So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. Each of the inventions will now be described in greater detail below, including specific embodiments, versions and examples, but the inventions are not limited to these embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions, when the information in this patent is combined with available information and technology.
The body 110 is a support frame or support member capable of supporting or sustaining the weight of the panels 120, 140, 150 and 160 disposed thereon. In one or more embodiments, the body 110 is a single or monolithic component. In one or more embodiments, the body 110 is fabricated from two or more components. In any one of those embodiments, the body 110 preferably includes a cavity 112 formed therein so as to reduce the overall weight of the table 100 as much as possible and/or to provide access to the fourth panel 160.
Regarding the first panel (“upper panel”) 120 in more detail, the upper panel 120 can be formed into any shape and can have any suitable dimension. For example, the upper panel 120 can be round, square, rectangular or any other curved or polygonal shape. Preferably, the upper panel 120 is a square or rectangle having two pairs of parallel sides (i.e. parallel lengths and parallel widths). The term “length” as used herein refers to the longer side of a rectangle or in the case of a square, the term “length” refers to a side along the x-coordinate depicted in
Considering the side panels 140, 150 in more detail, the side panels 140, 150 can be formed into any shape and can have any suitable dimension. For example, the side panels 140, 150 can be round, square, rectangular or any other curved or polygonal shape. Preferably, the side panels 140, 150 are square or rectangular.
In one or more embodiments, the side panels 140, 150 are at least partially attached and adapted to rotate about opposing sides of the body 110 using a joint or device about which the side panels 140, 150 can rotate, swing, or fold. Any joint or device on or about which the outer sections side panels 140, 150 can rotate about the body 110 can be used. Suitable joints or devices for that purpose include one or more hinges or hinge type members. Illustrative hinges and hinge type members include but are not limited to a continuous, piano, butt, gate, blind, T, flap, strap, loose-pin, backflap, hook-and-eye, skew, H, turnover, spring, fast-joint, rising, and sliding. For example, the first side panel 140 can be connected along a first side or left side of the body 110 using a hinge 197, as shown in
As discussed in more detail below, the distance between the first and second panels 140, 150 when situated in parallel is at least slightly greater than the width of the middle section 120B of the second panel 120. Further, the width of the side panels 140, 150 is preferably about half or less than half the length of the fourth panel 160.
Considering the fourth panel (“lower panel”) 160 in more detail, the lower panel 160 can be formed into any shape and can have any suitable dimension. For example, the lower panel 160 can be round, square, rectangular or any other curved or polygonal shape. Preferably, the lower panel 160 is similarly shaped to the middle section 120B of the upper panel 120 discussed in more detail below.
In one or more embodiments, the lower panel 160 is disposed on a lower portion of the body 110. The lower panel 160 is preferably adapted to rotate about a lower portion of the body 110, as shown in
When rotated to its lowered or assembled position, the lower panel 160 serves as a brace or support member for the side panels 140, 150. The lower panel 160 also serves as a shelf or other flat surface for holding accessories or other items during use of the table 100. In another embodiment, the lower panel 160 can include a cut-out (not shown) along a front edge thereof to make room for the legs or feet of the user seated adjacent the table 100.
In one or more embodiments, the side panels 140, 150 can include one or more support members 145, 155 disposed at a lower portion thereof. The support members 145, 155 are adapted to support or hold the weight of the lower panel 160 when the lower panel 160 is extended from the body 110 (i.e. in the lowered or assembled position). The support members 145, 155 are also adapted to support or hold any weight stored or housed on an upper surface of the lower panel 160.
In one or more embodiments above or elsewhere herein, the side panels 140, 150 can include one or more wheels or casters 165 for moving/transporting the table 100. The wheels 165 can be directly mounted to a lower surface of the side panels 140, 150. Alternatively, the side panels 140, 150 can include one more extensions 147, 157 that protrude from an inner surface thereof. Preferably, the one or more extensions 147, 157 are located at lower portion of a side panel 140, 150, beneath the lower panel 160 so as not to interfere with the rotation of the lower panel 160. The extensions 147, 157 can provide a surface for which the one or more wheels or casters 165 can be mounted.
Referring again to the first panel 120, the first panel 120 includes a plurality of sections. A first section 120A, a second section 120B, and a third section 120C are shown. Each section 120A, 120B, 120C can be round, square, rectangular or any other curved or polygonal shape. The sections 120A, 120B, 120C can be of similar size and shape. Alternatively, the sections 120A, 120B, 120C can be shaped and/or sized independent of one another, depending on the end-use needs and applications.
In one or more embodiments, the first and third sections 120A and 120C (“outer sections”) are disposed on opposing sides of the second section 120B (“middle section”). As shown in
In one or more embodiments, the outer sections 120A, 120C are joined or articulated about the middle section 120B. The first, outer section 120A and the middle 120B can be joined using a hinge assembly or other joint member as described, on which the outer section 120A can rotate, swing or fold in relation to the middle section 120B. Likewise, the middle section 120B and the second, outer section 120C can be joined using a hinge assembly or other joint member as described on which the outer section 120C can rotate, swing or fold in relation to the middle section 120B. The hinge assemblies or joint members between the outer sections 120A, 120C and the middle section 120B are not shown in this view.
The middle section 120B is preferably disposed on an upper portion of the body 110. Preferably, the upper panel 120 can rotate about the body 110 via a connection between the middle section 120B and the upper portion of the body 110. Although not shown in this view, any hinge assembly or other joint member described can be used for that connection.
In one or more embodiments, each outer section 120A, 120C includes at least one support member (“wings”) 185A, 185B disposed on a lower surface thereof. The first support member 185A is adapted to rotate about the lower surface of the first, outer section 120A, and the second support member 185B is adapted to rotate about the lower surface of the second, outer section 120C. Any hinge assembly or other joint member described can be used.
Preferably, each support member 185A, 185B is located about the lower surfaces of sections 120A, 120C so that each support member 185A, 185B can contact an outer surface of the second or third panel 140, 150. The support members 185A, 185B are adapted to contact an outer surface of the panels 140, 150, and hold the weight of the supported sections 120A, 120C and other weight disposed thereon. In one or more embodiments, the support members 185A, 185B are wedged or sloped as shown in
The joint or hinge (not shown) about which the middle section 120B of the upper panel 120 is rotated bears the weight of the folded upper panel 120. As shown, the length along the x-coordinate of the folded upper panel 120 is less than the distance between the two side panels 140, 150. Accordingly, the folded upper panel 120 can fold or rotate between the side panels 140, 150. The width of the folded upper panel 120 should be just enough to have clearance between the side panels 140, 150 so that the folded upper panel 120 can rotate freely therebetween.
In one or more embodiments above or elsewhere herein, at least one back side of either the first section 120A or the third section 120C can include a connector 162A such as a magnet to connect to a mating or matching connector 162B disposed on a front edge of the lower panel 160. The lower panel 160 can be rotated about the lower portion of the body 110 and then held into place by the matching connectors 162A, 162B, as shown in
In one or more embodiments, the support members 145, 155 can include one more fasteners 145A, 145B disposed thereon for connecting to a lower surface of the lower panel 160. The fasteners 145A, 145B (shown in
Still referring to
In one or more embodiments above or elsewhere herein, the upper ends 141, 151 of the side panels 140, 150 can be sloped or tapered as shown in
The angle of the sloped surface of the tapered members 141A, 141B can vary, depending on preference of the user and/or end-uses of the table 100. As such, the tapered members 141A, 141B can provide the table 100 with a level or slanted upper surface from which to work. In other words, the upper surface of the side panels 140, 150 in contact with the upper panel 120 can be a level or horizontal surface when contacted with the upper surface of the tapered member 141A, 141B, or the upper surface of the side panels 140, 150 in contact with the upper panel 120 can be a tapered surface that corresponds to the sloped surfaces of the tapered member s141A, 141B, depending on whether the tapered member s141A, 141B are folded in a closed position along the inner surface of the side panels 140, 150 or extended in an open position as shown in
Illustrative accessories include but are not limited to cup holders, electrical power strips, extension cords, phone cords, phone jacks, wire holders, wire conduits, and foldable chairs, benches or the like. Such accessories can also be disposed on any one or more of the panels 120, 140, 150, 160, depending on the preference of the user. In one or more embodiments, any one of the panels described can include one or more holes or apertures formed therethrough to run wires.
In another embodiment, the table 100 can include one or more folding or telescoping legs (not shown) to adjust the height of the table 100. Preferably, the table 100 includes two legs attached to each extension 147, 157. Alternatively, two legs can be attached to the bottom surface of the body 110, and two legs can be attached to the bottom surface of the extensions 147, 157. Any other arrangement of legs that provide a steady and stabile work surface can be used.
To unfold the folded table 100, the reverse steps described above for folding the table 100 are performed. For example, the latches 194A, 194B, if used, are first unlocked. The side panels 140, 150 are rotated, sequentially or simultaneously, outward from the body 110 to the open position as shown in
Still referring to
Any suitable material for construction of the individual components (i.e. body, support members and panels) can be used. Such suitable materials include but are not limited to any one or more metals (such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass, nickel), fiberglass, wood, composite materials (such as ceramics, wood/polymer blends, cloth/polymer blends, etc.), and plastics (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylethylketone (PEEK), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide resins (such as nylon 6 (N6), nylon 66 (N66)), polyester resins (such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene isophthalate (PEI), PET/PEI copolymer) polynitrile resins (such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethacrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers (AS), methacrylonitrile-styrene copolymers, methacrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymers; and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)), polymethacrylate resins (such as polymethyl methacrylate and polyethylacrylate), cellulose resins (such as cellulose acetate and cellulose acetate butyrate); polyimide resins (such as aromatic polyimides), polycarbonates (PC), elastomers (such as ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), ethylene propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM), styrenic block copolymers (SBC), polyisobutylene (PIB), butyl rubber, neoprene rubber, halobutyl rubber and the like)), and mixtures, blends, or copolymers of any and all of the foregoing materials.
A preferred material is lightweight and provides the necessary strength and rigidity for the various end-uses of the table 100, 200. Any one of the components, especially the body 110 and panels 120, 140, 150, 160, are preferably constructed from aluminum. More preferably, the components are constructed from diamond tread plate. In one or more embodiments, the components can have a thickness ranging from a low of about 0.05 inches, 0.063 inches, or 0.100 inches to a high of about 0.125 inches, 0.188 inches, or 0.25 inches.
Illustrative end-uses of the table 100, 200 include but are not limited to a contractor table, drafting table, work station, desk, credenza, kiosk, serving table, dining table, storage table, arts and crafts table, and recreation table. Illustrative remote sites for using such table 100, 200 include but are not limited to a job site, office, store, retail space, classroom, beach, pool, garage, etc.
In one or more embodiments above or elsewhere herein, any one or more of the body 110, panels 120, 140, 150, 160 and support members 145, 155, 185A, 185B can be hollow or at least partially hollow to reduce the weight of the component. In one or more embodiments above or elsewhere herein, any one or more of the body 110, panels 120, 140, 150, 160 and support members 145, 155, 185A, 185B can have varying cross-sectional thicknesses to reduce the weight of the component. Reducing the weight of any individual component will reduce the overall weight of the table 100, 200, which can increase its portability and ease of maneuverability.
In one or more embodiments above or elsewhere herein, any one or more of the body 110, panels 120, 140, 150, 160 and support members 185A, 185B can be injection molded and connected as described via a living hinge (not shown). Each of the components 110, 120, 140, 150, 160, 185A, 185B can be injection molded from one or more polymers described herein, using conventional injection molding techniques, including multi-material or multi-shot injection molding techniques. Multi-material or multi-shot injection molding techniques allow multiple materials to be injection molded into a single or multiple cavity mold. Any suitable multi-material injection molding machine can be used. Additional processing techniques can be used such as multiple cavity tools, insert molding, movable core sections, and gas/water assist, to manipulate the strength, rigidity and weight of the integrated components. The living hinge can be adapted to rotate the articulated components from “open” and “closed” positions. The design and implementation of living hinges are well known.
Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be appreciated that ranges from any lower limit to any upper limit are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in one or more claims below. All numerical values are “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art.
Various terms have been defined above. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined above, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Furthermore, all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this application and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted.
While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
This application claims the benefit under 35 USC § 119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 60/818,800 filed on Jul. 6, 2006, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60818800 | Jul 2006 | US |