INTERCHANGEABLE APRON COVER DEVICE AND METHODS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent specification relates to the field of tables. More specifically, this patent specification relates to a device which may function as or be attached to the aprons of a table and methods which can be used to dictate the appearance of the aprons of a table.

BACKGROUND

Table furniture items such as end tables, side tables, occasional tables, corner tables, reception tables, coffee tables, dining tables, worktables, TV tables, computer tables, game tables and the like, often are designed with standard/legacy apron structures which provide substantial support for the table, in addition to decorative quality, utility, or other characteristics to the table.

Table aprons, sometimes called “skirts”, include the non-leg portion of the table that is normally called the table base which is vertically positioned directly beneath the underside of the standard table top. There are many kinds of standard table aprons, including, but not limited to the: steam bent rounded apron, scalloped formal table apron, cut-out table apron and beaded apron. Aprons are primarily designed as support structures for the table base to withstand forces including stresses placed on tables in their design and use. Standard legacy aprons typically hide the underside of the common table top, including any associated joinery components used such as corner blocks for connecting aprons to legs and aprons are used for hiding bracing, drawer sides and backs, drawer and table components, extension and support frames, self-storing spaces, or any mechanical pieces from plain view. Aprons traditionally provide limited aesthetic character and their primary utility is enabling structural strength support to a table. Unfortunately, most standard legacy table aprons regardless of type have static, unchanging looks and only limited utility, that being strength for a table.

Therefore, a need exists for novel devices and methods which are able to dictate the appearance of a table and which do not suffer from the above mentioned drawbacks of existing devices. A further need exists for novel devices which provide increased functionality compared to existing table aprons. A further need exists for novel devices and methods which provide increased functionality compared to existing table aprons. A further need given square footage costs for storage space constraints in many homes and offices is to make use where feasible of the otherwise unused empty space inside the table base which is mostly wasted space even in the limited cases where a table has a drawer. It also leverages the physics of the visible presence of a table in a room. That is, a table of nearly any type is often prominently situated to be seen for potential use and at least one and often two of the table aprons can be seen from a distance and they become more visible as a person enters a room due to viewing angles of a person entering and a table's horizontal outward facing apron surfaces.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An interchangeable apron cover device is provided. Optionally, the device includes interchangeable table aprons inserts and apron insert frames being incorporated into table design to form apron insert frame assemblies which may be incorporated with table legs and a table top to form a device table. This disclosure also describes bringing these individual components together as apron insert frame assemblies which can be further aggregated with one or more electronic components to provide comprehensive and synchronized decorative and novel utility uses to a table base. In a similar fashion, and optionally, the device may include interchangeable apron inserts and interchangeable apron cover frames in order to provide improved decorative capabilities and/or alter the utility of standard or existing tables with existing aprons in new and beneficial ways while hiding the original apron face from view which in preferred embodiments places the interchangeable apron insert immediately adjacent to and/or in front of all or part of the original outward face of an original standard or legacy apron.

Preferably, the device incorporates interchangeable apron inserts to decorate and/or alter the use of a standard table allowing customization of tables to suit personal tastes. Preferably, the device provides dynamic theme or décor by use of interchangeable apron inserts which will extend the life use of the table. In some embodiments, apron insert may be or may comprise in a non-limiting fashion display natural materials artwork stone, wood, marble, or man-made designs from materials glass, plastics, metal, ceramic, cloth, sealed liquid, plants, electronic screen display or paper with designs imprinted on them, e.g., advertising, holiday and sports theme material, and other designs and/or different utility elements. The apron inserts can be interchangeably coupled to apron insert frames or apron cover frames, including being reversible to display a different decorative design or serve a different utility purpose. Optionally, an interchangeable apron insert integrates decorative material that can provide a see-through capability to allow a camera or light to be used periodically from inside the table apron insert in non-obvious ways and/or be attached to a table base assembly and integrated into the apron insert frame assembly. A rectangular apron insert frame in some embodiments may be integrated with an interchangeable apron insert and/or the underside of the table top comprising an apron insert frame assembly. The apron insert may provide visual aesthetic context to the apron insert assembly or outward facing decorative or utility giving the apron insert frame assembly a distinctive look much like a picture frame which fits into the standard defined recess of a standard table.

Thus, in some embodiments interchangeable apron inserts coupled to, by optionally being embedded in, a corresponding apron insert frame may fit into the normal recess formerly called the apron. In some embodiments, a slide in slot in the apron insert frame can accommodate a new decorative look or reversible apron insert material being integrated to the table base assembly from the bottom, inside back, from either end or from the top. By example, hook-and-eye material (i.e., Velcro®), decorative veneered material directly on the insert material or other suitable releasable attachment system hold the insert in place within the frame.

In some embodiments, an interchangeable apron cover device may include: a device table having a plurality of table legs, a table top, and an apron insert frame, in which the apron insert frame is coupled to at least one of the table top and the plurality of table legs; a first apron insert configured to interchangeably engage within the apron insert frame, the first apron insert having a first face, in which the first face of the first apron insert is displayed outwardly from the apron insert frame when the first apron insert is interchangeably engaged to the apron insert frame; and a second apron insert configured to interchangeably engage to the apron insert frame, such that the apron insert frame is only able to interchangeably engage to one of the first apron insert and the second apron insert at one time, the second apron insert having a second face, in which the second face of the second apron insert is displayed outwardly from the apron insert frame when the second apron insert is interchangeably engaged to the apron insert frame, and in which the first apron insert and the second apron insert engage with and are removable from the apron frame at substantially a zero degree angle relative to a display plane of the apron insert frame.

According to another embodiment consistent with the principles of the present invention, a method of customizing a table is provided. In some embodiments, the method may include the steps of: providing a first apron insert having a first face; providing a second apron insert having a second face; providing a first apron insert frame, the first apron insert frame coupled to a device table having a plurality of table legs and a table top, in which the first apron insert frame is coupled to at least one of the table top and the plurality of table legs, and in which the first apron insert and the second apron insert are configured to interchangeably engage to the first apron insert frame, such that the first apron insert frame is only able to interchangeably engage to one of the first apron insert and the second apron insert at one time; and providing a second apron insert frame, the second apron insert frame coupled to the device table, in which the second apron insert frame is coupled to at least one of the table top and the plurality of table legs, in which the first apron insert and the second apron insert are configured to interchangeably engage to the second apron insert frame, such that the second apron insert frame is only able to interchangeably engage to one of the first apron insert and the second apron insert at one time.

In some embodiments, an interchangeable apron cover device may include: an apron insert having a face; a first apron cover frame configured to receive the apron insert; a second apron cover frame configured to receive the apron insert; in which the apron insert is configured to interchangeably engage to the first apron cover frame, in which the face of the apron insert is displayed outwardly from the first apron cover frame when the apron insert is interchangeably engaged to the first apron cover frame, and in which the apron insert engages with and is removable from the first apron cover frame at substantially a zero degree angle relative to a display plane of the first apron cover frame; and in which the apron insert is configured to interchangeably engage to the second apron cover frame, in which the face of the apron insert is displayed outwardly from the second apron cover frame when the apron insert is interchangeably engaged to the second apron cover frame; in which the apron insert engages with and is removable from the second apron cover frame at substantially a zero degree angle relative to a display plane of the second apron cover frame; and in which the apron insert is not simultaneously engageable to both the first apron cover frame and the second apron cover frame.

According to another embodiment consistent with the principles of the present invention, a method of customizing an existing table is provided, the existing table having a plurality of existing table legs, an existing table top, a first existing apron, and a second existing apron. In some embodiments, the method may include the steps of: providing a first apron insert, the first apron insert having a first face; providing a second apron insert, the second apron insert having a second face; providing a first apron cover frame that is coupled to the first existing apron, the first apron cover frame configured to interchangeably engage to the first apron insert and to the second apron insert, such that only one of the first apron insert and second apron insert can be interchangeably engaged to the first apron cover frame at one time; and providing a second apron cover frame that is coupled to the second existing apron, the second first apron cover frame configured to interchangeably engage to the first apron insert and to the second apron insert, such that only one of the first apron insert and second apron insert can be interchangeably engaged to the second apron cover frame at one time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example of an interchangeable apron cover device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an example of an interchangeable apron cover device having an apron cover frame according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an example of an interchangeable apron cover device having an apron insert frame assembly according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram illustrating some example electrical components that an interchangeable apron cover device may include according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an example of a control unit according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 shows a sectional, through line A-A shown in FIG. 1, elevation view of an example of an interchangeable apron cover device having an apron insert frame according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 depicts a partial sectional, elevation view of an example of an interchangeable apron cover device having an apron insert frame according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial sectional, elevation view of another example of an interchangeable apron cover device having an apron insert frame according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 9 shows a partial sectional, elevation view of an example of an interchangeable apron cover device having an apron cover frame according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 10 depicts a partial sectional, elevation view of another example of an interchangeable apron cover device having an apron cover frame according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of a method of customizing a device table according to various embodiments described herein

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of a method of customizing an existing table according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 13 depicts a schematic diagram of electronic communication that an interchangeable apron cover device may be in according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram showing an example of a server which may be in electronic communication with an interchangeable apron cover device as described in various embodiments herein.

FIG. 15 shows a block diagram showing an example of a client device which may be in electronic communication with an interchangeable apron cover device as described in various embodiments herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” “front,” “side,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, one will understand that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Therefore, the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element may be designated as the second element, and the second element may be likewise designated as the first element without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 15% of the specified number. Additionally, as used in this application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein.

Definitions

Apron: Table aprons, sometimes called “skirts”, comprise the non-leg and non-corner block portion of the table that is vertically positioned directly beneath the underside of the standard table top. On a table there are usually four aprons which are usually rectangular and run perpendicular to the table top to span between the top portions of two table legs forming a bracing support structure for the table base with each apron facing outward. Each apron is joined on both ends by any number of joinery methods and aprons serve as the strong connective structure between two table legs. Aprons typically hide the underside of the standard table top, any corner blocks, joinery components for connecting aprons to legs, bracing, drawer sides and backs, drawer and table components, extension and support frames, self-storing, or other mechanical pieces (on tables) from plain view

Apron Insert: In preferred embodiments, a structure having a non-structural decoration element and/or a non-structural utility element which may be affixed to a device table or to a standard or existing apron face, and/or fit over, to cover the apron face from view and provide a different outward facing view or function, which is in some embodiments immediately adjacent and in front of the outward face of all or part of an original standard or legacy table. The apron insert material may require a firm backing such as foam, thin poster board or MDF as examples to keep apron insert material rigid enough for daily use. In further preferred embodiments, an apron insert may comprise a decoration element and/or utility element which may be affixed to the inside an apron insert frame when the apron insert is affixed or coupled to the apron frame. The interchangeable apron insert provides an outward facing view (as a decoration element) or function (as a utility element).

Apron Cover Frame: In preferred embodiments, an apron cover frame may include four segments of non-structural decorative or utility material which span the perimeter of the rectangular apron cover material and are preferably joined at the corners. In some embodiments apron cover frames are designed to look similar to standard picture frames and apron insert frames. One or more segments of the apron cover frame may be non-moving and affixed to the table such that when moving segments of the apron cover frame are affixed, they combine to appear as one, optionally rectangular, perimeter frame preferably joined at the corners. In some cases the apron cover frame and/or the apron insert frame may not require all four sides of the frame to be present. An example of this is where the apron cover frame engages the dark recesses of the underside of the top. This junction between the table top and the apron is not usually visible, especially when the table top overhangs the table base. In this case the table top itself may be slotted on its underside to provide same function as the apron cover frame portion which is omitted. This could occur with slotted legs as well, accepting apron insert material thus obviating the need for apron cover frame portions on the sides that normally adjoin perpendicular to the legs.

Apron Cover Assembly: Combination of apron insert and apron cover frame. The apron cover assembly does not replace a standard legacy apron but co-exists with it.

Apron Insert Frame: In preferred embodiments four segments of decorative or structural material with rigid backing material on the non-face side which span the perimeter of the rectangular apron insert material and are preferably joined at the corners. In some embodiments, apron insert frames are designed to look similar to standard picture frames and table apron frames. One or more segments of the apron insert frame may be non-moving and affixed to the table such that when moving segments of the apron insert frame are affixed, they combine to appear as one rectangular apron insert frame, looking like a standard picture frame preferably joined at the corners.

Apron Insert Assembly: Combination of Apron Insert and the Apron Insert Frame which replace the standard/legacy table apron.

Table Base: In some embodiments the table base is the entire table less the top. The table base in some embodiments may include legs, aprons, interchangeable apron inserts, apron insert frames, apron insert frame assemblies, apron insert assembly systems, apron cover frames, apron cover assemblies, apron cover assembly systems, drawers, the legs, and corner blocks, braces, fasteners, interior rectangular box-like cavity with a rectangular shelf that is affixed at the bottom of the table base and lies parallel to the table top. The table base normally supports the underside of the standard table top, joinery components for connecting aprons to legs, bracing, drawer sides and backs, drawer and table components, extension and support frames, self-storing, or other mechanical pieces (on tables).

Table top: In some embodiments the material may be rectangular in shape with flat upward facing usually decorative surface. The table top in preferred embodiments may define four corners. The table top may have banded edging material around its perimeter to provide either a decorative and protective edge for delicately veneered table top surfaces, or both.

As used herein, the terms “computer” and “computing device” refer to a machine, apparatus, or device that is capable of accepting and performing logic operations from software code. The term “application”, “software”, “software code”, “source code”, “script”, or “computer software” refers to any set of instructions operable to cause a computer to perform an operation. Software code may be operated on by a “rules engine” or processor. Thus, the methods of the present invention may be performed by a computer or computing device having a processor based on instructions received by computer applications and software, with servers and client devices comprising exemplary computing devices.

The term “client device” as used herein is a type of computer or computing device comprising circuitry and configured to generally perform functions such as recording audio, photos, and videos; displaying or reproducing audio, photos, and videos; storing, retrieving, or manipulation of electronic data; providing electrical communications and network connectivity; or any other similar function. Non-limiting examples of client devices include: personal computers (PCs), workstations, servers, laptops, tablet PCs including the iPad, cell phones including iOS phones made by Apple Inc., Android OS phones, Microsoft OS phones, Blackberry phones, Apple iPads, Anota digital pens, digital music players, or any electronic device capable of running computer software and displaying information to a user 101, memory cards, other memory storage devices, digital cameras, external battery packs, external charging devices, and the like. Certain types of electronic devices which are portable and easily carried by a person from one location to another may sometimes be referred to as a “portable electronic device” or “portable device”. Some non-limiting examples of portable devices include: cell phones, smartphones, tablet computers, laptop computers, tablets, digital pens, wearable computers such as Apple Watch, other smartwatches, Fitbit, other wearable fitness trackers, Google Glasses, and the like.

As used herein the term “data network” or “network” shall mean an infrastructure capable of connecting two or more computers such as client devices either using wires or wirelessly allowing them to transmit and receive data. Non-limiting examples of data networks may include the internet or wireless networks or (i.e., a “wireless network”) which may include Wi-Fi and cellular networks. For example, a network may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), a mobile relay network, a metropolitan area network (MAN), an ad hoc network, a telephone network (e.g., a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)), a cellular network, a Zigbee network, or a voice-over-IP (VOIP) network.

A new interchangeable apron cover device and methods are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments. FIGS. 1-4 perhaps best illustrate examples of an interchangeable apron cover device (“the device”) 100A, 100B, according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may include a plurality of apron frames 11A, 11B, and a plurality of apron inserts 21. Each apron insert 21 may comprise a face 22, and optionally a “backing” 23 which may be non-face material behind the face 22 sometimes affixed to the apron insert face 22 decorative or utility material to provide a firm apron insert backing 23 and each apron insert 21 may be coupled or received, and more preferably removably coupled to or received in one apron frame 11A, 11B, at a time of the plurality of apron frames 11A, 11B, so that its face 22 is visible and generally facing away from the table 40, 200, assembly that it is coupled to. In preferred embodiments, the face 22 of an apron insert 21 may be substantially flat or planar in shape, such that an apron insert face 22 may be positioned in a single geometric plane (a flat two-dimensional surface that extends indefinitely).

In some embodiments, an apron frame 11A, 11B, may comprise an apron cover frame 11A which may be configured to be removably coupled to an existing apron 201 of an existing table 200. In further embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise a plurality of table legs 41 and a table top 42 and a plurality of apron frames 11 which may comprise apron insert frames 11B and which may be coupled to the table legs 41 and/or table top 42 so that the apron insert frames 11B may structurally support the table legs 41 and/or table top 42. In some embodiments, an apron insert 21 may be static so that its face 22 has a single appearance, while in further embodiments, an apron insert 21 may be dynamic so that its face 22 is able to display a plurality of appearances, such as by comprising a screen type of display element 62, projector type of display element 62, light emitting elements 61, etc. Optionally, an apron frame 11A, 11B, and/or apron insert 21 may be configured to perform one or more other functions as described herein.

The device 100A, 100B, may comprise a plurality of apron frames 11 which may be configured to interchangeably receive one or more apron inserts 21. Apron frames 11 may be configured in any size and shape. For example, an apron frame 11 may comprise a generally rectangular prism shape, a cylindrical shape, a triangular prism shape, or any other shape, including combinations of shapes. In preferred embodiments, an apron frame 11 may comprise a frame base 12 to which one or more frame rails 13 may be coupled. The frame rails 13 may extend away from the frame base 12 to form a frame cavity 14 or recess that apron inserts 21 may be interchangeably received in or coupled to.

In preferred embodiments, an apron insert 21 may be removably coupled to (engage with and be removable from) an apron frame 11A, 11B, at substantially a zero degree angle relative to a display plane 15A, 15B, of the apron frame 11A, 11B.

In some embodiments an apron insert 21 and an apron frame 11A, 11B, may be removably coupled together by having the apron insert 21 slide into position within an apron insert frame 11B or apron cover frame 11A through a frame aperture 18 from above the table top 42, 203, (with the top raised, pivoted or at least partially separated from the legs 41, 204), such that the apron insert 21 may be removably coupled to the apron frame 11A, 11B, at substantially a zero degree angle relative to a display plane 15A, 15B, of the apron frame 11A, 11B, by sliding the apron insert 21 down into the top of the apron frame 11A, 11B, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. The apron insert 21 may be removably coupled to the apron frame 11A, 11B, at substantially a zero degree angle by the apron insert 21 having a planar face 22 and the apron insert 21 being configured to slide down into the top of the apron frame 11A, 11B, via a downward insertion direction 72, so that the planar face 21 and/or the downward insertion direction 72 is substantially parallel (at substantially a zero degree angle) to the display plane 15A, 15B, of the apron frame 11A, 11B, in which substantially a zero degree angle may comprise plus or minus 5 degrees. Interchanging the apron insert 21 from the top may require pivoting or removing or raising all or a portion of a table top 42, 203, and accessing the apron insert 21 and/or frame cavity 14 or recess of the apron frame 11A, 11B, to replace the previous original apron insert 21 with a new apron insert 21 with different utility element 16 and/or decoration element 17 into this frame cavity 14 such that an interchangeable apron insert 21 fits into this frame cavity 14.

In some embodiments an apron insert 21 and an apron frame 11A, 11B, may be removably coupled together by having the apron insert 21 slide into position within an apron insert frame 11B or apron cover frame 11A from below the table top 42, 203, through a frame aperture 18, such that the apron insert 21 may be removably coupled to the apron frame 11A, 11B, at substantially a zero degree angle relative to a display plane 15A, 15B, of the apron frame 11A, 11B, by sliding the apron insert 21 up into the bottom of the apron frame 11A, 11B, through a frame aperture 18 from as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9. The apron insert 21 may be removably coupled to the apron frame 11A, 11B, at substantially a zero degree angle by the apron insert 21 having a planar face 22 and the apron insert 21 being configured to slide up into the bottom of the apron frame 11A, 11B, via an upward insertion direction 71, so that the planar face 21 and/or the upward insertion direction 71 is substantially parallel (at substantially a zero degree angle) to the display plane 15A, 15B, of the apron frame 11A, 11B, in which substantially a zero degree angle may comprise plus or minus 5 degrees.

In some embodiments an apron insert 21 may be configured to interchangeably engage within an apron insert frame 11B, the apron insert 21 comprising a face 22 and a backing 23, in which the face 22 may be displayed outwardly from the apron insert frame 11B when the apron insert 21 is interchangeably engaged within the apron insert frame 11B; or the interchangeable apron insert 21 is not displayed but is folded down or up to allow unimpeded view in or out of the apron insert frame 11B for decorative or utility purposes. In preferred embodiments an interchangeable apron insert 21 may be outward facing displayed inside the periphery of a rectangular apron cover frame 11A or apron insert frame 11B and integrated by manual, physical or virtual means for interchanging the apron cover 21 including with electronic means by a control device designed to point and click to show a different face or provide a different utility function including rotating the apron insert that is visible to a different apron insert facing outward while mounted on a small rectangular mechanical reel device or change apron insert and/or apron cover pixels in LCD decorative image invoked on a system command to interchange from inside the table base assembly to leverage otherwise and most often hidden and unused cavity of a standard table base in novel ways.

In some embodiments an apron frame 11 may be configured to fold up, down, outward from the base or bottom of a table top 42, 203, to be slid into the base or bottom of a table top 42, 203, in its place. In some embodiments, an interchangeable apron frame 11 can fold out from the back, front or either side and, in some embodiments, preferably uses hinge(s) affixed to an edge of the table apron frame or slide out of a slot or use common unfastening techniques for various means to allow an apron frame 11 to be slid out and a new one to be slid into its place. Similar to typical aprons, an apron frame 11 and/or an apron insert 21 may include a fake or real drawer, such as including a knob or handle common to existing drawers.

Interchangeable apron inserts 21 and corresponding apron insert frames 11B for each insert 21 together comprise the apron insert assembly 11B, 21. The disclosed apron insert assembly 11B, 21, may be a key part of the table base assembly which supports the table base assembly and the underside of the table top. In some embodiments, apron insert frames 11B extend between a plurality of legs 41 in order to provide structural support to brace the table base assembly. An apron insert assembly 11B, 21, provides improved décor and/or utility for the table. The apron insert assembly 11B, 21, is the combination of a plurality of interchangeable apron inserts 21 each corresponding to one of a plurality of apron insert frames 11B. Interchangeable apron inserts 21 in some embodiments include apron inserts 21 which are reversible and may provide a different décor and/or utility function and are therefore reversible apron inserts 21 are interchangeable. Each interchangeable apron insert 21, in preferred embodiments, is configured to provide aesthetic or utility improvements for the table apron insert assembly 11B, 21, and therefore the entire table base assembly, the overall table 40, and its users 101. Interchangeable apron inserts 21 that are used with apron cover frames 11A do not require the structural strength that is required of a standard existing apron 201. For example, interchangeable apron inserts 21 can be paper thin and relatively flimsy because interchangeable apron inserts 21 may be supported by a strong outer interchangeable table apron frame 11 which protects interchangeable apron inserts 21 by the outer apron frame 11 bearing the physical forces exerted by the table in use.

In some embodiments, an apron frame 11 may be configured as an apron cover frame 11A. Generally, an apron cover frame 11A may be configured to be coupled to the existing apron face 202 of an existing apron 201 of an existing table 200, and the apron cover frame 11A may interchangeably receive one or more apron inserts 21 so that the apron cover frame 11A and apron inserts 21 may be used to change the appearance of the existing table 200. An apron cover frame 11A may comprise a display plane 15A which may comprise the plane in which the face 22 of an apron insert 21 that is coupled to the apron cover frame 11A may be disposed or positioned in.

In some embodiments, an interchangeable apron cover device 100A may be used with an existing table 200, and the device 100A may comprise an apron insert 21, having a face 22, a first apron cover frame 11A that may be configured to receive the apron insert 21, and a second apron cover frame apron cover frame 11A configured to receive the apron insert 21. The apron insert 21 may be configured to interchangeably engage to the first apron cover frame 11A, and the face 22 of the apron insert 21 may be displayed outwardly from the first apron cover frame 11A when the apron insert 21 is interchangeably engaged to the first apron cover frame 11A. The apron insert 21 may engage with and may be removable from the first apron cover frame 11A at substantially a zero degree angle relative to a display plane 15 of the first apron cover frame 11A. The apron insert 21 may also be configured to interchangeably engage to the second apron cover frame 11A, and the face 22 of the apron insert 21 may be displayed outwardly from the second apron cover frame 11A when the apron insert 21 is interchangeably engaged to the second apron cover frame 11A. The apron insert 21 may engage with and may be removable from the second apron cover frame 11A at substantially a zero degree angle relative to a display plane 15 of the second apron cover frame 11A. The apron insert 21 is not simultaneously engageable to both the first apron cover frame 11A and the second apron cover frame 11A.

An apron cover frame 11A, in preferred embodiments, may comprise four frame rails 13 or segments of non-structural decorative or utility material which span the perimeter of a rectangular apron insert 21 and are preferably joined at the corners. In preferred embodiments, an apron cover frame 11A may comprise a frame base 12 to which four frame rails 13 may be coupled. The frame rails 13 may extend away from the frame base 12 to form a frame cavity 14 or recess that apron inserts 21 may be interchangeably received in or coupled to. The frame base 12 of an apron cover frame 11A may comprise a non-structural material since the frame base 12 is configured to be coupled to an existing apron 201, the existing apron 201 performing structural functions for an existing table 200. In some embodiments, apron cover frame 11A may be designed to look similar to standard picture frames and apron insert frames 11B. One or more segments of the apron cover frame 11A may be non-moving and affixed to the existing table 200 in advance such that when moving segments of the apron cover frame 11A are affixed they combine to appear as one rectangular perimeter frame preferably joined at the corners. A full rectangular apron cover frame 11A may not be required, such as when the existing table top 203 or existing legs 204 are slotted for the apron insert 21 to fit into. In this case the slotted legs 204 or slotted top 203 may act like an apron cover frame 11A by holding the insert 21 in place, thus obviating the need for a full rectangular apron cover frame 11A. In some instances many as three sides of an apron cover frame 11A could be obviated by slots cut into existing legs 204 and the underside of the existing table top 203 to accept apron inserts 21 without needing more than one side of an apron cover frame 11A.

Since legs 204, and the table top 203, in embodiments used with an existing table 200, may be wider in diameter than the width of affixed apron inserts 21, the joining of table structure of legs 204, top 203, and table apron 201 may define recesses along the lines of contact with the base of the table top 203, such that an interchangeable apron cover assembly 11A, 21, may be affixed into these same recesses without having to modify an existing table 200 to accommodate an interchangeable apron cover assembly 11A, 21 respectively. Preferred embodiments of apron insert 21 may have a rigid backing 23 and lamination affixed to the face to keep the apron insert 21 material from collapsing or becoming worn, wrinkled, stained, and damaged in use.

An apron cover frame 11A may be coupled to existing apron 201 via one or more fasteners 30. Fasteners 30 may comprise any suitable fastening device or method, including heat bonding, chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other types of fasteners, such as screws, staples, nail, pins, hook and loop type or Velcro® fasteners, magnetic type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, snap fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, a slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function.

An apron cover assembly 11A, 21, may refer to a combination of an apron insert 21 and an apron cover frame 11A that is coupled thereto. An apron cover assembly 11A, 21, formed by an apron insert 21 and an apron cover frame 11A does not replace a standard legacy or existing apron 201 but co-exists with it. In this manner, an apron cover assembly 11A, 21, formed by an apron insert 21 and an apron cover frame 11A is not expected to be able to withstand structural forces of normal table use. In some embodiments, an interchangeable apron insert 21 can be comprised of fully or partially interchangeable apron insert material which in some embodiments can be affixed using one or more standard attachment means (e.g. glue, pins, clips, slide in slots, screws, etc.) to its corresponding apron insert 21 and/or apron cover frame 11A.

In some embodiments, an apron frame 11 may be configured as an apron insert frame 11B. Generally, an apron insert frame 11B may be configured to be a structural component which may be coupled to table legs 41 and/or a table top 42 of the device 100B. For example, the device 100B may comprise a plurality of table legs 41 and a table top 42 and a plurality of apron insert frames 11B and which may be coupled to the table legs 41 and/or table top 42 so that the apron insert frames 11B may structurally support the table legs 41 and/or table top 42.

In some embodiments, an interchangeable apron cover device 100B may comprise a device table 40 having a plurality of table legs 41, a table top 42, and an apron insert frame 11B, in which the apron insert frame 11B is coupled to at least one of the table top 42 and the plurality of table legs 41. A first apron insert 21 may be configured to interchangeably engage within the apron insert frame 11B, the first apron insert 21 having a first face 22, and the first face 22 of the first apron insert 21 may be displayed outwardly from the apron insert frame 11B when the first apron insert 21 is interchangeably engaged to the apron insert frame 11B. The device 100B may also include a second apron insert 21 configured to interchangeably engage to the apron insert frame 11B, such that the apron insert frame 11B is only able to interchangeably engage to either the first apron insert 21 or the second apron insert 21 at one time. The second apron insert 21 may have a second face 22, and the second face 22 of the second apron insert 21 may be displayed outwardly from the apron insert frame 11B when the second apron insert 21 is interchangeably engaged to the apron insert frame 11B, and the first apron insert 21 and the second apron insert 21 may engage with and may be removable from the apron frame 11B at substantially a zero degree angle relative to a display plane 15B of the apron insert frame 11B. In further embodiments, the first apron insert 21 and the second apron insert 21 may be in electronic communication with a network interface 53, and the network interface 53 may be in electronic communication with a computing device 300, 400. In further embodiments, the device 100B may include a control unit 50 having a network interface 53, and the control unit 50 may be configured to receive instructions for operating one of the first apron insert 21 and the second apron insert 21 from a computing device computing device 300, 400, that is in electronic communication with the network interface 53.

In some embodiments, the device 100B may comprise a table cavity 43 that may be disposed underneath the table top 42 as shown in FIG. 6. Preferably, a table cavity 43 may be formed by one or more cavity sidewalls 44 that may be coupled to one or more of a table top 42, table legs 41, and/or apron insert frames 11B. Optionally, the table cavity 43 may have or contain a control unit 50. Optionally, the table cavity 43 may be configured to hold one or more apron inserts 21 when the one or more apron inserts 21 are not engaged to an apron insert frame 11B of the device 100B.

In preferred embodiments, an apron insert frame 11B may comprise a frame base 12 to which four frame rails 13 may be coupled. The frame rails 13 may extend away from the frame base 12 to form a frame cavity 14 or recess that apron inserts 21 may be interchangeably received in or coupled to. The frame base 12 of an apron insert frame 11B may comprise a structural material since the frame base 12 is configured to perform structural functions by being and functioning as an apron of a device table 40. Apron insert frames 11B, in preferred embodiments, may comprise strong, structurally supporting materials including steel, aluminum, stone, hardwood, marble, composites, metal, or force-bearing man-made designs.

Interchangeable apron inserts 21 may be housed within the apron insert frame 11B and are protected on its four perimeter sides by the apron insert frame 11B. The interchangeable apron inserts 21 may, in some embodiments, be made of non-structurally supportive, weak or delicate materials less capable of holding up under forces and stress on a table in use than its associated structure supporting apron insert frame 11B. A full rectangular apron insert frame 11B may not be required such as when the table top 42 or legs 41 are affixed to one or more frame rails 13 or segments of an apron insert frame 11B. In this case the legs 41 or top 42 affixed to one or more frame rails 13 may act like a force bearing apron insert frame 11A by holding the apron insert 21 in place while simultaneously holding the table 40 together, thus obviating the need for a full rectangular apron insert frame 11B. In some instances many as three sides of an apron insert frame 11B could be obviated by affixing one or more frame rails 13 between existing legs 41 and using a slot in the underside of the table top 42 to accept apron inserts 21 without needing more than one side of an apron insert frame 11B.

In preferred embodiments, an apron insert frame 11B may be made from or may comprise one or more structural force-bearing materials and may be configured to house, contain, or otherwise couple an interchangeable apron insert 21. Preferably, an apron insert frame 11B may be one molded or formed rectangular shaped rail or contain four frame rails 13 of force bearing structural decorative or utility material which span the perimeter of the rectangular apron insert 21 material and are preferably joined at the corners. In some embodiments, apron insert frames 11B are configured to look similar to standard picture frames and apron cover frames 11A. One or more segments or frame rails 13 of the apron insert frame 11B may be non-moving and affixed to a device table 40 such that when moving segments or frame rails 13 of the apron insert frame 11B are affixed they combine to appear as one rectangular perimeter frame preferably joined at the corners.

In preferred embodiments, the device 100B may include four apron insert frames 11B which are usually rectangular and the long side of the apron insert frame 11B runs parallel to the table top 42 to span between the top portions of two table legs 41 affixed with common joinery techniques such as metal-wood leg brace forming a support structure for the table base (base of the table top 42) with each apron insert 21 within an apron insert frame 11B and each facing outward. Each apron insert frame 11B may be affixed on both ends to legs 41 by any number of joinery methods and apron insert frames 11B forming apron insert assemblies which serve as the strong connective structure between two table legs 41 replacing the need for aprons in table design. Apron insert assemblies as true with legacy aprons, typically hide the underside of the standard table top 40, any corner blocks, joinery components for connecting aprons insert assemblies to legs, bracing, drawer sides and backs, drawer and table components, extension and support frames, self-storing, or other mechanical pieces (on tables) from plain view.

The face 22 of an apron insert 21 may comprise a decoration element 17 and/or a utility element 16. Decorative material(s) of a decoration element 17 and utility materials of a utility element 16, in some embodiments, may be applied to a backing 23 which may act as a thin substrate to facilitate sliding the apron insert 21 material into the apron insert frame 11B. The face 22 of an apron insert 21 may be applied to the backing 23 in a number of non-limiting standard techniques, e.g. veneer, glue, fasteners, Velcro, tape, etc. and/or directly affixed to an apron insert frame 11B. An apron insert 21, in some embodiments, may be connected or suspended in free space within the apron insert frame 11B connected by a thin pole-like structure the apron insert frame 11B for the apron insert 21 to rotate on or a bracket within the apron insert frame 11B.

In some embodiments, the device 100B may comprise a plurality of apron inserts 21, which in preferred embodiments, fit within an apron insert frame 11B, which in preferred embodiments, is a force bearing strong rectangular bracket-like structure which functions as an apron common in table furniture design. An apron insert 21 and an apron insert frame 11B, when coupled or joined together, may be referred to as an apron insert assembly 11B, 21, which in some embodiments, may be coupled to a table top 42 and table leg(s) 41 to form a device table 40.

In some embodiments, a slide-in slot type of frame cavity 14 in the apron frame 11 may accommodate the apron insert 21 material with enough backing 23 material to cause sufficient pressure to hold the apron insert 21 material in place within the apron frame 11. In non-limiting embodiments, apron insert 21 may be replaced interchangeably from in front of a table base, below a table base, above a table base or from inside the table base behind the apron frame 11 by accessing a slide in slot in the apron frame 11 or other common attachment means.

In some embodiments an interchangeable apron insert 21 may not be displayed but may be folded down or up to the side or inward to allow unimpeded view in or out of the apron insert 21 for decorative or utility purposes.

Apron inserts 21, sometimes called interchangeable apron inserts 21, in some embodiments, may be a unit of non-structural decorative material (decoration element 17) and/or utility material (utility element 16) which may be affixed to an existing apron face 202, and/or fit over, to cover the existing apron face 202 from view and provide a different outward facing view or function, which is in some embodiments immediately adjacent and in front of the outward existing apron face 202 of all or part of an original standard or existing table 200.

In some embodiments, the face 22 of an apron insert 21 may comprise a decoration element 17. A decoration element 17 may be static so that the face 22 has a single appearance, such as by being or mimicking a decorative material, such as sliced tile and stone veneers, decorative plastic, laminated and magnetic backed decorative decals, painted metal signs, backlit onyx and other natural and man-made stone materials, acrylic, wood, painted surface, photograph material, art canvas, speaker fabric, thin glass, mirror, etc. In further embodiments, the face 22 of an apron insert 21 may comprise a utility element 16. A utility element 16 may perform a function, such as by being dynamic so that the face 22 is able to display a plurality of appearances, such as by comprising a display screen, projector, light emitting elements, etc. In preferred embodiments, a face 22 of an apron insert 21 may comprise a utility element 16, and the utility element 16 may comprise a light emitting element 61, a display element 62, a camera 63, a speaker 64, a power output connector 65, a control input 66, a microphone 67, a solar panel 68. It should be understood that an apron insert 21, optionally the face 22 of an apron insert 21, may comprise a decoration element 17 and/or a utility element 16. For example, an apron insert 21 having a backlit onyx decoration element 17 commonly used in interior decorating, the apron insert 21 may provide both decorative and utility purposes (entire few millimeter thin face 22 surface of the decorative semi-transparent apron 21 is lighted by LED light emitting element(s) 61 behind the face 22 of the apron insert 21).

In some embodiments, an apron insert frame 11A, 11B, may be in electronic communication with a control unit 50, and an apron insert 21 may establish electronic communication with the control unit 50 once the apron insert 21 is interchangeably engaged or removably coupled to the apron insert frame 11A, 11B. For example, an apron insert frame 11A, 11B, may have a plug or interface that the apron insert 21 may be interchangeably engaged or removably coupled to establish electronic communication with the control unit 50.

In some embodiments, the device 100A may have apron cover assembly 11A, 21, each being associated and affixed to a corresponding existing apron 201 to provide a different aesthetic quality or to provide utility different than the existing apron 201, of an existing table 200, on its own.

In preferred embodiments, an apron insert 21 may be an interchangeable table apron cover that may be a material which may be affixed to an existing apron face 202, fit over, replace or cover the existing apron face 202 from view, which is in some embodiments directly adjacent to or fits inside the apron cover frame 11A or in front of the outward face of all or part of an existing apron 201 and may be attached to all or part of an existing apron face 202 to provide a different décor or utility dimension to an existing table 200.

In preferred embodiments an apron insert 21 may be affixed to an apron cover frame 11A which spans the perimeter of the apron insert 21 and is joined at the corners. Apron cover frame 11A may be molded or formed as a rectangular shaped frame of decorative or utility material which spans the perimeter of the rectangular apron insert 21 material. In some embodiments, apron cover frames 11A are configured to look similar to standard picture frames.

In preferred embodiments, an existing table 200 may have existing apron(s) 201 with nearly the same dimensions as corresponding apron inserts 21 to enable an apron insert 21 coupled to an apron cover frame to be affixed in front of the existing apron face 202 in order to provide a fresh outward facing aesthetic look to cover or conceal the face 202 of the existing apron 201 without replacing the existing apron 201 which may make the existing table 200 structurally unsound, costly to replace and it being wasteful to do so.

Interchangeability of apron inserts 21 with apron frames 11 enables replacing the former apron components which may require improved décor or utility and/or when reversible, reversing its position in the table base by flipping it around or flipping it over. In some embodiments, non-structural decorative or utility material called the apron insert 21 may be affixed to the inside of an apron insert frame 11B comprising the apron insert assembly. The interchangeable apron insert 21 provides an outward facing face 22 having a view and/or utility function or purpose. For existing tables 200 already having legacy style structural existing aprons 201, device 100A may use a plurality of interchangeable apron covers 21 to cover one or more existing aprons 201 to provide a new decorative look or improved utility.

In some embodiments, an apron insert 21 may allow full or partial observation (e.g., the apron insert 21 comprising glass, clear plastic/opaque/tinted/frosted) into the table base to enable utility functions allowing viewing from outside the device table 40 to see decorative or novel utility materials, devices and effects that are outward facing and positioned and/or visible in an apron insert frame 11B, which in some embodiments may be changeable by a mechanical device inside the base of the device table 40 but controlled by a control unit 50 to rotate or slide a new interchangeable apron insert 21 into an outward or display position. In some embodiments, viewing or lighting from inside the device table 40 assembly may be required for utility purposes as the interchangeable apron insert(s) 21 may contain LED display, cameras, lights, message text display board, TV, remote control features, visual information, audio controls, etc. (e.g. for decorative or utility purpose). In some embodiments the interchangeable apron frame 11B and/or the apron insert 21 can fold down to be perpendicular to the base of the table 40 and the apron insert 21 can, when folded down, attach to backing 23 which has extensions attached inside the base of the table 40 to allow it to extend well beyond the table 40, such as with hidden support hinges.

In preferred embodiments apron inserts 21 may be affixed to an apron insert frame 11B which spans the perimeter of the apron insert 21 and is joined at the corners. In some embodiments apron insert frames 11B are designed to look similar to standard picture frames.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise a control unit 50 which may be in electronic communication with one or more electronic components 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, (e.g., utility elements 16) that may be coupled to or integrated with one or more apron inserts 21 and/or apron frames 11. Electronic communication may comprise a wired and/or wireless data and/or electronic power connection. In some embodiments and in the present example, a control unit 50, in terms of hardware architecture, may include one or more of a processor 51, input/output (I/O) interfaces 52, a radio module 53, a data store 54, and memory 55. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that FIG. 4 depicts the control unit 50 in an oversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additional components or elements and suitably configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features that are not described in detail herein.

The control unit 50 components and elements (51, 52, 53, 54, 55) are communicatively coupled via a local interface 58, and one or more local interfaces 58 may communicatively couple the control unit 50 to one or more electronic components, such as a light emitting element(s) 61, a display element 62, a camera 63, a speaker 64, a power output connector 65, control input 66, etc. The local interface 58 may enable wired electronic communication and can be, for example but not limited to, one or more buses, circuit boards, wiring harnesses, or other wired connections or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface 58 can have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among many others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface 58 may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

The processor 51 is a hardware device for executing software instructions. The processor 51 can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the control unit 50, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions. When the processing unit 50 is in operation, the processor 51 is configured to execute software stored within the memory 55, to communicate data to and from the memory 55, and to generally control operations of the device 100A, 100B, pursuant to the software instructions. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 51 may include a mobile optimized processor, such as optimized for power consumption and mobile applications.

The I/O interfaces 52 can be used by a user 101 to provide user input and display output data, such as operational status, from the device 100A, 100B. The I/O interfaces 52 can include, for example, buttons, knobs, switches, LED indicator lights, LED display, LCD display, a serial port, a parallel port, a small computer system interface (SCSI), an infrared (IR) interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and the like.

A network interface 53 enables wireless and/or wired communication to an external access device or network. A network interface 53 may enable a user 101 to provide user input to the device 100A, 100B, and to receive device 100A, 100B, status data via a client device 400, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, etc. In preferred embodiments, a network interface 53 may comprise a radio that may operate via WIFI and/or Bluetooth electronic communication standards. In further embodiments, a network interface 53 may comprise a radio that may operate on a cellular band and may communicate with or receive a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or other wireless network identifier. Any number of suitable wireless data communication protocols, techniques, or methodologies can be supported by a network interface 53, including, without limitation: RF; IrDA (infrared); Bluetooth; ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15 protocol); IEEE 802.11 (any variation); IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any other variation); Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum; Near-Field Communication (NFC); Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum; Long Term Evolution (LTE);

cellular/wireless/cordless telecommunication protocols (e.g. 3G/4G/5G, etc.); wireless home network communication protocols; paging network protocols; magnetic induction; satellite data communication protocols; wireless hospital or health care facility network protocols such as those operating in the WMTS bands; GPRS; proprietary wireless data communication protocols such as variants of Wireless USB; and any other protocols for wireless communication. In further embodiments, a network interface 53 may enable wired network communication and may include, for example, an Ethernet card or adapter (e.g., 10BaseT, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, 10 GbE) or a wireless local area network (WLAN) card or adapter (e.g., 802.11a/b/g/n). The network interface 53 may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications on the network.

The memory 55 may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, etc.), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the memory 55 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory 55 may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another, but can be accessed by the processor 51. The software in memory 55 can include one or more software programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. In the example of FIG. 5, the software in the memory system 55 includes a suitable operating system (O/S) 56 and program(s) 57. The operating system 56 essentially controls the execution of input/output interface 52 and other element functions, and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The operating system 56 may be, for example, LINUX (or another UNIX variant), Android (available from Google), Symbian OS, Microsoft Windows CE, Microsoft Windows 7 Mobile, iOS (available from Apple, Inc.), webOS (available from Hewlett Packard), Blackberry OS (Available from Research in Motion), and the like. The programs 57 may include various applications, add-ons, etc. configured to provide end user 101 functionality of the device 100A, 100B.

In some embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise one or more light emitting elements 61 which may optionally be coupled to or integrated with an apron frame 11, an apron insert 21, or other element of the device 100A, 100B. Light emitting elements 61 may be configured to illuminate with various colors and intensities of light allowing a plurality of color patterns and intensity patterns to be generated by the device 100A, 100B. In some embodiments, a light emitting element 61 may comprise a light emitting diode (LED) which may be configured to provide light of various wavelengths and intensities. In other embodiments, a light emitting element 61 may comprise an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), incandescent light bulb, fluorescent light, bulb halogen light bulb, high-intensity discharge light bulb, laser light emitter, electroluminescent light source, neon light source, infrared, black light, strobe light. laser, revolving light, or any other type of suitable light source.

In some embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise one or more display elements 62 which may optionally be coupled to or integrated with an apron frame 11, an apron insert 21, or other element of the device 100A, 100B. A display element 62 may be configured to visually output or display information to a user 101. For example, a display element 62 may be configured to display video, digital pictures, digital text, etc. Example display elements 62 include: a Liquid crystal display (LCD), Light-emitting diode display (LED), Electroluminescent display (ELD), Electronic paper, E Ink, Plasma display panel (PDP), Cathode ray tube display (CRT), High-Performance Addressing display (HPA), Thin-film transistor display (TFT), Organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), Surface-conduction electron-emitter display (SED), Laser TV, Carbon nanotubes, Quantum dot display, Interferometric modulator display (IMOD), a digital video projector, and/or any other device or method which may be configured to provide visual information to a user 101 and optionally to receive input from a user 101, such as a touch screen display.

In some embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise one or more cameras 63 which may optionally be coupled to or integrated with an apron frame 11, an apron insert 21, or other element of the device 100A, 100B. A camera 63 may be configured to record still images or video images of the environment around the device 100A, 100B. In preferred embodiments, a camera 63 may comprise a digital camera that encodes images and videos digitally on a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor or on a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor and stores them for later reproduction. In other embodiments, a camera 63 may comprise any type of camera which includes an optical system, typically using a lens with a variable diaphragm to focus light or other electromagnetic radiation, such as infrared radiation for thermal imaging, onto an image pickup device or image sensor.

In some embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise one or more speakers 64 which may optionally be coupled to or integrated with an apron frame 11, an apron insert 21, or other element of the device 100A, 100B. A speaker 64 may be used to produce a plurality of sounds at a plurality of volume levels. A speaker 64 may comprise a buzzer, a piezoelectric sound producing device, a dielectric elastomer sound producing device, a moving coil loudspeaker, an electrostatic loudspeaker, an isodynamic loudspeaker, a piezo-electric loudspeaker, or any other device capable of producing one or more sounds.

In some embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise one or more power output connector 65 which may optionally be coupled to or integrated with an apron frame 11, an apron insert 21, or other element of the device 100A, 100B. A power output connector 65 may be configured to mate with a complementary external plug member and which may be configured to enable the device 100A, 100B, to supply electrical power to an external electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet computer etc., and optionally to enable communication between the control unit 50 and external electronic device. In preferred embodiments, a power output connector 65 may comprise a USB connector such as a female micro-USB or female mini-USB. In other embodiments, a power output connector 65 may comprise a male or female Type A USB plug, a Type B USB plug, a Mini-A USB plug, a Mini-B USB plug, a Micro-A USB plug, a Micro-B USB plug, a Micro-B USB 3.0 plug, a ExtMicro USB plug, a Lightning plug, a 30-pin dock connector, a Pop-Port connector, a Thunderbolt plug, a Firewire plug, a Portable Digital Media Interface (PDMI) plug, a coaxial power connector plug, a barrel connector plug, a concentric barrel connector plug, a tip connector plug, or any other plug, connector, or receptacle capable of enabling electrical communication.

In some embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise one or more control inputs 66 which may optionally be coupled to or integrated with an apron frame 11, an apron insert 21, or other element of the device 100A, 100B. A control input 66 may comprise a user input interface that a user 101 may interact with, such as turnable control knobs, a key pad, slide type switches, rocker type switches, toggle switches, push button or depressible button type switches, rotary switches, electromechanical relays, solid state relays, touch sensitive interfaces, and combinations thereof whether they are normally open, normally closed, momentary contact, latching contact, single pole, multi-pole, single throw, or multi-throw, touch screen graphical user interfaces (GUI), or any other suitable input that may be used to modulate electricity between components or to otherwise control functions of the device 100A, 100B.

In some embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise one or more microphones 67 which may optionally be coupled to or integrated with an apron frame 11, an apron insert 21, or other element of the device 100A, 100B. A microphone 67 may be configured to pick up or record audio information from the environment around the device 100A, 100B. In preferred embodiments, a microphone 67 may comprise any acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor that converts sound in air into an electrical signal. In further embodiments, a microphone 67 may comprise any type of microphone such as electromagnetic induction microphones (dynamic microphones), capacitance change microphones (condenser microphones), and piezoelectricity microphones (piezoelectric microphones) to produce an electrical signal from air pressure variations.

In some embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise one or more solar panels 68 which may optionally be coupled to or integrated with an apron frame 11, an apron insert 21, or other element of the device 100A, 100B. A solar panel 68 may be configured to supply electrical power to one or more elements of the device 100A, 100B. A solar panel 68 may comprise any electrical device, such as a photovoltaic cell or photovoltaic array that converts the energy of light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect. In some embodiments, a solar panel 68 may comprise Crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, Thin Film photovoltaic cells, Multi-junction photovoltaic cells, Perovskite solar cells, Liquid inks, Quantum dot solar cells, Dye-sensitized solar cells, Photon upconversion and downconversion solar cells, Organic/polymer solar cells, Adaptive solar cells, and/or any other type of cell which converts the energy of light into electricity using the photovoltaic effect.

In some embodiments, an apron insert 21 itself may comprise light emitting element(s) 61 which may allow it to light up like a rectangular night light. In some embodiments, an apron insert 21 itself may comprise light emitting element(s) 61 that point outward for security, fire, etc.

In some embodiments, an apron insert 21 may have one or more utility elements 16 that perform all the functions or all the uses of a standard cell phone, with the apron insert 21 itself acting as a fully capable smartphone when folded outward horizontally for example, essentially acting as a stationary home phone.

In some embodiments, an apron insert 21 may have a speaker 64 and microphone 67 in communication with a control unit 50 so that the apron insert 21 may enable the use of voice assistants, such as Alexa, output by the apron insert 21 and which may be used to provide instructions to a user 101, such as warning of fire, intruder, and answering AI chatbot GPT-like questions.

In some embodiments, an apron insert 21 and/or apron frame 11 may be retractable, interchangeable, insertable, reversible, or otherwise movably coupled to a table 40, 200.

In some embodiments, an apron insert 21 and/or apron frame 11 may have AI functionality allowing a display element 62, such as a LED electronic display, to change automatically based on mood, time of day, day or week or month based instructions of the homeowner. For example, the display element 62 may manually or automatically display a Kansas City Chiefs design during football season, Kansas City Royals or other team during another season, or otherwise.

In some embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise a clear or partially see-through apron insert 21 which may be desired to display through an apron frame 11, such as in embodiments where there is no apron material or backing 23 to prevent blocking a view, for example of live goldfish swimming in a rectangular fish bowl positioned inside the table base held in place by four see-through apron frames 11. In this embodiment, a clear insert 21 and/or open air apron frame 11 is needed to expose the decorative or utility improvement corresponding to what is inside the table base assembly. Likewise, in some embodiments a utility improvement occurs when an apron frame 11 with an interchangeable clear apron insert 21 has been moved into place by sliding it into the recess or frame cavity 14 in the apron frame 11. Embodiments of this novel utility approach may include emplacing an outward facing security camera 63, light emitting element(s) 61 configured as security strobe lights, black lights, red and/or blinking lights display elements 62, or other visual effects which might may rely on the see-through capability to provide visual information, optionally coupled with a microphone 67 and speaker 64 configured as an audible detector/alarm in the event of a hazard situation such as intruder or fire or gas leak, or using the apron insert 21 that instead of being clear may include an Light Emitting Diode (LED) computer display element 62 flashing an emergency warning banner or as a scrolling text message display board display element 62 or an apron insert 21 that holds a plurality of small solar panels 68 to capture light energy and the like. In some embodiments, an interchangeable apron insert 21 may provide utility with a see-through capability for example, using transparent apron insert 21 and other means affixed such as a manual or automatic sliding door to allow a camera 63 to be used periodically from inside the table 40 looking outward through the clear apron insert 21 in non-obvious ways or be attached to a table base assembly and/or integrated into the main table apron itself.

In some embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise a control unit 50 and one or more other electronic components 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, optionally coupled to the interchangeable apron inserts 21 and/or apron frame 11, which may be configured to do any or all the functions of a small computer, tablet, gaming system and smartphone including display advertisements, while at the same time provide utility with an integrated LED computer display or gaming system or display a hands-free mobile phone screen in 3-4 times more visual display area using an apron insert 21 face 22, in some embodiments, folded upward for a person in a chair next to the table to use the features of electronic devices optionally accessed through the apron insert 21 and/or apron frame 11 rather than a smartphone thus improving the ability especially among elderly to place and receive calls and texts and even emails. In some embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise a control unit 50 and one or more other electronic components 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, optionally coupled to the interchangeable apron insert 21 and/or apron frame 11, which may be configured to perform the functions of a landline home phone. In some embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise a control unit 50 and one or more other electronic components 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, may optionally be coupled to the interchangeable apron insert 21 and/or apron frame 11, with a display element 62 configured to display decorative scrolling exotic nature scenes moving across the apron insert 21 but also provide useful scrolling or flashing message board text reminders of bedtime for children. In some embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise a control unit 50 and one or more other electronic components 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, optionally coupled to the interchangeable apron insert 21 and/or apron frame 11 may be configured to provide access to most features of a standard phone, computer, TV system, including TV closed caption screen in large letters making use of the apron insert 21 in the room, an embedded apron insert radio system, home and medical monitoring system and much more.

In some embodiments, the apron insert assembly 11B, 21, and/or the apron cover assembly 11A, 21, may give off light via one or more light emitting elements 61 in one or more directions during power outages as back-up security lighting powered by batteries hidden in the otherwise vacant standard table base assembly cavity. In some embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise a control unit 50 and one or more other electronic components 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, optionally coupled to the interchangeable apron insert 21 and/or apron frame 11, may use see-through apron inserts 21 to accomplish motion detection, face recognition, alarm detection, strobe light, black light, flood lights, blinking lights, thermal imagery, artificial intelligence-based robotic-related uses and many other uses is novel. Since a table 40, 200, may be nearby patients, there are potential uses for electronic components 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, optionally inside an apron insert assembly 11B, 21, and/or the apron cover assembly 11A, 21, or the table base if connected which can be hard wired or RF-connected to medical equipment inside the apron insert frame assembly and/or the apron cover assembly 11A, 21, or the otherwise empty table base cavity for people with disabilities, chronic illnesses for device monitoring and managing health.

In some embodiments, the interchangeable apron insert assembly 11B, 21, and/or the apron cover assembly 11A, 21, may be virtually decorative providing aesthetic apron designs using nature scenes, for example applied to an electronic display element 62 and speaker 64 by a control unit 50 that provide user 101 selectable scenes from a library of images and displaying full video sequences including audio effects.

In some embodiments, the interchangeable apron insert assembly 11B, 21, and/or the apron cover assembly 11A, 21, may provide all or some functions required for 2D and 3D teleconferencing or visualization for a user 101 using a camera 63, control unit 50, and display element 62 with projection capabilities integrated in the apron insert to engage and display participants in video calls with audio on a planar surface of the table or in free space in 2D or 3D near the table or in AR/VR setting.

It should be understood that an interchangeable apron insert 21 may be configured in many forms, but not limited to a laminated picture, cloth or stone veneer only millimeters thick with a thin light substrate material such as cardboard or poster board advertisement. Likewise, an apron insert frame 11B, preferably formed from material such as aluminum, steel, metal, stone, hard plastic, hardwood, composites, etc. can be integrated with an interchangeable insert 21 comprising delicate electronic components and their related utility and/or decorative elements. In a non-limiting example, an interchangeable apron insert 21 can have embedded light emitting element(s) 61, solar panel 68 wafer material, light emitting diode display elements 62 to display mobile phone apps or exquisite screen saver pictures, visual and text-based reminders to the family, medical management capabilities such as finger-activated, touch-based TV guide and channel selection features, EKG testing and fire alarm/intruder systems, TV, weather and FM radio, mobile phone functions and many more novel utility purposes. Some embodiments of the device 100A, 100B, may include the capability to fully or partially see (clear/opaque/tinted/frosted) inward or outward from the interchangeable table apron assembly 11, 21. Changing the interchangeable apron inserts 21 may be accomplished without having to remove the top 42, 203, or legs 41, 204, of the table 40, 200, from a variety of directions. Changes in apron insert 21 utility and/or décor in some embodiments can be made with the app on a mobile phone or the flick of a button control input 66 or physically from a position in the front, back, from a side, top or bottom thus providing options for users 101 to take advantage of novel apron insert assembly 11, 21, characteristics. Interchangeable table apron assemblies 11, 21, enable the novel convergence of decorative and utility functions being seen and used in conjunction with an otherwise ignored and unexpected portion of a table 40, 200, essentially replacing and modernizing the legacy/standard apron. This disclosure also puts to use for a large array of utility purposes and improving décor, the overlooked, underused hidden table base assembly cavity in nearly every table, which often lies in quiet darkness behind the aprons 201 and under the table top 203. While true that drawers can and sometimes do make use of this area, this disclosure teaches that this cavity behind the standard table apron and below the table top can be put to more effective use with the invention disclosed to use, leverage, and store electronics and apron inserts 21 driving novel utility functions accessible through the apron insert assembly 11, 21. Besides these example non-limiting uses, the device 100A, 100B, can be used to provide the decorative appeal of personalized apron inserts which can be changed to reflect changing times, seasons, priorities, interests, and whims. The apron inserts 21 described in the disclosed invention may be made from or may comprise of any number of materials to include, but is not limited to, wood, metal, composite, glass, plastic, fiberglass, veneered stone, mirror, stained glass, transparent and/or opaque lighting material, or any other type of material that can be applied to an apron insert structure with a partially or fully different look for the legacy standard apron assembly and gives the table a see-through capability to accommodate novel utilities into and out of the otherwise empty space in a standard table base cavity.

In further embodiments, the first apron insert 21 and the second apron insert 21 may be in electronic communication with a network interface 53, and the network interface 53 may be in electronic communication with a computing device 300, 400. In further embodiments, the device 100B may include a control unit 50 having a network interface 53, and the control unit 50 may be configured to receive instructions for operating one of the first apron insert 21 and the second apron insert 21 from a computing device computing device 300, 400, that is in electronic communication with the network interface 53.

According to another embodiment consistent with a principle of the present invention, a method of customizing a device table (“the method”) 500 is provided as shown in FIG. 11. In some embodiments, the method 500 may comprise forming a device table 40 that is configured to be customized. The method 500 may utilize an interchangeable apron cover device 100B that may comprise a device table 40 having a plurality of table legs 41, a table top 42, and an apron insert frame 11B, in which the apron insert frame 11B is coupled to at least one of the table top 42 and the plurality of table legs 41. In preferred embodiments, the method 500 may be used to customize the appearance and/or function of a device table 40.

In some embodiments, the method 500 may start 501 and a first apron insert 21, having a first face 22, may be provided in step 502. In some embodiments, the first apron insert 21, having the first face 22 may be provided by forming the first apron insert 21 having the first face 22. In some embodiments, the first face 22 of the first interchangeable apron insert 21 may comprise a decorative element 17 and/or a utility element 16. In some embodiments, the first apron insert 21 may be in electronic communication with a control unit 50, such that the first apron insert 21 includes a utility element 16 that may be in electronic communication with the control unit 50. In some embodiments, the first apron insert 21 may comprise a first utility element 16, and the first apron insert 21 may be in electronic communication, to receive instructions for operating the first utility element 16, with one of: a control unit 50 and a network interface 53, the network interface 53 being in electronic communication with a computing device 300, 400.

In step 503, a second apron insert 21, having a second face 22, may be provided. In some embodiments, the second apron insert 21, having the second face 22 may be provided by forming the second apron insert 21 having the second face 22. In some embodiments, the second face 22 of the second interchangeable apron insert 21 may comprise a decorative element 17 and/or a utility element 16. In some embodiments, the second apron insert 21 may be in electronic communication with a control unit 50, such that the second apron insert 21 includes a utility element 16 that may be in electronic communication with the control unit 50. In some embodiments, the second apron insert 21 may comprise a second utility element 16, and the second apron insert 21 may be in electronic communication, to receive instructions for operating the second utility element 16, with one of: a control unit 50 and a network interface 53, the network interface 53 being in electronic communication with a computing device 300, 400.

In step 504, a first apron insert frame 11B may be provided, in which the first apron insert frame 11B may be coupled to a device table 40 having a plurality of table legs 41 and a table top 42. In some embodiments, a first apron insert frame 11B may be provided by forming the first apron insert frame 11B, in which the first apron insert frame 11B may be coupled to a device table 40 having a plurality of table legs 41 and a table top 42. In some embodiments, the first apron insert frame 11B may be coupled to at least one of the table top 42 and the plurality of table legs 41. In some embodiments, the first apron insert 21 and the second apron insert 21 may be configured to interchangeably engage to the first apron insert frame 11B, such that the first apron insert frame 11B is only able to interchangeably engage to one of the first apron insert 21 and the second apron insert 22 at one time. In some embodiments, the first apron insert frame 11B may be in electronic communication with a control unit 50, and an apron insert 21 may establish electronic communication with the control unit 50 once the apron insert 21 is interchangeably engaged or removably coupled to the first apron insert frame 11B. For example, the first apron insert frame 11B may have a plug or interface that the apron insert 21 may be interchangeably engaged or removably coupled to establish electronic communication with the control unit 50.

In step 505, a second apron insert frame 11B may be provided, in which the second apron insert frame 11B may be coupled to the device table 40 having a plurality of table legs 41 and a table top 42. In some embodiments, a second apron insert frame 11B may be provided by forming the second apron insert frame 11B, in which the second apron insert frame 11B may be coupled to the device table 40 having the plurality of table legs 41 and the table top 42. In some embodiments, the first apron insert frame 11B may be coupled to at least one of the table top 42 and the plurality of table legs 41. In some embodiments, the apron insert 21 and the second apron insert 21 are configured to interchangeably engage to the second apron insert frame 11B, such that the second apron insert frame 11B is only able to interchangeably engage to one of the first apron insert 21 and the second apron insert 22 at one time. In some embodiments, the second apron insert frame 11B may be in electronic communication with a control unit 50, and an apron insert 21 may establish electronic communication with the control unit 50 once the apron insert 21 is interchangeably engaged or removably coupled to the second apron insert frame 11B. For example, the second apron insert frame 11B may have a plug or interface that the apron insert 21 may be interchangeably engaged or removably coupled to to establish electronic communication with the control unit 50.

After step 505, the method 500 may finish 506.

According to another embodiment consistent with a principle of the present invention, a method of customizing an existing table (“the method”) 600 is provided as shown in FIG. 12. In some embodiments, the method 600 may comprise forming a customizable table using an existing table 200. In preferred embodiments, the method 600 may be used to customize the appearance and/or function of an existing table 200, the existing table 200 having a plurality of existing legs 204, an existing table top 203, a first existing apron 201, a second existing apron 201.

In some embodiments, the method 600 may start 601 and a first apron insert 21 having a first face 22 may be provided in step 602. In some embodiments, the first apron insert 21, having the first face 22 may be provided by forming the first apron insert 21 having the first face 22. In some embodiments, the first apron insert 21 may be in electronic communication with a control unit 50 that may be coupled to the existing table 200. In some embodiments, the first face 22 of the first apron insert 21 may be one of a decorative element 17 and a utility element 16. In some embodiments, the first face 22 of the first apron insert 21 may comprise a decorative element 17 and/or a utility element 16.

In step 603, a second apron insert 21 having a second face 22 may be provided. In some embodiments, the second apron insert 21, having the second face 22 may be provided by forming the second apron insert 21 having the second face 22. In some embodiments, the second apron insert 21 may be in electronic communication with a control unit 50 that may be coupled to the existing table 200. In some embodiments, the second face 22 of the second apron insert 21 may be one of a decorative element 17 and a utility element 16. In some embodiments, the second face 22 of the second apron insert 21 may comprise a decorative element 17 and/or a utility element 16.

In step 604, a first apron cover frame 11A may be provided, in which the first apron cover frame 11A may be coupled to an existing table 200, the existing table 200 having a plurality of existing legs 204, an existing table top 203, a first existing apron 201, a second existing apron 201. In some embodiments, a first apron cover frame 11A may be provided by forming the first apron cover frame 11A and coupling the first apron cover frame 11A to an existing table 200, the existing table 200 having a plurality of existing legs 204, an existing table top 203, a first existing apron 201, a second existing apron 201. In some embodiments, the first apron cover frame 11A may be coupled to the first existing apron 201. The first apron cover frame 11A may be configured to interchangeably engage to the first apron insert 21 and to the second apron insert 21, such that only one of the first apron insert 21 and second apron insert 21 can be interchangeably engaged to the first apron cover frame 11A at one time. In some embodiments, the first apron cover frame 11A may be in electronic communication with a control unit 50 that may be coupled to the existing table 200. In some embodiments, the first apron insert 21 may comprise a first utility element 16, and when the first apron cover frame 11A is interchangeably engaged to the first apron insert 21, the first apron insert 21 may be in electronic communication with a control unit 50 having a network interface 53, and the control unit 50 may be configured to receive instructions for operating the first utility element 16 of the first apron insert 21 from a computing device 300, 400, that is in electronic communication with the network interface 53. In some embodiments, the first apron cover frame 11A may be in electronic communication with a control unit 50, and an apron insert 21 may establish electronic communication with the control unit 50 once the apron insert 21 is interchangeably engaged or removably coupled to the first apron cover frame 11A. For example, the first apron cover frame 11A may have a plug or interface that the apron insert 21 may be interchangeably engaged or removably coupled to establish electronic communication with the control unit 50.

In step 605, a second apron cover frame 11A may be provided, in which the second apron cover frame 11A may be coupled to the existing table 200. In some embodiments, a second apron cover frame 11A may be provided by forming the second apron cover frame 11A and coupling the second apron cover frame 11A to the existing table 200. In some embodiments, the second apron cover frame 11A may be coupled to the second existing apron 201. The second apron cover frame 11A may be configured to interchangeably engage to the first apron insert 21 and to the second apron insert 21, such that only one of the first apron insert 21 and second apron insert 21 can be interchangeably engaged to the second apron cover frame 11A at one time. In some embodiments, the second apron cover frame 11A may be in electronic communication with a control unit 50 that may be coupled to the existing table 200. In some embodiments, the second apron insert 21 may comprise a second utility element 16, and when the second apron cover frame 11A is interchangeably engaged to the second apron insert 21, the second apron insert 21 may be in electronic communication with a control unit 50 having a network interface 53, and the control unit 50 may be configured to receive instructions for operating the second utility element 16 of the second apron insert 21 from a computing device 300, 400, that is in electronic communication with the network interface 53. In some embodiments, the second apron cover frame 11A may be in electronic communication with a control unit 50, and an apron insert 21 may establish electronic communication with the control unit 50 once the apron insert 21 is interchangeably engaged or removably coupled to the second apron cover frame 11A. For example, the second apron cover frame 11A may have a plug or interface that the apron insert 21 may be interchangeably engaged or removably coupled to establish electronic communication with the control unit 50.

After step 605, the method 600 may finish 606.

As perhaps best shown by FIG. 13, an interchangeable apron cover device 100A, 100B, may be in electronic communication with one or more computing devices 300, 400, via one or more access points 103 so that data and information may be transferred between an interchangeable apron cover device 100A, 100B, and one or more access points 103, client devices 400, and servers 300 over a data network 105. Client devices 400 and servers 300 may send data to and receive data from the data network 105 through a network connection 104 with an access point 103. The data may comprise instructions for operating one or more apron inserts 21, utility elements 16, and/or apron frames 11 of an interchangeable apron cover device 100A, 100B.

Client devices 400 may be computing devices that include mobile devices, such as laptops, tablet computers, personal digital assistants, smart phones, and the like, that are equipped with a wireless network interface capable of sending data to one or more server 300 type computing devices with access to one or more data stores 308 over a network 105, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN). Additionally, client devices 400 may include fixed devices, such as desktops, workstations, and the like, that are equipped with a wireless or wired network interface capable of sending data to one or more servers 300 with access to one or more data stores 308 over a wireless or wired local area network 105.

Referring now to FIG. 14, in an exemplary embodiment, a block diagram illustrates a server 300 of which one or more may be in electronic communication with the device 100A, 100B, and which may be a type of computing device or platform. The server 300 may be a digital computer that, in terms of hardware architecture, generally includes a processor 302, input/output (I/O) interfaces 304, a network interface 306, a data store 308, and memory 310. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that FIG. 14 depicts the server 300 in an oversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additional components and suitably configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features that are not described in detail herein. The components (302, 304, 306, 308, and 310) are communicatively coupled via a local interface 312. The local interface 312 may be, for example but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface 312 may have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among many others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface 312 may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

The processor 302 is a hardware device for executing software instructions. The processor 302 may be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the server 300, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions. When the server 300 is in operation, the processor 302 is configured to execute software stored within the memory 310, to communicate data to and from the memory 310, and to generally control operations of the server 300 pursuant to the software instructions. The I/O interfaces 304 may be used to receive user 101 input from and/or for providing information output to one or more devices or components. User input may be provided via, for example, a keyboard, touch pad, and/or a mouse. Information output may be provided via a display device and a printer (not shown). I/O interfaces 304 may include, for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a small computer system interface (SCSI), a serial ATA (SATA), a fibre channel, Infiniband, iSCSI, a PCI Express interface (PCI-x), an infrared (IR) interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, and/or a universal serial bus (USB) interface.

The network interface 306 may be used to enable the server 300 to communicate on a network, such as the Internet, the data network 105, the enterprise, and the like, etc. The network interface 306 may include, for example, an Ethernet card or adapter (e.g., 10BaseT, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, 10 GbE) or a wireless local area network (WLAN) card or adapter (e.g., 802.11a/b/g/n). The network interface 306 may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications on the network. A data store 308 may be used to store data.

The data store 308 is a type of memory and may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the data store 308 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. In one example, the data store 308 may be located internal to the server 300 such as, for example, an internal hard drive connected to the local interface 312 in the server 300. Additionally, in another embodiment, the data store 308 may be located external to the server 300 such as, for example, an external hard drive connected to the I/O interfaces 304 (e.g., SCSI or USB connection). In a further embodiment, the data store 308 may be connected to the server 300 through a network, such as, for example, a network attached file server.

The memory 310 may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the memory 310 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory 310 may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another, but can be accessed by the processor 302. The software in memory 310 may include one or more software programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The software in the memory 310 may include a suitable operating system (O/S) 314 and one or more programs 320.

The operating system 314 essentially controls the execution of other computer programs, such as the one or more programs 320, and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The operating system 314 may be, for example Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016 (all available from Microsoft, Corp. of Redmond, WA), Solaris (available from Sun Microsystems, Inc. of Palo Alto, CA), LINUX (or another UNIX variant) (available from Red Hat of Raleigh, NC and various other vendors), Android and variants thereof (available from Google, Inc. of Mountain View, CA), Apple OS X and variants thereof (available from Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, CA), or the like.

The one or more programs 320 may be configured to implement the various processes, algorithms, methods, techniques, etc. described herein.

Referring to FIG. 15, in an exemplary embodiment, a block diagram illustrates a client device 400 of which one or more may be in electronic communication with the device 100A, 100B, and which may be a type of computing device or platform. The client device 400 can be a digital device that, in terms of hardware architecture, generally includes a processor 402, input/output (I/O) interfaces 404, a radio 406, a data store 408, and memory 410. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that FIG. 15 depicts the client device 400 in an oversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additional components and suitably configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features that are not described in detail herein. The components (402, 404, 406, 408, and 410) are communicatively coupled via a local interface 412. The local interface 412 can be, for example but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface 412 can have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among many others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface 412 may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

The processor 402 is a hardware device for executing software instructions. The processor 402 can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the client device 400, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions. When the client device 400 is in operation, the processor 402 is configured to execute software stored within the memory 410, to communicate data to and from the memory 410, and to generally control operations of the client device 400 pursuant to the software instructions. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 402 may include a mobile optimized processor such as optimized for power consumption and mobile applications.

The I/O interfaces 404 can be used to receive data and user 101 input and/or for providing information output. User input can be provided via a plurality of I/O interfaces 404, such as a keypad, a touch screen, a camera, a microphone, a scroll ball, a scroll bar, buttons, bar code scanner, voice recognition, eye gesture, and the like. Information output can be provided via a display screen 404A, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) display, touch screen display, and the like. The I/O interfaces 404 can also include, for example, a global positioning service (GPS) radio, a serial port, a parallel port, a small computer system interface (SCSI), an infrared (IR) interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and the like. The I/O interfaces 404 can include a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables a user to interact with the client device 400. Additionally, the I/O interfaces 404 may be used to output notifications to a user 101 and can include a speaker or other sound emitting device configured to emit audio notifications, a vibrational device configured to vibrate, shake, or produce any other series of rapid and repeated movements to produce haptic notifications, and/or a light emitting diode (LED) or other light emitting element which may be configured to illuminate to provide a visual notification.

The radio 406 enables wireless communication to an external access device or network. Any number of suitable wireless data communication protocols, techniques, or methodologies can be supported by the radio 406, including, without limitation: RF; IrDA (infrared); Bluetooth; ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15 protocol); IEEE 802.11 (any variation); IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any other variation); Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum; Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum; Long Term Evolution (LTE); cellular/wireless/cordless telecommunication protocols (e.g. 3G/4G/5G, etc.); wireless home network communication protocols; paging network protocols; magnetic induction; satellite data communication protocols; wireless hospital or health care facility network protocols such as those operating in the WMTS bands; GPRS; proprietary wireless data communication protocols such as variants of Wireless USB; and any other protocols for wireless communication.

The data store 408 may be used to store data and is therefore a type of memory. The data store 408 may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the data store 408 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media.

The memory 410 may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, etc.), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the memory 410 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory 410 may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another, but can be accessed by the processor 402. The software in memory 410 can include one or more software programs 420, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. In the example of FIG. 15, the software in the memory system 410 includes a suitable operating system (O/S) 414 and programs 420.

The operating system 414 essentially controls the execution of other computer programs, and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The operating system 414 may be, for example, LINUX (or another UNIX variant), Android (available from Google), Symbian OS, Microsoft Windows CE, Microsoft Windows 7 Mobile, Microsoft Windows 10, Microsoft Windows 11, iOS (available from Apple, Inc.), webOS (available from Hewlett Packard), Blackberry OS (Available from Research in Motion), and the like.

The programs 420 may include various applications, add-ons, etc. configured to provide end user functionality with the client device 400. For example, exemplary programs 420 may include, but not limited to, a web browser, social networking applications, streaming media applications, games, mapping and location applications, electronic mail applications, financial applications, and the like. In a typical example, the end user 101 typically uses one or more of the programs 420 along with a network 105 to manipulate information of a device 100A, 100B.

While some exemplary shapes and sizes have been provided for elements of the device 100, it should be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that apron frames 11, apron inserts, device table 40, and any other element described herein may be configured in a plurality of sizes and shapes including “T” shaped, “X” shaped, square shaped, rectangular shaped, cylinder shaped, cuboid shaped, hexagonal prism shaped, triangular prism shaped, or any other geometric or non-geometric shape, including combinations of shapes. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible alternatives, equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms and proposed shapes used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes, such as to size and shape, may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Additionally, while some materials have been provided, in other embodiments, the elements that comprise the device 100 may be made from or may comprise durable materials such as aluminum, steel, other metals and metal alloys, wood, hard rubbers, hard plastics, fiber reinforced plastics, carbon fiber, fiberglass, resins, polymers or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. Additionally, one or more elements may be made from or may comprise durable and slightly flexible materials such as soft plastics, silicone, soft rubbers, or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. In some embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device 100 may be coupled or connected together with heat bonding, chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other types of fasteners, or any other suitable joining method. In other embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device 100 may be coupled or removably connected by being press fit or snap fit together, by one or more fasteners such as hook and loop type or Velcro® fasteners, magnetic type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, snap fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, a slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. In further embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device 100 may be coupled by being one of connected to and integrally formed with another element of the device 100.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

INTERCHANGEABLE APRON COVER DEVICE AND METHODS

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