Patent Application
20110226165
Not Applicable.
The disclosure relates generally to convertible tables and, more particularly, to a convertible table that converts between a first configuration and a second configuration.
Standard sized, and other varying sized, gaming tables can be found in many homes and business. These tables generally require a great deal of storage space and may be difficult or cumbersome to assemble and move. As the prevalence of gaming tables in homes and businesses has increased, variations of the structures and uses of similar tables have expanded. While some of the available tables are regulation sized for various games such as ping pong, other sizes vary greatly.
A convertible table is provided that converts between a first configuration and a second configuration. It should be noted that the use of the words “first” and “second” in this context does not indicate any particular order or desired order but is merely employed to denote two separate configurations. The convertible table generally includes a base and a top comprising a plurality of panels. The panels interact to form the top of the table in both configurations. In the first configuration, the panels are combined to produce a lesser surface area than the panel configuration once expanded. This may be accomplished by any number of combination techniques such as by variations of stacking, staggered, or in any other manner that generally provides for a top with less surface area than the top of the second configuration. In the second configuration, at least two of the panels may be positioned adjacent to each other to form a substantially uniform surface. The surface area of the top in the second configuration is generally larger than the surface area of the top in the first configuration.
The base may comprise a plurality of base members configured to form a single base unit in the first configuration and at least two base members in the second configuration. At least two base members are functionally coupled to provide a sturdy base of support for the top of the second configuration.
Support members may be utilized in conjunction with the base in order to provide additional support to the top of the second configuration. The support members may be spaced along the base coupling as needed for proper support of the top.
The second configuration may comprise a standard sized table tennis or ping pong table. Including the height of the table, the length and width of the table, and the requisite markings for the top.
In an exemplary embodiment, four panels are provided, each representing one fourth of a standard sized ping pong table. Alternatively six panels may be provided, each representing one sixth a standard sized ping pong table and so forth. Alternatively, the dimensions of the top of the second configuration may be less than the width and/or length of a standard sized ping pong table. Alternatively, the dimensions of the top of the second configuration may be greater than the width and/or length of a standard sized ping pong table.
The panels may be combined to produce a smaller surface area over the top than that of the expanded panel orientation of the second configuration. A trim may be attached to the perimeter of the panels. The trim may be comprised of at least some of the support panels that are utilized to, in part, construct the support base. Alternatively, the trim will comprise all of the support panels that are used to, in part, construct the support base.
The base, in the first configuration, may include storage space. Any number of different items may be stored within the base, such as a brace for the support base, nets, paddles, balls, books, DVD's, games, etc.
An aspect of the invention provides for a convertible table that is convertible between a first configuration and a second configuration, the convertible table including: a top having panels, wherein the panels are configured in the first configuration to be stacked, wherein the panels in the second configuration are configured to be positioned adjacent and substantially planar to one another, and wherein the top has a greater surface area in the second configuration than in the first configuration; a base comprising two members configured to support the top, and wherein the base comprises a greater height in the second configuration than in the first configuration; and support members configured to couple to the top as borders of the top in the first configuration, and wherein the members are configured to couple to the base as cross members supporting the top in the second configuration.
Another aspect of the invention provides for a convertible table that is convertible between a larger configuration and a smaller configuration, the convertible table including: four panels configured to be disposed side-by-side in the larger configuration and to be stacked in the smaller configuration, wherein the four panels form a top having a larger surface area in the larger configuration than in the smaller configuration; two base portions configured to be disposed substantially vertically in the larger configuration and disposed substantially horizontally in the smaller configuration, wherein the two base portions form a base having a greater height in the larger configuration than in the smaller configuration, and wherein the top sits atop the base in both the larger and smaller configurations; a brace configured to couple the two base portions in the larger configuration; and four elongated members configured to be disposed as end members around the top in the smaller configuration and as cross pieces under the top in the larger configuration.
Yet another aspect of the invention provides for a method of reassembling a convertible table from a first configuration to a second configuration, the method including: accessing the convertible table in a first configuration, wherein the convertible table in both the first configuration and the second configuration has a top and a base, the top including a plurality of panels and the base including a plurality of base portions; disassembling the first configuration, wherein disassembling includes: decoupling and removing a plurality of borders from around the top, wherein the panels of the top are stacked in the first configuration; removing the panels from the base of the first configuration, wherein at least two base portions are arranged in a substantially horizontal orientation in the first configuration. Further, assembling the second configuration, wherein assembling includes: reorienting at least two base portions of the base from the substantially horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation to form the base for the second configuration; coupling the two base portions, wherein this coupling may be accomplished with a brace; installing borders of the first configuration as cross members on the base in the second configuration; and positioning the panels side-by-side as a top on the base to form a top having a larger surface area than the first configuration.
Yet another aspect of the invention provides for a method including: providing a top of a convertible table, the top comprising a plurality of panels (e.g., four panels), wherein the panels are stacked in a first configuration, wherein the four panels are positioned with each of two panels situated side-by-side and each of the panel sets situated end to end forming a rectangular configuration. All panels being substantially planar in a second configuration, and wherein the top has a greater surface area in the second configuration than in the first configuration; providing a base of the convertible table, the base having at least two base portions configured to support the top, and wherein the base has a greater height in the second configuration than in the first configuration; providing a brace configured to couple at least two base portions in the second configuration and to support the top in the second configuration; and providing elongated members configured as edge members, or trim, to be disposed around the top in the first configuration, and configured as support members to support the top in the second configuration.
Other features will be apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
The invention and its advantages are best understood by referring to the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
Referring to
Referring to
An inner member 36 is disposed within at least a portion of the cavity 37 that is defined by the wall segments 29. Similarly, an inner member 34 is disposed within at least a portion of the cavity 35 that is defined by the wall segments 27. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner members 34 and 36 (see
A purpose of the inner members 34 and 36 is to support the respective base members 26 and 28 and to strengthen the interaction of the walls 27 and 29. The inner members 34 and 36 aid to support the weight of the top 80 once installed upon the base 16. The inner members 34 and 36 may be configured in an alternative manner to that shown in the exemplary embodiment, yet retain the function that they serve herein. By way of example, the inner embers 34 and 36 may be attached to two of the three walls 27 and 29; they may extend the full length of the base members 26 and 28; they may be formed of diagonal crossbars, and so forth. Further, the inner members 34 and 36 may function as shelving for the base 16 when the convertible table 10 is in the first configuration.
A brace 40 extends between the base members 26 and 28, operationally coupling the two. Referring to
The brace member 74 is flanked by a plurality of connection members 54 in the exemplary embodiment shown. A purpose of the connection members 54 is to operationally connect the base members 26 and 28 to the brace 40. This connection secures the base of the second configuration 250 in order to support a top 80 contained thereon and subsequent reasonable use of that top 80. The connection members 54 are functionally coupled to the brace member 74 by fasteners 76. The connection members 54 are positioned in relation to the brace member 74 such that operational attachment may be facilitated between the brace member 74 and the base 16.
The connection member 54 may be any known or later discovered connector. Referring to
Referring to
The exemplary embodiment shown comprises two internal support members 14B and two external support members 14A. The internal support members 14B are longer in relation to the external support members 14A. This length disparity is primarily due to the use of the support members 14 as lateral supports in the first configuration 200 as will be described in more detail below.
The support members 14 are disposed transverse in relation to the brace 40. The external support members 14A are positioned distal the brace 40 at the respective external ends 50 and 52 of the base members 26 and 28. The internal support members 14B are positioned proximate the brace member 40 and intermediate the external support members 14A.
A purpose of the support members 14 is to receive, and provide lateral support for, the top 80. The support members 14 may act as cross-members in this regard. The length, size, and/or number of support members 14 may vary as necessary or desired in order to satisfactorily support the top 80.
Referring to
The base members 26 and 28 are functionally connected to each other and to at least one support member 14 and/or brace 40 via at least one connection member 54 in order to form the support base 100 for the top 80.
Referring to
The panels 22 are operationally coupled along at least a portion of their respective sides 95 and/or 94. The panels are contained together to form the top 80. This operational coupling may be achieved by any known or later discovered means.
The exemplary embodiment utilizes a plurality of splines 20 to effect the necessary couplings. Each panel 22 has a slot 44 extending at least partially around the periphery of each panel 22. More specifically, each panel 22 has at least a portion of a slot 44 extending along the periphery of each side 95 and 94 of each panel 22. The slot 44 may be disposed along the edge of the panels 22. At least a portion of each slot 44 accepts at least a portion of a spline 20. The splines 20 affect the functional couplings of the panels 22. The splines 20 are shaped and sized for snug insertion into slot 44 in order to effect a connection between corresponding slots 44.
Referring to
The spline 20 with the extending spline portion 21 may be the same length as the remaining splines 20 or may be of a different length. The remaining splines 20 may be of equal, non-equal length, or a combination of both equal and non-equal lengths. A purpose of the splines 20 is to functionally couple at least two panels 22. A purpose of the spline extension 21 is to couple at least three panels 22.
Referring to
Returning to
Referring to
As shown in
When coupled together, at least a portion of the wall 27 extends within the recessed area 102 of the wall 29. The end 32 of the base member 28 may extend farther within the interior space 24 than at least a portion of the walls 27. This configuration allows for a substantially flush surface 108 along the sides of the base 16 when the base member 26 substantially abuts the shoulder 98 of the recess 102. Alternatively, this configuration allows for adjustment of the length 110 of the side of the base 16 as needed by pulling the base member 26 away from the shoulder 98 of the recess 102 thus increasing the interior area 24 of the base 16.
When coupled, the inner members 34 and 36 may provide shelving space along the interior 24 of the base 16. In the exemplary embodiment, a portion of the ground 18 is visible through the interior space 24 of the base 16. This area may be closed off completely by extending the length of the inner members 34 and 36 if desired. The inner members 34 and 36 may be positioned proximate the ground 18 if a larger open interior area 24 is desired.
It should be apparent that the convertible table 10 may be disposed on various types of surfaces 18, whether the surface is indoors or outdoors, elevated or lower, tile, wood flooring, laminate, carpet, and so on.
Referring to
Referring to
Panel 22B has a plurality of retainers 114 (see
The use of the retainers, aids in preventing accidental movement of the panel 22B in relation to the base 16. The remaining panels 22, when secured to panel 22B in some manner such as with the support members 14, will be coupled to panel 22B such that panel 22B may likewise prevent unintended or accidental movement of the remaining panels 22 in relation to the base 16.
Panel 22A may have at least one finished surface 120 that is finished, such as by painting, staining, decorating, or the like. The finished surface 120 will form the viewable surface for the top 12 of the first configuration 200. In this example, the top surface 120 of the upper panel 22A is painted, e.g., painted the same as, or to coordinate with, the remaining viewable surfaces of the convertible table 10 in the first configuration 200.
In the exemplary embodiment of
Referring to
Alternatively, the support members 14 may couple to the base 16 in order to form the trim.
Returning to
In the exemplary embodiment, the shorter support members 14A are positioned along the lateral ends 94 of the stacked panels 22, and the longer support members 14B are positioned along the longitudinally extending ends 95 of the panels 22 such that the lengths of the support members 14 are substantially similar to, or slightly longer than, the lengths of the corresponding panel ends 94 or 95.
The sides of the support members 14 may be finished and/or configured to provide an aesthetic appearance in the first configuration 200.
Alternatively, the walls 27 and 29 of the respective base members 26 and 28 may be of equal width wherein the base member's ends 30 and 32 abut in the first configuration 200.
The first configuration table 200 may be used as a coffee table, children's table, end table, or in any other manner as appropriate. The second table 250 may provide use as a ping pong table, model building table, game table, card table, or any other use as appropriate.
The panels 22 may combine to form a regulation sized ping pong table as determined by the relevant regulatory entities. A net assembly 84 may be affixed to the top 80 for play, see
The various members and components described herein may typically be manufactured, obtained, or customized via known techniques. The panels 22, 22A, 22B may be constructed of wood, such as oak, pine, plywood, regular wood, and/or finished wood, for example. In alternative embodiments, the panels 22, 22A, 22B are plywood (e.g., 0.3175 cm (⅛″) to 2.54 cm (1″) thicknesses). A consideration in selecting the material for the panels 22, 22A, 22B may be to select a material to preclude significant warping of the panels 22, 22A, 22B. In addition, the material and size of the individual panel 22 may be chosen to provide ease of assembly of the table 10, so as to allow average individuals to manipulate the components of the table 10 in order to construct the first configuration 200 and/or the second configuration 250 as desired. In an alternative embodiment, the panels 22, 22A, 22B are 1.27 cm (½″) rough birch plywood. The birch wood may provide for resiliency in the second or larger configuration of the table 10 as a ping pong table or table tennis table, for example.
The slots 44 on the panels 22 may vary in width or thickness. In an alternative embodiment the slots are 0.3175 cm (⅛″) or less. In a further alternative embodiment, a power saw or table saw, for instance, is used to make a 0.3175 cm (⅛″) cut in the ends and sides of the panels 22, 22A, 22B. While the cuts or slots 44 may be offset, they are generally in the middle of the sides/ends of the panels 22, 22A, 22B to facilitate appropriate assembly of the second configuration 250 of the convertible table 10.
The splines 20 may be constructed of metal (e.g., carbon steel, stainless steel, etc.), wood, strong plastic, and so forth. In an alternative embodiment, the splines 20 are constructed of metal, such as stainless steel. In alternative embodiments, the thickness of the splines 20 may not be very controlled but will generally be less than 0.3175 cm (⅛″). On the other hand, the thickness of the splines 20 can be more controlled, such as with a more precision saw, planning device, milling device, and the like.
The base members 26 and 28, the support members 14, and the brace 40 may also be constructed of wood, such as oak, pine, plywood, and so forth. In alternative embodiments, the support members 14 and the brace 40 are constructed of a finished wood, such as oak, and may be constructed a shop like a cabinet shop, for example.
In an alternative embodiment, the base members 26 and 28 are veneer plywood having a finish on the outer surface, and a thickness in the range of 0.635 cm (¼″) to 2.54 cm (1″) (e.g., 1.905 cm (¾″)). In general, the base members 26 and 28 may be relatively thicker than the panels 22, 22A, 22B to provide for stability of the convertible table 10, for example. The overall width of the base members 26 and 28 from side to side may be selected such that the base 16 can adequately receive and support the panels 22, 22A, 22B. The inner members 34 and 36 of the base members 26 and 26, respectively, may provide for lateral stability.
Generally,
The base members 26 and 28 are placed on their sides and slid together to form the base 16 of the first configuration 200. Objects 38 may be placed within the interior area 24 of the base 16. Panel 22B is located and placed on top of the base 16 with the retainers 114 positioned such that they will generally retain the panel 22B on top of the base 16 at least in relation to some lateral pressure. The remaining panels 22 are evenly stacked upon panel 22B. Panel 22A is the final panel to be placed on top of the base 16 with the finished side 120 up, if there is one, forming the top surface of the first configuration 200. The sides of the panels 22 are aligned to provide a substantially even outer periphery of the table 200. Spines 20 are inserted into the slots 46 and/or slots 44 as needed to couple the support members 14 to the panels 22. The support members 14 are arranged around the periphery of the table 200. Alternative connection devices may be utilized to perform the function of retaining the support members 14 to the table 200. The first configuration 200 is complete.
Generally,
The panels 22 are positioned on the support base 100. The first panel 22 is positioned over at least a portion of the support members 14 attached to one of the base members 26 or 28. A spline 20 is attached to the panel 22 if not previously attached. The spline 20 is positioned so that a portion 21 extends beyond a lateral end 94 of the panel 22 proximate the brace 40. Alternatively, a spline 20 may not be utilized and a known or later discovered connector may be utilized to connect the panels 22.
A second panel 22 is positioned adjacent to the longitudinally extending side 95 of the panel 22 and functionally connected to the first panel 22. The panels are lined up so that they form a uniform half 90.
Another spline 20 is positioned within the slot 44 on the lateral end 94 of either the first or second installed panel 22, unless already in position. A third panel 22 is connected to either the first or second installed panel 22 at their respective lateral ends 94. At least one other spline 20 may be attached within the slot 44 along the lateral end 94 and/or the longitudinally extending end 95 of the fourth panel, or the panel 22 that will be functionally coupled with the fourth panel 22. The fourth panel 22 is installed adjacent to the third installed panel 22 and the open side of the first or second installed panel 22. The expanded table 250 may have items added to it for play, such as the net assembly 84 or other items as needed.
Alternatively the initial panels 22 may be connected along their lateral ends 94 rather than along their longitudinally extending ends 95. The assembly would then continue with attachment of the splines 20 and remaining panels 22 to the longitudinally extending ends 95 of the already installed panels 22.
A method of using a convertible table comprising a disassembling step, a converting step and an assembling step. The disassembling step comprises disassembling components of a configuration wherein the components include a top. The top comprises a plurality of panels and a base. The converting step comprises converting the base to support the top in the desired configuration. The assembling step comprises assembling the top upon the base.
The disassembling step of the method may include any of the following in any combination and order: removing a plurality of support members from the outer periphery of the top; unstacking the plurality of panels, and pulling apart at least two base members that form the base; disassembling a second configuration including uncoupling the plurality of panels from each other, and removing a plurality of support members from the base.
The converting step of the method may include any of the following in any combination and order: converting the base of a first configuration to the base of a second configuration including moving at least two base members of the base into substantially vertical orientations from the substantially horizontal orientation of the first configuration, coupling at least two of the base members to each other with a brace, and functionally coupling at least one support member to at least one base; converting the base of a second configuration to the base of a first configuration including moving at least two base members of the base into substantially horizontal orientations from the substantially vertical orientation of the first configuration, and coupling the base members together. The coupling step may further include coupling at least one wall of a first base member to at least one wall of a second base member wherein the at least one wall of the second base member contains a recessed area along one end of the wall, and wherein the at least one wall of the first base member is at least partially inserted within the recess.
The assembling step of the method may include stacking the plurality of panels on top of each other and arranging a plurality of support members around the periphery of the stacked panels. The step may further include coupling the plurality of support members to the periphery of the stacked panels with at least one spline. The assembling step may include arranging at least two of the plurality of panels in a planar relationship on top of the base. The step may further include connecting at least two panels together with at least one spline.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, means “including but not limited to”, and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
Features and characteristics described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. It is not necessary that the method steps disclosed be performed in any particular order, not even the order in which the steps are disclosed herein. The steps may be performed in any logical order. For example only, the spines 20 may be positioned along the panels 22 directly after the panels are removed from the base 16, may be applied while the panels 22 are still on the base 16, may be applied as the panels 22 are being installed on the support base 100, and/or may be applied in any combination of the foregoing.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
