Patent Application
20220039549
The present disclosure relates generally to tables. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a table which can be positioned adjacent to a Christmas tree or similar upright element to provide enhanced decoration and display of items on and around the table.
Christmas decorations, as well as other seasonal and general decorations often revolve around trees or other upright columns or elements. Many times, these items can be difficult to decorate or suffer from the same old decorative patterns that have been used for generations. For example, Christmas trees have been decorated with ornaments, tinsel, garland and lights in more or less the same manner for hundreds of years. Similarly, columns and other displays arranged around an upright element are generally limited to wrapping about the upright. While there is nostalgic charm in this, new and engaging ways to decorate a tree and other upright element will provide a substantial benefit.
Therefore, what is needed is a display element which can be positioned adjacent to a tree and potentially engage with the tree.
The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article.
In one aspect, a table is provided. The table has a table top which defines a cutout region. This cutout region is sized and shaped to be able to fit around an upright element such as, among other options, the trunk of a Christmas tree. A plurality of legs depend down from the table top and elevate it off the ground. As such, the table can be closely positioned around at least part of the upright element, and can hold decorations on the table top surface, edges, legs, and other parts, to provide an exciting, integrated decorative display.
In another aspect, a table and tree assembly is provided. The table has a table top which defines a cutout region. A plurality of legs depend down from the table top and elevate it off the ground. A trunk of the tree, such as a Christmas tree, is positioned in the space defined by the cutout region such that the table is able to partially surround the tree. Decorations may then be placed on the table top and integrated into the decoration of the Christmas tree as a whole. In certain embodiments which surround and/or are attachable to the tree trunk, the table may also operate as a Christmas tree stand, supporting the trunk in an upright position and providing stability to it. Therefore, the table may have a secondary function as a tree stand, eliminating the need for traditional tree stands. Of course in other embodiments, both the table and tree stand may be employed together.
In yet another aspect, a method of positioning a table adjacent to a tree such as a Christmas tree is provided. The method begins with removing a plurality of branches from the tree. A table is then placed adjacent to a trunk of the tree. The trunk of the tree is at least partially within the area defined by the cutout region. The table has a table top which defines a cutout region, and a plurality of legs which depend down from the table top and elevate it off the ground. The table is attached to the tree by securing a connector of the table top such as a strap, clamp, chain, belt, and the like, around the trunk of the tree. A decoration or decorations may be placed on the table top to improve the decorative design of the tree as a whole.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present disclosure may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.
Generally, the present disclosure concerns a table with a cutout region allowing it to be placed adjacent to, for example, a Christmas tree or other upright element (column, shaft, post, tree trunk, and the like). In many embodiments, the table is formed as a shape, such as a semi-circle, having one elongate flat side. Of course, other shapes of the cutout may be used, and the cutout region may be on other parts of the table perimeter. In one embodiment, the cutout region is formed on this flat side, a cutout region is formed to accommodate the tree trunk or upright element, allowing the table to be placed closely adjacent to and at least partially surrounding the upright element. On or more legs, typically three, extend downward from the table to support it off the ground. In many embodiments the leg(s) are foldable and extendable by, for example, a telescoping configuration. Certain embodiments include rubber feet on the ends of the legs. As such, decorations can be placed on the table or connected thereto, to provide an innovative and exciting new way to decorate.
In many embodiments, the cutout region has a same shape as an outer edge of the table. For example a semicircular table may have a semicircular cutout region. This is not necessarily required, of course. In further embodiments, the cutout region may have a same shape as both an outer edge of the table and also as the shape of the upright element it is intended to be positioned against. For example if the table is intended to be positioned adjacent to a tree trunk such as a Christmas tree trunk, the roughly circular tree trunk may match a semicircular cutout region which in turn may match a semicircular perimeter of the table. This embodiment may provide a consistent and pleasing appearance so that the profiles of the upright (trunk or other) aligns with the table itself, providing a uniform and consistent profile which is known to be pleasing to the eye.
The table may be enhanced by including various features. For example, a strap or other connector may be connected to span the cutout region. The strap can be connected and released around the tree trunk or other upright element that the table is placed adjacent to, so as to secure the table in place. In other embodiments, an additional table top part having its own cutout region may be connected to the table, to enclose the tree/upright element. The additional table top may connect to the elongate flat side of the primary table top in any manner to expand the table. For example, it may have a hinged connection at one end of the elongate flat side, may be connectable by a slide bracket for a sliding engagement, or other interlocking part connection such as snap connection, a pin/shaft connection, male female engagement, frictional connection, dovetail connection, and the like.
In other embodiments, a second table top may rest a top of the table on or be connected to the table's top surface. This second table top also has a cutout region which aligns approximately or is smaller than the table's cutout region. As such, the table and second table top may both be placed at least partly around the tree. In some cases, a skirt may be placed on the top of the table to drape down to create a pleasant decorative effect. In yet another embodiment, the table may have a lower shelf below the table which may be particularly useful for storing and displaying presents instead of placing them on the ground below the tree.
Examples of some types of decorations which may be positioned on the table include Christmas decorations, a nativity scene, a Christmas village scene (comprising decorative building models), and the like, as well a stockings (filled and/or unfilled), garlands, tinsel, table skirts, table cloths, and so forth.
In some embodiments, the table may be placed adjacent to a natural Christmas tree having certain branches removed to allow the table to fit more closely to a trunk of the tree. In other embodiments, the table may be placed adjacent to an artificial tree which may have a spacer and/or or may have the artificial branches removed to allow the table to fit more closely to the artificial trunk of the tree.
Turning now to
While several variations of the present disclosure have been illustrated by way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth.
