US20050011419A1

US20050011419A1 - Systems and apparatus for table conversion

Info

Publication number: US20050011419A1
Application number: US10/878,881
Authority: US
Inventors: Stephen Rhoden
Original assignee: FUTREN Corp
Current assignee: FUTREN Corp
Priority date: 2003-07-14
Filing date: 2004-06-28
Publication date: 2005-01-20

Abstract

An apparatus for converting tables having a horizontal planar surface and a frame affixed to one side of the surface. The frame is dimensioned to capture a plurality of tables beneath the table converting apparatus.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled, “TABLE CONVERSION APPARATUS,” having Ser. No. 60/486,977, filed Jul. 14, 2003, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is generally related to tables and tabletops and, more particularly, is related to an apparatus for converting one or more tables into a single table.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Restaurants, clubs, banquet halls and similar facilities often have a need to provide tables and seating for varying numbers of guests. For example, one setting might require tables for four persons, while the next setting might require tables for ten persons. One solution is to move the smaller tables out of the room so that the larger tables can be moved into the same space. However, this solution is labor-intensive, and requires storage space for the tables not in use. Another solution is to join multiple tables together, edge-to-edge, to form a larger table. However, this solution does not provide a smooth continuous surface for the enlarged tabletop.
To date, there are numerous methods for joining tables edge-to-edge. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,714,906 teaches auxiliary units with a concave edge removably attached with magnets to the edge of a base circular unit. Additionally, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,146,855 and 5,673,631 teach joining tables with fill in pieces and a joining leaf respectively. Further, methods for increasing tabletop area also include using an additional top for fitting over a single table. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,529,051 teaches an auxiliary top which fits over the top of a table where the underlying table is made of two sections which slide apart, and the sliding mechanism is used to secure the top to the table. Two patents, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,468,962 and 3,683,337 teach a top fitting over a single table and using a frame forming a recessed area.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for providing a variety of table sizes, comprising: a plurality of tables, wherein each of the plurality of tables comprises a tabletop having a top surface; a table converter top, wherein the table converter top comprises a horizontal planar surface, wherein the top surface comprises an area greater than the area of two of the plurality of tables; and a table converter frame, wherein the table converter frame is configured to be affixed to the bottom surface and wherein the table converter frame is further configured to be positioned around the plurality of tables when the table converter top is placed on top of the plurality of tables.
Briefly described, an embodiment, among others, can be implemented as follows. An apparatus for converting tables comprising: a horizontal planar surface, wherein the horizontal planar surface comprises a first side and a second side; and a frame affixed to the second side, wherein the frame is affixed some distance from the edge(s) of the horizontal planar surface.
An embodiment of the present invention can also be viewed as a system for providing a variety of table configurations, comprising: means for converting a plurality of tables into a single table, wherein the single table has a larger surface area than the sum of the surface areas of the plurality of tables; and means for storing a large single table, wherein a single table converter is removed from the top of the plurality of tables, wherein the single table converter is stored in a compact manner.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a table conversion apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the table conversion apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a table conversion apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment.
FIG: 6 is a partial, side-elevational and cross-sectional view of a corner of an embodiment of a table conversion apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a partial, bottom plan view of a corner of an embodiment showing details of a bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, an exploded view of an embodiment of the apparatus. One or more rectilinear tables 110, with tops 112 and legs 114 are positioned side by side, with edges either touching or close together. When so positioned, the tops 112 form a surface with dimension A×B. A table converter 120 has a top surface 130 and a frame 140 attached to the underside of the top surface. The frame 140 is rectilinear in shape and has an inside dimension of A′×B′, which is slightly larger than A×B, and a depth which is greater than the depth of tops 112. The top surface 130 of this embodiment is substantially rectilinear in shape and sized to be larger than frame 140. One of ordinary skill in the art will realize that in an alternative embodiment the frame 140 may be on the edge of the top surface 130, resulting in no overhanging portion.
The table converter 120 is positioned above the tables 110 and aligned such that the tops 112 of the tables 110 fit closely inside the frame 140. The table converter 120 is then lowered so that it rests on tables 110. The size and shape of the frame acts to “capture” the tables underneath. Tables 110 stay in position and do not move apart because the frame 140 dimensions are only slightly larger than the dimensions of the tops 112. Horizontal movement of top surface 130 along tops 112 is limited by the frame 140.
The top surface 130 of the table converter 120 provides a smooth continuous surface, which is larger than the sum of the individual tables. In an alternative embodiment, the top surface 130 has rounded corners. The table converter 120 does not require legs because it is supported by the legs 114 of the tables 110.
Although in this embodiment the tables 110 are similar in shape to the table converter 120, this is not a requirement. Circular tables would also work underneath a rectilinear table converter 120 with no loss of functionality. Although circular tables do not fit together edge-to-edge, the frame 140 acts to keep the circular tables in place. For the same reason, a combination of circular and rectilinear tables would also work underneath a rectilinear table converter 120 with no loss of functionality.
One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the tables 110 and the table converter 120 may be composed of wood, plastic, metal or any combinations of these materials. Further, the table converter 120 may be produced as an assembly of components or as a one-piece structure.
Although this embodiment uses two tables 110, the systems and apparatus are not so limited. For example, three or more tables 110 could be placed side by side, or four tables 110 could be arranged in a 2×2 configuration to form a much larger surface area.
Reference is now made to FIG. 2, a partial, cross-sectional view of the embodiment in FIG. 1. Tables 110, with tops 112 and legs 114 are positioned side by side within frame 140. Tables 110 fit closely together, and fit closely inside frame 140. Frame 140 hangs down from the top surface 130 of the table converter 120 to enclose tops 112 on all sides. In a preferred embodiment, the depth of frame 140 is such that frame 140 overhangs tops 112 completely. Top surface 130 is a smooth continuous surface larger than the total surface of the individual tables 110.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus. One or more circular tables 310, with tops 312 and centrally positioned legs 314 are positioned close together or touching. When so positioned, the tops 112 form a surface with dimension A×B. A table converter 320 has a top surface 330 and a frame 340 attached to the underside of the top surface. The frame 340 is rectangular in shape and has an inside dimension of A′×B′which is slightly larger than A×B, and a depth which is greater than the depth of tops 312. The top surface 330 is oval and sized to be larger than frame 340.
The table converter 320 is positioned above the tables 310 and aligned such that the tops 312 of the tables 310 fit closely inside the frame 340. The table converter 320 is then lowered so that it rests on tables 310. The size and shape of the frame acts to “capture” the tables underneath. Tables 310 stay in position and do not move apart because the inside dimensions of frame 340 are only slightly larger than the dimensions of the tops 312. Horizontal movement of top surface 330 along tops 312 is limited by the frame 340.
The top surface 330 of the table converter 320 provides a smooth continuous surface, which is larger than the sum of the individual tables. The table converter does not require supports because it is supported by the centrally positioned legs 314 of the tables 310. Additionally, the table converter top may be hinged to provide for more compact storage and convenient carrying.
One of ordinary skill in the art will know that, although this embodiment shows circular tables 310, other table geometries, such as, for example, octagonal, could be utilized in these systems. Similarly, although two tables 310 are shown under an oval top surface 330, a larger number of tables 310 (for example, four) may be used with an octagonal top surface 330. Further, combinations of tables with different top surface geometries can be used with a table converter having, for example, a rectilinear, circular, octagonal or other shape. Additionally, this embodiment is not limited to tables having a specific leg or support configuration. For example, one or more tables could have multiple legs and be combined with one or more tables having pedestal style support.
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment where the frame is comprised of separate frame members 440 spaced at intervals around the perimeter of and attached to the underside of top surface 430 with, for example, any suitable type and number of fasteners. In this exemplary embodiment, the top surface 430 has a length and width greater than the area defined by the frame members 440. Although the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 illustrates the frame members 440 positioned along the straight edges of the top surface 430, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the frame members 440 may be configured as separate frame members 440 located at alternative positions for capturing the tables, such as at the corners. Frame members 440 positioned at the corners may be configured as substantially linear members or, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, as frame members 440 having, for example, perpendicular components. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the frame members 440 of alternative embodiments are not limited to substantially linear or perpendicular configurations and may be configured as components at some other angle.
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment. Frame 540 is attached to the underside of top surface 530 with, for example, any suitable type and number of fasteners. In this exemplary embodiment, the top surface 530 has a length and width greater than the frame 540, so that some portion of top surface 530 extends outside and over frame 540. An embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, may have the frame 540 constructed of separate pieces which are joined together at the corners 510, but one of ordinary skill in the art would realize that the frame 540 may be a single piece and further that the table converter may be a single piece. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, frame 540 is constructed of separate pieces joined together by a bracket 520 at each corner 510.
FIG. 6 is a partial, side elevational and cross-sectional view of a corner of an embodiment. Top surface 630 is attached to frame 640 with a screw, nail, or other suitable fastener 660, or with glue or adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom edges 670 of frame 640 are slightly rounded rather than sharp to prevent catching and tearing.
FIG. 7 is a partial, bottom plan view of a corner 710 of the apparatus showing details of bracket 720. Bracket 720 can provide strength when frame 740 is constructed of separate members. Bracket 720 is attached to the underside of frame 740 at corner 710 with a suitable number and type of fasteners. In a preferred embodiment, the sides of bracket 620 are blunt rather than sharp to prevent catching and tearing.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. A system for providing a variety of table sizes, comprising:

a plurality of tables, wherein each of the plurality of tables comprises a tabletop having a table top surface and a table bottom surface;

a table converter top, wherein the table converter top comprises a horizontal planar surface, wherein the horizontal planar surface comprises a converter top surface, wherein the horizontal planar surface comprises a converter bottom surface, and wherein the converter top surface comprises an area greater than a surface area of two of the plurality of the table top surfaces; and

a table converter frame, wherein the table converter frame is configured to be affixed to and extend below the converter bottom surface and wherein the table converter frame is further configured to capture the plurality of tables when the table converter top is placed on top of the plurality of tables.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the table converter frame extends below the table bottom surface of the tabletop on each of the plurality of tables.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the table converter frame further comprises a plurality of members, wherein each of the plurality of members is affixed to the converter bottom surface, wherein each of the plurality of members is affixed to another of the plurality of members, such that the frame defines a portion of the converter bottom surface.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the each of the plurality of members is affixed to another of the plurality of members with a joining element.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the joining element is a strap.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the joining element is a bracket.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of tabletops is configured to fit inside the area enclosed by the frame when the table converter top is placed on the plurality of tables.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the frame comprises rounded corners.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the rounded corners comprise a constant radius of curvature.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a hinge on the horizontal planar surface for folding the table converter top.

11. A system for providing a variety of table configurations, comprising:

means for converting a plurality of tables into a single table, wherein the single table has a larger surface area than the sum of the surface areas of the plurality of tables; and

means for converting a large single table into the plurality of tables, wherein a single table converter is removed from the top of the plurality of tables, wherein the single table converter is stored in a compact manner.

12. An apparatus for converting tables comprising:

a horizontal planar surface, wherein the horizontal planar surface comprises a first side for providing a smooth table surface and a second side for engaging a plurality of tables; and

a frame affixed to the second side for defining a recessed area on the second side of the horizontal planar surface, wherein the frame is configured to capture the plurality of tables.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the recessed area is configured to receive a plurality of adjacent tables when the second side of the horizontal planar surface is placed on top of the plurality of adjacent tables.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the frame is substantially complementary with the plurality of tables, for preventing the plurality of tables from shifting within the recessed area.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a hinge on the horizontal planar surface, for folding the apparatus.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the frame extends below the tops of the plurality of tables.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the frame comprises rounded corners.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the rounded corners comprise a constant radius of curvature.

19. A method of using a table top conversion apparatus comprising:

converting a plurality of tables into a single table, using a single tabletop converter, wherein the single table has a larger surface area than the sum of the surface areas of the plurality of tables; and

converting a large single table into a plurality of tables, wherein the single tabletop converter is stored in a compact manner.