Abstract:
To provide a usable workspace for use at tradeshows, conventions and similar events, a collapsible transaction table is uniquely designed to provide transportability and flexibility regarding its setup. In its collapsed condition, the transaction table itself is contained and thereby easily transportable. In its expanded condition, components are provided to provide a usable transaction table which preferably sits at a countertop height but with which also may be modified to further extend into a countertop configuration. To achieve the counter top configuration, a pair of transaction tables are coupled with one another utilizing specifically configured bridging elements to thus create a stable and usable countertop. The transaction tables themselves include a collapsible base unit and tabletop elements which are removably attachable to the base units in an interlocking manner to provide additional stability.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of previously filed U.S. Provisional application 61/162,025, filed Mar. 20, 2009 and entitled “Collapsible Transaction Table”. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Tradeshows and exhibitions and the furnishings used by exhibitors at those events, such as displays, tables, counters, chairs, etc. are typically easily transported, easily erected, easily collapsed, and are relatively lightweight. 
         [0003]    The space available to an exhibitor may vary from event to event, thus it is generally desirable to have furnishings that are configurable to varying lengths. In addition, it is generally desirable to have furnishings that are esthetically pleasing and which provide surfaces on which to display logos and images of the exhibitor&#39;s products or services. Further, it is typically desirable to provide concealed storage areas within the display area in which the exhibitor can keep extra marketing materials and other supplies out of sight of visitors. In addition, it is generally desirable to provide tradeshow furnishings which are adaptable to support accessories or appurtenances for the display of products and promotional materials. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a top front perspective view of an embodiment of a collapsible transaction table in an erected configuration. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is a top rear perspective view of the collapsible transaction table of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is top front perspective view showing adjacent collapsible transaction tables of  FIG. 1  connected to form a counter. 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  is a top rear perspective view of the counter illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the collapsible transaction table of FIG.  1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 6  is a top front perspective view of the transaction table base of  FIG. 1  in a collapsed configuration. 
           [0010]      FIG. 7  is a top front perspective view of the transaction table base of  FIG. 6  partially expanded position. 
           [0011]      FIG. 8  is a bottom front perspective of the transaction table base of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 9  is a top front perspective view of the transaction table base of  FIG. 7  in the fully expanded position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged view illustrating the coupling rod attachment to the collapsible shelf as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged view illustrating the hinge for the main cross support as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged view illustrating the hinge of the collapsible shelf as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged view illustrating the coupling rod clip as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged view illustrating the coupling rod as shown in  FIG. 9  extending between support shelves. 
           [0018]      FIG. 15  is a top front perspective view of the transaction table base of  FIG. 8  with a front facing panel installed. 
           [0019]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged perspective view of illustrating the connection of the front facing panel to the transaction table base as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 17  is a top rear perspective view of the fully expanded transaction table base of  FIG. 8  with a front tabletop member attached. 
           [0021]      FIG. 18  is an enlarged perspective view of the tabletop coupling elements as shown in  FIG. 17 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of one of the tabletop members with the top panel removed to better illustrate the slots which receive the top projections of the endwalls. 
           [0023]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the tabletop member as viewed along lines  20 - 20  of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 21  is a top rear perspective view of the transaction table base of  FIG. 8  with a rear facing panel installed. 
           [0025]      FIG. 22  is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the connection of the rear facing panel to the transaction table base as shown in  FIG. 21 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 23  is a top front perspective view of the transaction table base of  FIG. 8  and illustrating a bridge facing element installed. 
           [0027]      FIG. 24  is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the connection of the bridge facing element to the transaction table base as shown in  FIG. 23 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 25  is an enlarged perspective view of the counter of  FIG. 3  illustrating the attachment of tabletop bridge components between adjacent collapsible transaction tables. 
           [0029]      FIG. 26  is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the attachment of the tabletop bridge components as shown in  FIG. 25 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 27  is a bottom front perspective view of the counter of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 28  is an enlarged bottom front perspective view illustrating the attachment and coupling of the tabletop bridge components to the table members of adjacent transaction tables as shown in  FIG. 27 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 and 2  are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of an embodiment of a collapsible transaction table designated generally by reference numeral  10  shown in the fully erected display configuration.  FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the transaction table  10  of  FIG. 1  shown in the fully collapsed transport configuration. 
         [0033]    When fully erected, the transaction table  10  is stable and provides a tabletop surface preferably at a standard countertop height or elevation. When fully collapsed, the transaction table  10  is compact and easily transportable. The transaction table  10  is preferably adaptable to a counter configuration as illustrated in  FIGS. 3-4 , by providing bridging members for connecting adjacent transaction tables to produce a continuous countertop surface of a desired length. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the transaction table  10  is particularly suited for use in tradeshows and exhibitions due to its quick and easy setup and takedown (described later) while also providing a stable top surface, storage capacity, configuration flexibility and a clean aesthetically pleasing appearance—all in a lightweight, transportable construction. 
         [0034]    The transaction table  10  preferably comprises a collapsible base unit  11  and a removable tabletop  20 . The collapsible base unit  11  preferably comprises left and right endwalls  12 ,  14  preferably of sufficient length or height such that with the tabletop  20  is mounted thereon, the elevation of the tabletop  20  is at a typical countertop height. The base unit  11  also preferably comprises a removable front panel  16  and a removable rear panel  18 . The front and rear panels  16 ,  18  are preferably flexible panels made of fabric or other suitable material and are sized such that when the panels are attached to the base unit  11  (discussed later), the panels are maintained taut and substantially wrinkle free so as to provide a clean, professional appearance. 
         [0035]    The tabletop  20  preferably comprises two tabletop members  22 ,  24  removably but rigidly mountable to the upper ends of the endwalls  12 ,  14  (discussed later). The tabletop members  22 ,  24  along with other components (discussed later) are preferably stowable within the base unit  11  when in the fully collapsed transport configuration (also discussed later). 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , two adjacent transaction tables  10  are shown connected with tabletop bridging members  36 ,  38  and a front bridging panel  40  to provide an elongated counter  30 . It should be appreciated that multiple transaction tables  10  and multiple tabletop bridging members  36 ,  38  and front bridging panel  40  may be arranged to provide a counter  30  of any desired length. The tabletop bridging members  36 ,  38  and the front bridging panel  40  are also preferably stowable within the base unit  11  when in the fully collapsed transport configuration (also discussed later). 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the transaction table  10  of  FIG. 1  illustrating the preferred components comprising the base unit  11  and the tabletop  20 . It should be appreciated that although certain components are shown exploded in  FIG. 5  for purposes of describing the preferred construction of such components, these components are shown assembled in the other drawing figures as they would preferably appear to a user of the transaction table  10 . For example, the left and right endwalls  12 ,  14  of the base unit  11  are preferably constructed of identical injection-molded thermoplastic wall shells  52 ,  62  to which are attached intermediate face panels  54 ,  64 . Optional interchangeable graphic panels  56 ,  66  may also be provided to cover the face panels  54 ,  56  if a different appearance is desired. Magnets  70  are preferably received within rod receptacles  72  ( FIGS. 16 ,  22 ) for magnetically securing the panel rods  28 ,  29  of the front and rear panels  16 ,  18  to the endwalls  12 ,  14  (discussed later). Similar, to the endwalls  12 ,  14 , the tabletop members  22 ,  24  are preferably constructed of injection-molded thermoplastic top shells  72 ,  82  to which are attached top panels  74 ,  84 . The top shells are preferably identical except that one of the shells preferably includes a tongue that is receivable within mating grooves of the other top shell (discussed later). The wall shells  52 ,  62  and the top shells  72 ,  82  preferably include internal ribbing typical of injection molding practices to reduce material while providing structural rigidity. The top panels  74 ,  84  and intermediate side panels  54 ,  64  may be a wood laminate or other desired panel material to provide the desired aesthetic appearance. It should also be appreciated that although injection molding is preferred for constructing the endwalls  12 ,  14  and tabletop members  22 ,  24 , these components may be made of any suitable material and fabricated in any suitable manner. 
         [0038]    As previously described, the front panel  16  (the rear panel  18  is shown rolled up in  FIG. 5 ) preferably comprises a flexible panel  26 . Upper and lower rods  28 ,  29  extend through upper and lower sleeves  30 ,  31 , respectively. 
         [0039]    Continuing to refer to  FIG. 5 , the collapsible body unit  11  preferably includes upper and lower folding horizontal shelves  110 ,  120  and a folding vertical panel  140 . It should be appreciated that the vertical folding panel  140  provides lateral support and rigidity to the body  11  when in the fully extended position. As discussed in greater detail later when the steps of erecting and collapsing the base unit or described, each of the folding horizontal shelves  110 ,  120  and folding vertical panel  140  include a middle hinge  112 ,  122 ,  142  and each of the horizontal shelves  110 ,  120  and the vertical panel  140  is hingedly attached to the left and right endwalls  12 ,  14  by horizontal and vertical rods  126 ,  146  retained within the endwalls. The ends of the shelves  110 ,  120  pivot about the horizontal rods  126  as the shelves fold and unfold along their middle hinges  112 ,  122 . Similarly, the ends of the vertical panel  140  pivot about the vertical rods  146  as the panel folds and unfolds along its middle hinge  142  as the base unit moves from the fully extended configuration ( FIG. 9 ) to the fully collapsed transport configuration ( FIG. 6 ). A coupling rod  130  is connects the upper and lower horizontal folding shelves  110 ,  120  so that the shelves preferably move in unison to create a more efficient folding and unfolding action when the body unit  11  is being collapsed and expanded. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 6-16 , the preferred steps of erecting the base unit  11  from the fully collapsed position ( FIG. 6 ) to the fully extended position ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ) and the attachment of the panel members  16 ,  18  ( FIGS. 15-16 ) are hereinafter described. Referring to  FIG. 6 , the endwalls  12 ,  14  are preferably snap-fit together by matingly aligned pegs and sockets  210 ,  212  (best illustrated in  FIG. 20 ) preferably disposed near the four corners of the endwalls  12 ,  14  (only the upper corners are illustrated in  FIG. 20 ). Thus, to expand the base unit  11 , the user is preferably required to exert sufficient force to pry the endwalls apart to overcome the mechanical and/or frictional fit between the pegs  210  and sockets  212 . Alternatively, or in addition to using a snap-fit connection, other connection methods may be utilized, including for example, providing magnets in the peg and socket areas  210 ,  212  or providing exterior clasps, buckles or straps or any other suitable means for removably securing the endwalls for transport. 
         [0041]    Once the endwalls are disengaged, the endwalls are free to move outwardly as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . As the endwalls are pushed or pulled outwardly, the upper and lower shelves  110 ,  120  simultaneously unfold due to the coupling rod  130  connecting the edges of those shelves as best illustrated in the enlarged details of  FIGS. 10 and 14 . Similarly, the outward movement of the endwalls causes the vertical panel  140  to unfold. The enlarged detail of  FIG. 12  illustrates the preferred hinge attachment of the horizontal folding shelves  110 ,  120 . The ends of the horizontal rod  126  are retained within horizontal rod supports  127  in the interior shell walls  52 ,  62  of each end member  12 ,  14 . The ends of the shelves  110 ,  120  are pivotally disposed over the horizontal rods  126  by hooks  111 ,  121 . Similarly, the ends of the vertical rod  146  are retained within a vertical rod supports  144  in the interior shell walls  52 ,  62  of each end member  12 ,  14 . The projecting ends of the vertical rods  146  are received within slotted sockets  147  at the upper and lower edges of the vertical panel  140 .  FIG. 13  is an enlarged view of the coupling rod lock  148  which preferably frictionally receives the coupling rod  130  when the base unit  11  is in the fully extended position, to thereby removably lock the vertical panel  140  to the coupling rod  130  to preventing the vertical panel  140  from inadvertently folding and destabilizing the fully expanded base unit  11 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , with the base unit  11  in the fully extended position, the top bridging members  36 ,  38  can be removed (if desired for the counter configuration as shown in  FIGS. 3-4 ) from the recesses  86  (see  FIGS. 5 and 17 ) that are preferably formed in the respective sides of the opposing wall shells  52 ,  62 . Additionally the tabletop members  22 ,  24  can be removed from the recesses  88  (see  FIGS. 5 and 17 ) that are also preferably formed in the respective sides of the opposing wall shells  52 ,  62 . Furthermore the rolled up front and rear panels  16 ,  18  and the rolled up bridging panel  40  may be removed from the recesses  90 ,  91  (see  FIGS. 5 and 20 ) that are preferably formed in the respective sides of the opposing wall shells  52 ,  62 . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrates the body unit  11  in the fully expanded position with the front panel  16  attached to the forward or front edge of the endwalls  12 ,  14 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 16  which is an enlarged detail of the area circled in  FIG. 15 , the ends of the upper rod  28  extend through upper sleeve  30  on the flexible panel  26 . The rod  28  is preferably steel or other magnetically attractive material. The ends of the rod  28  are received within notches  94  formed in the front edge of the endwall  14 . A similar notch is formed in the front edge of the opposing endwall  12 . The same or similar rod retention construction is preferably provided to secure the lower rod  29  to the front edge of the end walls  12 ,  14 . With the rods  28 ,  29  secured as described, the panels are maintained taut and substantially wrinkle free so as to provide a clean, professional appearance. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 21 and 22  illustrates the attachment of the rear panel  18  to the rearward or back edge of the endwalls  12 ,  14 . The same or similar rod retention construction is used for the rear panel  18  as for the front panel  16 . Note, however, as illustrated in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the rear panel  18  preferably includes an upper and lower zipper  220 ,  222  to permit access to the interior storage area and shelves  110 ,  120  without removing the rods  98 ,  99  from the notches  96  formed in the back edge of the endwalls  12 ,  14 . 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 17-20  the preferred method of attaching the tabletop  20  to the base unit  11  is hereinafter described.  FIG. 17  is a rear perspective view of the body unit  11  showing the front tabletop member  24  attached thereto. As will be discussed in further detail below, each endwall  12 ,  14  includes a number of attachment features on a top end thereof which are designed to rigidly yet removably secure the tabletop members  22 ,  24  to the base unit  11 . Referring to  FIG. 18 , left endwall  12  preferably includes a central attachment upright  160 . The central attachment upright  160  preferably includes a central cylindrical portion  162  extending in a substantially upright orientation from the top end of left endwall  12 . Extending from opposite sides of central cylindrical portion  162  are a first extension  164  and a second extension  166 . Each of the tabletop members  22 ,  24  include mating recesses  170  along their abutting ends to receive the opposite sides of the central attachment upright  160 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 19  is a bottom view of tabletop members  22 ,  24 , which are preferably identical except that one of the tabletop members includes an edge with projecting tongues  208  (best illustrated in  FIG. 18 ) which are receivable within mating grooves (not shown) in the abutting end of the other tabletop member. The recesses  170  configured to receive the central attachment upright  160  are provided in the abutting end of the left and right endwalls  12  and  14 . In addition, the tabletop members  22 ,  24  include a pair of slots  172 , configured to receive top projections  180 ,  182  (see  FIGS. 15 and 21 ) on the top ends of the endwalls  12 ,  14 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 20  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the tabletop  20  and base unit  11  as viewed along lines  20 - 20  of  FIG. 1 . The front top projections  182  and a rear top projections  180  are both illustrated in cross-section. The bottom surface slots  172  receive in the front and rear tabletop members  22 ,  24  receive the front and rear top projections  180 ,  182 , respectively. The inward facing edge of the slots  172  preferably include a resilient displaceable detent  174  that engages inwardly facing ridges  196  on the top projections  180 ,  182  thereby providing a secure snap-fit connection. 
         [0048]    As generally discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a counter  30  can be created utilizing multiple transaction tables  10 . Rather than simply stacking transaction tables  10  end-to-end, which would leave gaps between adjacent body units  11  due to the wider tabletops  20 , it is preferably to provide top bridging members  36 ,  38  and a panel bridging member  40 . Referring to  FIGS. 23-24 , bridging panel  40  preferably includes a flexible panel  240  having upper and lower sleeves  242 ,  243  to receive upper and lower rods  246 ,  248 . The ends of the rods  246 ,  248  are preferably received within apertures  230  ( FIG. 24 ) in the face of endwalls  12 ,  14 . So that the transaction tables  10  do not have to be moved apart to insert the rods  246 ,  248  into the aligned apertures of adjacent transaction tables, one end of each rod  246 ,  248  preferably includes a spring loaded steel pin. Thus, to install the bridging panel  40 , the end of the rod  246 ,  248  with the spring loaded steel pin is preferably inserted into one of the apertures  230  which preferably has a magnet  70  disposed therein. Force is exerted on the rod to compress the spring-loaded pin to reduce the length of the rod. With the other end of the rod aligned with the opposing aperture  230  in the adjacent transaction table, the compression force exerted on the rod is released permitting the spring biased pin to extend the rod to into the opposing aperture thereby spanning the gap between adjacent transaction tables. The same operation is preferably performed to secure the lower rod  248  between adjacent transaction tables. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 25-28 , the completion of counter  30  is accomplished by placing the front and rear top bridging members  36 ,  38  between adjacent tabletops  20 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 26  opposing ends of each tabletop  20  are preferably configured with an outwardly extending and upwardly projecting lip  250 . The opposing ends of the top bridging members  36 ,  38  are preferably configured with a mating outwardly extending and downwardly extending hook  260  which receives the lip  250 . The elevations of the lip and hook are configured such that the top surface of the top bridging members are substantially planar with the top surface of the adjacent tabletops  20 . Also as best illustrated in  FIG. 26 , the mating edges of the top bridging members  36 ,  38  preferably include mating tongue and groove connections for added structural rigidity. As shown in  FIG. 26 , the rear bridging member  36  includes tongues  262  which would be received by aligned grooves (not shown) in the mating front bridging member  38 . 
         [0050]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 27 and 28 , to secure the top bridging members  36 ,  38  to adjacent tabletops  20  to prevent them from inadvertently becoming dislodged and falling, the underside of the top bridging members  36 ,  38  preferably include rotatable locking tabs  270  ( FIG. 28 ), that, when rotated, project beyond the edge of the bridging members  36 ,  38  to engage the underside of the adjacent tabletop  20  thereby locking the top bridging members  36 ,  38  in place. 
         [0051]    The discussion above, and related figures, has described how counter  30  is formed by the addition of bridging members  36 ,  38 . In the embodiments shown, counter  30  has been illustrated as an elongated straight counter, with bridging members  36 ,  38  each being substantially rectangular. It is contemplated that a curved or angled counter could similarity be configured by utilizing bridging members that have angled, curved or wedged shapes of different types. For example, a triangular bridging members could be used to cause two adjacent work tables to be coupled together forming an angled counter. Many different angled or curved configurations are contemplated, depending upon the particular needs for the counter. 
         [0052]    Continuing to refer to  FIG. 28 , as an additional feature, the underside of the tabletop  20  and the top bridging members  36 ,  38  may include an LED light strip  300  to light the front panels  16  and bridging panels  40  if desired and/or to provide lighting on the backside of the transaction tables  10 /counter  30  for illuminating the storage area. A compartment  302  is preferably formed in the underside of the bridging members  36 ,  38  for receiving a transformer (not shown) for the LED strip, or possibly a battery pack and switch (not shown), for powering the lighting strip  300 . Electrical wires (not shown) extending from the compartment  302  may be routed through slots  304  in the ribbing of the members  36 ,  38 . Similar lighting strips, compartments and ribbing slots may be provided in the underside of the tabletop members  22 ,  24 . 
         [0053]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1 ,  5  and  18 , the tabletop  20  may include apertures  400  for receiving posts  402  and display racks  404  or other appurtenances for displaying promotional items and/or for routing electrical cables or the like between the surface of the tabletop and the storage area and shelves  110 ,  120  below. 
         [0054]    The foregoing description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus, and the general principles and features of the system and methods described herein will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Thus, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments of the apparatus, system and methods described above and illustrated in the drawing figures, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the spirit and scope of the appended claims.