Abstract:
A configurable table ( 100 ) includes a first table portion ( 102 ) and a second table portion ( 104 ). The first table portion includes a first upper region ( 106 ) and a first plurality of leg members disposed perpendicular to the first upper region. The second table portion includes a second upper region ( 108 ) and a second plurality of leg members disposed perpendicular to the second upper region. At least one leg member from each of the first and second pluralities of leg members are matched to each other. One of each two matched leg members includes a channeled portion along the length of the leg member. The other matched leg member includes a mating portion such that the channeled portion and the mating portion mate with each other. A method of configuring a table into two separate tables, and vice versa, is provided.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present patent application is related to, and claims priority to, co-pending and commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/978,805, Attorney Docket No. 6037-03, entitled “Convertible Two-in-One Table”, filed on Oct. 10, 2007, the entire teachings of which being hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to the field of furniture, and more particularly relates to a configurable table. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Conventional expandable tables generally require a separate leaf to be added or have foldable portions in order to expand the size of the table. Separate leafs are cumbersome and usually need to be stored away. Conventional tables that utilize one or more foldable sides can generally only increase the size of a table a relatively small amount. Also, because the sides are foldable, the edges of the non-foldable portion that adjoin with the foldable portions generally cannot have decorative carvings, moldings, or other configurations. Therefore, these types of tables can be aesthetically unpleasing when in a folded configuration. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In one embodiment, a convertible table comprises a first table portion and a second table portion. The first table portion comprises a first upper region and a first plurality of leg members. Each leg member of the first plurality of leg members is disposed perpendicular to the first upper region and extends from an underside of the first upper region. The second table portion comprises a second upper region and a second plurality of leg members. Each leg member of the second plurality of leg members is disposed perpendicular to the second upper region and extends from an underside of the second upper region. At least one leg member of the first plurality of leg members and at least one leg member of the second plurality of leg members are matched to each other. One of each two matched leg members comprises a channel portion along the length of the leg member. The other one of the respective two matched leg members comprises a mating portion along the length of the leg member such that the channel portion and the mating portion are configured and oriented to mate with each other. 
         [0005]    In another embodiment, a convertible table includes a first table portion and a second table portion. The first table portion comprises a first upper region and the second table portion comprises a second upper region. In a first mode of configuration of the convertible table, the first upper region is situated on the second upper region. The first table portion comprises a plurality of leg members disposed perpendicular to the first upper region and extending from an underside of the first upper region. Each leg member of the second table portion comprises a mating portion along the length of the leg member such that the channeled portion and the mating portion are configured to mate with each other. 
         [0006]    In yet a further embodiment, a method of configuring a table into two separate tables, and vice versa is disclosed. The method comprises sliding a first portion of a first table away from a second portion of the first table. The first table being disposed on top of a second table. Each of the first table and the second table includes a plurality of leg members disposed perpendicular to an upper table region of the respective first table and second table and the plurality of leg members extending from an underside of the upper table region. One of the plurality of leg members of the first table and the second table is removed from the other corresponding plurality of leg members of the first table and the second table. The removing comprises separating a mating portion of at least one leg member of the plurality of leg members of one of the first table and the second table from a channeled portion of at least one leg member of the plurality of leg members of the other one of the first table and the second table. The first table is lifted from the second table after the removing. The first table and the second table are placed on a flooring surface after the lifting in one of a non-adjacent configuration creating two separate and distinct tables and adjacent to each other. In the adjacent configuration an edge portion of the upper table region of the first table and an edge portion of the upper table region of the second table substantially abut each other thereby creating a single larger table. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention, in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a convertible table in a non-expanded single table configuration, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the convertible table of  FIG. 1  showing a first table portion in a partially expanded configuration and being mounted on a second table portion; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the convertible table shown in  FIG. 2 , with the first table portion in a partially expanded configuration being viewed from a different angle than that shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the convertible table shown in  FIG. 2 , with the first table portion and the second table portion shown separated from each other in a two separate table configuration, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the convertible table shown in  FIG. 2 , showing the second table portion being viewed from a different angle than that shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a top side perspective view of the second table portion shown in  FIG. 5 , specifically showing an insertable member about a corner region of the second table portion, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the convertible table shown in  FIG. 4 , with the first table portion and the second table portion shown adjacent to each other in an expanded single table configuration, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0015]      FIGS. 8A  (top view) and  8 B (side view) illustrate an example of a locking mechanism for use to secure the insertable member to the second table portion as shown in  FIG. 6 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. 
         [0017]    The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  shows a convertible table  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The convertible table  100 , as will be discussed in greater detail below, is advantageous over conventional tables because one or more separate leaves, which would need to be stored away, are not required. Another advantage is that the surface area of the table  100  is able to be substantially increased (e.g. double in size) while maintaining ease of use and a relatively small foot-print. For example, conventional tables that utilize one or more foldable sides can generally only increase the size of a table a relatively small amount. Also, because the sides are foldable, the edges of the non-foldable portion that adjoin with the foldable portions generally cannot have decorative carvings, moldings, or other configurations. Therefore, these types of tables can be aesthetically unpleasing when in a folded configuration. The convertible table  100 , on the other hand, can substantially increase in size without the use of a leaf and/or foldable sides and can also have decorative edges as well. Also, the convertible table  100  saves space by enabling two separate tables  402 ,  404  ( FIG. 4 ) to be mated together creating a single unified table  100 . 
         [0019]    In particular,  FIG. 1  shows the convertible table  100  comprising a first table portion  102  and a second table portion  104 . The first table portion  102 , in one embodiment, is situated (or mounted) on top of the second table portion  104  when the table  100  is in a non-side-by-side or separate configuration. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the first table portion  102 , in one embodiment, also can be separately configured as a first table  402  ( FIG. 4 ) and the second table portion  104 , in one embodiment, also can be separately configured as a second table  404  ( FIG. 4 ) that is separate and distinct from the first table  402 . These two tables  402 ,  404  can be adjoined, abutted side by side to each other, to create a single expanded table configuration  702  ( FIG. 7 ) that is much larger than the convertible table  100  in a non-expanded configuration. 
         [0020]    The first table portion  102  and the second table portion  104  include an upper region  106 ,  108 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The upper regions  106 ,  108  are generally the regions of a table that are used as a dining surface, a surface to place items such as decorations, or the like. The upper regions  106 ,  108  can each have substantially similar lengths and/or widths such that when the convertible table  100  is in a non-expanded configuration, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the upper region  106  of the first table portion  102  is substantially flush with the upper region  108  (and  208  of  FIG. 2 ) of the second table portion  104 . However, in another embodiment, each of the upper regions  106 ,  108  can have different lengths and/or widths to create a non-flush configuration between the upper regions  106 ,  108 . 
         [0021]    The first table portion  102 , in one embodiment, includes a plurality of leg members  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 . Each of the leg members  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  is disposed at a separate corner region  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124  of the first table portion  102 . Each leg member  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  is situated perpendicular to the upper region  106  of the first table portion  102  and extends in an outward direction from an underside  126  of the upper region  106 . It should be noted that the leg members  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  of the first table portion  102  are not required to be disposed in the corner regions  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124  of the first table portion  102 . 
         [0022]    The second table portion  104  also includes a plurality of leg members  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134 , as shown in  FIG. 1  and in greater detail in  FIG. 2 . Each of the leg members  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  of the second table portion  104  are disposed at a separate corner region  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242  (not all shown in  FIG. 2 ; see also  FIG. 5 ) of the second table portion  104 . Each leg member  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  is situated perpendicular to the upper region  208  (and  108   FIG. 1 ) of the second table portion  104  and extends in an outward direction from an underside  244  of the upper region  208 . It should be noted that the leg members  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  of the second table portion  104  are not required to be disposed in the corner areas  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242  (not shown) of the second table portion  104 . 
         [0023]    In one embodiment, the leg members  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  of the first table portion  102  and the leg members  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  of the second table portion  102  are configured to match and mate with each other as shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, each of the leg members  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  of the first table portion  102  includes a channeled portion (or can also be a hollowed, grooved, pocketed, or slotted portion)  346 ,  348 ,  350 ,  352  as shown in  FIG. 3 . In this embodiment, each of the channeled portions  346 ,  348 ,  350 ,  352  are configured to accept a corresponding leg member  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  of the second table portion  104 . However, it should be noted that even though the following discussion is directed to the channeled portions being disposed on the first table portion leg members and the second table portion leg members being inserted/mated therewith, the second table portion leg members can include the channeled portions and the first table portion leg members can be inserted/mated therewith as well. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, the channels  346 ,  348 ,  350 ,  352 , (see  FIG. 3 ) are disposed along substantially the entire region between a top portion  354  and a bottom portion  356  of each respective leg member  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 . The channeled portions  346 ,  348 ,  350 ,  352 , in one embodiment, are disposed on a side  353  of each leg member  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  that faces an opposing leg member disposed on an opposite side of the first table portion  102 . 
         [0025]    For example (and for illustration purposes only) assume that leg members  110  and  112  are disposed on a first side  355  of the first table portion  102  and that leg members  114  and  116  are disposed on an opposite side  357  of the first table portion  102 . The channeled portions  346  and  348  of leg members  110  and  112  face leg members  116  and  114  respectively, and vice versa, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, the channeled portion  346  of leg member  110  can also be disposed on a side  359  that faces leg member  112  while the channeled portion  348  of leg member  112  is disposed on a side  361  that faces leg member  110 . In yet another embodiment the channeled portion  346  of leg member  110  can be disposed on a side  363  that faces outward from the first table portion while the channeled portion  348  of leg member  112  is disposed on the side  361  that faces leg member  110 , or vice versa. It should be noted that similar channeled portion  350 ,  352  configurations are also applicable to the other leg members  114  and  116 . 
         [0026]    Also, the orientation used above is only illustrative and leg members and  110  and  116  can be considered to be on the same side of the first table portion  102  while leg members and  112  and  114  are on a same side of the first table portion  102  that is opposite from the side where leg members  110  and  116  are disposed. In this embodiment, the channeled portion  346 ,  348  configurations discussed above with respect to leg members  110  and  112  are applicable to leg members  110  and  116  and similarly to leg members  112  and  114 . 
         [0027]    Each channeled portion  346 ,  348 ,  350 ,  352  is configured to accept a corresponding leg member  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  of the second table portion  104 . For example,  FIG. 2  shows that each leg member  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  of the second table portion  104  includes a first leg portion  258  and a second leg portion  260 . The first leg portion  258  is configured such that the first leg portion  258  is mateable and/or insertable into the channeled portion  346 ,  348 ,  350 ,  352  of a corresponding leg member  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  of the first table portion  102 . For example, the width w of the first leg portion  258  of the leg members  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  is configured so that first leg portion  258  is mateable/insertable into the channeled portions  346 ,  348 ,  350 ,  352  of the corresponding first table portion leg member  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 .  FIG. 2  shows one example of this embodiment by having the leg member  128  of the second portion table  102  inserted into the channeled portion  352  (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) of leg member  116  of the first table portion  102 . 
         [0028]    The second leg portion  260  of each 128, 130, 132, 134 is disposed under the first leg portion  258  and, in one embodiment, shares a common face  262  with the first leg portion  258 . The second leg portion  260  includes a width w and a depth d that is substantially similar to a width w and a depth d of the corresponding first table portion leg member  110 . Also, the height h of the second table portion leg members  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  is substantially similar to the height h of the first table portion leg members  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 . Therefore, when the first table portion  102  and the second table portion  104  are separated from each other (as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7 ) the tables  402 ,  404  are substantially the same height. In one embodiment, the height of the first leg portion  258  and/or the second leg portion  260  can be adjusted. 
         [0029]    The second leg portion  260  also includes an upper surface  264  that is configured to receive a bottom portion  266  of the corresponding first table portion leg member  110  when the first leg portion  258  is mated/inserted into the channeled portion  346  (see  FIG. 3 ). Stated differently, the first table portion leg members  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  rest on top of the second leg portions  260  of their corresponding second table portion leg members  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134 . The configuration of the first leg portion  258  being situated on the second leg portion  260  so that they have a common face  262  and the second leg portion  260  having a width w and a depth d that is substantially similar to a width w and a depth d of the corresponding first table portion leg member  110 , allows the second table portion leg member  130  to be situated flush with respect to its corresponding first table portion leg member  110  when mated/inserted therewith. The mated leg members  110 ,  130 , (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) thereby more closely appear as one unified leg member of a single table. The other leg members  112 ,  114 ,  116  of the first table portion  102  when mated with the other leg members  130 ,  132 ,  134 , of the second table portion  104  similar to the discussion above with respect to mated leg members  110 ,  130 , also appear as unified leg members of a single table, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0030]    For example,  FIG. 2  shows the second table portion leg member  128  being inserted into the channeled portion  352  (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the first table portion leg member  116 . As can be seen, the common face  262  existing between the first leg portion  258  and the second leg portion  260  of leg member  128  is flush with each edge  268 ,  270  to the side of the channeled (or pocketed, slotted, or hollowed) portion  352  (better shown in  FIG. 3 ). The remaining sides of the second leg portion  260  are also flush with the corresponding sides of the first table portion leg member  116 . This configuration is advantageous because even though two table portions  102 ,  104  are coupled together, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the leg members  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  of the second table portion  104  are hidden within corresponding leg members  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  of the first table portion  102 . This gives the visual appearance of a single continuous table  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  also shows that the upper region  106  of the first table portion  102  comprises a first upper region portion  272  and a second upper region portion  274 . The first upper region portion  272  is slidably coupled to the second upper region portion  274  via a plurality of sliding members  276 ,  278 . It should be noted that although  FIG. 2  shows a plurality of sliding members  276 ,  278  a single sliding member can also be implemented as well. The sliding members  276 ,  278  extend from the first upper region portion  272  into a corresponding channel  280 ,  282  of the second upper region portion  274 . The sliding members  276 ,  278  are configured to slide in and out of the channels  280 ,  282 . For example,  FIG. 1  shows the first upper region portion  272  and the second upper region portion  274  coupled together, e.g., the sliding members  276 ,  278  have been slid into the channels  280 ,  282 , whereas  FIG. 2  shows the first upper region portion  272  and the second upper region portion  274  separated, e.g., the sliding members  276 ,  278  have been slid out of the channels  280 ,  282 , thereby separating the first upper region portion  272  and the second upper region portion  274  along with the first table portion leg members from the second table portion leg members. In other words, the leg members  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  that are mated with the channeled portion  346 ,  348 ,  350 ,  352  of the other leg members  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  are separated from the channeled portions  346 ,  348 ,  350 ,  352  so that the first table portion  102  can be lifted off of the second table portion. This sliding ability enables the first table portion  102  and the second table portion  104  to be removed from each other as shown in  FIG. 4  and/or coupled together as shown in  FIG. 1 . Additionally, in one embodiment, a height of the second leg portion  260  of each of the leg members  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134 , of the second table portion  104 , can be selected to be small. For example, the small height of the second leg portion  260  can be set to approximately less than 6 inches, and more preferably to approximately 3 inches or 4 inches. This small height of the second leg portion is approximately the height at which one or two users of the convertible table  100  would lift the first table portion  102  off of the second table portion to convert the table  100  into, for example, two separate tables  102 ,  104 . Most people could easily lift the table  100  by such a small height, even if the table is made of relatively solid wood and/or quality materials that can be somewhat heavy to move. 
         [0032]    On the other hand, certain types of tables that can be stacked on top of each other for storage, would need to be lifted to a large height, such as at least a height of an entire table. These types of stackable tables therefore are not easily lifted from each other, except in the case of tables that are very lightweight and typically made of thin plastic. These types of tables typically look and feel cheap and are commonly used outdoors around pools, lawns, and deck areas. 
         [0033]    Referring back to  FIG. 5 , according to one embodiment, the outer portions  584 ,  586 ,  588 ,  590 , of the second table portion  104  are configured to fit in between corresponding leg members of the first table portion  102  when the first table portion  102  the second table portion  104  are coupled together (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). For example,  FIG. 5  shows that a cutout (or recessed) area denoted by the dashed boxes  592 ,  594 ,  596 ,  598  is disposed at each corner area  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  242  of the second table portion  104 . These cutout (or recessed) areas of the second table portion  104  are configured to receive corresponding leg members  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 , of the first table portion  102 . The cutout (or recessed) areas  592  and  594  enable the outer portion  584  of the second table portion  104  to be situated between leg members  110  and  116  of the first table portion  102  when the first table portion  102  and the second table portion  104  are coupled together (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). The cutout areas  594  and  596  enable the outer portion  586  to be situated between leg members  110  and  112 . The cutout areas  596 ,  598 , enable the outer portion  588  to be situated between the leg members  112 ,  114 . The cutout areas  598 ,  592  enable the outer portion  590  to be situated between the leg members  114 ,  116 . 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the width w and depth d of the first table portion leg members  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  is substantially the same size as the cutout areas  592 ,  594 ,  596 ,  598 . Therefore, when the first table portion  102  and the second table portion  104  are coupled together (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), the outer portions  584 ,  586 ,  588 ,  590  of the second table portion  104  meet each other. In another embodiment, the width w and depth d of the first table portion leg members  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  can be smaller than the cutout areas  592 ,  594 ,  596 ,  598 . 
         [0035]    According to one embodiment, a corner cutout covering member  265  ( FIG. 2 ) can be disposed on each of the leg members  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 , of the first table portion to substantially appear to connect the outer portions  584 ,  586 ,  588 ,  590  of the second table portion  104  when the first and second table portions  102 ,  104  are coupled together, such as to form what appears to be a single unified table. Compare  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 , and  5 . This corner cutout covering member  265  on each of the leg members  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 , in one embodiment, includes a decorative pattern that substantially matches at least a decorative pattern of an apron portion of the second table portion  104 , which can add a decorative appearance of an extended apron of the single unified table. In other words, the corner cutout covering member  265  appears to combine the decorative pattern of an apron portion of the first table portion  102  with the decorative pattern of an apron portion of the second table portion  104 . When the two table portions  102 ,  104 , are coupled together, such as to form what appears to be a single unified table, the decorative pattern of an apron portion of the first table portion  102  substantially matches with the decorative pattern of an apron portion of the second table portion  104 , to form what appears as an extended apron of the single unified table. See  FIG. 1 . 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, when the table portions  102 ,  104  are separated from each other so as to create two separate tables  402 ,  404  ( FIG. 4 ) or are adjoined, or abutted side by side, to create one expanded table  702  ( FIG. 7 ) an insertable member  667  ( FIG. 6 ) can be inserted into the cutout areas  592 ,  594 ,  596 ,  598  ( FIG. 5 ) of the second table portion  104 . The insertable member  667 , in one embodiment, has a substantially similar aesthetic design to the remainder of the second table portion  104  so as to create a seamless appearance. For example, the insertable member  667  includes a substantially similar top surface and apron as does the first table portion  102  and the second table portion  104 . The insertable member  667 , in one embodiment, is coupled to the corresponding outer portions  584 ,  586 ,  588 ,  590  via one or more fastening members  669 ,  671  such as dowels or rods that mate with corresponding holes/grooves/slots  673 ,  675  in the outer portions  584 ,  586 ,  588 ,  590  of the second table portion  104 . It should be noted that any fastening mechanism can be used as long as the insertable member  667  is removable and reusable. For example, a magnet  677  and a corresponding metal insert  679 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , attract each other and secure and fasten by magnetic force the insertable member  667  to the corresponding outer portion  584 ,  586 ,  588 ,  590  of the second table portion  104 . Additionally, a mechanical locking mechanism  802 ,  804 , as shown in  FIG. 6  and shown in more detail in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , can be used about an underside of the second table portion  104  and the insertable member  667  to lock and secure the insertable member  667  when inserted into the respective cutout area  592 ,  594 ,  596 ,  598  ( FIG. 5 ) of the second table portion  104 . A rotating latch mechanism  802  can be moved in a rotating motion to catch an edge of a locking bar  804 , and thereby fastening the insertable member  667  to the second table portion  104 . 
         [0037]    Also, removable members (not shown) can be coupled to each of the second table portion leg members  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134 , so that the second table portion leg members  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134 , substantially resemble the first table portion leg members  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 , when the table portions  102 ,  104  are used separately as two separate and distinct tables and/or are adjoined side-by-side as one expanded larger table. These removable members, for example, could include decorative cover pieces that mate with and cover the first leg portion  258  of each of the leg members  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134 , of the second table portion  104 . 
         [0038]    As can be seen from the above discussion, the convertible table of the various embodiments is advantageous over conventional tables because separate one or more leaves, or foldable portions, are not required. The surface area of the table is able to be substantially increased (e.g. double in size) while maintaining ease of use and a relatively small foot-print. 
         [0039]    Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments, and it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.