GB2414387A

GB2414387A - Table with decorative illuminated translucent insert

Info

Publication number: GB2414387A
Application number: GB0411631A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alwis Marc De
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-05-25
Filing date: 2004-05-25
Publication date: 2005-11-30
Also published as: GB0411631D0

Abstract

A table which comprises a panel 10 formed with at least one aperture in which an insert 14 of translucent material is disposed, the insert providing a decorative effect when illuminated from below. The insert may be any shape, such as circular, square, rectangular, and made from agate, alternate minerals or synthetic materials.

Description

24 1 4387

TABLE WITH DECORATIVE FEATURE

The present invention relates to a table which provides an attractive visual effect.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a table which comprises a to panel formed with at least one aperture in which an insert of translucent material is disposed, the insert providing a decorative effect when illuminated from below.

The table may further comprise means for providing artificial light for illuminating the translucent insert or inserts from below: for example, a light box may be provided on the underside of the top panel of the table. Instead, the illumination of the inserts may be provided by ambient light from below the table top.

Preferably the insert or inserts are of agate, which exhibits a particularly attractive grain structure and attractive variations in colour. The inserts may be of alternative minerals, or may be of artificial or synthetic materials. Preferably the inserts exhibit a pattern or decoration and/or variations in colour, shade or hue, in order to provide an attractive decorative effect.

Preferably the upper surface of the or each translucent insert is substantially flush with the top surface of the top panel of the table. A panel of glass or other transparent material may be fitted over the top panel of the table.

The table may take a number of forms, for example it may form a coffee or occasional table, or it may form a dining table. The table may be of any desired shape, for example square or rectangular. Where the table is a dining table, the translucent inserts may be positioned where place mats would normally be positioned, typically therefore adjacent the edges of the table and centrally of each end of the table and spaced- apart along its sides (in the case of a rectangular table), or centrally of each of its four sides (in the case of a square

table).

The translucent insert or inserts may be of any desired shape, for example circular, square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal or elliptical.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a table in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a side view of the table shown in Figure 1; and FIGURE 3 is a view of the table, similar to the view given in Figure 1, showing a glass top panel of the table being applied.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a table which comprises a rectangular top 10 supported adjacent its corners by upright legs 12. The table top 10 comprises a flat, rectangular panel of wood or other material, in which a number of apertures are formed: each of these apertures is closed by a flat insert 14 of agate or other translucent, decorative material.

In the example shown, the apertures in the top panel 10 of the table are circular and the inserts 14 are in the form of discs of corresponding diameter, but the apertures and inserts may be of alternative shapes, e.g. square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal or elliptical. In the case of a dining table, as shown, the apertures and inserts 14 may be provided at positions where place mats would normally be placed: thus, in the example shown, the inserts 14 are adjacent the edges of the table, one positioned centrally of each end of the table and two spaced-apart along each side of the table.

The upper surfaces of the inserts 14 are substantially flush with the top surface of the top panel 10 of the table.

In the example shown, a rectangular glass panel 16 is fitted over the top panel 10 of the table. The glass panel 16 may be dispensed with, however, the top surface of the panel 10 and the upper surfaces of the inserts 14 then forming the top surface of the table.

Also in the example shown, a light box 18 is mounted to the underside of the table top 10, in order to provide illumination, from below, through the inserts 14. The light box 18 forms, with the underside of the table top 10, an enclosure in which one or more electric light sources are provided and for arranged for energising from the mains via an electrical lead 19. The light box 18 may be dispensed with, however, and reliance placed on ambient light passing upwardly through the inserts 14 from below.

The backlighting of the inserts 14, whether from the IS light box 18 or from ambient light, provides an attractive decorative effect. Agate is a particularly attractive material in that it has an interesting and varying grain structure and also exhibits an attractive variation in colours.

The inserts 14 may, however, be of alternative minerals or of artificial or synthetic materials, preferably providing a pattern and/or variations in colour.

Claims

Claims 1. A table which comprises a panel formed with at least one

aperture in which an insert of translucent material is disposed, the insert providing a decorative effect when illuminated from below.
2. A table according to claim 1 which further comprises means for providing artificial light for illuminating the translucent insert or inserts from below.
3. A table according to claim 2, wherein the means for providing artificial light is a light box provided on the underside of the top panel of the table.
4. A table according to claim 2, wherein the means for providing artificial light is provided by ambient light from below the table top.

', 15
5. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein the 1 insert or inserts are of agate.
6. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein the inserts are of alternate minerals or of artificial or synthetic materials.
7. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein the : inserts exhibit a pattern or decoration and/or variations in colour, shade or hue in order to provide an attractive decorative effect.
8. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper surface of the or each translucent insert is substantially flush with the top surface of the top

panel of the table.
9. A table according to claim 8, wherein a panel of glass or other transparent material is fitted over the top 3 0 panel of the table.
10. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein the translucent inserts are positioned substantially adjacent the edges of the table and centrally of each end of the table and spaced along its sides, or centrally of each of its four sides.
11. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein the translucent insert or inserts are of any desired shape, for example circular, square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal or elliptical.
12. A table as substantially describe hereinbefore with reference to the accompanying figures. . :'