GB2485372A

GB2485372A - Table system for use with a sofa

Info

Publication number: GB2485372A
Application number: GB201019066A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Marc Pinner
Original assignee: QQM Ltd
Current assignee: QQM Ltd
Priority date: 2010-11-11
Filing date: 2010-11-11
Publication date: 2012-05-16
Also published as: WO2012063073A1; GB201019066D0

Abstract

A table system 10 for use with a sofa having a base portion and two or more laterally disposed cushions comprises a top portion 12, extending in a first generally horizontal plane, a support portion 14, having a first end 30 and a second end 32 and extending generally vertically for insertion between adjacent cushions and a base portion 22, extending substantially perpendicular to said support portion and being connected thereto at a lower (first) end thereof and wherein said top portion is connected to said support portion at an upper (second) end. In operation, the system is inserted between cushions and weight of the cushions and any person sat on the sofa maintains the system in position and prevents tilting or dislodgement thereof. A holder portion may engage with the top portion and the vertical displacement of the holder may be adjusted by means of an adjustment mechanism.

Description

A SOFA TABLE SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a sofa table system and relates particularly but not exclusively to a table system suitable for insertion between two laterally displaced cushions, such as sofa cushions.

Whilst it is known to provide tables or such similar devices in combination with a sofa, such devices have, until now, generally been dependent upon either the arm of the sofa or the floor for support or have been built into the sofa itself.

Arrangements that rely on the arm of the sofa for support generally comprise a top portion onto which the user may place objects they wish to have close at hand when using the sofa and a base portion which either engages with the sofa arm or the floor adjacent thereto such as to provide the stability required for such devices. Whilst such an arrangement provides a perfectly secure device, the fact that the table top is provided at one end of the sofa prevents it from being used by more than one person and, generally two such systems are used with one being provided at each end of the sofa. Whilst this goes some way to solving the problem it does prevent the arms being used as arm supports or pillows and does not allow someone sat in the middle of the sofa to use the system.

Arrangements that rely on the floor to provide the stability are, generally, quite large as they must have sufficient height to reach over the arm or cushions of the sofa if they are to be of any use to the user and in doing so are generally not as stable as may be desired and are relatively easily knocked over as a user sits on or gets up from a sofa. Their somewhat large size tends to make them difficult to store away when not in use.

Custom built sofas which incorporate a built in table system are also well known and provide a custom built section between cushions that separates the cushions and sofa users and incorporates the table or other such device. Unfortunately such sofas are generally much more expensive than conventional sofas, are much more bulky and separate cushions in a permanent manner, thereby preventing a user stretching out over more than one cushion.

US Design patent US D542,568 S discloses a folding lap table that includes a top portion for receiving items placed thereon by a user and a generally vertical portion which is inserted between cushions in a sofa and from which a degree of support is obtained. In operation, a user would place the table between the cushions either before or after they have sat down such that the table top is conveniently located.

Whilst a degree of support is obtained from the adjacent cushions, the very action of sitting down will affect the cushion position and, generally, cause the edge thereof to be pulled away from the vertical portion, thereby to cause said table to alter position and possibly tilt towards the user with extremely undesirable consequences should drinks or other such articles already be on the top portion. In use, the security and stability of the device is likely to be extremely dependent upon the stillness of the user.

In view of the above, it will be appreciated that there exists a need for a sofa table system which is both stable and can be easily inserted and removed from between cushions of a sofa.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a removable sofa table system for use with a sofa having a base portion and two or more laterally disposed cushions, said system comprising: a top portion, extending in a first generally horizontal plane for receiving articles placed thereon; a support portion, having a first end and a second end and extending generally vertically for insertion between adjacent cushions; characterised by a base portion, extending substantially perpendicular to said support portion and being connected thereto at a lower (first) end thereof and wherein said top portion is connected to said support portion at an upper (second) end.

Preferably, said base portion extends outwardly on one or more sides of said support portion, thereby to extend under one or more cushions. Alternatively, more support can be obtained if said base portion extends outwardly on both sides of said support portion, thereby to extend under two cushions.

Conveniently, said base portion has a length LB and said top is substantially the same length LT as said base Lb.

In a particularly advantageous arrangement the support portion includes a first (leading) edge and a second (trailing) edge and in which said first edge is angled back at an acute angle 0 relative to the base portion, thereby to provide an introduction angle which assists with the insertion of the system between cushions.

In one arrangement said support portion may comprise a plurality of support members extending between said base portion and said top portion.

Advantageously, the top portion has a length LT and an upper end of said support portion has an upper length LST and wherein said length LT is greater than said length LST, thereby to provide a hand holding portion on the top for ease of handling during insertion and removal. Preferably, said top portion extends outwardly on one or more sides and preferably both sides of said support portion.

In one arrangement said top portion may also include a hinge mechanism between first and second portions thereof for allowing one of said portions to be folded over onto said other portion, thereby to reduce the size of said top portion.

Advantageously, the top portion has a width WT and the base portion has a width WB and wherein the width of the base WB portion is equal or greater than the width of the top portion WT. In addition, the top portion may include an edge extending around at least a portion of a periphery thereof and by a lip extending around at least a portion of the edge, thereby to provide a barrier for retaining items.

In a preferred arrangement the system includes a holder portion on top of said top portion and having one or more recesses therein for receiving articles placed therein.

When such a portion is provided, it may include a first engagement feature on said top portion for engagement with a corresponding portion on a holder portion. Such a holder portion may be provided in the form of a receptacle and including a second engagement feature for engagement with said top portion. The first engagement feature may comprise an outer edge of said top portion and said second engagement feature comprises an inner edge of said holder portion. In some arrangements said first and second engagement features may comprise "H" shaped features. Said holder portion may comprise multiple modules. The holder portion may also include a non-slip surface on at least a portion thereof.

In some applications it may be desirable to provide an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the vertical displacement of one end of said holder portion relative to said top portion, thereby to present a more horizontal projection of said holder portion.

Said adjustment mechanism may comprise an insert for insertion between said top portion and said holder portion.

In some applications there may be provided a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the support portion and, thence, the position of the top portion. Alternatively, or in addition, there may be provided an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angular relationship of the top portion relative to one or other of the base portion or the support portion.

Advantageously, said system includes a low friction surface on at least a portion of said base portion and said support portion.

The present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a general isometric view of a sofa table system incorporating aspects of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side elevation of the system shown in figure 1; Figure 3 is an end elevation of the system of figure 1; Figure 4 is an isometric view of the bottom surfaces of the system of figure 1; and Figure 5 is a view of the system of figure 1 installed between cushions on a sofa.

Referring now to the drawings in general but particularly to figure 1, a table system 10 comprises a top portion 12 extending in a first generally horizontal plane PH for receiving articles to be placed thereon or for receiving a holder or insert described in detail later herein and a support portion 14 having a first end 16 and as a second end 18 and extending in a generally vertical plane Sp* The support portion 14 is connected at a first end 16 to a base 22 whilst also being connected at its second end 18 to the top portion 12 for support by the base and for supporting the top. The base portion 22 extends in a plane PB substantially perpendicular to plane Sp. The base portion itself extends to one or other side 22a, 22b of the support 14.

Alternatively, the base portion 22 may extend both sides of the support 14.

Preferably, the base portion extends on both sides 22a, 22b of the support 14.

However, each portion 22a, 22b may extend a distance equal to, greater than or less than the width WT of the top portion 12.

The base portion 22 has a length LB which may be less than, equal to or greater than the length LT of the top portion 12. A particularly useful arrangement is shown in figure 2 in which the top and base are of approximately equal length but on this occasion the leading edge 32 of the support is angled backwardly relative to the base portion 22 at an angle 0 at a leading edge 30 such as to provide an introduction angle which will be discussed later herein. This arrangement also provides the support with a length LST less than that of the top LT. The trailing edge 32 of the support may also be angled in like manner. The angling of the support portion allows for the creation of a hand grip portion 34 at one or more ends of the top 12 which assists with easy installation and removal of the system 10 as will be described later herein. The angling also produces a lead in angle on the end of the system 10 which may also assist with the placement of the system itself, again as described in more detail later herein.

The reader will appreciate that the support 14 may comprise a single portion of support material or may comprise multiple portions of support material such as a plurality of individual rods, tubes or fingers and that such multiple portions may be connected to each other or provided individually between the base 22 and the top 12.

The reader's attention is now drawn more particularly to the drawings showing the top portion in more detail and from which it will be appreciated that the top 12 may extend to one or both sides of the support 14 such as to provide the desired surface onto which articles may be placed. Preferably, the top 12 extends outwardly on both sides I 2a, I 2b such as to present a portion of the top to each of two occupants of a sofa. As shown only in figure 3, the top portion 12 may be provided with a hinge 36 extending along the length thereof such as to allow one portion 12a, to be folded over onto the other portion 12b when not needed. The top portion also has a width WT and the base portion may be sized appropriately such that the width of the base WB is equal to or greater than the width of the top, thereby to provide enhanced support and stability relative to a top which is of greater width than the base, although this alternative is not excluded from the remit of certain aspects of the present invention.

More details of the top portion 12 and how it integrates with a holder portion 40 will now be provided with reference to figures 1 and 3 respectively. In practice, there are two options for integration between the top 12 and the holder portion 40, the former of which relies on the holder fitting within the top portion and the latter of which relies on the holder fitting over the top portion. Referring now to figure 1 which illustrates the first option, it will be appreciated that the top portion 12 includes an edge 42 and this edge extends around the outer portion of the top itself. The edge may be provided with a lip 44 which, in effect, forms an engagement feature for engagement with a corresponding portion of the holder 40, in this case an edge 46 thereof. In operation, the holder 40 is simply sized and shaped such as to allow it to be placed securely within the lip 44 and retained thereby. It will, therefore, be appreciated that the lip does not need to extend around the entire periphery of the top portion itself and may comprise discrete portions (not shown) of sufficient number to provide the retaining function. The second option is shown in figure 3 which is a partial cross-sectional view of the top portion 12 and which shows the edge of the top 42 adjacent a lip 46 provided on the holder 40 itself. In this arrangement the holder effectively fits over the top portion and the lip 46 engages with the edge of the top 42 in similar manner to that described in relation to the figure 1 embodiment. Again, it will be appreciated that the lip 46 need not be provided around the entire periphery of the holder itself. The reader will appreciate that one or other of the holder 40 and top 12 are, effectively, provided with matched location features suitably sized and shaped such as to engage one within the other and cause the secure location of the holder relative to the top. Such a feature may be provided as a matched pair of generally "H" shaped components provided as a recess and a protrusion (not shown) on the holder 40 and top 12 themselves rather than an edge location feature as described above.

The holder 40 may comprise a single insert having one or more recesses 48 therein for receiving articles (not shown) or may comprise a number of individual inserts each of which may be provided with one or more individual recesses of specific and possibly different shape and configuration for allowing different articles to be inserted or located therein such as to make them easily available to the user. Examples of such articles include but are not limited to glasses, telephones, music devices, books, remote controls and the like. When provided, one or more of the inserts 40 may be provided with a high friction or non-slip type coating such as to ensure items placed therein are securely located. Such holders 40 may be made with wipe clean surfaces should that be desired.

Whilst not shown in detail herein, the system 10 may further include an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of one or more ends of the holder 40 relative to the top 12, such as to allow for the levelling of said top should this be desired once the system has been inserted between sofa cushions. Whilst a number of devices are possible, it has been found that a simple wedge or spacer may be used, such as shown schematically at 50 in figure 3 which can be inserted between the holder 40 and the top 12 such as to raise the holder 40 in the manner desired.

Also not shown herein is a height I angle adjustment mechanism which may be provided between the top 12 and the base or support 14 such as to raise one or both ends of the top portion relative to the base. Such an arrangement may be of use when it is necessary to accommodate different heights of cushions 62 or where the base of the sofa 60 (figure 5) slopes and an adjustment is required such as to.

To aid insertion and removal of the system between cushions it may be desirable to apply a smooth or low friction surface to the base and I or the support. This may be done by either forming said components in suitably smooth I low friction materials such as plastic or by applying such a coating or layer thereto. Suitable layers include plastic and leather to name but two.

Figure 5 illustrates a sofa 60 and the system 10 inserted between two cushions 62 and from which it will be appreciated that the height Hs is chosen to be greater than the height of a normal sofa cushion 62. The reader will appreciate that, generally, sofa cushions are of approximately the same height but when this is not the case the above-described height adjustment may be extremely desirable.

In operation, a user will insert the system 10 between cushions by holding the system at hand hold portions 34 and feeding the leading edge 34 in the direction of arrow F in figure 5 between the cushions 62 and maintaining the base above the base of the sofa 64. The low friction surfaces helps with the smooth introduction but are not essential. As the system is advanced between the cushions the user may lower it into engagement with the sofa base if he is holding it away therefrom such as to allow the base 22 of the system to engage with the sofa base 64, at which point the system is most secure and items may be placed on top of the system for subsequent use.

The reader will appreciate that it is the provision of the base portion 22 and the fact that it engages with one or other or both of the top of the sofa base 64 and I or the bottom of one or more cushions 62 that helps maintain a high degree of security of location once the system has been inserted. The weight of the cushions 62 helps provide a high degree of security. Still further, it has been found that when a user sits down on one or other of the cushions after the system has been inserted the weight of the person has little if any affect on the stability of the system itself. It is thought that the stability is due to the fact that the base 22 engages laterally with both the base of the sofa 64 and the bottom of the cushion(s) and does not rely on engagement of the support portion 14 with the cushion itself, such as is required in the prior art. In addition, the weight of the cushion and indeed any person sat on it adds to the stability of the system as the associated weight helps press the system into place and maintain it there. However, the support portion 14 does help prevent horizontal movement of the system relative to the cushions 62 by virtue of the fact that it is sandwiched between the two cushions 62 and contacts one or more of them and preferably both. Preferably, this contact is such as to allow the support 14 to fit flush with the adjacent cushions 62. The reader will also appreciate that the height Hs of the support is selected such as to be greater than the height Hc of the cushions 62 associated therewith such that the cushion surface 62a does not come into contact with the top 12 and is, therefore, free from any interference that this contact may create. In effect, a gap C should be allowed between the top of the cushion 62a and the base 12c of the top portion which is maintained whether a person is sat on the cushion or not. This will prevent the top of the cushion 62a from interfering with the base of the top 12a when a person sits down which might otherwise cause instability as the cushion movement may drag the top along with it as it moves. A typical cushion 62 has a height of 15cm and so a standard gap C would, typically, be 5cm although it has been found that a gap C of between 2cm and 11 cm works equally well.

In addition to the above, it will be appreciated that this system 10 may be inserted between two cushions 62 and that it may, therefore, be inserted between two users such as to allow each to share the system, if desired. Further, the system 10 keeps the armrests of any sofa free for other purposes. Still further, the shape of the base is not critical to the success of the system 10 and that, consequently, base shapes such as oval and round shapes to name but two may be used. As the system is easily inserted and removed it forms a temporary addition to the sofa and its removal returns the sofa to its normal state and normal use can be made thereof. The insert may be customised by the addition of additional features, child friendly features or devices or individually tailored inserts. The system 10 may also be used as a low table whenever not in the sofa and the base of the system effectively engages with the ground or carpet in the manner of a normal table. In effect, the system 10 of the present invention is able to integrate well with the sofa whilst not being a permanent feature, as is known in some of the prior art arrangements.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A table system for use with a sofa having a base portion and two or more laterally disposed cushions, said system comprising: a) a top portion, extending in a first generally horizontal plane for receiving articles placed thereon; b) a support portion, having a first end and a second end and extending generally vertically for insertion between adjacent cushions; characterised by c) a base portion, extending substantially perpendicular to said support portion and being connected thereto at a lower (first) end thereof and wherein said top portion is connected to said support portion at an upper (second) end.
2. A table system as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that said base portion extends outwardly on one or more sides of said support portion, thereby to extend under one or more cushions.
3. A table system as claimed in claim I or claim 2 characterised in that said base portion extends outwardly on both sides of said support portion, thereby to extend under two cushions.
4. A table system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 and further characterised in that said base portion has a length Lb and said top is substantially the same length Las said base Lb.
5. A table system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that said support portion includes a first (leading) edge and a second (trailing) edge and in which said first edge is angled back at an acute angle U relative to the base portion, thereby to provide an introduction angle which assists with the insertion of the system between cushions.
6. A table system as claimed in any one of claims I to 5 characterised in that said support portion comprises a plurality of support members extending between said base portion and said top portion.
7. A table system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 and further characterised in that said top portion has a length LT and an upper end of said support portion has a length LST and wherein said length LT is greater than said length LST, thereby to provide a hand holding portion on the top for ease of handling during insertion and removal.
8. A table system as claimed in any one of claims I to 7 characterised in that said top portion extends outwardly on one or more sides of said support portion.
9. A table system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 characterised in that said top portion extends outwardly on both sides of said support member.
10.A table system as claimed any one of claims 1 to 9 characterised in that said top portion includes a hinge mechanism between first and second portions thereof for allowing one of said portions to be folded over onto said other portion, thereby to reduce the size of said top portion.
11.A table system as claimed in any one of claims 1 tolO characterised in that the top portion has a width WT and the base portion has a width Wb and wherein the width of the base WB portion is equal or greater than the width of the top portion WT.
12.A table system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein said top portion is characterised by an edge extending around at least a portion of a periphery thereof and by a lip extending around at least a portion of the edge, thereby to provide a barrier for retaining items.
13. A table system as claimed in any one of claims I to 12 characterised by a holder portion on top of said top portion and having one or more recesses therein for receiving articles placed therein.
14.A table system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 characterised by a first engagement feature on said top portion for engagement with a corresponding portion on a holder portion.
15.A table system as claimed in claim 10 characterised by a holder portion in the form of a receptacle and including a second engagement feature for engagement with said top portion.
16.A table system as claimed in claim 10 or 11 wherein said first engagement feature comprises an outer edge of said top portion and said second engagement feature comprises an inner edge of said holder portion.
17.A table system as claimed in any one of claims 11 or 13 characterised in that said first and second engagement features comprise "H" shaped features.
18.A table system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 17 characterised in that said holder portion comprises multiple modules.
19.A table system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 18 characterised in that the holder portion includes a non-slip surface on at least a portion thereof
20.A table system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 19 characterised by an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the vertical displacement of one end of said holder portion relative to said top portion, thereby to present a more horizontal projection of said holder portion.
21.A table system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 20 characterised in that said adjustment mechanism comprises an insert for insertion between said top portion and said holder portion.
22.A table system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 characterised by a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the support portion and, thence, the position of the top portion.
23.A table system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22 characterised by an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angular relationship of the top portion relative to one or other of the base portion or the support portion.
24.A table system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23 characterised in that said system includes a low friction surface on at least a portion of said base portion and said support portion.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: 1. A table system for insertion between cushions of a sofa having a sofa base portion and two or more laterally disposed cushions, said system comprising: a) a top portion having a length L1, extending in a first generally horizontal plane for receiving articles placed thereon; b) a support portion, having a first end and a second end and extending generally vertically for insertion between adjacent cushions; characterised by c) a base portion having a length LB, for insertion underneath said cushions and extending substantially perpendicular to said support portion and being connected thereto at a lower (first) end thereof and wherein said top portion is connected to said support portion at an upper (second) end, said top portion being above said base portion in use and extending outwardly on both sides of said support and said base portion also extending outwardly on both sides of said support portion, thereby to extend under two cushions, said base portion extends a distance equal to or less than the width of the top portion and said base and top have substantially the same length..-20 2. A table system as claimed in any one of claim I characterised in that said support portion includes a first (leading) edge and a second (trailing) edge and in which said first edge is angled back at an acute angle U relative to the base portion, thereby to CO provide an introduction angle which assists with the insertion of the system between 0 cushions.3. A table system as claimed in claim I or claim 2 characterised in that said support portion comprises a plurality of support members extending between said base portion and said top portion.4. A table system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 and further characterised in that said top portion has an upper end of said support portion has a length L1 and wherein said length L1 is greater than said length LST, thereby to provide a hand holding portion on the top for ease of handling during insertion and removal.5. A table system as claimed any one of claims I to 4 characterised in that said top portion includes a hinge mechanism between first and second portions thereof for allowing one of said portions to be folded over onto said other portion, thereby to reduce the size of said top portion.6. A table system as claimed in any one of claims I to 5 wherein said top portion is characterised by an edge extending around at least a portion of a periphery thereof and by a lip extending around at least a portion of the edge, thereby to provide a barrier for retaining items.7. A table system as claimed in any one of claims I to 6 characterised by a holder portion on top of said top portion and having one or more recesses therein for receiving articles placed therein.8. A table system as claimed in claim 7 characterised by a first engagement feature on said top portion for engagement with a corresponding portion on a holder portion.9. A table system as claimed in claim 8 characterised by the holder portion being in the form of a receptacle and including a second engagement feature for engagement with said top portion.10. A table system as claimed in claim 9 when dependent upon claim 8 wherein said first engagement feature comprises an outer edge of said top portion and said second engagement feature comprises an inner edge of said holder portion.11. A table system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 characterised in that said first and second engagement features comprise "H" shaped features.12.A table system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11 characterised in that said holder portion comprises multiple modules.13.A table system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11 characterised in that the holder portion includes a non-slip surface on at least a portion thereof.14.A table system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11 characterised by an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the vertical displacement of one end of said 0") holder portion relative to said top portion, thereby to present a more horizontal O projection of said holder portion.15. A table system as claimed in claim 14 characterised in that said adjustment mechanism comprises an insert for insertion between said top portion and said holder portion.16. A table system as claimed in any one of claims I to 15 characterised by a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the support portion and, thence, the position of the top portion.17.A table system as claimed in any one of claims I to 16 characterised by an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angular relationship of the top portion relative to one or other of the base portion or the support portion.18. A table system as claimed in any one of claims I to 17 characterised in that said system includes a low friction surface on at least a portion of said base portion and said support portion.