AU675272B2 - Table means - Google Patents

Description

I

Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant: SOUTH WESTERN MANUFACTURING PTY LTD Actual Inventor: LESLIE MANN Address for Service: R K MADDERN ASSOCIATES, 345 King William Street, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Invention title: "TABLE MEANS" Details of Associated Provisional Application No: PL 7639 dated 5th March 1993.

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a table support means, and in particular to a means of supporting a table between the frames of two chairs.

It is desirable to provide some form of table or support surface in association with chairs, particularly in the case of outdoor furniture, that is convenient to use, and within easy reach. Further, it is also desirable that such furniture be foldable for storage or transport purposes.

It is an object of this invention to provide a table support means which is readily used and fitted to furniture wherein the table support means is easily attached and easily removed for storage purposes. Preferably, such table support means lf may be used with foldable furniture.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a table which is adapted to be fitted between two chairs such that the table extends between the armrests of adjacent chairs.

0 The attachment means provided allows for secure attachment between the chairs such that the table surface is stable, while at the same time allowing ready release for detachment S of the table from the chairs.

In its broadest form, the invention comprises a table member which is locatable between two adjacent chairs, said table member having a pair of attachment means comprising channel members spaced from each other and located on the underside surface of the table member each said channel member having a rhannel of substantially U-shaped cross-section, said channel members being adapted to locate over arinrests of said chairs having a substantially square or rectangular cross-section to enable said table member to be placed between said two adjacent chairs such that at least a portion of an armrest of each chair locates within an adjacent said chann member to restrict relative horizontal movement between said two adjacent chairs.

Preferably, the armrests have a constant cross-section along their length, such that the channel members may also have a constant cross-sectional shape. In one aspect of the invention, each of the channel members may be formed by a o• pair of battens which are secured to the underneath surface of the table member and spaced such that the armrests may locate readily therebetween.

Preferably, the armrest of the chair is parallel to the ground or floor surface such that the table member itself may al o be parallel to the ground or floor surface.

Alternati.ely, a tapering portion may be located within the channel which compensates for the angle of any sloping armrest such that the table member is kept in a substantially horizontal position.

Preferably, the size of the rnannel members in relation to the armrests over which they fit is such as to allow minimal clearance for easy fitting of the channel to the armrest while at the same time ensuring that the clearance is not so great that the armrests or chairs are capable of appreciable movement witn respect to the table surface. Preferably, the clearance provided is sufficient to enable ready securement of the channel member to the armrest while at the same time providing the impression that the table provides a rigid support between adjacent chairs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In order that the invention may be fully understood, a preferred embodiment will now be described. However, it should be realised that the scope of this invention is not be confined or restricted to the precise details described herein. This embodiment is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the underneath surface of a table member according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the top surface of the table member; and Fig. 3 is a perspective view, depicting the table member positioned between two adjacent chairs.

:n this embodiment, the table member 10 comprises a plurality of spaced slats 11, and each channel member 12 comprises a pair of battens 13 which are secured to distal edges of the table member. The battens 13 are nailed or stapled to the outer side surface of the individual slats 11, and this fixing process in turn provides a rigid table member.

As can be seen in the drawings, the channel members 12 are sized to fit over the armrests of adjacent chairs 14. In this embodiment, folding wooden-frame chairs are shown, which have armrests of constant cross-section which are horizontal with respect to the floor surface.

By providing just sufficient clearance between the channel members 12 and the respective armrests, the table 10 can be readily located between the adjacent chairs 14, while at the same time giving the impression of a rigid connecting member between adjacent chairs which prevents individual movement of each chair. This therefore provides a stable surface which i2U: is quickly and easily positioned between adjacent chairs.

In this embodiment, the chairs are shown facing in the same direction, but it should be realised that the table could be arranged on chairs facing in opposite directions.

This embodiment shows the use of a plurality of slats 11 to o• form the table member, but it should be realised that a planar surface may also be used.

o In a further aspect of this invention, the channel members 12 may have the same spacing as adjacent armrests on the same chair. This would enable the table to be located on a single chair over each of the armrests.

Alternatively, if this type of usage is to be avoided or prevented, then the spacing of the adjacent channel members may be such that they do not match the spacing of the armrests on a single chair, thereby preventing location of the table onto a single chair.

Although simple in its nature, the invention described above provides a means of conveniently and quickly locating a table between two adjacent chairs. Such an invention will be particular useful in relation to folding furniture, as it enables the convenient location of a table surface which in itself is readily disassembled and easily stored.

While the present invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments in order to facilitate better understanding of the invention, it should be appreciated that various modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the invention. Therefore, the invention should be understood to include all such modifications within its scope.

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Claims (8)

1. A table member which is locatable between two adjacent chairs, said table member having a pair of attachment means comprising channel members spaced from each other and located on the underside surface of the table member each said channel member having a channel of substantially U-shaped cross-section, said channel members being adapted to locate over armrests of said chairs having a substantially square or rectangular cross-section to enable said table member to be placed between said two adjacent chairs such that at least a portion of an armrest of each chair locates within an adjacent sai6 channel member to restrict relative horizontal movement between said two adjacent chairs.

2. A table member according to claim 1, wherein each channel member has a constant cross-sectional shape.

3. A table member according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein .o each channel member comprises a pair of battens. S0

4. A table member according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each channel member comprises a tapering portion to oa compensate for the angle of sloping armrests such that the tble member, when located between the armrests, remains horizontal.

A table member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the table surface comprises a plurality of slats.

6. A table member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the table surface is a planar surface.

7. A table member substantially as described herein, and with reference to any of the accompanying drawings. DATED this 26th day of November 1996 SOUTH WESTERN MANUFACTURING PTY LTD By its Patent Attorneys i MADDERNS A

8. A table member substantially as described herein, and with reference to any of the accompanying drawings. Dated this 4th March 1994. SOUTH WESTERN MANUFACTURING PTY LTD By its Patent Attorneys R K MADDERN ASSOCIATES *e so ee eoe ABSTRACT This invention relates to a table member (10) which is locatable between two adjacent chairs The table 10 has a pair of attachment means (12) that comprise channel members spaced from each other and located on the underside surface of the table The channel members (12) are adapted to locate over the armrests of the chairs (14) such that a portion of an armrest of each chair locates within a channel member. The invention provides a convenient and easy means of positioning a table between two adjacent chairs (14). **o Co *o 0* a 0**C