BACKGROUND
As use of personal electronic devices continues to increase, so does the need for convenient places to store the devices while keeping them nearby and accessible. For example, users typically desire to keep cellular phones, which perform multiple functions, close at hand for convenient use. However, users do not always desire to keep cellular phones or other personal electronic devices on their person, for example, in a clothing pocket. In particular, if a user is to be seated for an extended period of time, it can be uncomfortable or distracting to keep the device in a pocket. Thus, a user may choose instead to place the device on a table top surface where the user is seated. However, in some circumstances, the user may want to use the table top surface as a work space, in which case the user may want a place other than the table top surface to store the device. Additionally, in some circumstances, the user may not want the device to be constantly visible, in order to reduce distractions.
Additionally, the heavy use of personal electronic devices brings about a need to provide electricity to the devices. Specifically, there is a need to connect personal devices to sources of electrical energy to recharge the devices while maintaining accessibility. Electrical outlets, which are used to provide electrical energy to the devices, are not always conveniently located. Furthermore, cords, which are used to connect the devices to the outlets, may be a visual distraction or even a physical obstruction.
Thus, it is desirable to provide an apparatus which facilitates conveniently connecting personal electronic devices to a source of electrical energy while allowing continued access and use of the devices. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide an apparatus which enables storage and retention of personal electronic devices and associated cords and connections to a source of electrical energy in an unobtrusive but accessible manner.
SUMMARY
Accordingly, disclosed herein is a table having a sliding table top, which can slide relative to a table support assembly to alternately provide access to and hide a tray for storage of personal electronic devices. In at least one embodiment, the table also includes an electrical connection configured to provide access to electrical outlets for the electronic devices. The electrical outlets can be located in or near the tray and can also be alternately accessed and hidden by the sliding table top.
According to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the table includes a support assembly, a sliding assembly, and a table top. The sliding assembly includes at least one sliding guide rail, which is fixedly coupled to the support assembly, and at least one slide, which is slidably coupled to the at least one sliding guide rail. The table top is fixedly coupled to the at least one slide such that the table top is slidable relative to the support assembly between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the table top is aligned with the support assembly. In the second position, the table top is not aligned with the support assembly.
According to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the table includes a support assembly, a sliding assembly, and a table top. The support assembly includes at least one leg assembly, a frame fixedly coupled to the at least one leg assembly, and a tray fixedly coupled to the frame. The tray has a substantially planar surface. The sliding assembly includes at least one sliding guide rail, which is fixedly coupled to the frame, and at least one slide, which is slidably coupled to the at least one sliding guide rail. The table top is fixedly coupled to the at least one slide such that the table top is slidable relative to the support assembly between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the table top covers the substantially planar surface of the tray. In the second position, the table top does not cover at least a portion of the substantially planar surface of the tray.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above-described features and advantages, as well as others, should become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying figures in which:
FIG. 1 depicts a back right perspective view of a portion of a table with a sliding table top.
FIG. 2 depicts an exploded back left perspective view of the table of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 depicts a right side plan view of the table of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a bottom plan view of a portion of the table of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 depicts a back plan view of the table of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 depicts a front end view of a portion of the table of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 depicts a top plan view of the table of FIG. 1 in a first arrangement.
FIG. 8 depicts a zoomed-in back left perspective view of the table of FIG. 1 in a second arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written specification. It is understood that no limitation to the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. It is further understood that this disclosure includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.
As shown in FIG. 1, a table 100 includes a support assembly 104, a sliding assembly 108 (shown in FIG. 2) supported by the support assembly 104, and a table top 124 supported by the sliding assembly 108. The support assembly 104 includes a tray 112 configured to support electronic devices 116 and/or their power cords. The support assembly 104 further includes a frame 114 configured to support electrical outlets 120 which are configured to supply electrical energy to the electronic devices 116. The table top 124 is supported by the sliding assembly 108 so as to be slidable relative to the support assembly 104 between a first position (shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) and a second position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 8). As described in more detail below, in the first position, the table top 124 covers the tray 112 and/or electrical outlets 120, and in the second position, the table top 124 provides access to the tray 112 and/or the electrical outlets 120. The table 100 further includes a front side 128, a back side 132, a left side 136, and a right side 140 (shown in FIG. 3).
As shown in FIG. 2, the support assembly 104 includes the tray 112, the frame 114, two leg assemblies 148, and a modesty panel 152. The leg assemblies 148 support the table 100 on the ground, and when the table 100 is in use, the modesty panel 152 provides some visual coverage to the waist area of a person seated at the table when viewed from the back side 132 of the table 100.
The tray 112 can be made of, for example, wire or metal mesh. The material that the tray 112 is made of provides support to the devices 116 and cords, and also conducts heat, to facilitate dissipation of heat, which is a byproduct of the electrical energy being supplied to and used by the devices 116, away from the devices 116. Additionally, the tray 112 includes a plurality of openings interspersed within the material to further facilitate dissipation of heat away from the devices 116. The frame 114 and the leg assemblies 148 can be made of, for example, metal square tubing. The material that the frame 114 and leg assemblies 148 is made of is lightweight, to facilitate portability of the table 100, and sturdy. Additionally, the shape of square tubing facilitates construction of the table 100 by providing a plurality of substantially planar surfaces to which various components of the table 100 can be connected. The modesty panel 152 can be made of, for example, multidensity fiberboard or particle board. The material that the modesty panel 152 is made of is lightweight, to facilitate portability of the table 100, and is durable.
Each of the leg assemblies 148 includes a front leg 156, a back leg 160, and a leg connector 164. Each of the leg connectors 164 connects a front leg 156 to a back leg 160 such that, when the table 100 is assembled as shown in FIG. 1, the front legs 156 are arranged at the front side 128 of the table 100, the back legs 160 are arranged at the back side 132 of the table 100, one leg connector 164 is arranged along a left side 136 of the table 100, and the other leg connector 164 is arranged along a right side 140 of the table 100.
Each of the leg connectors 164 further includes a front portion 168, a central portion 172, and a back portion 176. The front portion 168 of each of the leg connectors 164 is coupled to a back side 180 of a respective front leg 156 at an angle A (shown in FIG. 4) such that each front portion 168 is angled inwardly from the respective front leg 156 toward the opposite back leg 160. Each of the front portions 168 can be coupled at an angle A of, for example, between 0 and 90 degrees relative to the front side 128 of the table 100. In particular, the angle A can be approximately 60 degrees. Similarly, the back portion 176 of each of the leg connectors 164 is coupled to a front side 184 of a respective back leg 160 and angled toward the opposite front leg 156. Each of the back portions 176 can be coupled at an angle B (shown in FIG. 4) of, for example, between 0 and 90 degrees relative to the back side 132 of the table 100. In particular, the angle B can be approximately 60 degrees. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the front portions 168 is arranged at an angle of between 0 and 90 degrees relative to the respective back portion 176.
Each of the central portions 172 is interposed between a respective front portion 168 and back portion 176 to connect the respective front leg 156 and back leg 160. The central portions 172 are arranged parallel to one another and parallel to the left side 136 and right side 140 of the table 100. Accordingly, the central portions 172 are arranged at angles C relative to the front portions 168 and at angles D relative to the back portions 176. The angles C can be, for example 150 degrees relative to the front portions 168, and the angles D can be, for example 150 degrees relative to the back portions 176. A schematic drawing showing an exemplary embodiment of the angles A, B, C, and D is shown in FIG. 4.
As shown in FIG. 4, the above-described arrangement of the front portion 168, central portion 172, and back portion 176 of each of the leg connectors 164 results in the central portions 172 being inwardly offset from the front, back, left and right sides 128, 132, 136, 140 of the table 100. As described in more detail below, inwardly offsetting the central portions 172 enables arrangement of the sliding assembly 108 away from the sides of the table 100, which reduces the likelihood of objects being accidentally caught or inserted into the sliding assembly 108 when the table top 124 is being moved between the first and second positions. For example, inwardly offsetting the central portions 172 reduces the chance of a user's finger or clothing being accidentally caught in the sliding assembly 108. Additionally, inwardly offsetting the central portions 172 enables arrangement of the sliding assembly 108 more centrally beneath the table top 124, which provides better balanced and sturdier sliding support to the table top 124. Accordingly, the angles A, B, C, and D can be angles other than those described above that also result in the central portions 172 being inwardly offset from the sides of the table 100.
Returning to FIG. 2, the frame 114 is rectangularly shaped having two long sides 188 and two short sides 192. Each of the short sides 192 of the frame 114 is coupled to one of the central portions 172 of the leg assemblies 148 such that the short sides 192 of the frame 114 are arranged parallel to the left and right sides 136, 140 of the table 100 and the long sides 188 of the frame 114 are arranged parallel to the front and back sides 128, 132 of the table 100. The frame 114 can be coupled to the central portions 172 of the leg connectors 164 by, for example, screws. However, the frame 114 can alternatively be coupled to the central portions 172 by other known means of fixedly coupling. The frame 114 is coupled to the leg connectors 164, rather than the front or back legs 156, 160, so that the legs 156, 160 can be arranged at the corners of the table 100 and the frame 114 can be inwardly offset from the corners of the table 100. Inwardly offsetting the frame 114 from the corners of the table 100 enables arrangement of the sliding assembly 108 away from the sides of the table 100 and enables arrangement of the sliding assembly 108 more centrally beneath the table top 124.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the modesty panel 152 is substantially planar and rectangularly shaped having long edges 196 and short edges 200. Each of the short edges 200 of the modesty panel 152 is fixedly coupled to one of the back legs 160 such that the modesty panel 152 is parallel to the back side 132 of the table 100 and the long edges 196 are parallel to the table top 124. When the modesty panel 152 is coupled to the back legs 160, an inwardly facing side 202 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the modesty panel 152 is arranged facing toward the front side 128 of the table 100 and an outwardly facing side 206 of the modesty panel 152 is arranged facing toward the back side 132 of the table 100.
The modesty panel 152 is coupled to the back legs 160 at a position lower than top edges 210 of the back legs 160 such that a vertical gap 214 (shown in FIG. 5) is formed between the table top 124 and the long edges 196 of the modesty panel 152. The gap 214 has a height H sufficient to pass a cord of an electronic device 116 through the gap 214 if the electronic device is connected to an electrical outlet 120 and the table top 124 is arranged in the first position. Thus, by passing the cord, the gap 124 enables the electronic device 116 to be connected to the electrical outlet 120 while the device 116 is positioned on the table top 124 and the table top 124 is in the first position. In an exemplary embodiment, the height H is, for example, 0.75 inches.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the modesty panel 152 is also coupled to the frame 114 via mounting brackets 218, which provide secure support to the modesty panel 152 and maintain space between the frame 114 and the modesty panel 152. The modesty panel 152 is coupled to the frame 114 so as to be arranged substantially perpendicularly relative to the table top 124. In an exemplary embodiment, the modesty panel 152 is coupled to the frame 114 via two mounting brackets 218. However, more or fewer than two mounting brackets 218 can be used to securely support the modesty panel 152 from the frame 114. The mounting brackets 218 are affixed to the inwardly facing side 202 of the modesty panel 152 and to the long side 188 (shown in FIG. 2) of the frame 114 arranged nearest to the back side 132 of the table 100. The mounting brackets 218 are positioned inwardly of the back legs 160 of the leg assemblies 148. In other words, the mounting brackets 218 are arranged nearer to one another than are the back legs 160. Each of the mounting brackets 218 is arranged at an angle E (shown in FIG. 1) relative to the table top 124 and is coupled to the inwardly facing side 202 at a position between the long edges 196 of the modesty panel 152.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tray 112 includes a substantially planar surface arranged substantially parallel to the table top 124. The tray 112 is coupled to the frame 114 (shown in FIG. 2) via mounting members 222. In an exemplary embodiment, the tray 112 is coupled to the frame 114 via two mounting members 222. However, more or fewer than two mounting members 222 can be used to securely support the tray 112 from the frame 114. Each of the mounting members 222 is coupled to a top side 230 (shown in FIG. 3) of the tray 112 and to the long side 188 (shown in FIG. 2) of the frame 114 arranged nearest to the back side 132 of the table. In particular, each of the mounting members 222 is coupled to both an underside 226 and an inward side 228 (shown in FIG. 2) of the long side 188 of the frame 144. The underside 226 faces away from the table top 124 and the inward side 228 faces toward the front side 128 of the table 100. Thus, the tray 112 is coupled to the frame 114 such that the substantially planar surface of the tray 112 is arranged substantially parallel to the underside 226 and substantially perpendicularly to the inward side 228.
The mounting members 222 are positioned inwardly of the mounting brackets 218. In other words, the mounting members 222 are arranged nearer to one another than are the mounting brackets 218. The tray 112 further includes angled front and back edges 234 angled upwardly toward the table top 124 and the front and back sides 128, 132, respectively, of the table 100. The angled front and back edges 234 of the tray 112 are configured to retain objects on the tray 112 and prevent objects from accidentally rolling or sliding off the tray 112.
In summary, the leg assemblies 148 are coupled to the short sides 192 (shown in FIG. 2) of the frame 114, the modesty panel 152 is coupled to the back legs 160 of the leg assemblies 148 and to one of the long sides 188 (shown in FIG. 2) of the frame 114 via the mounting brackets 218, and the tray 112 is coupled to one of the long sides 188 of the frame 114 via the mounting members 222. Accordingly, the tray 112, the frame 114, the leg assemblies 148, and the modesty panel 152 are fixed in position relative to one another.
As shown in FIG. 2, the sliding assembly 108 includes two sliding guide rails 238, two guide mount bars 242, and two slides 246. One of the sliding guide rails 238, guide mount bars 242, and slides 246 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 6. As shown, the sliding guide rails 238 are substantially flat and rectangularly shaped including a bottom 254 and a lip 258 protruding upwardly from the bottom 254 along each of the long sides 262 of the sliding guide rails 238. Each of the sliding guide rails 238 defines a width W1 which extends between the long sides 262.
The bottom 254 of each of the sliding guide rails 238 is fixedly coupled to a top side 266 (shown in FIG. 2) of the frame 114. In one embodiment, the top side 266 of the frame 114 includes grooves 270 (shown in FIG. 2) configured to receive the sliding guide rails 238 such that when the sliding guide rails 238 are coupled to the frame 114, they do not project above the top side 266 of the frame 114. One of the sliding guide rails 238 is positioned near the left side 136 of the table 100, and the other of the sliding guide rails 238 is positioned near the right side 140 of the table 100, such that the long sides 262 of the sliding guide rails 238 are arranged parallel to the left and right sides 136, 140 of the table 100, and, thus, parallel to the central portions 172 of the leg assemblies 148 and parallel to the short sides 192 of the frame 114.
Returning to FIG. 6, each of the guide mount bars 242 is substantially rectangularly shaped including long sides 274 and a flange 278 protruding outwardly along each of the long sides 274. Each of the guide mount bars 242 is centered on and fixedly coupled to a respective sliding guide rail 238 such that the long sides 274 of the guide mount bars 242 are parallel to the long sides 262 of the sliding guide rails 238. Each of the guide mount bars 242 has a width W2 which extends between the flanges 278. The width W2 is narrower than the width W1 of the sliding guide rails 238. Accordingly, the guide mount bars 242 are centrally mounted within the sliding guide rails 238 such that space remains between each of the flanges 278 of a guide mount bar 242 and the lips 258 of the respective sliding guide rails 238. The space is sized to accommodate the slides 246.
Each of the slides 246 is substantially flat and rectangularly shaped including a top side 282, a bottom side 286, and a hook 290 protruding downwardly and inwardly from the bottom side 286 along each of the long sides 294 of the slides 246. The top side 282 of each of the slides 246 is fixedly coupled to a bottom side 298 (shown in FIG. 2) of the table top 124, and the bottom side 286 of each of the slides 246 is arranged in sliding contact with a respective guide mount bar 242 such that the hooks 290 of the slides 246 are received between the flanges 278 of respective guide mount bars 242 and the lips 258 of respective sliding guide rails 238 to couple the slides 246 to the guide mount bars 242. Accordingly, each of the slides 246 is slidingly coupled to a respective guide mount bar 242, and the sliding movement of the slides 246 is guided by the flanges 278 of the guide mount bars 242 and the lips 258 of the sliding guide rails 238 such that the slides 246 are able to slide in a direction parallel to the left and right sides 136, 140 of the table 100.
In at least one embodiment, the sliding assembly 108 further includes a stop 300 (shown in FIG. 2) configured to limit the sliding movement of the slides 246 along the guide mount bars 242. For example, the stop 300 may be positioned to prevent the sliding movement of the slides 246 in a direction toward the back side 132 of the table 100. Additionally, the sliding assembly 108 may include more than one stop 300 positioned to limit the sliding movement of the slides 246 in more than one direction or beyond more than one position.
In summary, the table top 124 is fixedly coupled to the sliding assembly 108, the sliding assembly 108 is fixedly coupled to the support assembly 104, and the sliding assembly 108 is configured to enable the table top 124 to slide relative to the support assembly 104. In one embodiment, the sliding assembly 108 is configured to enable the table top 124 to slide in only one direction relative to the support assembly 104. In particular, the sliding assembly 108 can be configured to enable the table top 124 to slide only in a direction away from the modesty panel 152 on the back side 132 of the table 100. When the table top 124 slides in the direction away from the modesty panel 152, the tray 112 is exposed.
As mentioned above, the table 100 is configured to be moved between the first and second positions. In the first position, shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, the table top 124 is positioned directly above the support assembly 104 such that the table top 124 is arranged above each of the front legs 156 and each of the back legs 160. In the first position, the table top 124 covers and prevents access to the tray 112. Furthermore, in the first position, the table top 124 is aligned with the support assembly 104 such that the table top 124 is substantially centered over the frame 114 and the leg assemblies 148. In the second position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the table top 124 has been moved toward the front side 128 of the table 100 such that the table top 124 is not positioned directly above the back legs 160 of the support assembly 104. In the second position, the table top 124 does not cover and prevent access to the tray 112. More specifically, at least a portion of the tray 112 is not covered by the table top 124 in the second position. Furthermore, in the second position, the table top 124 is not aligned with the support assembly 104. In other words, the table top 124 is not substantially centered over the frame 114 and the leg assemblies 148.
In at least one embodiment, the table 100 is supported on casters 304 (shown in FIG. 2) coupled to each of the front legs 156 and the back legs 160 to enable the table 100 to be rolled from one location to another. In an alternative embodiment, casters are not coupled to the front legs 156 or the back legs 160 and the legs 156, 160 rest on the ground.
In at least one embodiment, the frame 114 includes a first latch portion 308 (shown in FIG. 2) fixedly coupled to an inwardly facing side of a long side 188 and the table top 124 includes a second latch portion 312 (shown in FIG. 2) fixedly coupled to the bottom side 298 of the table top 124. The first latch portion 308 and the second latch portion 312 are configured to engage with one another when the table 100 is in the second position such that the table top 124 has been moved toward the front side 128 of the table 100. Accordingly, the first latch portion 308 and the second latch portion 312 engage with one another to prevent the table top 124 from being unintentionally moved back toward the back side 132 of the table 100 and moving the table 100 back toward the first position. One of the first latch portion 308 and the second latch portion 312 includes a disengagement mechanism configured to be manually operated to disengage the first latch portion 308 from the second latch portion 312 to allow the table 100 to move from the second arrangement back toward the first arrangement.
In at least one embodiment, the table 100 includes an electrical connection (not shown) configured to be electrically coupled to an external source of electricity and to conduct the electricity to the electrical outlets 120. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the electrical connection can be received within the support assembly 104, for example, within the metal square tubing of the leg assemblies 148 and/or frame 114.
While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that only the preferred embodiments have been presented and that all changes, modifications and further applications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.
Patent Application
20160367025
