AU2014100273A4 - Configurable table - Google Patents

Abstract

-7 CONFIGURABLE TABLE Abstract A configurable table (100) is disclosed. The table (100) has a tabletop 5 (110) having an aperture (150) formed therein. A utility tray (120) is attached below the tabletop (110), thereby forming a cavity between the tabletop (110) and the utility tray (120), the aperture (150) providing access to the cavity. Inserts (115, 160, 170, 173, 175, 191, 192 and 193) insertable in the aperture (150) are also provided. The inserts (115, 160, 170, 173, 175, 10 191, 192 and 193) have different functionality, thereby changing the functionality of the table (100). (-3 a _ C) -o Li-

Description

- 1 CONFIGURABLE TABLE Field of the Invention The present invention generally pertains to conference or workstation tables, and more specifically, to conference or workstation tables that are selectively configurable. 5 Background Most office suites include at least one conference room, each being equipped with a conference table. These conference rooms are typically used for meetings in which participants are seated around the conference table to discuss matters of interest to the participants. However, while not in use, 10 both the conference room and the conference table represent wasted real estate. A need exists to more efficiently use conference tables, and thus the rooms wherein they reside. More particularly, a need exists to readily configure such tables to suit a number of different uses or functions 15 Summary According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a configurable table comprising: a tabletop having an aperture formed therein; supports for supporting the table top; 20 a utility tray attached below the tabletop, thereby forming a cavity between the tabletop and the utility tray, the aperture providing access to the cavity; and -2 one or more inserts insertable in the aperture, the inserts having different functionality, thereby changing the functionality of the table. Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings 5 One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an isometric top view of a table according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is an isometric bottom view of the table shown in Fig. 1; 10 Figs. 3 and 4 show the table of Fig. 1 where a cover plate 160 has been inserted into an access opening of the table; Figs. 5A and 5B are isometric views of recessed power trays that may be inserted into the access opening of the table; Fig. 6 is an isometric view of an organizer tray that may be inserted 15 into the access opening of the table; Fig. 7 is an isometric view of a monitor tray that may also be inserted into the access opening of the table; Figs. 8A, 8B and 8C are isometric views of different recess trays that may also be inserted into the access opening of the table; 20 Fig. 9 shows the table of Fig. 1 with inserts in a different configuration to that shown in Fig. 1; and Fig. 10 shows the table with a privacy screen, the foot thereof being inserted into the access opening of the table.

-3 Detailed Description including Best Mode Where reference is made in any one or more of the accompanying drawings to features which have the same reference numerals, those features have for the purposes of this description the same function(s). 5 Disclosed herein is a table 100 that can readily be configured to suit a number of different uses or functions. As a result, a space such as a conference room that is equipped with such a table can be efficiently used for different purposes without having to exchange or move furniture around the room. 10 Fig. 1 is an isometric top view of the table 100 and Fig. 2 shows an isometric bottom view of the table 100. The table 100 includes a tabletop 110 supported by a base (not illustrated) and four table legs 180. As is best seen in Fig. 2, connected below the tabletop 110 is a utility tray 120. The table legs 180 are provided with channels 185 which terminate 15 in a cavity formed between the tabletop 110 and the utility tray 120. Advantageously cables (not illustrated) may be fed through the channels 185 into cavity formed between the tabletop 110 and the utility tray 120. The tabletop 110 has formed therein an access opening 150 for accessing the cavity formed between the tabletop 110 and the utility tray 120. 20 Referring again to Fig. 1, various insets, described in detail below, are provided for insertion into the access opening 150, thereby adapting the table 100 to a number of different uses. Fig. 3 shows the table 100 where a cover plate 160 has been inserted into the access opening 150. Fig. 4 shows the cover plate 160' having a 25 different colour or finish, thereby making the cover plate 160' more -4 distinguishable from the tabletop 110. This configuration is particularly suitable when the table 100 is to be used as a conventional conference table. Fig. 5A is an isometric view of a recessed power tray 170 that may be inserted into the access opening 150. Fig. 5B is an isometric view of a raised 5 power tray 170 that may be inserted into the access opening 150'. The recessed and raised power trays 150 and 150' have power and data outlets 171 and 172 connected to the wiring provided in the utility tray 120 below the tabletop 110. This configuration is particularly suitable when the table 100 is to be used by participants needing access to power, as well as network access, 10 for their laptops. Fig. 6 is an isometric view of an organizer tray 173 that may be inserted into the access opening 150. Differently shaped and sized recesses are provided in the organizer tray 173 wherein various office supplies, such as pens, pencils, and paperclips, may be held. 15 Fig. 7 is an isometric view of a monitor tray 175 that may also be inserted into the access opening 150. The monitor tray 175 has an aperture 176 through which a stand of a monitor can protrude. The foot of the monitor stand would be concealed below the monitor tray 185 with only the monitor itself being visible. 20 Figs. 8A, 8B and 8C are isometric views of a square recess tray 191, a square deep recess tray 192 and a rectangular recess tray 193 respectively. The recess trays 191, 192 and 193 may be used to store various objects. Referring again to Fig. 1, the table 100 is shown with a number of different ones of the inserts 170, 173, 175, 191, 192 and 193 according to the 25 needs of the user(s). Similarly, Fig. 9 shows the table 100 with inserts 170, -5 173, 175, 191, 192 and 193 in a different configuration, including monitors 200 attached to the monitor tray 175. Fig. 10 shows the table 100 with a privacy screen 115, the foot thereof being inserted into the access opening 150. This configuration is particularly 5 useful when the table 100 is shared by users not partaking in a meeting. The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive. 10

Claims (4)

1. A configurable table comprising: a tabletop having an aperture formed therein; 5 supports for supporting the table top; a utility tray attached below the tabletop, thereby forming a cavity between the tabletop and the utility tray, the aperture providing access to the cavity; and one or more inserts insertable in the aperture, the inserts having 10 different functionality, thereby changing the functionality of the table.

2. A configurable table according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the inserts has one or more sockets, and at least one of the supports has a channel terminating in the cavity for channelling cables connectable to the one 15 or more sockets.

3. A configurable table according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the inserts has an opening for receiving a stand of a monitor. 20 4. A configurable table according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the inserts is a privacy screen.

4. A configurable table according to claim 1, further comprising a cover insertable in the aperture. 25