Patent Application
20190142153
The invention is related to tables having multiple tabletop positions. Specifically, the invention is related to a multi-position table adaptable for use while sitting and for use while standing.
Tables that are designed for seated use have a tabletop surface that is generally spaced 30 inches from the base, i.e., a ground or floor surface, on which the table rests. Such tables are commonly used for dining or work and have a tabletop that is more expansive than a tabletop used for tables used while standing.
Standing-use tables are commonly found in conference areas or breakrooms where one or more users each rest a beverage, but generally not much more, on the tabletop. The smaller tabletop of a standing-use table has a different position the tabletop seated-use table; it is generally spaced 42 inches from the base and provides a more intimate space allowing users to have a conversation over the noise of others.
However, often facilities require multiple types of tables, including for seated use and for standing use, which may differ only in the position of the tabletop. Increasing the different types of tables required increases the logistical issues of storage, delivery, change-over from one type to another, and/or removal. Thus, what is desired is a table that has multiple positions, i.e., is a multi-position table.
These and other objectives are met by one or more embodiments of the present invention.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a multi-position table adaptable for use while sitting and for use while standing includes a substructure for resting on a base; a superstructure pivotable between a first table position for use while sitting and a second table position for use while standing, the superstructure comprising a first support associated with the first table position, the first support comprising a first top surface, the first top surface spaced a first distance from the base when the superstructure is in the first table position; and a second support associated with the second table position, the second support comprising a second top surface, the second top surface spaced a second distance from the base when the superstructure is in the second table position, the second distance being different that the first distance; the first support being joined to the second support; an adjustor comprising a first adjusting element joined to the first support or the second support; a second adjusting element associated with the substructure; a locking member for user-selectably locking the first adjusting element and the second adjusting element together to prevent unintended movement from the first table position to the second table position or from the second table position to the first table position.
The multi-position table is characterized by the first adjusting element comprising a side member, the side member comprising a first setting member associated with the first table position and a second setting member with the second table position; and the locking member engaging the first setting member or the second setting member.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a table is adaptable for use while sitting and for use while standing. The table includes a superstructure, a substructure, and a pivoting element, the pivoting element for permitting the superstructure to pivot relative to the substructure to place the table in a first position for use while sitting from a use while standing and in a second position for use while standing; the superstructure having a first support and a second support, the first support joined to the first support at an edge of the first support, the first support and the second support defining therebetween a first angle; the substructure comprising a column for spacing the superstructure from a base; an adjustor comprising a first adjusting element associated with the superstructure, a second adjusting element associated with the column, and a locking member for engaging the first adjusting element and the second adjusting element; wherein the first adjusting element comprises a first receiver associated with the first support and a second receiver associated with the second support; wherein a second angle is defined between a first line from the first receiver to a cross-sectional center point of the pivoting element and a second line from the second receiver to the cross-sectional center point of the pivoting element; wherein the first angle and the second angle are equal.
The invention may be understood by way of example and not limitation with respect the following drawing figures:
The following detailed description is of the best mode or modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be an example of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof, and by reference to which in connection with the following description and the accompanying drawings one skilled in the art may be advised of the advantages and construction of the invention. In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts.
All technical and scientific terms shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nonetheless, certain terms are defined herein to aid in the understanding of the disclosure; these definitions apply to all parts of speech of the term regardless whether the term is defined explicitly as such.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a multi-position table 5 is adjustable to have a support surface, i.e., tabletop, at different heights. Therein, table 5 does not rely on a hydraulic or gas shock absorber or hydraulic or gas lifter, which disadvantageously may fail or unintentionally accelerate.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, table 5 is adaptable for use while sitting and while standing by moving a superstructure 10 between a first table position 100a for use while sitting and a second table position 100b for use while standing.
Table 5, preferably, comprises superstructure 10 for permitting a user to comfortably use table 5 while seated in a chair and while standing. Table 5 further comprises a substructure 20 for structural support of table 5 and to space superstructure 10 from a base 2 as well as an adjustor 30 for pivoting superstructure 10 relative to substructure 20.
Superstructure 10 may comprise a plurality of supports (for example, supports 12, 14) connected to each other. Each support comprises a support surface made of one or more durable materials arranged as a single layer or a plurality of layers. For example, one or more supports are made of aluminum.
Each support preferably is planar so that a user may place one or more items on the support, for example, for dining, work, storage, and/or display. Each support may be considered to be a tabletop and each support surface may be considered to be a tabletop surface. Preferably, each support meets another support at common end 16a and is offset from the other support by an angle 18, for example, angle 18 is preferably, but not limited, to a 90 degree angle. Where two supports meet, the two support surface form a common edge 16b.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, each support surface may comprise a non-planar surface, an inclined surface, a smooth surface, a textured surface, one or more indentations, and/or any combination of two or more thereof.
Preferably, table 5 comprises a first support 12 and a second support 14 connected to each other at least at a common end 16a and offset by an angle 18. Therein, first support 12 comprises a first support surface 12a and an underside 12b that is preferably opposite to first support surface 12a. Second support 14 comprises a second support surface 14a and an underside 14b that is preferably opposite to second support surface 14b. Therein, angle 18 is (a) the angle between a plane defined by first support surface 12a and a plane defined by second support surface 14a or (b) is defined the angle between a plane defined by underside 12b and a plane defined by underside 14b as illustrated in the figures. Angle 18 according to definition (b) is preferably 90 degrees so that table 5 is compact as will be explained below.
First support 12 and/or second support 14 have any suitable regular or irregular geometric shape, but for reasons of compactness it is preferred that second support 14 is smaller than first support 12. Preferably, first support 12 comprises an arcuate-shaped edge defining an arcuate portion 12c and one or more linear edges defining between these edges a rectangular portion 12d. Preferably, second support 14 comprises a plurality of linear edges that define therebetween a substantially rectangular portion 14c that may include one or more rounded corners 14d. First support surface 12a and second support surface 14a meet at a common edge 16b of common end 16a.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, substructure 20 rests on base 2, which may be any ground surface, floor, or flooring surface. Substructure 20 comprises one or more support legs 22 that are preferably splayed apart to provide stability to table 5 and also permit adjustment when base 2 is uneven or inclined. Therein, three support legs 22 are preferred for optimal stability, reduced weight, and ease of adjustment. A foot 24 is rotationally adjustable, i.e., adjustable to lengthen and/or shorten support leg 22, to the specific conditions of base 2 is disposed on a distal end of at least one support leg 22. Preferably, all support legs 22 have a foot 24 at a distal end of each of support leg 22.
Support legs 22 preferably meet at a support column 26 and may be fixed joined to support column 26. One or more support legs 22 may be angularly adjustable in one or more directions relative to one or more other support legs 22. Each support leg, preferably, is made of one or more durable materials arranged as a single layer or a plurality of layers. For example, one or more support legs are made of aluminum.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, preferably table 5 comprises three support legs 22 to optimize stability while reducing overall weight. A single support leg 22 is parallel with pivoting member 36 and under support 12 since the most force will be put on support 12. This arrangement further allows a user to get closer to table 5 when seated. The other two wide spread support legs 22 are located under support 14 to prevent side-to-side overturning.
Adjustor 30 comprises a first adjusting element 32 and a second adjusting element 34. First adjusting element 32, preferably, may be joined to underside 12b of support 12 or in the alternative to underside 14b of support 14. First adjusting element 32 comprises one or more side members disposed adjacent to column 26. For example, first adjusting element 32 comprises a first side member 32a and a second side member 32b disposed on opposite sides of column 26 for stability. Second adjusting element 34 is preferably a portion of column 26 and may be embodied as one or more receiving elements, such as one or more openings that are preferably reinforced, one or more indentations, or one or more detents.
Adjustor 30 further comprises a pivotable pivoting member 36 for pivoting superstructure 10 relative to substructure 20 and a locking member 38 that locks the position of the first adjusting element 32 and second adjusting element 34 relative to each other. Pivoting member 36 may be embodied as a hinge or as a shaft.
Pivoting member 36 passes through side members 32a and 32b and support column 26 to pivot the superstructure 20 about a pivot axis 36a. That is, pivoting member 36 is seated in openings provided in side members 32a and 32b and support column 26 to pivot superstructure 10 from a first table position 100a to a second table position 100b about pivot axis 36a. Each opening maybe configured as a bearing having a bearing surface and or a ball bearing assembly. Pivoting member 36 and locking member 38 transfer the load of superstructure 10 and adjustor 30 to substructure 20, specifically, to support column 26.
To permit easy disassembly of table 5, one or more ends of pivoting member 36 may extend beyond an outer edge of side member 32a and/or side member 32b and may cooperate with one or more retainers 37 to permit removal of pivoting member 36 so that superstructure 10 and substructure 20 are separated. For example, pivoting member 36 has one or more holes into which a portion of retainer 37 in the form of a cotter pin is removably inserted. A spacer 34a may be disposed between two second adjusting element 34.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, first adjusting element 32 comprises a side member 32a and a side member 32b that are parallel and fixedly joined directly or indirectly, for example via base plate 32c, to either support 12 or support 14. Preferably, side members 32a and 32b are fixed joined to base plate 32c.
Side member 32a and/or side member 32b comprises a first setting member 32d associated with first table position 100a and a second setting member 32e with second table position 100b. Preferably, setting members 32d and 32e are formed as openings in which locking member 38 is received. In a planar view of side member 32a and/or side member 32b, first setting member 32d and second setting member 32e are each located on a pivoting arc having a center point of pivoting member 36 when seen in cross-section of pivoting member 36, and separated by an angle 32f, which preferably is identical to angle 18.
Second adjusting element 34 comprises one or more column setting members 34a in column 26.
For example, column 26 has an extended area 26a in each of pair of column sections in which column setting members 34a is provided, for example as an opening. Locking member 38 engages the one or more column setting members 34a and setting members 32d and 32e to retain table 5 in a user-selected table position 100a or 100b. Locking member 38 disengages from the one or more column setting members 34a and setting members 32d and 32e to change table 5 from a user-selected table position 100a to table position 100b.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the one or more column setting members 34a and/or setting members 32d and 32e are each configured as openings in which locking member 38 configured as a locking pin that a user slides into and out of the one or more column setting members 34a and/or setting members 32d and/or 32e.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, side member 32a is sized so that locking member 38 does not pass through side member 32a; that is side member 32a is smaller than side member 32b. Further, locking member 38 is spring-biased against column 26, i.e., substructure 20, and arranged to be retained in column 26 when a user pulls locking member 38 out of the one or more column setting members 34a and one of setting members 32d or 32e. The spring-biasing arrangement prevents the user from having to completely disengage the locking member from table 5 and permits easier usage when switching the table from one table position to the other.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the pivoting element is spaced further from the base than the locking member.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, first table position 100a and second table position 100b define two different heights for table 5 based on a position of the tabletop in relation to pivot axis 36a. In first table position 100a, first support surface 12a is spaced a first distance 30a is spaced 30 inches from base 2 and is, preferably, for seated work including video conference, note taking, or one-on-one meetings. In second table position 100b, second support surface 14a is spaced a second distance 30b is spaced 42 inches from base 2 and is, preferably, for standing note-taking, resting a drink while on the phone.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a user wishing to change table 5 from a first table position 100a to a table position 100b disengages locking member 38 from the one or more column setting members 34a and/or setting members 32d and 32e by pulling it out. The user then rotates superstructure 10 to place table in position 100b and engages locking member 38.
Therein, table 5 is a sit-to-stand solution that has a mechanical locking and release system (opposed to hydraulic or electric components). Adjustor 30 comprises a “pull-pin” locking mechanism that preferably is located as far as possible from the pivot point while not making it awkward to reach. Consequently, there is less play in superstructure 10 when it is in a fixed location (either high or low). The further from the pivot point the smaller the angle of possible travel of the pin in its locked position.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, adjustor 30 may include a hinge similar to a hinge used in a reclining seat that allows the lever to be parallel to the hinge so that it would stick out underneath the lower table surface.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.
