Rim top table

A table top provided with a paper-organizing and storing structure fixedly positioned along an edge of the table top. The structure includes a wall which extends along but is spaced slightly outwardly from the edge of the table top. The wall in cooperation with the adjacent edge defines a downwardly opening pocket recess which in a preferred embodiment is sloped to project partially under the table top. This pocket enables papers to be inserted downwardly into the pocket through an upper open mouth thereof. The depth of the pocket causes upper portion of the paper to bear against the free edge of the wall and project upwardly a small extent above the upper top surface, whereby the user can readily access and visually inspect at least the upper portion of the paper while it is stored in the pocket.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to a table top of the type used in offices and the 
like, and specifically relates to an improved table top provided with a 
rim structure extending along one or more edges thereof and defining a 
recess or pocket for accommodating papers and the like to allow 
organization and viewing thereof without requiring that they be positioned 
or stacked directly on the upper surface of the table top. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The modern office work surface, such as a table top, is typically 
extensively utilized for supporting papers and related office equipment. A 
worker, when working at a table top, will typically have numerous papers 
positioned at various locations on the table top, often in various stacks. 
Control and organization of the papers, and efficient use and access 
thereto, is difficult to achieve. There is thus a need to provide either 
increased surface or more desirably to provide increased user efficiency 
with respect to the available surface area of a table top or work surface. 
It is an object of this invention to provide improved paper handling 
structure associated with a work surface, such as a table top, to permit a 
user to more readily store papers on or in conjunction with the table top 
in a manner which provides organizational capability, visibility, and 
accessibility to such papers. 
The present invention relates to an improved work surface and more 
specifically a table top provided with a paper-organizing and storing 
structure associated with and extending along one or more edges of the 
table top. This structure is fixedly positioned along an edge of the table 
top, and includes a wall structure which extends generally along but 
spaced slightly outwardly from the edge of the table top. The wall 
structure in cooperation with the adjacent edge defines a downwardly 
opening pocket or recess which in a preferred embodiment is also at least 
slightly sloped so as to project partially under the table top. This 
pocket enables the user to insert various papers therein merely by 
inserting them downwardly into the pocket through the upper open mouth 
thereof. The depth of the pocket is selected so that the papers have a 
length greater than the pocket depth, whereby an upper portion of the 
paper will bear against the free edge of the wall and project upwardly a 
small extent above the worksurface, whereby the user can readily access 
and also visually inspect at least the upper portion of the paper while it 
is stored in the pocket. Several such papers can be disposed in the pocket 
in spaced relation therealong so that the user can organize and yet also 
readily inspect and access numerous papers. 
In an embodiment of the invention, the table top has a front generally 
concave edge which is positioned closest to the user, and a rear convex 
edge which is arcuately curved so that the user, when positioned adjacent 
the front concave edge, can readily and conveniently reach anywhere along 
the rear convex edge. The paper storage and organizing structure is 
preferably secured to the table so as to extend along the rear edge.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for 
convenience in reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, the 
words "upwardly", "downwardly", "leftwardly" and "rightwardly" will refer 
to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The word 
"forwardly" will be used in conjunction with the edge or portion of the 
table which is positioned closest to the user, and similarly the word 
"rearwardly" will refer to the edge or portion of the table which is 
typically positioned remote from the user. The words "inwardly" and 
"outwardly" will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, 
the geometric center of the table and designated parts thereof. Said 
terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives 
thereof, and words of similar import. 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
FIG. 1 illustrates a freestanding table 10 of a type typically used in 
offices and the like. This table 10 includes a table top or worksurface 11 
defining thereon a generally horizontal and planar upper working surface 
12. The table top 11 in the illustrated embodiment is supported on a 
plurality, here three, of upright legs 13 adapted for supportive 
engagement with a floor. 
The table top 11 in the illustrated embodiment is somewhat banana-shaped in 
that it includes an elongate and generally gradually curved concave front 
edge 16, an elongate and gradually curved convex rear edge 17, and 
generally rounded or curved convex end edges 18 which join between the 
front and rear edges 16 and 17. 
The table top 11 is also provided with an armrest support 21 which is 
elongated and is fixed to the top 11 and extends generally along the front 
edge 16 thereof. This armrest support 21 projects outwardly a small 
distance from the edge 16 and itself defines thereon a front edge 22 which 
is of a gradually curved concave configuration similar to that of the edge 
16 so that the edges 22 and 16 are approximately parallel with one 
another. The opposite ends of the arm support 21 are provided with 
exterior rounded convex end edges 23 which join to the front edge 22 and 
project rearwardly for connection with the edge 16 adjacent the opposite 
ends thereof. 
The arm support 21 is preferably constructed of a material having at least 
limited cushioning or elasticity, such as a dense but somewhat 
compressible elastomeric material, to provide increased comfort to the 
user with respect to the positioning or resting of arms thereon during use 
of the table. 
The arm support 21 in effect constitutes an extension and hence a 
structural part of the table top 11, and accordingly reference hereinafter 
to the table top 11 will refer also to the arm support 21 provided that 
same is associated with the table. Reference to the front edge of the 
table, namely the user-adjacent edge, will also refer to the edge which 
defines the overall front edge of the table top, this being the edge 22 in 
the illustrated embodiment. 
According to the present invention, the table 10 is provided with a paper 
handling structure 31 fixed to the table and extending along one or more 
of the edges thereof. This paper handling structure 31 in the illustrated 
and preferred embodiment is disposed adjacent and extends longitudinally 
along most of the length of the rear edge 17 of the table top. The paper 
handling structure 31 includes a main support wall 32 (FIG. 4) which 
includes an outer but generally upwardly projecting wall or rim part 33 
which is positioned adjacent but spaced rearwardly from the rear edge 17. 
This rim part 33 is elongated horizontally so as to extend generally in 
parallel but rearwardly spaced relation from the rear edge 17, whereby 
there is defined a generally horizontally elongated but upwardly 
projecting opening or slot 34 therebetween. In the embodiment as 
illustrated by FIG. 4, this rim part 33 terminates in an upper free edge 
35 which is approximately within the horizontal plane defined by the upper 
surface 12, although it will be appreciated that the position of this 
upper edge 35 can be slightly varied relative to the plane of the upper 
surface 12. In fact, in some situations it may be desirable to extend the 
rim part 33 upwardly at least a small distance above the upper surface 12, 
depending upon the nature of the papers and objects being supported by the 
paper handling structure 31. 
The structural wall 32 also includes, in the illustrated embodiment, a 
bottom wall 36 which is joined to the rim part 33 and which projects 
inwardly under the table top 11 in downwardly spaced relation from the 
undersurface 37 thereof so as to define therebetween a storage recess or 
pocket 38. This storage pocket 38 opens upwardly through the slot or 
opening 34 defined adjacent the rear edge 17. The rim part 33 and bottom 
wall 36 are preferably smoothly joined together through an arcuate or 
smoothly curved transitional wall 39 so as to provide a smooth inner 
surface to facilitate the insertion of papers into the pocket 38. 
The inner end of the pocket 38 is preferably closed off by a wall 41 which 
can effectively function as a stop to thus limit the extent to which 
papers can be inserted into the pocket 38. This stop wall 41 in the 
illustrated embodiment is part of a generally Z-shaped securing bracket 
42, the latter having a top leg 43 which underlies and is suitably secured 
to the top 11, as by screws or fasteners 44. Bracket 42 also has a bottom 
leg 45 which underlies the inner free end of the bottom wall 36 and is 
suitably fixed thereto, such as by fasteners 46. 
The paper handling structure 31, as illustrated by FIGS. 1-3, includes two 
arcuately elongate sections 51 and 52 which are structurally and 
functionally identical but are separated by an intermediate center portion 
53. These elongate portions 51 and 52 are each of a construction identical 
to that illustrated by FIG. 4, and each of these arcuate sections 51 and 
52 are closed at opposite sides thereof by edge walls 54 and 55, the 
latter projecting upwardly from the bottom wall 36 so as to prevent papers 
from sliding sidewardly out of the respective pocket 38. 
As to the center portion 53 of the paper handling structure 31, it is of 
generally short extent longitudinally along the table edge, and in the 
illustrated embodiment is preferably positioned close to the middle of the 
rear edge of the table top. This center section 53 includes a support wall 
56 which is positioned upwardly relative to the bottom walls 32 and is 
integrally and structurally joined between the adjacent side walls 55. 
This support wall 56 directly underlies the table top 11 and is 
structurally joined thereto by fasteners, such as screws, to further 
assist in securement of the structure 31 to the table top. 
The center sector 53, adjacent the outer edge thereof, preferably defines a 
generally upwardly-opening channel-like wall or trough 57 which has an 
outer free edge which is continuous and coextensively integral with the 
rear rim part 33. This channel or trough 57 defines a shallow upwardly 
opening pocket 58 adjacent the rear edge of the table top, which pocket 58 
can be used to define a pencil tray or the like. This pocket can be 
further subdivided into additional small pockets along the longitudinal 
length thereof if desired so as to provide additional compartments for 
paper clips, etc. 
In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, particularly as shown in FIG. 
2, the sectors 51, 52, and 53 of the structure 31 are formed primarily by 
a single elongate member which can be suitably formed of a plastic 
material, which single member in conjunction with the securing bracket 42 
define the entirety of the paper handling arrangement and permit easy and 
efficient mounting thereof on the table top. While the bracket 42 is also 
illustrated as a single elongate member preferably formed of a plastic 
material, it will be appreciated that the bracket 42 can be defined by two 
or more members, and in fact could assume many other configurations, while 
still providing the desired structure and function. 
It will also be appreciated that the center section 53 is provided merely 
to illustrate a variation of a structure 31. Such center structure 53 can 
be eliminated, if desired, and in such case the paper defining pocket will 
extend in a continuous and uninterrupted manner along the rear edge of the 
table. 
In use, the user will normally be seated close to the middle of the front 
edge 22 of the table. Due to the arcuate curvatures of the edges 18 and 
22, the rear edge 18 is approximately equally accessible to the user along 
substantially the entirety of the length thereof. The paper handling 
structure 31 also extends longitudinally along the rear edge 18 and is 
likewise substantially equally and conveniently accessible, throughout its 
length, to a user positioned or seated adjacent the front edge 22. 
The user can readily utilize the paper handling structure 31 for storing 
and organizing papers by inserting a paper, such as indicated by dotted 
lines at 61 in FIG. 4, downwardly through the opening 34 into the pocket 
38. During the downward insertion, the smooth inner curved wall of the 
pocket as defined by the transition wall 39 assists the paper in 
deflecting as necessary so as to permit its slidable insertion into the 
pocket. The depth of the pocket 39, as limited by the stop wall 41, is 
selected so that the depth is less than the length of the paper 61, 
whereupon the paper 61 will thus project upwardly so that an upper portion 
thereof will effectively bear against the free edge 35 of the rear rim, 
with this upper portion of the paper also projecting upwardly at least a 
limited extent above the rear rim and hence above the upper surface of the 
table. A user seated or standing adjacent the front edge of the table will 
thus have continuous visibility of an upper portion of the stored papers, 
as well as ready access thereto, to facilitate the user with respect to 
his use of the table, and his storage and accessing of papers. Due to the 
elongate length of the pocket 38, namely the fact that this pocket extends 
along at least a majority of the rear edge 17, this enables a significant 
number of different papers, or stacks of papers, to be slidably inserted 
into and stored within the pocket 38 in sidewardly adjacent, or partial 
sidewardly overlapping relationship, to thus provide the user with 
visibility and access to a significant number of different papers without 
requiring that the papers be stacked directly on top of one another. The 
ability to store papers in this fashion, and yet provide visibility to at 
least upper portions of a significant number of papers, enables the papers 
to be organized in specific desired sequences as they are positioned in 
side by side relationship lengthwise along the pocket, and in fact the 
user can also readily reorganize and rearrange the sequence of papers 
depending upon the user's work needs. 
Referring to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a variation. As is apparent from 
comparison of FIGS. 3 and 6, the variation of FIG. 6 merely involves 
providing the table top 11 with a front central extension 66, and in this 
case the elastomeric arm support is defined by two side parts 67 which 
again provide limited elastomeric cushioning for the arms on opposite 
sides of the rigid center projection 66. These parts 66 and 67 still 
define the front edge 22 of the table top. 
The paper handling arrangement 31 of this invention thus greatly increases 
the useability of the table top without creating any significant increase 
in the overall size of the table, without detracting from the 
ornamentality or appearance of the table, and increases the useability of 
the upper working surface by permitting storing and organizing of papers 
close to and directly adjacent the table top without requiring that the 
papers be positioned directly on the upper surface 12. 
It will be appreciated that the paper handling arrangement of this 
invention is readily adaptable to a wide range of table tops and 
worksurfaces, irrespective of the size, shape and/or configuration 
thereof. The configuration of the paper handling structure itself may also 
vary significantly from that illustrated by the drawings, and in fact the 
structure may include a rim or wall part which projects upwardly a 
substantial distance above the upper working surface, and the pocket 
itself may project downwardly at a position more closely adjacent the rear 
edge of the top so as to be more vertically oriented, rather than 
projecting horizontally under the top as in the preferred embodiment 
illustrated by the above-described drawings. In this regard, reference is 
made to FIG. 7 wherein there is illustrated a cross-sectional view similar 
to FIG. 4 but illustrating a variation wherein the rim part 33' does 
project upwardly above the upper surface 12' of the table top 11' and the 
pocket 38' slopes downwardly with a more pronounced vertical orientation 
directly adjacent the rear edge 17'. In the variation illustrated by FIG. 
7, a greater fractional part of the stored papers may be positioned for 
visibility, although such variation of the invention also conflicts with 
overall useability of the table top under some use conditions due to the 
upward protrusion of the rim part 33'. 
Although a particular preferred embodiment of the invention has been 
disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that 
variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the 
rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.