Dining table assembly

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6321662
  • Patent Number
    6,321,662
  • Date Filed
    Monday, April 10, 2000
    24 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, November 27, 2001
    23 years ago
  • Inventors
  • Examiners
    • Cuomo; Peter M.
    • Fisher; Michael J.
    Agents
    • Breaux; Joseph N.
Abstract
A table adapted for eating food items that generate large amounts of bones and shells. The table includes refuse discharge structures to allow large amounts of refuse to be disposed of without leaving the table. The table also includes structures that allow the top of the table to be configured for particular food items.
Description




TECHNICAL FIELD




The present invention relates to dining tables and more particularly to a dining table assembly that includes a washer shaped outer table member, a circular shaped table member insert, a funnel shaped refuse guide member, a number of tray members, a number of flip-out refuse receiving chutes, and a number of condiment indentation covers; the washer shaped outer table member having a circular insert receiving aperture provided therethrough, a number of tray receiving opening provided therethrouqh, a number of cylinder shaped condiment indentation formed into a washer shaped table member top surface thereof, and a number of refuse receiving chute openings provided therethrough; each of the number of flip-out refuse receiving chutes having a flip-out portion pivotally mounted within one of the number of refuse receiving chute openings of the washer shaped outer table member and a tubular discharge end; the circular shaped table member insert being sized and shaped to sealingly fit into the circular insert receiving aperture such that a top circular table member surface is flush with the washer shaped table member top surface; the funnel shaped refuse guide member including a inwardly tapering collection portion in connection with a tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube at a bottom end and in connection with the tubular discharge ends of the number of flip out refuse receiving chutes; the inwardly tapering collection portion being installed in connection with the washer shaped outer table member such that the inwardly tapering collection portion is positioned below and concentric with the circular insert receiving aperture; the inwardly tapering collection portion funneling refuse received through the circular insert receiving aperture and the tubular discharge ends of the number of flip out refuse receiving chutes to the tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube; the tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube having a can discharge opening positionable above the top opening of a garbage can; each of the number of tray members having a first tray side and a second tray side; the first tray side having substantially planar along the entire area thereof; the second tray side defining a food retaining tray; each of the number of tray members being insertable into one of the number of tray receiving openings of the washer shaped outer table member such that when the first tray side is positioned upward within the tray receiving opening, the first tray side is flush with the washer shaped table member top surface and when the second tray side is positioned upward within the tray receiving opening the food retaining tray extends partially above the washer shaped table member top surface.




BACKGROUND ART




Many individuals enjoy having gatherings where large quantities of foods such as bar-b-que ribs, oysters on the half shell, boiled shrimp, boiled crawfish, boiled lobster and boiled crabs are consumed. As a result of consuming these types of food, large quantities of shells and bones are generated which must be periodically disposed of to make room for more. It would be a benefit, therefore, to have a table adapted for eating food items that generate large amounts of bones and shells, that included refuse discharge structures to allow large amounts of refuse to be disposed of without leaving the table and which also included structures that allowed the top of the table to be configured for particular food items.




GENERAL SUMMARY DISCUSSION OF INVENTION




It is thus an object of the invention to provide a dining table assembly that includes a washer shaped outer table member, a circular shaped table member insert, a funnel shaped refuse guide member, a number of tray members, a number of flip-out refuse receiving chutes, and a number of condiment indentation covers; the washer shaped outer table member having a circular insert receiving aperture provided therethrough, a number of tray receiving opening provided therethrough, a number of cylinder shaped condiment indentation formed into a washer shaped table member top surface thereof, and a number of refuse receiving chute openings provided therethrough; each of the number of flip-out refuse receiving chutes having a flip-out portion pivotally mounted within one of the number of refuse receiving chute openings of the washer shaped outer table member and a tubular discharge end; the circular shaped table member insert being sized and shaped to sealingly fit into the circular insert receiving aperture such that a top circular table member surface is flush with the washer shaped table member top surface; the funnel shaped refuse guide member including a inwardly tapering collection portion in connection with a tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube at a bottom end and in connection with the tubular discharge ends of the number of flip out refuse receiving chutes; the inwardly tapering collection portion being installed in connection with the washer shaped outer table member such that the inwardly tapering collection portion is positioned below and concentric with the circular insert receiving aperture; the inwardly tapering collection portion funneling refuse received through the circular insert receiving aperture and the tubular discharge ends of the number of flip out refuse receiving chutes to the tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube; the tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube having a can discharge opening positionable above the top opening of a garbage can; each of the number of tray members having a first tray side and a second tray side; the first tray side having substantially planar along the entire area thereof; the second tray side defining a food retaining tray; each of the number of tray members being insertable into one of the number of tray receiving openings of the washer shaped outer table member such that when the first tray side is positioned upward within the tray receiving opening, the first tray side is flush with the washer shaped table member top surface and when the second tray side is positioned upward within the tray receiving opening the food retaining tray extends partially above the washer shaped table member top surface.




Accordingly, a dining table assembly is provided. The dining table assembly includes a washer shaped outer table member, a circular shaped table member insert, a funnel shaped refuse guide member, a number of tray members, a number of flip-out refuse receiving chutes, and a number of condiment indentation covers; the washer shaped outer table member having a circular insert receiving aperture provided therethrough, a number of tray receiving opening provided therethrough, a number of cylinder shaped condiment indentation formed into a washer shaped table member top surface thereof, and a number of refuse receiving chute openings provided therethrough; each of the number of flip-out refuse receiving chutes having a flip-out portion pivotally mounted within one of the number of refuse receiving chute openings of the washer shaped outer table member and a tubular discharge end; the circular shaped table member insert being sized and shaped to sealingly fit into the circular insert receiving aperture such that a top circular table member surface is flush with the washer shaped table member top surface; the tunnel shaped refuse guide member including a inwardly tapering collection portion in connection with a tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube at a bottom end and in connection with the tubular discharge ends of the number of flip out refuse receiving chutes; the inwardly tapering collection portion being installed in connection with the washer shaped outer table member such that the inwardly tapering collection portion is positioned below and concentric with the circular insert receiving aperture; the inwardly tapering collection portion funneling refuse received through the circular insert receiving aperture and the tubular discharge ends of the number of flip out refuse receiving chutes to the tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube; the tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube having a can discharge opening positionable above the top opening of a garbage can; each of the number of tray members having a first tray side and a second tray side; the first tray side having substantially planar along the entire area thereof; the second tray side defining a food retaining tray; each of the number of tray members being insertable into one of the number of tray receiving openings of the washer shaped outer table member such that when the first tray side is positioned upward within the tray receiving opening, the first tray side is flush with the washer shaped table member top surface and when the second tray side is positioned upward within the tray receiving opening the food retaining tray extends partially above the washer shaped table member top surface.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS




For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are given the same or analogous reference numbers and wherein:





FIG. 1

is a partially exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the dining table assembly of the present invention showing the washer shaped outer table member, the circular shaped table member insert, the funnel shaped refuse guide member, a number of tray members, a number of flip-out refuse receiving chutes, a number of condiment indentation covers, and an optional height adjustable collapsible leg assembly; the washer shaped outer table member having a circular insert receiving aperture provided therethrough, a number of tray receiving opening provided therethrough, a number of cylinder shaped condiment indentation formed into a washer shaped table member top surface thereof, and a number of refuse receiving chute openings provided therethrough; each of the number of flip-out refuse receiving chutes having a flip-out portion pivotally mounted within one of the number of refuse receiving chute openings of the washer shaped outer table member and a Tubular discharge end; the circular shaped table member insert being sized and shaped to sealingly fit into the circular insert receiving aperture such that a top circular table member surface is flush with the washer shaped table member top surface; the funnel shaped refuse guide member including a inwardly tapering collection portion in connection with a tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube at a bottom end and in connection with the tubular discharge ends of the number of flip out refuse receiving chutes; the inwardly tapering collection portion being installed in connection with the washer shaped outer table member such that the inwardly tapering collection portion is positioned below and concentric with the circular Insert receiving aperture; the inwardly tapering collection portion funneling refuse received through the circular insert receiving aperture and the tubular discharge ends of the number of flip out refuse receiving chutes to the tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube; the tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube having a can discharge opening positionable above the top opening of a garbage can; each of the number of tray members having a first tray side and a second tray side; the first tray side having substantially planar along the entire area thereof; the second tray side defining a food retaining tray; each of the number of tray members being insertable into one of the number of tray receiving openings of the washer shaped outer table member such that when the first tray side is positioned upward within the tray receiving opening, the first tray side is flush with the washer shaped table member top surface and when the second tray side is positioned upward with In the tray receiving opening the food retaining tray extends partially above the washer shaped table member top surface; the optional height adjustable collapsible leg assembly being secured to a bottom surface of the washer shaped outer table member.





FIG. 2

is a second perspective view of the dining table assembly of FIG.


1


.





FIG. 3

is a side plan view of the dining table assembly of FIG.


1


.











EXEMPLARY MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION





FIGS. 1-3

show various aspects of an exemplary embodiment of the dining table assembly of the present invention generally designated


10


. Dining table assembly


10


includes a washer shaped outer table member, generally designated


12


; a circular shaped table member insert, generally designated


14


; a funnel shaped refuse guide member, generally designated


16


; a number of tray members, generally designated


18


; a number of flip-out refuse receiving chutes, generally designated


20


; a number of condiment indentation covers, generally designated


22


; and a height adjustable collapsible leg assembly, generally designated


24


.




Washer shaped outer table member


12


has a circular insert receiving aperture


30


provided through the center thereof, a number of tray receiving opening


32


provided therethrough, a number of cylinder shaped condiment indentations


34


formed into a washer shaped table member top surface


36


thereof, and a number of refuse receiving chute openings


38


provided therethrough.




Each of the number of flip-out refuse receiving chutes


20


has a flip-out portion


40


pivotally mounted within one of the number of refuse receiving chute openings


38


of washer shaped outer table member


12


and a tubular discharge end


42


. Circular shaped table member insert


14


is sized and shaped to sealingly fit into the circular Insert receiving aperture


30


such that a top circular table member surface


48


is flush with the washer shaped table member top surface


36


.




Funnel shaped refuse guide member


16


includes an inwardly tapering collection portion


50


in connection with a tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube


52


at a bottom end and in connection with the tubular discharge ends


42


of the number of flip out refuse receiving chutes


20


. Inwardly tapering collection portion


50


is installed in connection with the washer shaped outer table member


12


such that the inwardly tapering collection portion


50


is positioned below and concentric with the circular insert receiving aperture


30


. Inwardly tapering collection portion


50


funnels refuse received through the circular insert receiving aperture


30


and the tubular discharge ends


42


of the number of flip out refuse receiving chutes


20


to the tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube


32


. Tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube


52


has a can discharge opening


60


positionable above a top opening


62


of a garbage can


64


.




Each of the number of tray members


18


has a first tray side


66


and a second tray side


68


. First tray side


66


is substantially planar along the entire area thereof. Second tray side


68


defines a food retaining tray


70


. Each of the number of tray members


18


is insertable into one of the number of tray receiving openings


32


of the washer shaped outer table member


12


such that when the first tray side


66


is positioned upward within tray receiving opening


32


, the first tray side


66


is flush with washer shaped table member top surface


36


and when the second tray side


68


is positioned upward within the tray receiving opening


32


the food retaining tray


70


extends partially above washer shaped table member top surface


36


. Height adjustable collapsible log assembly


22


is secured to a bottom surface


76


of washer shaped outer table member


12


.




It can be seen from the preceding description that a dining table assembly has been provided.




It is noted that the embodiment of the dining table assembly described herein in detail for exemplary purposes is of course subject to many different variations in structure, design, application and methodology. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept(s) herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment herein de-tailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.



Claims
  • 1. A dining table assembly comprising:a washer shaped outer table member; a circular shaped table member insert; a funnel shaped refuse guide member; a number of tray members; a number of flip-out refuse receiving chutes; and a number of condiment indentation covers; said washer shaped outer table member having a circular insert receiving aperture provided therethrough, a number of tray receiving openings provided therethrough, a number of cylinder shaped condiment indentations formed into a washer shaped table member top surface thereof, and a number of refuse receiving chute openings provided therethrough; each of said number of flip-out refuse receiving chutes having a flip-out portion pivotally mounted within one of said number of refuse receiving chute openings of said washer shaped outer table member and a tubular discharge end; said circular shaped table member insert being sized and shaped to sealingly fit into said circular insert receiving aperture such that a top circular table member surface is flush with said washer shaped table member top surface; said funnel shaped refuse guide member including a inwardly tapering collection portion in connection with a tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube at a bottom end and in connection with said tubular discharge ends of said number of flip out refuse receiving chutes; said inwardly tapering collection portion being installed in connection with said washer shaped outer table member such that said inwardly tapering collection portion is positioned below and concentric with said circular insert receiving aperture; said inwardly tapering collection portion funneling refuse received through said circular insert receiving aperture and said tubular discharge ends of said number of flip out refuse receiving chutes to said tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube; said tubular shaped garbage can discharge tube having a can discharge opening positionable above said top opening of a garbage can; each of said number of tray members having a first tray side and a second tray side; said first tray side having substantially planar along said entire area thereof; said second tray side defining a food retaining tray; each of said number of tray members being insertable into one of said number of tray receiving openings of said washer shaped outer table member such that when said first tray side is positioned upward within said tray receiving opening, said first tray side is flush with said washer shaped table member top surface and when said second tray side is positioned upward within said tray receiving opening said food retaining tray extends partially above said washer shaped table member top surface.
  • 2. The dining table assembly of claim 1 further comprising:a height adjustable collapsible leg assembly secured to a bottom surface of said washer shaped outer table member.
US Referenced Citations (10)
Number Name Date Kind
1568154 Hannon et al. Jan 1926
1579823 Langguth Apr 1926
2474101 Frothingham Jun 1949
2962336 Sudler Nov 1960
3111095 Goodman Nov 1963
3510055 Safford May 1970
5251790 Cohn et al. Oct 1993
5572934 Aldridge et al. Nov 1996
5743602 Maddux et al. Apr 1998
6152047 Mac Namara Nov 2000