Abstract:
An articulating table comprises a pedestal, a pivot, and a table top having first and second top portions. The top portions are connected with the pedestal by the pivot for horizontal pivotal movement between open and closed positions relative to each other. The top portions are substantially juxtaposed in the closed position and are separated in a V-shape in the open position. A light supporting spine extends between the top portions. Conduit channels mounted at inner edges of the top portions provide electrical, optical, pneumatic, or hydraulic service to terminals positioned along the inner edges of the top portions. The channels can have openable top and rear access covers. A conduit channel also can extend through at least a portion of the spine. Fixed position table tops can be positioned on the pedestal at either or both ends of the articulating top portions.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to tables and more particularly to conference tables and the like. In the course of carrying on interpersonal relationships and more particularly pursuing business relationships, people will gather from time to time in groups about a table. Meeting or conference tables are well known, and generally provide two essential functions of meeting. First, tables are a work surface. Portable tangible items are shared upon a table. Notes and agreements and other documents are written upon a table. Second, tables define a gathering place, a place for dialog. The inherent social geometry of a table requires face-to-face interpersonal exchange. People who gather at a table will typically sit about a perimeter of the table and will generally face one another because they are directed toward a generally central, common focus that is defined by the inherent geometry of gathering about a table. 
     Further as to gathering at a conference table, the exchange of information has traditionally been initiated with a status report of sorts that sets the stage and draws attention to an individual who makes the report. More and more commonly, conference table gatherings include a visual display. More specifically with the development of technology, in particular computer technology, multimedia presentations are often used to enhance the presentation and sharing of concepts or ideas and information generally. Such visual presentations are typically presented at a singular display that is located apart from and outside the perimeter of a table gathering, which is in direct conflict with the geometry of gathering at a table. That is, the geometry of gathering at a table naturally directs the participants toward one another. The use of a media display outside the perimeter of the table diverts at least some of the participants away from the group, they will turn from the table to the display. Others of the group can be socially isolated from the group because they cannot see the display, which is behind them. Alternatively, one&#39;s view of the display may be blocked by other participants. Further, one may be required to turn away from the gathering to the display, separating them by turning their back to the group. 
     Thus, one will understand a desire to create a gathering or conferencing setting in which the established utilitarian benefits and social enhancements of a conference table are combined with the communication benefits of using a multimedia presentation. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, an articulating table of the invention is configurable between a closed position in which the traditional established utilitarian and social benefits of a conference table are provided and an open position in which the communication benefits of using a multimedia presentation are united with the traditional benefits of meeting at a conference table. More specifically, the invention has a pedestal, a pivot, and a table top. The table top further has first and second top portions. The first top portion is connected with the pedestal, while the second top portion is connected with the pivot. Thus, the second top portion pivots between open and closed positions relative to the first top portion. 
     In one aspect of the invention, the first and second portions are juxtaposed in the closed position, defining a unitary work surface, and are separated in the open position, defining distinct work surfaces. In another aspect, the invention includes a spine that is connected with the pedestal and extends away from the pedestal, generally between the first and second top portions. An articulating table of the invention may also include a conduit that extends to a terminal end, with a connector at the terminal end. The conduit and connector may provide a connection that is one of an electrical, optical, pneumatic, and hydraulic connection. The connector may also be located at one of the first and second top portions. Further, the conduit may extend through at least a portion of the spine, with the connector located at the spine. 
     An articulating table of the invention may also have a second pedestal that is connected with the first pedestal. The second pedestal may further include a second table top. 
    
    
     These and other features, objects, and benefits of the invention will be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the art and by those who practice the invention, from the specification, the claims, and the drawing figures. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 is an end perspective view of an articulating table according to the invention with transparent end table portions, showing the table in an open position; 
     FIG. 2 is the view of FIG. 1, showing the table in a closed position; 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof; 
     FIG. 4 is the view of FIG. 3 showing the table in the open position; 
     FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the table in the closed position; 
     FIG. 6 is an end perspective view of a first alternative articulating table according to the invention with solid end table portions, showing the table in an open position; 
     FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the table in the closed position, as indicated by sight line VII—VII of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view of detail VIII of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 is an end elevational view of an end pedestal panel base of the articulating table; 
     FIG. 10 is a side elevational view thereof, showing a fragmentary portion of a sub-panel in phantom; 
     FIG. 11 is a top plan view thereof; 
     FIG. 12 is an end elevational view of a center pedestal panel base of the articulating table; 
     FIG. 13 is a side elevational view thereof, showing a fragmentary portion of the sub-panel in phantom; 
     FIG. 14 is a top plan view thereof; 
     FIG. 15 is a fragmentary top plan view of one end of a center spine of the articulating table, the other end being a mirror image thereof; 
     FIG. 16 is a side elevational view thereof; 
     FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view thereof, taken along line XVII—XVII of FIG. 15; 
     FIG. 18 is a fragmentary top plan view of one end of the sub-panel, the other end being a mirror image thereof; 
     FIG. 19 is a fragmentary top plan view of one end of a table wing of the articulating table, the other end being a mirror image thereof; 
     FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a conduit channel of the table, taken along line XX—XX of FIG.  19  and showing a fragmentary portion of the table wing; 
     FIG. 21 is an enlarged end elevational view thereof, showing a fragmentary portion of the table wing in phantom; and 
     FIG. 22 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of a pivot connection between a wing and an end panel of the table; 
     FIG. 23 is the view of FIG. 20 showing one of various alternative constructions of the conduit channel; 
     FIG. 24 is a perspective view thereof, without end panels and with the access doors open; and 
     FIG. 25 is the view of FIG. 2 showing one of various optional table mounted lighting arrangements. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     An articulating table  100  according to the invention is shown in the drawing figures and has a pedestal  102 , a pivot  104 , and a table top (FIGS.  1 - 4 ). The table top includes first and second top portions or wings  112  and  114 . A preferred embodiment of the invention, namely, table  100 , generally shown in the drawing figures, has an elongated oval shape with elevated second and third table tops  116  and  118 , and a spine  120 . 
     One having ordinary skill in the art will understand that an articulating table of the invention may be constructed with alternative configurations, including and not limited to an articulating table without the second and third table tops  116  and  118 , or with the wings  112  and  114  and the second table top  116  laying flush, generally in the same plane, for example. The second and third table tops  116  and  118  may be transparent or translucent panels as shown generally, or may be opaque as shown in drawing FIG. 6, as well as the wings  112  and  114 . Further, the pedestal  102  may include a singular floor standing, even cantilevered, support of the wings  112  and  114  or a supporting sub-frame structure as is specifically shown in the drawing figures. 
     As shown, the pedestal  102  has opposing end panels  122  and a center panel  124  that are interconnected with the spine  120  and a pair of stretchers  126  (FIG.  5 ). One having ordinary skill in the art knows that the specific configuration and construction of the pedestal panels will be dictated by design aesthetics, task definition, and structural requirements according to the scale or size of the table desired. The articulating table  100  shown in the drawing figures is about 150 inches (3810 mm) in overall length, about 70 inches (1778 mm) in overall width, and about 30 inches (762 mm) tall. Each of the end and center pedestal panels  122  and  124  respectively, stands on two about 3.5 inches by 1.75 inch (89×44 mm) extruded aluminum legs  130  or the like (FIGS.  1 - 5 ). Upper and lower panel cross stretchers  132  that may be about 2.5 inch by 1 inch (64×25 mm) tubular steel members interconnect the legs  130  and form a generally rectangular pedestal panel frame (FIGS.  7 - 14 ). A decorative overlay or facade  128  may be applied to the pedestal panel frame, as shown (FIG.  11 ). 
     The pedestal panels  122  and  124  are interconnected with pairs of pedestal stretchers  126  (FIGS. 5,  8 ,  10 , and  11 ). Each of the pedestal stretchers  126  may be an about 1.5 inch (38 mm) high and 1 inch (25 mm) wide rectangular steel member having a length of about 103.5 inches (2629 mm) according to the length of the table  100 . Further, a decorative sub-panel  146  overlays the stretchers  126  and extends their length, generally between the end pedestal panels  122  (FIGS. 1,  3 ,  4 ,  8  and  18 ). 
     The generally T-shaped spine  120  is also shown to space and interconnect the pedestal panels  122  and  124  (FIGS. 1-8 and  15 - 17 ). The spine  120  has upper and lower chord members  136  and  138  respectively, comprising lengths of about 1.75 inch (44 mm) square tubular steel members. The upper and lower chord members  136  and  138  respectively, are spaced about 3 inches (76 mm) on center and are interconnected with panel members  140 . The chord members  136  and  138  and the panels  140  may be structurally interconnected by any suitable method, including and not limited to the use of welding, rivets, adhesives, and screws. An extruded T-member  142  extends less than about 2 inches (51 mm) above the upper chord member to a top flange  144  of about 6.5 inches (165 mm) width. One having ordinary skill in the art will understand that the structure of the upper and lower chord members  136  and  138  respectively, may provide sufficient structure to the spine with the T-member being added for aesthetic reasons or to provide other features. One will also know that the spine  120  may be provided with or inherently have various passageways  148  that lend themselves to routing various conduits and the like (FIG.  17 ). 
     While a wing or top portion  112  or  114 , of the table  100  may be supported entirely from the pedestal  102  by an articulating arm or other structures, for example, the preferred embodiment shown uses a wing support sub-frame  150  that is pivotally connected with one of the end pedestal panels  122  and extends to a terminal end (FIGS. 1-5,  7 ,  8 , and  22 ). A floor standing support leg  152  extends generally downward near the terminal end of the wing frame  150 . The wing frame  150  may have a ladder frame construction, using about 1.5 inch (38 mm) deep and 1 inch (25 mm) wide rectangular steel tubing members. The wing frame  150  tapers to a pivot sleeve  154  at one end, that pivotally connects the wing frame with the selected one of the two end pedestal panels  122  (FIGS.  8  and  22 ). 
     Accordingly, the end pedestal panel  122  has a cooperating pivot post  156  extending generally upward at a top end of the leg (FIG.  22 ). For aesthetic reasons to match with the end pedestal panel legs  130 , the pivot sleeve  154  may be a tubular right circular cylinder member having an about 1.75 (44 mm) outer diameter, an about 1.5 inch (38 mm) inner diameter, and a length of about 3 inches (76 mm). Thus, the pivot post  156  is an about 1.5 inch (38 mm) diameter member that extends about ¾ inch (19 mm) upward beyond the pivot sleeve  154 . The end of the pivot post  156  is provided with an external screw thread that receives a corresponding flanged cap  158  that has corresponding internal screw threads. The wing frame  150  is assembled with the selected end pedestal panel leg  130  by sliding the pivot sleeve  154  over the pivot post  156  to rest upon a shoulder  160  of the leg. The flanged cap  158  is screwed onto the end of the pivot post  156  and holds the pivot sleeve  154  on the pivot post. 
     In an alternative construction, wear bushings (not shown) may be interposed between the pivot sleeve  154  and the pivot post  156 . Although bushings have not been found to be necessary, such bushings may include a washer member under the pivot sleeve  154  and upon the leg shoulder  160  and a tubular member between the pivot sleeve and the pivot post  156 , for example. These two bushings may also be combined into a singular T-shaped, flanged, or shouldered bushing, for example. 
     A power point or services connection channel  170  (FIGS. 1-3,  6 - 8 ,  20 ,  21 ,  23 - 25 ) may be interposed between one or each of the table wings  112  and  114  and the spine  120 . While the channel  170  may be fixed relative to the spine  120 , the channel is more preferably fixed relative to its respective wing  112  or  114 . The channel  170  is more preferably fixed relative to the table wing  112  or  114  to more conveniently move with the wing and the user, rather than having a user accommodate relative movement of the channel by fixing it to the spine  120 . The channel  170  provides convenient routing of various conduits  172 , including, and not limited to power, communication, fluid, and pneumatic, as well as providing terminal or connection points  174  along the channel to each or selective ones of the provided conduits. 
     The channel  170  may be constructed of any suitable material by any method appropriate to the material selected. As shown, the channel  170  is an assembly of a number of extruded aluminum members, for example, that assemble into the channel  170 . Further, while the channel  170  may be provided with various service and user access configurations, the channel shown is provided with an array of hinged user access doors  176 . 
     As shown in the cross sections of drawing FIGS. 8 and 20, the channel  170  may be generally configured as a hollow truncated triangular member having an array of hinged user access doors  176 . This configuration has substantially permanent sidewalls and may be said to anticipate a relatively stagnant installation of conduits  172 . An alternative channel  180  is shown in drawing FIGS. 23 and 24 which includes a movable installation panel  188  in anticipation of more temporary installation of conduits with greater accessibility, for example. The channel  180  is also provided with a conduit tray or chase  190  for laying-in or routing of conduits. 
     In addition to the connection and utility features provided by the conduit channel  170  or  180 , optional lighting  192  may be provided along the spine  120  as shown in drawing FIG.  25 . Optional lighting may also be provided along the channel  170  or  180 . 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art and by those who practice the invention, that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosed concept. Various relational terms, including left, right, front, back, top, and bottom, for example, are used in the detailed description of the invention and in the claims only to convey relative positioning of various elements of the claimed invention. The scope of protection afforded is to be determined by the claims and by the breadth of interpretation allowed by law.