majority, of people at the table is a problem. It necessitates a lack of synergy in groups and prevents the ability to share ideas with others not in close proximity.
A table that facilitates the ability to communicate with more people is needed. Such a table would enable social interaction, such that each person would have the opportunity to more comfortably communicate with other people, despite their initial lack of proximity at the beginning of the meeting or meal.
The invention disclosed provides two concentric circular ring tables, with seating positions on the interior of the inner ring table and the exterior of the outer ring table. At least one of the ring tables rotates, affording the opportunity for each person seated on the interior to interact with each person seated on the exterior. When including the people directly adjacent on either side, this creates a situation where each person may comfortably interact with the majority of people, regardless of the group's size.
The invention is comprised of one inner ring table inside another outer ring table. The tables are concentric, and the exterior edge of the inner ring table is adjacent to the interior edge of the outer ring table.
Some people are seated around the interior edge of the inner ring table, facing outwards. At all times, a means of egress is provided to the people sitting in the interior of the inner ring table.
Other people are seated around the exterior edge of the outer ring table, facing inwards. The people on the interior and the people on the exterior are facing each other.
At least one of the two tables rotates relative to the other table, such that each position on the inner ring table will interface with each position on the outer ring table during one revolution of the rotating table. Either one or both tables is positioned upon a rotating platform. Seats associated with the rotating table will also rotate, as they are sitting on the rotating platform.
The rotation of at least one of the two tables facilitates communication between greater numbers than afforded by traditional static tables, enhancing collaboration and the ability to collectively socialize.
The invention disclosed provides two concentric circular ring tables, an inner ring table and an outer ring table. At least one of the tables rotates about the center axis of the ring. In the best mode, the surfaces of the tables are on the same plane, with a minimal gap between the adjacent edges. Alternative embodiments may have the inner and outer ring tables set at different heights, with the one table higher than the other.
There will be a slight gap between the inner and outer ring tables. To prevent objects from falling into this gap, a vertical flange is placed on the inside edge of the outer ring table, and on the outside edge of the inner ring table. In addition to preventing objects from falling through the gap, this flange will prevent people from placing objects across the span, where those objects would be subject to the relative motion between the two ring tables. One embodiment of the invention has a metal, aluminum, flange. Alternative embodiments may have a flat horizontal rubber ring, which extends from the edge of one ring table, slightly over the surface of the other ring table.
At least one of the two tables is equipped with a means of rotation.
The interior platform rotates, and therefore also rotates the inner ring table, and any seating 103 or other objects on the interior platform. In this embodiment, the interior platform may be a circle encompassing the entire area under the inner ring table and the interior of the inner ring table.
Alternative embodiments with an inner ring rotating table, may have a moving platform in the form of a ring, capable of supporting the inner ring table and the associated seating, but leaving an interior space for other purposes. This interior space might provide a means of egress, or a fixed design element.
Another embodiment has the outer table rotating on an outer platform. This embodiment would have a rotating outer platform in the form of a ring large enough to support the outer ring table and any associated seating.
Another embodiment may have two rotating platforms, an inner rotating platform and an outer ring rotating platform, such that both tables are capable of rotating.
There are several available means of rotation.
The best mode of the invention has the one or two rotating platforms embedded in the floor, such that the platform heights are level with the floor height. Alternative embodiments provide a raised platform, or platforms, to afford the ability to place the invention on a solid foundation. In some embodiments, the means for rotation would be completely inside the raised platform(s).
One embodiment of the invention will provide a means for both the inner and outer tables to rotate. A user may select either the inner or outer ring table to rotate, while the other is stationary, or have both tables rotate simultaneously. The two tables may rotate simultaneously in opposite directions, or in the same direction, at the same or differing speeds.
A preferred embodiment would enable the tables to rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise. Control of rotation would permit an operator to vary the speed of rotation, as well as start and stop the rotation.
Alternative embodiments additionally consist of a control system, for manipulating and preprogramming the direction, speed, acceleration and deceleration of one or both rotating tables. For example, a user may program the inner table to slowly begin rotation at 6 p.m., at approximately one revolution per hour, and hold that rotational speed until 8 p.m. Then it may accelerate over time peaking at four revolutions per hour at 10 p.m., before slowly decelerating to a stop at 12 a.m. Variable rotation speeds and acceleration may be preprogrammed or controlled for specific situations.
People seated in the interior of the inner table have a means of egress at all times. Other embodiments of the invention may have more or less openings, depending on size and preference.
Some embodiments of the invention may have an alternative means of egress, such as an elevator or lifting platform, placed inside the inner table, moving above or below. These embodiments would not require openings in the tables, leaving them as complete rings. Other alternative means of egress may include a ladder, spiral staircase, or standard staircase, ascending above or below the inner table. Another alternative embodiment may consist of a ramp from the center of the inner table.
In the embodiment represented in
The inventor envisions the possibility of various table heights. Tables may be at chair height, stool height, or another height suitable for a specific need, higher or lower. In alternative embodiments, heights of the tables may vary between the inner and outer ring tables, or between the inner or outer ring arc tables. The best mode of the invention has tables at chair height. Chairs may be fixed to, or freestanding upon, a moving platform.
One embodiment of the invention has an outer ring table with an exterior edge diameter of fifteen feet. Between the interior and exterior seating positions, this embodiment would sit between fifteen and twenty people. In other embodiments of the invention, the exterior edge diameter may range from as little as eight feet, up to as much as one thousand feet. Other embodiments of the invention may seat as few as five people, or up to hundreds.
An alternative embodiment of the invention has a larger gap between the two adjacent rotating edges. This gap may remain open or be filled with a third ring table. This third ring table is static and affords users the opportunity to place objects accessible to those seated at the rotating tables. Example objects may include flower arrangements, lighting, or serving platters.
An additional alternative embodiment envisions an apparatus without a moving platform. The one or two rotating tables are equipped with a means of rotation independent of the floor. In this embodiment, the seating associated with the one or two rotating tables is attached directly to the table.
Some embodiments of the invention consist of a safety feature to automatically stop rotation if an obstruction interferes with the rotation. Motion sensors similar to those in elevators or garage doors may be used to signal a need to stop rotation. Sensors may be electronic, using light or electromagnetic waves to detect motion, or tactile such as a door bumper, or mechanical safety edge.
An alternative embodiment incorporates wheelchair accessibility. One arc table of the outer ring table may be lowered to an appropriate wheelchair height. Alternative embodiments may accommodate wheelchair accessibility through other means, such as a ramp and platform for a static outer ring table.
The inventor envisions several applications for the invention. It may be useful in business, education, dining, or any social setting. Locations may include offices, schools, libraries, homes, restaurants, hotels, and casinos. The concentric circular rotating table(s) provides the opportunity for people to discuss and solve problems, make new connections, and experience a unique social interaction. Sitting at the table creates an experience where the conversations evolve as participants rotate along with the table.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62843337 | May 2019 | US |
