GB2253997A - Table tops - Google Patents

Abstract

A table top arranged for installation upon at least one support is formed of a plurality of parts slidingly interconnectable with each other at associated edges. The table top 1 may be of circular plan configuration, with the plurality of parts 2 in the form of a plurality of segments dividing the table top from the outer periphery towards the centre thereof and being interconnected at their adjoining edges 3, 4, e.g. by tongues and grooves, the table top being assembled, in use, from the segments by sliding the segments along their interconnecting edges in towards the table top. <IMAGE>

Description

Table Tops This invention relates to table tops, that is to say, planar members arranged to be disposed upon supports for use for any of the numerous purposes of tables, such as work surfaces, display surfaces or dining surfaces, for example.

It is a common experience that in many environments such as the home, workshop or office, space precludes the permanent provision of a table of sufficient size or of appropriate surface for specific uses which are not permanently required. At times attempts are made to overcome this problem by keeping in storage a folding or collapsible table, or an overtable of a larger size or having an appropriate surface, for placing on top of an existing table or supports.

However, such folding tables and overtables usually occupy, in themselves, valuable space when not in use and tend to be cumbersome in assembling and making ready for use.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least substantially reduce this problem.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a table top arranged for installation upon at least one support, said table top being formed of a plurality of parts slidingly interconnectable with each other at associated edges.

In a preferred form of the invention, the table is of circular plan configuration, and the parts thereof are in the form of a plurality of segments dividing the table top from the outer periphery toward the centre thereof and being inteconnected at their adjoining edges, the table top being assembled, in use, from the segments by sliding the segments along their interconnecting edges in towards the table top centre.

The interconnecting edges of the segments may have any appropriate interconnecting means and, thus, may comprise tongue and groove channel interconnections.

Such interconnecting edges may be formed of the material of the segments of the table top or may be added edge strips to the segments.

The table top may be formed, for example, of plastics, wood, or chip board, for example.

Where the table top is circular in plan, in order to avoid weak narrow tapering segments adjacent the table top centre a separate central part of the table top of circular plan configuration may be arranged to be located at the centre of the table against which each segment is arranged to abut after completing its inward engagement with each adjacent segment.

The central part may be of the same material as the segments. The central part may be secured to one or more of the segments. Thus, it may be provided with a rim of metal or plastics which may be grooved around its periphery to receive tongues from each of the segments for example. Pegs may be provided passing transversely through the rim and tongues to hold the same together.

Where the table top is of circular plan configuration the separate segments may each be of the same size so that, when not in use, the table top can conveniently and compactly be stored by stacking the totality of segments together.

The table top parts may be provided with a suitable under backing to protect the support, such as an under table, on which it rests in use. The backing may be of any suitable material such as felt or foamed plastics sheet for example.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood one emhodiment thereof will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of the table top of circular configuration according to the invention; Figure 2 illustrates in enlarged scrap section the central portion of the table top of Figure 1; and Figure 3 illustrates in enlarged scrap section the tongue and groove configuration at the edges of two segments.

Referring to the drawings, it will be seen that the table top 1 is of circular plan configuration having six equal segments 2 interconnecting along their side edges 3,4. Each segment has on one side edge 3, a tongue 5 and on the other side edge 4 a groove 5 for such sliding interconnection.

A centre part 7 of the table top is provided fits a central gap in the table top and has a peripheral lip portion 8 fitting fits over shoulders 9 around the central portion of each of the segments so as to provide support for the part 8 and give an overall flat upper surface to the table top 1. Protective under sheets of foamed plastics material 10 are provided for the parts of the table top.

The table top 1 may conveniently be placed upon a smaller table or upon a support with legs (not shown), and may be used commercially in the catering trade or domestically as a dining table, for example.

For assembly one segment 2 is placed on the relevant support, and the next segment 2 by means of the tongue 5 and groove 4 interconnection is moved into full engagement therewith by sliding towards the centre of the table top 1. The procedure is repeated with each segment 2 in turn and the central part 7 finally placed in position.

Dis-assembly of the table top is easily achieved by reversing the assembly steps.

When not in use, the table top segments 3 and part 7 may be stacked together for simple, space saving, storage.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is merely exemplary of table tops in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention.

Claims (11)

CLAIMS:

1. A table top arranged for installation upon at least one support, said table top being formed of a plurality of parts slidingly interconnectable with each other at associated edges.

2. A table top as claimed in Claim 1 being of circular plan configuration, and the plurality of parts being in the form of a plurality of segments dividing the table top from the outer periphery towards the centre thereof and being interconnected at their adjoining edges, the table top being assembled, in use, from the segments by sliding the segments along their interconnecting edges in towards the table top.

3. A table top as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the interconnecting edges of the segments are provided with tongue and groove channel interconnections.

4. A table top as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the interconnecting edges are provided by added edge strips to the segments.

5. A table top as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 4 incorporating a separate central part of the table top of circular plan configuration arranged to be located at the centre of the table against which each segment is arranged to abut after completing its inward engagement with each adjacent segment.

6. A table top as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the central part is secured to one or more of the segments.

7. A table top as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the central part is provided with a rim grooved around its periphery and arranged to receive tongues from each of the segments.

8. A table top as claimed in Claim 7 wherein pegs are provided which are arranged to pass transversely through bores in the rim of the central part and the tongues of the segments to hold the same together.

9. A table top as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 8 wherein the segments are each of the same size.

10. A table top as claimed in any of the preceding Claims wherein there is provided an under backing of protective material.

11. A table top substantially as shown in and as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.