Patent Publication Number: US-11659923-B2

Title: Mobile table with selectively rotating table top

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates to the field of tables and table assemblies, and more particularly, to mobile tables having a selectively rotating table top relative to its frame. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many classroom and shop settings require the use of sturdy industrial strength tables and/or work tops/work benches. However, these industrial strength tables and tops are often very large, heavy, cumbersome, and partially or completely immobile. Furthermore, the above mentioned conventional tables and work tops span a large footprint within the classroom and/or work space, thus requiring large spaces for their use. However, in many settings (e.g., when work space is limited and/or mobility and space versatility is desired), the above mentioned characteristics are highly undesirable and are even sought to be avoided. Thus, alternative work tops and tables that directly address at least the above mentioned problems are needed. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein are industrial strength tables that address the problems observed with conventional tables and work tops/benches in classroom and shop/work space settings. In particular, these tables are easily (and selectively) mobile from one location to another and the table top is selectively rotatable between a plurality of locked positions to advantageously increase the overall foot print while the table is in use (e.g., deploying the table top for use in a first position) and/or reduce the overall foot print (e.g., orienting the table top in a vertical second position) thereby advantageously allowing for storage in small spaces when one has finished the use thereof. More particularly and in certain aspects, disclosed is a mobile table including a selectively rotatable table top that is configured to securely rotate about an axis in an unlocked position and to be secured in a predetermined plane in a locked position; and two spaced apart frame members securely connected to the selectively rotatable table top that is positioned on a first end of each spaced apart frame member and with movement members attached to a second end of each spaced apart frame members that are configured to selectively move the mobile table to and from desired locations. 
     In certain aspects of the mobile table, each frame member includes two spaced apart frame legs that are connected to one another on the first end of the frame member by a cross-beam and the cross-beam of each frame member is co-planar relative to one another within the table. 
     In certain aspects of the mobile table, the selectively rotatable table top is configured to selectively rotate and lock in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to the frame members. 
     In certain aspects of the mobile table, the selectively rotatable table top is configured to selectively rotate to and lock in a first position that is substantially coplanar with the cross-beams of each frame member of the table and in a second position that is substantially perpendicular relative to the cross-beams of each frame member of the table. 
     In certain aspects of the mobile table, the selectively rotatable table top is configured to selectively rotate and lock in a plurality of predetermined positions in between the first and second positions. 
     In certain aspects of the mobile table, the mobile table further includes a stationary storage shelf affixed to the mobile table between the two spaced apart frame members and below the selectively rotatable table top, the stationary storage shelf being more proximate to the second end of each spaced apart frame member than the first end of each spaced apart frame member to provide sufficient clearance for the selectively rotatable table top such that the selectively rotatable table top can rotate 360° about the axis in an unlocked position relative to the two spaced apart frame members. 
     In certain aspects of the mobile table, the stationary storage shelf is in a parallel plane relative to the cross-beams of each frame member. 
     In certain aspects of the mobile table, the mobile table further includes two rotatable bushings, with each bushing positioned within the first end of the spaced apart frame member and extending internally within the table towards one another, the rotatable bushings are axially aligned with one another and have the selectively rotatable table top securely attached thereto with one rotatable bushing being operably connected to a handle such that when handle is moved/rotated the two rotatable bushings and selectively rotatable table top move in concert with the handle between desired unlocked and locked positions. 
     In certain aspects of the mobile table, the table further includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock and unlock the selectively rotatable table top in predetermined positions relative to the two spaced apart frame members. 
     In certain aspects of the mobile table, the rotatable bushing that is operably connected to the handle is coupled to a rotating disc having a plurality of through holes positioned thereon, the rotating disc configured to move in concert with the handle, two rotatable bushings, and selectively rotatable table top such that the locking mechanism selectively engages and disengages the through holes of the rotating disc to obtain the desired unlocked and locked positions of the selectively rotatable table top. 
     In additional aspects, also disclosed is a mobile table assembly including (a) a plurality of movement members that are configured to selectively move the mobile table to and from desired locations; (b) a selectively rotatable table top that is configured to rotate and lock in a plurality of different positions relative to two spaced apart frame members; and (c) two spaced apart frame members configured for secure connection to the selectively rotatable table top positioned there between on a first end of each spaced apart frame member and with at least one of the plurality of movement members attached to a second end of each spaced apart frame members. 
     In certain aspects of the table assembly, each frame member comprises two spaced apart frame legs that are connected to one another on the first end of the frame member by a cross-beam and the cross-beam of each frame member is co-planar relative to one another when assembled within the table. 
     In certain aspects of the table assembly, the selectively rotatable table top is configured to selectively rotate and lock in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to the frame members. 
     In certain aspects of the table assembly, the selectively rotatable table top is configured to selectively rotate to and lock in a first position that is substantially coplanar with the cross-beams of each frame member of the table and in a second position that is substantially perpendicular relative to the cross-beams of each frame member of the table when assembled. 
     In certain aspects of the table assembly, the selectively rotatable table top is configured to selectively rotate and lock in a plurality of predetermined positions in between the first and second positions when assembled within the table. 
     In certain aspects of the table assembly, the assembly further includes a stationary storage shelf configured for attachment to the mobile table between the two spaced apart frame members and to be positioned below the selectively rotatable table top, the stationary storage shelf configured to be more proximate to the second end of each spaced apart frame member than the first end of each spaced apart frame member to provide sufficient clearance for the selectively rotatable table top such that the selectively rotatable table top can rotate 360° about the axis in an unlocked position relative to the two spaced apart frame members when assembled within the table. 
     In certain aspects of the table assembly, the stationary storage shelf is configured to be in a parallel plane relative to the cross-beams of each frame member. 
     In certain aspects of the table assembly, the assembly further includes two rotatable bushings, with each bushing positioned within the first end of the spaced apart frame member and extending internally within the table towards one another when the table is assembled, the rotatable bushings are configured to be axially aligned with one another and have the selectively rotatable table top securely attached thereto with one rotatable bushing configured to be operably connected to a handle such that when the table is assembled and the handle is moved/rotated the two rotatable bushings and selectively rotatable table top move in concert with the handle between desired unlocked and locked positions. 
     In certain aspects of the table assembly, the assembly further includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock and unlock the selectively rotatable table top in predetermined positions relative to the two spaced apart frame members. 
     In certain aspects of the table assembly, the rotatable bushing that is configured to be operably connected to the handle is coupled to a rotating disc having a plurality of through holes positioned thereon, the rotating disc is configured to move in concert with the handle, two rotatable bushings, and selectively rotatable table top when the table is assembled such that the locking mechanism is configured to selectively engage and disengage the through holes of the rotating disc to obtain the desired unlocked and locked positions of the selectively rotatable table top. 
     In certain aspects, a plurality of the tables/table assemblies disclosed herein may be interconnected to one another, to form various types of work stations having various configurations for various different purposes (e.g., education/lab purposes, production line assembly, etc.). Due to the unique features of each table included in the work stations, these work stations may be easily (either partially or completely) assembled and/or disassembled. Moreover, these work stations are advantageously very mobile (as a complete work station or a partial work station), capable of being moved from one location to another within, for example, a class room and/or factory. 
     Embodiments of the invention can include one or more or any combination of the above features and configurations. 
     Additional features, aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present various embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are better understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    depicts the assembled table with the selectively rotatable table top secured in a horizontal position (first position); 
         FIG.  2 A  depicts a partially disassembled table assembly; 
         FIG.  2 B  depicts a magnified view of Detail A of  FIG.  2 A ; 
         FIG.  3    depicts a perspective view of the assembled table with the selectively rotatable table top secured in a horizontal position (e.g., a first position); 
         FIG.  4    depicts a top view of the assembled table with the selectively rotatable table top secured in a horizontal position; 
         FIG.  5    depicts a bottom view of the assembled table; 
         FIG.  6    depicts a right side view of the assembled table with the table top secured in a horizontal position; 
         FIG.  7    depicts a left side view of the assembled table with the selectively rotatable table top secured in a horizontal position (e.g., a first position); 
         FIG.  8    depicts a perspective view of the assembled table with the selectively rotatable table top selectively rotated and locked into an intermediate position (i.e. a position between the first and second positions); 
         FIG.  9    depicts a perspective view of the assembled table with table top selectively rotated and locked into a vertical position (second position); and 
         FIG.  10    depicts a side view of the assembled table with the table top selectively rotated and locked into a vertical position (second position); 
         FIG.  11    depicts a top view of the assembled table with table top selectively rotated and locked into a vertical position (second position); 
         FIG.  12 A  depicts the fastening device before fastening to a selectively rotatable table top of a first table; 
         FIG.  12 B  depicts a first end of the fastening device fastened to a selectively rotatable table top of a first table and the second end of the fastening device that is free and configured for fastening to a selectively rotatable table top of a second table; 
         FIG.  13    depicts a work station comprising three tables that are sequentially interconnected to one another by two separate fastening devices positioned between and fastened to the respective tables within this work station; and 
         FIG.  14    depicts a work station comprising five tables that are sequentially interconnected to one another by four separate fastening devices positioned between and fastened to the respective tables within this work station. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the representative embodiments set forth herein. The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make, use and practice the invention. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings. 
       FIGS.  1 - 11    depict the table/table assembly  100  disclosed herein. In certain aspects, various components of the table/table assembly  100  are comprised of aluminum or steel components such that the table assembly is durable and has industrial strength. It should be further noted that these table assemblies include swivel casters  2  (movement members) allowing for selectively mobility of the assembly around, for example, a shop or a classroom. In certain aspects, these swivel casters  2  are further equipped with brakes to further selectively control movement of the assembly and to further achieve/maintain stationary positioning as desired by the assembly user. 
     As further shown in  FIGS.  1 - 11   , when the table assembly  100  is assembled, the table assembly is configured such that the table top  7  is selectively rotatable relative to the frame  1  such that a plurality of fixed positions may be achieved. For example,  FIGS.  1 ,  3 ,  6 , and  7    depict the assembled table with the table top secured in a horizontal position (first position) (e.g., table top is in a parallel plane relative to shelf  10 ).  FIG.  8    depicts a perspective view of the assembled table with table top selectively rotated into an intermediate position (i.e., a position between the first and second positions), and  FIGS.  9 - 11    the assembled table with table top selectively rotated into a vertical position (second position) (e.g., table top is substantially perpendicular relative to shelf  10 ). The ability to selectively rotate the table top  7  at different angles allows a user to reduce the overall foot print of the assembly, advantageously allowing for storage in small spaces. 
     In certain aspects, the table top  7  can rotate and lock at +/−45°, +/−90°, and +/−180 and/or at other desired, predetermined increments within the 360° rotational axis of the table top (e.g., +/−15° increments, etc.). To achieve the above mentioned rotation and table top positions, the table assembly  100  is equipped with an easy-to-turn spoke wheel (handle)  13 , bushings  4 , alignment bolts, spacers  6 , pads, and two locking wheels  20  with a plurality of through holes  21  arranged thereon to ensure a solid and predictable angle. 
     With specific reference to  FIGS.  1 ,  2 A, and  2 B , two rotatable bushings  4  are positioned on opposite sides of the frame  1  and are axially aligned with one another. At least one bushing  4  is operably connected to handle  13  such that when handle  13  is moved/rotated the operably connected bushing moves in concert with the handle. As further shown in  FIG.  2 B , recesses are formed within each bushing such that the table top  7  is received there through and is affixed therein with, for example, a fastener, locking pin, and/or friction fit. As further shown in  FIG.  1    in view of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , locking wheels  20  are arranged on the frame and are connected to bushings  4 . Each locking wheel  20  includes a plurality of through holes  21 , and when assembled, the through holes of each locking wheel are axially aligned with a corresponding through hole of a corresponding locking wheel. The through holes  21  of each locking wheel  20  are arranged to align with spacers  6  and to be temporarily affixed to the frame by lock wheel hardware  5  that temporarily locks the locking wheels  20  into a desired position. A spring biased quick release locking pin  16  is also arranged on the frame  1 . The spring biased quick release locking pin  16  further engages a through hole  21  of at least one locking wheel  20  to maintain table top position regardless of whether the locking wheels are (or are not) temporarily affixed to the frame by lock wheel hardware  5 . 
     When moving the table top  7  from a first position (e.g., horizontal position) to another desired position, the lock wheel hardware  5  is initially removed and the spring biased quick release locking pin  16  is subsequently disengaged such that the locking wheels  20 , bushings  4 , and table top  7  are rotatable relative to the frame  1 . Next, the table top  7  is rotated to the desired position by rotating handle  13  which further rotates each bushing  4 , locking wheel  20 , and table top  7  in concert. The desired through hole  21 ,  22  of at least one locking wheel  20  is aligned with the spring biased quick release locking pin  16  and the spring biased quick release locking pin  16  subsequently engages the desired locking wheel through hole. Next, the locking through holes  21  that are aligned with the spacers  6  are subsequently affixed thereto by locking wheel hardware  5 , thus locking table top  7  into a desired position. 
     As further shown in  FIGS.  1 - 11   , the table assembly  100  further includes shelf  10  that is connected to the bottom of frame  1 . In certain aspects, shelf  10  is detachable along with the table top  7  for ease of shipping and assembly. For those that require shipping, the table legs can be easily unbolted and two bolts connecting the table can be removed and now the table can be stacked on a pallet. 
     In certain aspects and as shown, for example, in  FIGS.  13  and  14   , it is envisioned that a plurality of the above disclosed tables/table assemblies  100  may be interconnected to one another, to form various types of work stations  300 ,  500  having various configurations for various different purposes (e.g., education/lab purposes, production line assembly, etc.). Due to the unique features of each table included in the contemplated work stations, these work stations may be easily (either partially or completely) assembled and disassembled. Moreover, these work stations are advantageously very mobile (as a complete work station or a partial work station), capable from one location to another within, for example, a class room and/or factory thus allowing for a particular space to have more than one dedicated use. 
     As shown, for example in  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B , when assembling the contemplated work stations, at least one fastening device  200  is needed to interconnect two separate tables. The fastening device  200  is configured to be positioned in between two respective tables and to be fastened to the selectively rotatable table tops of a first and second table respectively such that the first and second tables are interconnected and fastened to one another via the fastening device  200 . In certain preferred aspects and as depicted, for example, in  FIGS.  13  and  14   , the selectively rotatable table tops remain spaced apart from one another to allow the work station user greater mobility around the work station. As further depicted in  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B , each fastening device has two spaced apart opposing ends (i.e., a first end  201  and a second end  202 ) that are each configured to fasten to a single selectively rotatable table top of separate tables. In certain aspects, the first end  201  and second end  202  are configured with either the same fastening means or a different fastening means, with the fastening means including, but not limited to, a snap fit engagement, friction fit engagement, or threaded engagement between the fastening device and the table tops of the tables  100 . As shown, for example, in  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B , the first end  201  and second end  202  of the fastening devices  200  are configured for a threaded engagement between each respective end  201 ,  202  of the fastening device and each respective table top of each respective table  100 . In particular and with reference to  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B , fastening device  200  may include one or a plurality of through holes positioned on and extending through each respective end  201 ,  202  of the fastening device  200 , and these through holes are configured for alignment with corresponding through holes formed in (each and extending through) the selectively rotatable table top. As shown, for example in  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B , when the through holes of the table top and end of the fastening device are aligned, a threaded fastener may be advanced through the aligned through holes (of the fastening device and the table top) to securely fasten one end of the fastening device  200  to a selectively rotatable table top. In  FIG.  12 B , the second end  202  of the fastening device is a free end, which may be subsequently fastened to selectively rotatable table top of another table. 
     In certain aspects, it is envisioned that a plurality of tables may be interconnected in the manner as described above. The plurality of tables may include two interconnected tables, three interconnected tables, four interconnected tables, five interconnected tables, six interconnected tables, or seven interconnected tables. In certain aspects and due to the overall size and limited mobility of the work stations, one will generally avoid interconnecting eight or more tables when forming the work stations disclosed herein, and in certain aspects, the number of interconnected tables ranges from two interconnected tables to five interconnected tables, as this number of tables maximizes workspace while achieving desired mobility and ease of assembly/disassembly of the work stations further disclosed herein. 
       FIGS.  13  and  14    depict two separate configurations of exemplary contemplated work stations  300 ,  500  respectively.  FIG.  13    depicts a first exemplary work station having three tables (first table  100 , second table  100 ′, third table  100 ″) that are sequentially arranged and interconnected to one another by fastening devices  200  arranged between and fastened to table tops of each table. Each table ( 100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″) of the work station  300  depicted in  FIG.  13    further includes a computer(s)  480  operatively connected to a robotic arm(s)  481  positioned substantially within the middle of the table top of each table as well as conveyor belts  400  arranged between and connected to each table in a similar manner and alignment to the fastening devices previously disclosed above. Each computer  481  is operably connected to and configured to control the respective robotic arm  480  positioned on its table and to further process the materials positioned on that table as desired Once the desired processing has occurred, the processed materials are placed onto the conveyor belt  400  and conveyed to the next table within the work station. It is further contemplated that each work station may further be positioned adjacent to and/or further include, for example, a one or more CNC machines, one or more 3D printers, one or more other pieces of equipment configured to perform desired tasks, and/or any combination thereof. 
     Now, with specific reference to  FIG.  13   , raw materials, parts, etc. are initially placed on the first table  100  in work station  300  and are subsequently processed on the first table as desired by the work station user and/or by the robotic arm  480  controlled by computer  481 . The processed materials from the first table  100  are then transported from the first table  100  to the second table  100 ′ either manually or via a conveyor belt  400  positioned there between. Next and while on the second table  100 ′, the materials are further processed by, for example, machining these materials and/or assembling these materials by the work station user and/or by the robotic arm  480  controlled by the computer on the second table and/or an additional machine such as a CNC machine or 3D printer (collectively  450 ) positioned on or adjacent to the second table  100 ′. After undergoing further processing on the second table  100 ′, these materials are then transported from the second table  100 ′ to the third table  100 ″ either manually or via a conveyor belt  400  positioned there between. Next and while on the third table  100 ″, the materials are further processed and/or finished by, for example, the work station user, by the robotic arm  480  controlled by computer  480 , an additional machines positioned thereon, or any combination thereof. As depicted by the arrows in  FIG.  13   , the station  300  may be easily moved as a whole or partial unit (as desired by the work station user). Moreover, each individual table  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″ within work station  300  has the functionality and mobility described above. 
     With specific reference to  FIG.  14   , which includes five tables (first table  100 , second table  100 ′, third table  100 ″, fourth table  100 ′, fifth table  100 ″ ″) in work station  500 , raw materials are initially placed on the first table  100  in work station  500  and are subsequently processed on the first table as desired by the work station user and/or by the robotic arm  480  controlled by computer  481 . The processed materials from the first table  100  are then transported from the first table  100  to the second table  100 ′ either manually or via a conveyor belt  400  positioned there between. Next and while on the second table  100 ′, the materials are further processed by, for example, machining these materials and/or assembling these materials by the work station user and/or by the robotic arm  480  controlled by the computer on the second table and/or an additional machine such as a CNC machine or 3D printer (collectively  450 ) positioned on or adjacent to the second table  100 ′. The processed materials from the second table  100 ′ may be subsequently transported in a substantially similar manner to that described immediately above to third table  100 ″ processed in a manner such as that depicted in  FIG.  14    and then subsequently transport in a substantially similar manner to that described immediately above the fourth table  100 ′″ to undergo further processing. After undergoing further processing on the fourth table  100 ′″, these materials are then transported from the fourth table  100 ′″ to the fifth table  100 ″″ either manually or via a conveyor belt  400  positioned there between. Next and while on the fifth table  100 ″″, the materials are further processed and/or finished by, for example, the work station user, by the robotic arm  480  controlled by computer  480 , an additional machines positioned thereon, or any combination thereof. The workstation  500  depicted in  FIG.  14    has substantially the same mobility and rotatable components as those depicted by the arrows in  FIG.  13    for work station  300 . Moreover, each individual table  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″ within work station  300  has the functionality and mobility described above. 
     The foregoing description provides embodiments of the invention by way of example only. It is envisioned that other embodiments may perform similar functions and/or achieve similar results. Any and all such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the appended claims. 
     PARTS LIST 
     
         
         
           
               100  Table/Table Assembly 
               1  Frame (Frame members) 
               2  Swivel Casters (Movement members) 
               3  End of Frame Legs (Second End(s) of Each Frame Member) 
               4  Rotatable Bushing Configured Securely Receive Table top 
               5  Lock Wheel Hardware (for fixing Lock wheel to frame) 
               6  Spacer 
               7  Table top 
               8  Rotating Lock Pin 
               9  Table Hardware (for fixing Table top rotatable bushing and rotating lock pin) 
               10  Shelf (Storage Shelf Affixed to/Between Legs of Frame Member(s)) 
               11 ,  15 ,  25 ,  26  Bracket (Cross-Beam) 
               12  Rotating Lock Pin Wheel (Rotating Disc) 
               13  Handle (operably connected to lock pin wheel and bushing to selectively rotate table top) 
               14  Plate 
               16  Quick Release Locking Pin 
               20  Locking Wheels 
               21 ,  22  Holes (Plurality of Through Holes On Rotating Disc) 
             A 1  Axis of Rotation (for Table Top) And Axial Alignment of Bushings 
               27  Individual Frame Legs 
               200  Fastening Device 
               201  First End configured for fastening to a selectively rotatable table top of a first mobile table 
               202  Second End configured for fastening to a selectively rotatable table top of a second mobile table 
               300  First Exemplary Workstation 
               400  Conveyor Belt 
               450  CNC machine or 3D printer 
               480  Robotic Arm 
               481  Computer Operatively Connected To Robotic Arm 
               500  Second Exemplary Workstation