Abstract:
A portable table assembly constructed of plastic and aluminum that may have a built-in shelving system, a lightbox for displaying backlit graphics, and lockable wheels for transport of the closed table and for movement of the open table. The table has no separate parts to assemble and provides for easy mounting of graphics to the front of the assembly. The table has a hinged top, hinged doors, and may have hinged shelves. It sets up in less than fifteen seconds and collapses into a profile less than ten inches wide. It is lightweight and can be shipped by overnight carriers. The portable table assembly can be used to create a smaller lightweight tabletop display, and a stand-alone light box for displaying backlit graphics.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a portable table or booth assembly that is repeatedly convertible between a compact closed storable collapsed configuration and a setup open configuration. More particularly, this invention relates to a table or booth assembly that includes a backlit display panel. In the storable configuration, the table or booth assembly occupies a relatively small space and is easily movable to a desired location. In the open configuration, the table or booth assembly provides a tabletop surface with a storage area and supporting display panels. 
     This invention also relates to a lightbox, which uses the front panel of the table assembly of this invention. This lightbox provides backlighted graphic display, which, as an independent assembly, may be wall mounted. In addition, this invention also provides a unique corner member which connects and positions structural elements of the table assembly and of the lightbox to assume the unique shape. The corner member also connects and positions elements of the table assembly to allow movement through the various arrangements from the open to the closed configurations. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Companies and organizations rely on several ways to present their products, services or information to a potential market or customer. One of the most effective means is to demonstrate the product or service features or present the information via personal interaction directly with the potential customer or user. Some of the techniques include food sampling and promotional hand-out stations in supermarkets, often referred to as “product sampling”. Such marketing campaigns generally last for one to several days. A portable table is typically set up in an aisle for product display and sampling, and then taken down for storage until the next use or for transport to another location. Normally, such tables do not provide for effective display of a graphic identifying the product or service being offered, nor do they usually provide a convenient storage area. 
     Portable tables or booths are used in a number of other situations, including registration tables at special events, serving tables at banquets, product information stands at trade shows and temporary podiums at meetings. These events may last from a few hours to a couple of weeks. Such situations require a temporary, portable table or booth. Generally, presenters may be unskilled at setting up tables or booths requiring complicated assembly and manipulation of separate parts with special tools. Skilled personnel may then be needed for set-up of the exhibit. The time and cost of the presentation is thereby undesirably increased. 
     The tables most commonly used may be folding card tables with cloth skirts, tables with wood or laminate surfaces, and portable tables or booths assembled from individual parts. Presentations using a typical folding card table suffer from having a top surface inconveniently low for walk-up clientele, and also lack discreet yet accessible storage space. Non-folding tables are heavy, bulky, take up valuable storage space, and are costly and time-consuming to transport. To the knowledge of these inventors, no portable display booth or table currently available offers integral backlit display of graphics. 
     Backlighted graphic displays are usable in a wide variety of situations calling for an eye-catching display of graphics, advertising or text. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a convertible, portable table or booth, which is a single, one-piece assembly. The present table or booth is constructable of lightweight, low-cost, durable, attractive materials, such as wood, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum), plastics, composites and combinations thereof. In its open configuration, the assembly of this invention may be variously described as a table, a booth, a cart, or similar descriptors. It is a table, because it provides a convenient horizontal tabletop surface. It is a cart, because it may be designed to be easily rollable with needed display materials positioned thereon. It is a booth, because vertical front and side panels form an enclosure with rear access, within which are supporting shelves. For convenience in this discussion, the present invention will be referred to as a “table assembly,” without any intention to place limits on the potential uses thereof. The vertical panels, such as the front panel, may also display graphics with attractive, eye-catching back-lighting. The shelving is discreetly concealed from the customer&#39;s view, yet conveniently accessible to the presenter. A rolling mechanism allows easy transport in the closed configuration. Maneuverability in the open configuration is provided by gliders or wheels, which may be lockable for stability when the booth or table has been suitably positioned for use. 
     The table assembly of this invention is repeatedly convertible between a small compact configuration for storage, shipping and transport, and an open usable configuration for point-of-sale display and presentation. An embodiment of the present invention is sized and adapted to be readily transportable in the trunk or backseat of a typical car, van or similar vehicle. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Throughout this specification, the terms “left” and “right” refer to portions of the table assembly as viewed from the rear, open portion of the assembly when in the set-up configuration. The term “front” refers to the table assembly as viewed by a potential customer from the front display panel. The term “rear” refers to the table assembly as viewed by a presenter from the set-up shelves. 
     FIG. 1 a perspective view of the right side and front of the table assembly of this invention in the open, set-up configuration. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the left side and rear of the table assembly of this invention in the open, set-up configuration. 
     FIG. 3A is a rear view, FIG. 3B is a left end view, and FIG. 3C is a top view of the table assembly of this invention in the open configuration. 
     FIG. 4A shows a rear view, FIG. 4B shows a left end view, and FIG. 4C shows a top view of the table assembly of this invention in the closed configuration. 
     FIG. 5 is a plan view of the left side of the table assembly of this invention with the tabletop starting to deploy from the closed to the open configuration. 
     FIG. 6 is a plan view of the left side of the table assembly of this invention with the tabletop half-open. 
     FIG. 7 is a plan view of the left side of the table assembly of this invention with the tabletop three-quarters open. 
     FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the frame of the table assembly of this invention showing the continuous hinges for connecting the doors and the hinge mechanism for connecting the tabletop. 
     FIG. 9 is a plan view of the left side of the table assembly of this invention with the tabletop fully open and the two shelves starting to deploy to the open configuration. 
     FIG. 10 is a plan view of the left side of the table assembly of this invention with the tabletop horizontal and the two shelves angled upward prior to engaging the doors. 
     FIG. 11 is a plan view of the left side of the table assembly of this invention with the tabletop horizontal and the two shelves engaged by ledges on the right door. 
     FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the table assembly of this invention with the doors in the open configuration. 
     FIG. 13 is a profile plan view of the table assembly of this invention with the tabletop vertical and the doors in the half-open configuration. 
     FIG. 14 is a plan view of the top of the table assembly of this invention with the tabletop vertical and the doors in the three-quarter closed configuration. 
     FIG. 15 is a plan view of the top of the table assembly of this invention with the tabletop vertical and the doors in the fully closed configuration. 
     FIG. 16 shows a front plan view of the front panel of the table assembly of this invention with a display panel removed, showing the lighting arrangement. 
     FIG. 17A shows the latch mechanism for locking the table assembly in the closed configuration, and FIG. 17B shows the latch mechanism  52  for locking the doors and  16 ,  18  to tabletop  12  in open position. 
     FIG. 18 is a partial profile view of the table assembly, showing the continuous hinge for connecting the door, a corner extrusion between the frame and the door, and the graphic clip for attaching the display panel over the lighting arrangement. 
     FIG. 19 is a partial profile view of the lightbox, showing a corner extrusion attached to the frame, and the graphic clip for attaching the display panel over the lighting arrangement. 
     FIGS. 20A,  20 B illustrate the graphic clip opened, to receive a graphic, and closed, to retain a graphic, respectively. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front and the right door  16  of the portable convertible table assembly  10 , viewed from the front, set-up to provide a tabletop  12  working surface for food sampling, leads collection, distribution of sales literature, registration of guests, or as a surface to display a product. The front panel  14  and side doors  16 ,  18  serve as vertical surfaces for display of marketing or informational messages or for display of brochures (not shown). The front panel  14  or the side doors  16 ,  18  or any number of them, may be backlit to provide a more attractive, eye-catching display. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear and left door  18  of the portable convertible table assembly  10 , of FIG. 1 viewed from the rear. The shelves  20 ,  22  add structural rigidity to the table assembly  10 , while also providing discrete, convenient storage of accessories needed during use. As also seen in FIG. 2, attached to a bottom corner of each door  16 ,  18  and to the base  34  is a protruding slider-based foot  59  that supports the door  16 ,  18  upright in the open configuration. 
     FIGS. 3A and 3B show the back and left side, respectively, of the inventive assembly  10  in the open configuration. The doors  16 ,  18  support the tabletop  12  and the shelves  20 ,  22 . The central frame member  24  supports the tabletop  12 , the doors  16 ,  18 , the shelves  20 ,  22 , and the back panel  38 . Although the shelves  20 ,  22  lend additional support and rigidity to the assembly  10  and provide convenient out-of-sight storage space in the open configuration, the shelves  20 ,  22  are an optional feature of the assembly  10  of this invention. Wheels  54  are attached to the base  34 , so that when the table assembly  10  is in the open configuration, the feet  59  support the assembly  10  with the wheels  54  not touching the floor or support surface. Thus, the wheels  54  are positioned to move the table assembly  10  when in the closed configuration only. If it is also necessary to move the table assembly  10  when in the open configuration, the feet  59  may be replaced by wheels  54 . If wheels  54  are used in place of the feet  59 , the wheels  54  are all of the same height and may have a locking mechanism that can be set to prevent the assembly  10  from moving in either its open or closed configurations. 
     As seen with reference to FIGS. 3B,  4 B, and  5 - 7  and  9 - 13 , the lower edge of the front panel  14  has a convex curved base  34 . The front display panel  14  is typically constructed of a thin, planar, lightweight, relatively flexible, light-transmittable, heat-resistant synthetic sheet material, which has been imprinted to meet the needs of the presentation. The term “light-transmittable” refers to the ability to transmit at least a visually perceptible amount of light and includes the materials that are transparent and translucent. The front display panel  14  is slidingly inserted into a convex curved groove which generally follows the profile curve of the base  34  and supports the panel  14  in the curved configuration. The display panel  14  may remain in position during conversion of the table assembly  10  from the closed to the open configurations, and can be easily removed for insertion of an alternate panel  14  with a different display. 
     FIGS. 4A and 4B show the back and left side, respectively, of the assembly  10  in the closed configuration. FIG. 4A shows the tabletop  12  in a vertical position and locked into the bracket  26 . The doors  16 ,  18  are shown in the closed configuration overlying the front panel  14 . The pin  28  is a pivot point for the hinge mechanism  30  connecting the tabletop  12  to the central frame member  24 . The pin  32  is a pivot point connecting the center shelf  20  to the central frame member  24 . The pin  33  is a pivot point connecting the lower shelf  22  to the central frame member  24 . 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, attached to the upper backside of the two vertical corner extrusions  42  is a hinge  30  mechanism, attached to each corner extrusion  42  by a hinge pin  58 . FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the supporting framework  24  of the table assembly  10 , showing the continuous hinges  50  for connecting the doors  16 ,  18  to the corner extrusion  42  and the hinge mechanism  30  for connecting the tabletop  12  by means of hinge pin  58  and transverse supporting rods  31 . The hinge  30  allows for about 90° of motion by the tabletop  12 . When the table assembly  10  is converted to the closed position, the hinge  30  allows the tabletop  12  to pivot down over the two vertical corner extrusions  42  while at the same time moving down far enough to allow the tabletop  12  to position below the top of the two vertical corner extrusions  42 . In the closed configuration of the table assembly  10 , the tabletop  12  locks to a bracket  26  attached to each corner extrusion  42 . The tabletop  12  may be hollow plastic and may be constructed as two interfitting plastic pieces  60  with internal reinforcements (not shown). 
     The central frame member  24 , as seen in FIGS. 8 and 18, is constructed as follows. Two vertical corner extrusions  42 , custom made for the inventive table assembly  10 , are connected at top and bottom, respectively, by two square shaped tubes  44  to form a rectangle. Extending horizontally from the two square tubes  44  are shorter square tubes  46  as structural support members for the tabletop  12 , when in the open configuration. Mounted to the outer flange  48  of each of the two vertical extrusions  42  is a continuous hinge  50 . Each of the two doors  16 ,  18  fasten to one of the hinges  50 . The doors  16 ,  18  may be hollow plastic and may be constructed as two interfitting plastic pieces with internal reinforcements. Each hinge  50  allows each door  16 ,  18  to pivot about 270° around the outer flange  48  of the corner extrusion  42  to which it is connected. 
     The base  34 , as seen in FIGS. 1,  2 ,  4 B,  5 - 7 ,  9 - 14  and  16 , is attached to the bottom of the frame  24  created by the two vertical corner extrusions  42  and two square horizontal cross members  44 . The base  34  as shown provides a horizontal curved profile to the bottom of the table assembly  10 . As seen, for example, in FIGS. 4C and 16, attached to the top of the two vertical corner extrusions  42  and the horizontal square cross tubing  44  is a cornice  68  that, along with the base  34 , urges the front panel  14  into a graceful convex curvature. The base  34  and the cornice  68  serve as the bottom and top, respectively, of the light box, which is comprised of the back panel  38  supporting the fluorescent tubes  40  and the front panel  14  supporting a graphic  82 . The cornice  68  has a recess for a handle  70 , as seen in FIGS. 4C and 16, for conveniently moving the table assembly  10  when in its closed configuration. Although the Figures herein illustrate the front panel  14  as forming a convex profile curvature and the doors  16 ,  18  as each forming a corresponding concave profile curvature, the front panel  14  and the doors  16 ,  18  may also each be planer or of any other convenient mating attractive profiles. 
     As seen in FIGS. 8,  16  and  18 , attached to flanges  48  on the vertical corner extrusions  42  is a back panel  38 . FIG. 16 shows the central frame member  24  of the table assembly  10  with the front panel  14  removed, showing the lighting arrangement, the back panel  38  with the light fixtures  40 . A convenient lighting arrangement, as illustrated, employs a pair of vertically parallel fluorescent tubes  40  supported on a generally planar vertical back panel  38 . Other sources of illumination that will provide sufficient backlighting without development of excess heat may also be used. A hole  56  in the back panel  38  allows access for a cord  61  from the light fixtures  40  to a power source. For use in a location remote from a source of electrical current, the lighting arrangement may be powered by an alternative source, such as a portable generator or battery power. 
     FIG. 18 is a partial profile view of the table assembly  10 , showing the continuous hinge  50  for connecting the door  16  or  18 , the vertical corner extrusion  42  between the frame  24  and the door  16  or  18 , and the clip  78  for attaching the display panel over the lighting arrangement. The corner extrusion  42  is made especially for the table assembly  10  of this invention. The corner member  42  has a straight length with a uniform cross-section. First and second flanges  43 ,  45  of the cross-section meet at a first apex  47  in a first angle of about 65°. Extending perpendicularly from the first flange  43  is a third flange  49  exterior to the first angle and spaced from the first apex  47 . The second flange  45  has a first bend between first and second segments  51 ,  63 , the first segment  51  extends from the first apex  47  of the first angle. The first bend forms a second apex  65  of a second angle of about 150° exterior to the first angle, with the second apex  65  spaced from the first apex  47 . A fourth flange  67  extends from the second apex  65  exterior to the first angle. The fourth flange  67  is essentially perpendicular to the first segment  51  of the second flange  45 . The fourth flange  67  has a second bend between third and fourth segments  69 ,  71 . The third segment  69  extends from the second apex  65  of the second angle. The fourth segment  71  extends back toward the first apex  47  forming a third angle of about 85° with the third segment  69 . The plastic graphic clip  78 , perhaps best seen in the profile of FIG. 20A, press-fits into a pocket between the third and fourth segments and the first segment  51  formed in each of the vertical corner extrusions  42 , and allows quick attachment of the front panel  14  to the central frame member  24  of the table assembly  10 . A suitable plastic graphic clip  78  is available from Versamount USA, Fond du Lac, Wis. 54937, under the name Snappex. The front panel  14  is thin, flexible and resilient, so that it forms into a curve around the base  34  and cornice  68  of the lightbox  90  of the table assembly  10 . The graphic clip  78  may also retain a graphic  82  on the front panel  14 . 
     FIG. 19 is a partial profile view of the lightbox  90 , showing a corner extrusion  92  attached to the frame  24 , and the graphic clip  78  for attaching the front display panel  14  over the lighting arrangement on the back panel  38 . The corner extrusion  92  is made especially for the light box  90  of this invention. The corner member  92  has a straight length with a uniform cross-section. First and second flanges  43 ,  45  of the cross-section meet at a first apex  47  in a first angle of about 65°. Extending perpendicularly from the first flange  43  is a third flange  49  exterior to the first angle and spaced from the first apex  47 . The second flange  45  has a right-angle bend extending exterior to the first angle and spaced from the first apex  47 . The second flange  45  then extends back toward the first apex  47  in an angle bend of about 85°. The plastic graphic clip  78 , seen in the profile of FIG. 20A, press-fits between the right-angle bend and the approximately 85° angle bend, and allows quick attachment of the front panel  14  to the central frame member  24  of the table assembly  10 . The lighting arrangement is as described above with reference to FIG.  16 . 
     The front display panel  14  is typically constructed of a thin, planar, lightweight, relatively flexible, light-transmittable, heat-resistant synthetic sheet material, which has been imprinted to meet the needs of the presentation. The term “light-transmittable” refers to the ability to transmit at least a visually perceptible amount of light and includes the materials that are transparent and translucent. The front display panel  14 , supporting a graphic  82 , is inserted into convex curved grooves which generally follows the profile curve of the base  34  and the cornice  68  and support the panel  14  in the curved configuration. The graphic  82  is typically constructed of material that meets the requirements for the panel  14 , but is of even thinner and more flexible material. The display panel  14  and graphic  82  may remain in position during conversion of the table assembly  10  between the closed and the open configurations, and can be easily removed for insertion of an alternate panel  14  with a different graphic  82 . 
     The lights  40 , when turned on, provide back lighting to the front panel  14  and the attached graphic  82 . In lieu of having a separate front panel  14  and graphic  82 , the front panel  14  may be directly imprinted with the desired design. When the backlighting feature is not used, the transparent or translucent display panel  14  may be replaced with a panel  14  that is opaque or relatively opaque. The lights  40  for back lighting the display panel  14 , and accessory devices requiring electrical power, plug into an electrical strip (not shown) attached to the back of the front panel  14 . The electrical strip in turn plugs into any convenient source of electric current, such as an electrical outlet, a portable generator or a battery power. The electrical strip provides a convenient source of electric current for electrical accessories, such as an electric oven or other electric cooking device for supermarket aisle advertising. 
     As seen with reference to FIGS. 9-11, attached to the lower backside of the vertical corner extrusion  42  is a bottom shelf  22  that hinges upward. When the table assembly  10  is in the closed configuration, the bottom shelf  22  may be held flat against the back panel  38  by any suitable easily releasable means, such as Velcro. The second shelf  20  is located at approximately the midpoint of the height of the vertical corner extrusion  42 . This second shelf  20  folds downward over the bottom shelf  22  when the bottom shelf  22  is in the upward position. Each shelf  20 ,  22  is connected at two points on the two vertical corner extrusions  42  by a hinge pin  28  that allows for 90° of pivot. The shelves  20 ,  22  may be molded with recesses, cavities and other features for storage of various items as required for the particular presentation. For example, for supermarket “aisle advertising,” cushioning pads (not shown) may be attached to the underside of either shelf  20 ,  22 , as by Velcro or any similar suitable means. The cushioning pads may be detached and placed on the floor at the rear of the table assembly  10  to relieve foot pressure for the presenter from long periods of standing, 
     FIG. 9 is a plan view of the left side of the table assembly  10  with the tabletop  12  fully open and the two shelves  20 ,  22  starting to deploy from the closed to the open configuration. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the left side of the table assembly  10  with the tabletop  12  horizontal and the two shelves  20 ,  22  angled upward prior to engaging ledges  36  on the doors  16 ,  18 . FIG. 11 is a plan view of the left side of the table assembly  10  with the tabletop  12  horizontal and the two shelves  20 ,  22  horizontally engaged by ledges  36  on the right door  16 . The tabletop  12  is horizontal in the open configuration of the table assembly  10 . If desired, a separate podium, lectern or pulpit (not shown) with a surface angled backward from the front of the table assembly  10  may be attached to the tabletop  12 . The tabletop  12  may be formed with recesses or features (not shown) to retain a slant-top podium, lectern or pulpit in position for use. 
     FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the table assembly  10  with the doors  16 ,  18  in the open configuration. FIG. 13 is a plan view of the top of the table assembly  10  with the tabletop  12  vertical and the doors  16 ,  18  in the half-open configuration. In this half-open configuration, the table assembly  10  provides a space-economical display, with the doors  16 ,  18  extending laterally from the front panel  14 , with the front panel  14  and the doors  16 ,  18  each optionally containing back-lit displays, and all visible from one angle. Thus, even when the tabletop  12  is not in use, the table assembly  10  still provides an attractive and useful display of the products, services or information being presented. This is an extremely economical alternative to simply storing the table assembly  10  out of sight when the tabletop  12  is not needed. With its compact front-to-back profile in this half-open configuration, the table assembly  10  displays conveniently against a wall or other vertical backdrop. Due to the 270° of pivot between the doors  16 ,  18  and the front panel  14 , the angles may be widely and independent varied to suit the needs of the display environment. 
     FIG. 14 is a plan view of the top of the table assembly  10  with the tabletop  12  vertical and the doors  16 ,  18  in a three-quarter closed configuration. FIG. 15 is a plan view of the top of the table assembly  10  with the tabletop  12  vertical and the doors  16 ,  18  in the fully closed configuration. 
     FIG. 17A shows the latch mechanism  52  for locking the doors  16 ,  18  of the table assembly  10  to the cornice  68  in the closed configuration, and  17 B shows the latch mechanism  52  for locking the doors  16 ,  18  to tabletop  12  in the open position. As seen in FIG. 17A, a generally C-shaped upper latching member  52 , suitably of aluminum or other metal, pivotally threads through a pair of apertures  53  formed in the upper corner of each door  16  or  18 . The apertures  53  are formed on the door surface that faces the shelves  20 ,  22  when the table assembly  10  is in the open configuration. When the table assembly  10  is in the closed configuration, each latching member  52 , positioned parallel to the door  16  or  18  surface, snap-fits into a recess  55  in the cornice  68 . When the table assembly  10  is in the open configuration, each latching member  52 , positioned essentially perpendicular to the door  16  or  18  surface, supports and latches to the horizontal tabletop  12 . 
     Although certain components of the table assembly  10  have been described as constructed of plastic, aluminum, or some other specific material, the table assembly  10  is constructable of any suitable lightweight, low-cost, durable, attractive materials, such as wood, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum), plastics, composites and combinations thereof. 
     The sequence to convert the table assembly  10  from the closed configuration to the open configuration is as follows. The table assembly  10  is illustrated in the closed configuration in FIGS. 4A,  4 B and  4 C. Unlatch and swing open the two doors  16  each about 180° around the continuous hinge  50  in opposite clockwise/counter-clockwise directions. Note that in this partially open configuration, as illustrated with reference to FIG. 11, the table assembly  10  may be used as a display without the availability of tabletop  12  or shelf  20 ,  22  space. Thus, the table assembly  10  of this invention serves a purpose of advertising or presentation of information, even when tabletop  12  or shelf  20 ,  22  space are not available, thus using the display features in a compact space even when the table assembly  10  is unattended. Pivot the tabletop  12  upward from a vertical position behind the central frame member  24  to a horizontal position over the top of the central frame member  24 . Swing a first door  16  or  18  about 90° (continuing in the same clockwise/counter-clockwise direction) and position the door  16  or  18  under the tabletop  12 . Note that either door may be designated the “first” or the “second” door in converting the table assembly  10  between the closed and the open configurations. Pivot the center shelf  20  upward and allow the bottom shelf  22  to pivot downward. Move the first door  16  or  18  toward the shelves  20 ,  22  and lock the two shelves  20 ,  22  to the slots  88  on the inside of the first door  16  or  18 . Move the second door  16  or  18  around (in a clock direction opposite to that of the first door  16  or  18 ) and lock the two shelves  20 ,  22  into the slots  88  on the inside of the second door  16  or  18 . Connect the table assembly  10  to a suitable source of electrical current. Turn on the light switch. 
     The sequence to convert the table assembly  10  from the open configuration to the closed configuration generally reverses the steps described in the previous paragraph. Disconnect the table assembly  10  from the electrical current source. Unlock the two shelves  20 ,  22  from the slots  88  on the inside of the first door  16  or  18 . Again, note that either door may be designated the “first” or the “second” door in converting the table assembly  10  between the open and the closed configurations. Swing the first door  16  or  18  about 90°. Unlock the two shelves  20 ,  22  from the slots  88  on the inside of the second door  16  or  18 . Swing the second door  16  or  18  about 90° (in a clock direction opposite to that of the first door  16  or  18 ). Pivot the bottom shelf  22  upward and pivot the center shelf  20  downward and partially overlapping the bottom shelf  22 . Note that this is the partially open configuration described in the previous paragraph and illustrated with reference to FIG.  11 . Swing the first door  16  or  18  about 180° (continuing in the same clockwise/counter-clockwise direction) until the first door  16  or  18  overlaps the front panel  14 . Swing the second door  16  or  18  about 180° (continuing in the same clockwise/counter-clockwise direction) until the second door  16  or  18  overlaps the first door  16  or  18  and the front panel  14 . The doors  16 ,  18  lock in the closed configuration, as illustrated in FIG.  15 . Pivot the tabletop  12  downward from a horizontal position over the top of the front panel  14  to a vertical position behind the front panel  14 .