US20070219006A1

US20070219006A1 - Dual-function table

Info

Publication number: US20070219006A1
Application number: US11/308,269
Authority: US
Inventors: Jan Zajac
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-03-14
Filing date: 2006-03-14
Publication date: 2007-09-20

Abstract

The invention relates to a dual-function table which can be used both as a dining table and as a billiard table. The table has one pedestal only which can have any shape as cross-sectional area including a rectangle, an oval, and a circle. The height of the table can be regulated depending on its usage via a mechanism disposed within the pedestal of the table. The table is reinforced by a stainless steal trim.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a dual function table which can be used both as a dining table and as a gaming table.
2. Description of Related Art
Known billiard tables consist of a table top with six pocket openings, said table top resting on four legs. The height of a billiard table is usually bigger than that of typical tables used in household settings.
The specification of Polish utility model Nr. W-108020 recites a dining-room table with adjustable height, which is equipped with a vertically-movable plate placed on legs.
The specification of U.S. Design Pat. No. D-266,861 recites a billiard table resting on a pedestal in a form that is convergent towards the middle of its height and divergent towards its bottom. As illustrated in the drawings, that table is not adapted for performance of other functions.
The specification of US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0102627 recites a variable height table with a convertible multi-function top. The invention solves the problem of a table construction that provides a table to be used as a dining table or a gaming table, or for other uses. The height of the table can be adjusted to a level above the floor. The variable height table has a base, a telescoping pedestal, a height adjustment mechanism and a table top configured as a gaming surface and a removable table cover. A telescoping pedestal connects the base to the table top by means of a pedestal sleeve, wherein the base is connected to the lower pedestal sleeve while the table top is connected to the upper pedestal sleeve. Operating the height adjusting mechanism provides for adjusting the height of the table. The base may include casters or other means for facilitating moving the table on the floor. Alternatively, the base may include more permanent means for fastening it to the floor, such as anchors or hold-downs, used alone or in combination with casers. The height adjustment mechanism is contained in the pedestal of the table, and can be locked at the selected height setting. The table top of the table is convertible to allow the table to be used for different functions, such as ordinary table, a card table or a pool table. The table top is convertible to its different functions by removing its cover to expose the pool gaming surface, or by installing the plain-surface cover for specific uses. The table is configured for easy utilization especially in environments where space is limited and where it is necessary to immobilize the table in various locations, mainly in recreational settings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Below, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to drawings showing only one embodiment, in which:
FIG. 1 depicts a dual-function table in a front plan view,
FIG. 2 depicts the dual-function table in a side plan view, and
FIG. 3 depicts the dual-function table with a raised frame in a front plan view.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a dual-function table having a variable height for use as a billiard table with the simultaneous possibility of utilization as a dining table, conference table, or table for use in clubs and offices.
The dual-functional table having a gaming surface is characterized in that the frame of the playing surface and the playing surface with 6 pocket openings are disposed on one pedestal. On the playing surface rests a flat table top. The table top has a first table top surface and a second table top surface. The first table top surface is configured for use as a dining surface.
In certain embodiments of the invention described herein, inside the pedestal, there is disposed a means for supporting the frame of the table top and a mechanism for the adjustment of table height. The mechanism for the adjustment of height has a lower part which is oriented closer to the base and an upper part which is oriented closer to the table top.
In certain embodiments, the table pedestal is attached to the base.
In certain embodiments, the flat table top has dimensions and/or diameter larger than the gaming surface, and the flat table top surrounds the gaming surface.
In certain embodiments, the pedestal of the table taken together with the base constitutes one element, i.e., the pedestal and the base are permanently joined and not detachable from each other.
In certain embodiments, the construction supporting the frame of the table top disposed inside the pedestal provides a multi-point support for the table.
In certain embodiments, a decorative trim is affixed on the periphery of the table, which reinforces the construction of the playing surface.
In certain embodiments, the mechanism for height adjustment is driven electrically.
In certain embodiments, the upper part of the mechanism for height adjustment is surrounded by a masking trim.
In certain embodiments, one surface of the table top is configured for other games. In a class of this embodiment, one surface of the removable table top is configured for playing air hockey.
In certain embodiments, the playing surface is configured for other games.
In certain embodiments, the playing surface is configured for playing air hockey.
Certain embodiments of the invention described herein are convenient to use, because it allows for the utilization of the table having typical billiard table dimensions in a living quarters, conference rooms and clubs and utilization of the table not only as a household and consumption table, but also, after the removal of the upper table top, as a billiard table. In addition, the construction of the table disposed on a single pedestal allows for the placement within the pedestal of a mechanism for regulating the height of the table based on the needs of the users and the current use of the table. A decorative outside strip is employed to reinforce the construction of the table. The design of the pedestal assures its esthetic look and the placement of the height regulating mechanism and the drive within the pedestal does not diminish the esthetic qualities of the furniture. The masking trim covering the upper part of the height regulating mechanism assures also that the table does not loose its esthetic look after the frame is raised. At the same time one surface of the table top or the playing surface can be configured for other games, e.g., can be marked with a chessboard or multiple chess boards.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The dual-function table comprises a frame with a playing surface 1 for playing billiard, in which surface six pocket openings are disposed. The surface 1 is supported centrically on the pedestal 2. The pedestal 2 can be of any shape; it can have a rectangular, oval, or circular cross-section.
The surface of the pedestal can be covered with decorative elements. On the surface 1, there rests a flat table top 3, with the diameter larger than the diameter of the surface 1 and enclosing surface 1. Inside the pedestal 2, there is disposed a construction supporting the frame of the table top and a mechanism for adjusting the height of the table 4. For this purpose any known mechanism for manually or mechanically raising the height of the table can be used. On the circumference below the table top 3, there is attached a decorative trim 5 made out of stainless steel and employed to reinforce the construction of the playing surface 1. The upper part of the mechanism for adjusting the height of the table, which is exposed when the frame is raised, is masked with the masking trim 7.
The particular embodiment having thus been described, it will now be evident to those skilled in the art that further modifications and variation thereto may be contemplated. Such modifications and variations are not regarded as a departure from the invention.
All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application mentioned in this specification was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A dual-function table comprising

a playing surface for playing billiards or other games having a frame and six pocket openings;

a flat table top having a first table top surface and a second table top surface, said first table top surface for use as a dining surface; and

exactly one pedestal; wherein

said playing surface is supported on said pedestal; and

said table top is disposed on said playing surface.

2. The table of claim 1 comprising further means for supporting said frame, and a mechanism for regulating the height of the table, wherein said means and said mechanism are each disposed inside said pedestal, and said mechanism has an upper part and a lower part.

3. The table of claim 1 wherein said pedestal is connected to said base.

4. The table of claim 1 wherein said table top has dimensions larger than said playing surface and said table top surrounds said playing surface.

5. The table of claim 1 wherein said pedestal taken together with said base constitutes one element.

6. The table of claim 1 wherein said means for supporting said frame provides a multi-point support for the table.

7. The table of claim 2 comprising further a reinforcing decorative trim; said decorative trim being disposed on the circumference of the table below said table top.

8. The table of claim 2 wherein said mechanism for regulating the height of the table is electrically driven.

9. The table of claim 2 comprising further a masking trim, wherein said upper part of said mechanism for regulating the height of the table is surrounded by said masking trim.

10. The table of claim 1 wherein said second table top surface is configured for other games.

11. The table of claim 1 wherein said playing surface is configured for other games.

12. The table of claim 10 wherein said second table top surface is configured for playing air hockey.

13. The table of claim 11 wherein said playing surface is configured for playing air hockey.