Patent Publication Number: US-11395540-B1

Title: Rail-mounted tabletop

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of furniture including tables, more specifically, a detachable wall table. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The rail-mounted tabletop is a table. The rail-mounted tabletop is configured for use with a fence. The fence comprises a rail, a plurality of pickets and posts, and a supporting surface. The plurality of pickets and posts elevate the rail above the supporting surface. The plurality of pickets and posts forms the load path that transfers the load of the rail-mounted tabletop to the supporting surface. The rail-mounted tabletop is suspended from the rail of the fence. The rail-mounted tabletop is a table comprises a counter plate, a bracing plate and a rail hook. The supporting plate and the rail hook attach to the counter plate. The counter plate forms a horizontally oriented supporting surface. The rail hook suspends the counter plate and the bracing plate from the rail. The bracing plate braces the counter plate against the plurality of pickets and posts. 
     These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the rail-mounted tabletop will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the rail-mounted tabletop in detail, it is to be understood that the rail-mounted tabletop is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the rail-mounted tabletop. 
     It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the rail-mounted tabletop. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. 
         FIG. 1  is a superior perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is an inferior perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a reverse inferior perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
     Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 7 . 
     The rail-mounted tabletop  100  (hereinafter invention) is a table. The invention  100  is configured for use with a fence  104 . The fence  104  comprises a rail  141 , a plurality of pickets and posts  142 , and a supporting surface  143 . The plurality of pickets and posts  142  elevate the rail  141  above the supporting surface  143 . The plurality of pickets and posts  142  forms the load path that transfers the load of the invention  100  to the supporting surface  143 . The invention  100  is suspended from the rail  141  of the fence  104 . The invention  100  is a table comprises a counter plate  101 , a bracing plate  102 , and a rail hook  103 . The supporting plate and the rail  141  hook  103  attach to the counter plate  101 . The counter plate  101  forms a horizontally oriented supporting surface  143 . The rail  141  hook  103  suspends the counter plate  101  and the bracing plate  102  from the rail  141 . The bracing plate  102  braces the counter plate  101  against the plurality of pickets and posts  142 . 
     The fence  104  is a vertically oriented boundary structure. The fence  104  forms the final link of the load path that transfers the load of the invention  100  to the supporting surface  143 . The fence  104  is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The rail  141  is a rigid prism-shaped structure that forms the superior structure of the fence  104 . The rail  141  is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The plurality of pickets and posts  142  forms the structure of the fence  104  that elevates the rail  141  above the supporting surface  143 . The plurality of pickets and posts  142  is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The supporting surface  143  is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. 
     The counter plate  101  is a prism-shaped structure. The counter plate  101  has a disk structure. The counter plate  101  is a rigid structure. The counter plate  101  forms a horizontal surface used to support objects in a position elevated above the supporting surface  143 . The counter plate  101  comprises a first superior face  111 , a first inferior face  112 , and a first plurality of lateral faces  113 . 
     The first superior face  111  is a congruent end of the disk structure of the counter plate  101 . The first superior face  111  forms the horizontal surface used to support objects in a position elevated above the supporting surface  143 . 
     The first inferior face  112  is a congruent end of the disk structure of the counter plate  101 . The first inferior face  112  is the congruent end of the disk structure of the counter plate  101  that is distal from the first superior face  111 . The first inferior face  112  is the congruent end of the disk structure of the counter plate  101  that is proximal to the supporting surface  143 . The bracing plate  102  attaches to the first inferior face  112  of the counter plate  101 . 
     The first plurality of lateral faces  113  form the lateral faces of the disk structure of the counter plate  101 . The first plurality of lateral faces  113  form the perimeter of the counter plate  101 . 
     The bracing plate  102  is a prism-shaped structure. The bracing plate  102  has a disk structure. The bracing plate  102  is a rigid structure. The bracing plate  102  forms the inferior structure of the invention  100 . The bracing plate  102  attaches to the counter plate  101  such that the bracing plate  102  projects beyond the first plurality of lateral faces  113  of the counter plate  101  to form an undercut ledge  124  structure. 
     The bracing plate  102  and the counter plate  101  are positioned relative to the rail  141  hook  103  such that the center of mass of the invention  100  is not positioned on the plane formed by the fence  104 . This offset position of the center of mass of the invention  100  causes the first inferior face  112  of the counter plate  101  and the second inferior face  122  of the bracing plate  102  to rotate in an inferior direction towards the plurality of pickets and posts  142  of the fence  104 . 
     By positioning the bracing plate  102  to form an undercut ledge  124  relative to the counter plate  101 , a lateral face selected from the second plurality of lateral faces  123  of the bracing plate  102  will press into the plurality of pickets and posts  142  of the fence  104  such that the bracing plate  102  prevents the rotation of the counter plate  101  such that the first superior face  111  of the disk structure of the counter plate  101  maintains a horizontal orientation. 
     The bracing plate  102  comprises a second superior face  121 , a second inferior face  122 , and a second plurality of lateral faces  123 . The bracing plate  102  attaches to the counter plate  101  to form an undercut ledge  124 . 
     The second superior face  121  is a congruent end of the disk structure of the bracing plate  102 . The second superior face  121  forms the surface of the bracing plate  102  that attaches to the first inferior face  112  of the counter plate  101 . 
     The second inferior face  122  is a congruent end of the disk structure of the bracing plate  102 . The second inferior face  122  is the congruent end of the disk structure of the bracing plate  102  that is distal from the second superior face  121 . The second inferior face  122  is the congruent end of the disk structure of the bracing plate  102  that is proximal to the supporting surface  143 . The second inferior face  122  forms the inferior surface of the invention  100 . 
     The second plurality of lateral faces  123  form the lateral faces of the disk structure of the bracing plate  102 . The second plurality of lateral faces  123  form the perimeter of the bracing plate  102 . The second superior face  121  of the bracing plate  102  attaches to the first inferior face  112  of the counter plate  101  such that a portion of the perimeter formed by the second plurality of lateral faces  123  extends beyond the region that is bounded by the first plurality of lateral faces  113 . 
     The portion of the second plurality of lateral faces  123  of the bracing plate  102  that extends beyond the boundary formed by the first plurality of lateral faces  113  of the counter plate  101  forms the undercut ledge  124  structure of the bracing plate  102 . The portions of the undercut ledge  124  that are distal from the first plurality of lateral faces  113  of the counter plate  101  forms the surfaces of the second plurality of lateral faces  123  of the bracing plate  102  that braces the invention  100  by resting against the plurality of pickets and posts  142  of the fence  104 . The undercut ledge  124  is further defined elsewhere in this disclosure. 
     The rail  141  hook  103  is a mechanical structure. The rail  141  hook  103  is a c-channel structure. The rail  141  hook  103  forms the superior structure of the invention  100 . The rail  141  hook  103  attaches the counter plate  101  and the bracing plate  102  to the rail  141  of the fence  104 . The rail  141  hook  103  forms the load path that transfers the load of the counter plate  101  and the bracing plate  102  to the rail  141  of the fence  104 . The rail  141  hook  103  attaches to the rail  141  by inserting the rail  141  into the hollow interior of the c-channel structure of the rail  141  hook  103 . The rail  141  hook  103  suspends the counter plate  101  and the bracing plate  102  from the rail  141 . 
     The rail  141  hook  103  comprises a first arm  131 , a second arm  132 , and a crossplate  133 . The first arm  131  forms the first arm  131  of the u-shaped structure characteristic of a c-channel structure such as the rail  141  hook  103 . The second arm  132  forms the second arm  132  of the u-shaped structure characteristic of a c-channel structure such as the rail  141  hook  103 . The crossplate  133  forms the crossbeam of the u-shaped structure characteristic of a c-channel structure such as the rail  141  hook  103 . 
     The first arm  131  is a prism-shaped structure. The first arm  131  has a disk shape. The first arm  131  is a rigid structure. The first arm  131  attaches to the perimeter of the crossplate  133  such that the congruent ends of the disk structure of the first arm  131  project perpendicularly away from the congruent ends of the disk structure of the crossplate  133 . 
     The second arm  132  is a prism-shaped structure. The second arm  132  has a disk shape. The second arm  132  is a rigid structure. The second arm  132  attaches to the perimeter of the crossplate  133  such that the congruent ends of the disk structure of the second arm  132  project perpendicularly away from the congruent ends of the disk structure of the crossplate  133 . The second arm  132  attaches to the portion of the perimeter of the crossplate  133  that is distal from the first arm  131 . The second arm  132  projects away from the congruent ends of the disk structure of the crossplate  133  in the same direction as the first arm  131 . The congruent ends of the disk structure of the first arm  131  are parallel to the congruent ends of the disk structure of the second arm  132 . 
     The span of the perpendicular distance between the interior congruent end of the first arm  131  and the interior congruent end of the second arm  132  is greater than the span of the width of the rail  141  such that the rail  141  hook  103  slides over the rail  141  of the fence  104 . 
     The crossplate  133  is a prism-shaped structure. The crossplate  133  has a disk shape. The crossplate  133  is a rigid structure. The crossplate  133  secures the first arm  131  to the second arm  132 . The crossplate  133  forms surface of the invention  100  with the greatest elevation. 
     The free end of the first arm  131  of the rail  141  hook  103  attaches to the counter plate  101 . Specifically, the exterior congruent end of the disk structure of the first arm  131  attaches to the first plurality of lateral faces  113  of the counter plate  101 . The first arm  131  attaches to the counter plate  101  such that the congruent ends of the disk structure of the first arm  131  project perpendicularly away from the congruent ends of the disk structure of the counter plate  101 . The first arm  131  attaches to the counter plate  101  such that the first arm  131  projects away from the first superior face  111  of the counter plate  101  such that the counter plate  101  in the direction away from the bracing plate  102 . 
     The following definitions were used in this disclosure: 
     Align: As used in this disclosure, align refers to an arrangement of objects that are: 1) arranged in a straight plane or line; 2) arranged to give a directional sense of a plurality of parallel planes or lines; or, 3) a first line or curve is congruent to and overlaid on a second line or curve. 
     Approximate: As used in this disclosure, the term approximate refers to the difference between the exact value of the parameter of an object that sets the standard and the measured value of the same parameter on a duplication of the object. The difference is considered approximate if a person skilled in the art would not consider the difference to have practical significance. 
     C-Channel: As used in this disclosure, the C-channel is a load bearing structure, such as a beam, that is formed in a U-shape. The C-channel forms a prism shape with a hollow interior and an open lateral face that forms a shape characteristic of the letter C when viewed from the congruent ends. The open space of the C-channel is often used as a track. A C-channel is a U-shaped structure. 
     Cantilever: As used in this disclosure, a cantilever is a beam or other structure that projects away from an object and is supported on only one end. A cantilever is further defined with a fixed end and a free end. The fixed end is the end of the cantilever that is attached to the object. The free end is the end of the cantilever that is distal from the fixed end. 
     Center: As used in this disclosure, a center is a point that is: 1) the point within a circle that is equidistant from all the points of the circumference; 2) the point within a regular polygon that is equidistant from all the vertices of the regular polygon; 3) the point on a line that is equidistant from the ends of the line; 4) the point, pivot, or axis around which something revolves; or, 5) the centroid or first moment of an area or structure. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the fifth option should be used in interpreting the specification. 
     Center Axis: As used in this disclosure, the center axis is the axis of a cylinder or a prism. The center axis of a prism is the line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a pyramid refers to a line formed through the apex of the pyramid that is perpendicular to the base of the pyramid. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures share the same line they are said to be aligned. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures do not share the same line they are said to be offset. 
     Center of Mass: As used in this disclosure, the center of mass refers to a point within a structure wherein a force applied to the point will cause the structure to move without rotation. The center of mass is commonly, but not always, the first moment of the structure normalized by the mass of the structure. While there are technical differences, the center of gravity of an object can be considered a synonym for the center of mass when the object is contained within the atmosphere of the earth. 
     Congruent: As used in this disclosure, congruent is a term that compares a first object to a second object. Specifically, two objects are said to be congruent when: 1) they are geometrically similar; and, 2) the first object can superimpose over the second object such that the first object aligns, within manufacturing tolerances, with the second object. 
     Correspond: As used in this disclosure, the term correspond is used as a comparison between two or more objects wherein one or more properties shared by the two or more objects match, agree, or align within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. 
     Counter: As used in this disclosure, a counter is a horizontal surface that: a) attaches to a vertically oriented surface or structure; and, b) is used as a working space for projects. A counter is further defined with an inferior surface and a superior surface. 
     Disk: As used in this disclosure, a disk is a prism-shaped object that is flat in appearance. The disk is formed from two congruent ends that are attached by a lateral face. The sum of the surface areas of two congruent ends of the prism-shaped object that forms the disk is greater than the surface area of the lateral face of the prism-shaped object that forms the disk. In this disclosure, the congruent ends of the prism-shaped structure that forms the disk are referred to as the faces of the disk. 
     Elevation: As used in this disclosure, elevation refers to the span of the distance in the superior direction between a specified horizontal surface and a reference horizontal surface. Unless the context of the disclosure suggest otherwise, the specified horizontal surface is the supporting surface the potential embodiment of the disclosure rests on. The infinitive form of elevation is to elevate. 
     Exterior: As used in this disclosure, the exterior is used as a relational term that implies that an object is not contained within the boundary of a structure or a space. 
     Fence: As used in this disclosure, a fence is a barrier structure that encloses an outdoor space for the purposes of: 1) establishing a boundary; or, 2) controlling access into or out of the enclosed space. The boundary formed by a fence is referred to as a fence line. 
     Force of Gravity: As used in this disclosure, the force of gravity refers to a vector that indicates the direction of the pull of gravity on an object at or near the surface of the earth. 
     Form Factor: As used in this disclosure, the term form factor refers to the size and shape of an object. 
     Geometrically Similar: As used in this disclosure, geometrically similar is a term that compares a first object to a second object wherein: 1) the sides of the first object have a one to one correspondence to the sides of the second object; 2) wherein the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides are equal; 3) the angles formed by the first object have a one to one correspondence to the angles of the second object; and, 4) wherein the corresponding angles are equal. The term geometrically identical refers to a situation where the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides equals 1. 
     Hook: As used in this disclosure, a hook is an object that is curved or bent at an angle such that items can be hung on or caught by the object. 
     Horizontal: As used in this disclosure, horizontal is a directional term that refers to a direction that is either: 1) parallel to the horizon; 2) perpendicular to the local force of gravity, or, 3) parallel to a supporting surface. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the second option should be used in interpreting the specification. Unless specifically noted in this disclosure, the horizontal direction is always perpendicular to the vertical direction. 
     Inferior: As used in this disclosure, the term inferior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the same direction as the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally. 
     Interior: As used in this disclosure, the interior is used as a relational term that implies that an object is contained within the boundary of a structure or a space. 
     Ledge: As used in this disclosure, a ledge is a first plate structure that projects away from a second plate structure. A ledge that projects away from, or overhangs, the second plate structure in the manner of a cantilever is referred to as an undercut ledge. 
     Load: As used in this disclosure, the term load refers to an object upon which a force is acting or which is otherwise absorbing energy in some fashion. Examples of a load in this sense include, but are not limited to, a mass that is being moved a distance or an electrical circuit element that draws energy. The term load is also commonly used to refer to the forces that are applied to a stationary structure. 
     Load Path: As used in this disclosure, a load path refers to a chain of one or more structures that transfers a load generated by a raised structure or object to a foundation, supporting surface, or the earth. 
     Negative Space: As used in this disclosure, negative space is a method of defining an object through the use of open or empty space as the definition of the object itself, or, through the use of open or empty space to describe the boundaries of an object. 
     Not Significantly Different: As used in this disclosure, the term not significantly different compares a specified property of a first object to the corresponding property of a reference object (reference property). The specified property is considered to be not significantly different from the reference property when the absolute value of the difference between the specified property and the reference property is less than 10.0% of the reference property value. A negligible difference is considered to be not significantly different. 
     One to One: When used in this disclosure, a one to one relationship means that a first element selected from a first set is in some manner connected to only one element of a second set. A one to one correspondence means that the one to one relationship exists both from the first set to the second set and from the second set to the first set. A one to one fashion means that the one to one relationship exists in only one direction. 
     Perimeter: As used in this disclosure, a perimeter is one or more curved or straight lines that bounds an enclosed area on a plane or surface. The perimeter of a circle is commonly referred to as a circumference. 
     Picket: As used in this disclosure, a picket of a fence is a vertical plate structure that: 1) is attached to the rails of a fence; and, 2) forms the primary barrier structure of the fence. 
     Post: As used in this disclosure, a post of a fence is a stanchion that is: 1) set into the ground; and 2) provides the vertical structural support for the fence. 
     Prism: As used in this disclosure, a prism is a three-dimensional geometric structure wherein: 1) the form factor of two faces of the prism are congruent; and, 2) the two congruent faces are parallel to each other. The two congruent faces are also commonly referred to as the ends of the prism. The surfaces that connect the two congruent faces are called the lateral faces. In this disclosure, when further description is required a prism will be named for the geometric or descriptive name of the form factor of the two congruent faces. If the form factor of the two corresponding faces has no clearly established or well-known geometric or descriptive name, the term irregular prism will be used. The center axis of a prism is defined as a line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a prism is otherwise analogous to the center axis of a cylinder. A prism wherein the ends are circles is commonly referred to as a cylinder. 
     Rail: As used in this disclosure, the rail of a fence is a horizontal structural member that: 1) attaches to one or more posts of the fence; and, 2) forms the structure to which the pickets of the fence are attached. 
     Rigid Structure: As used in this disclosure, a rigid structure is a solid structure formed from an inelastic material that resists changes in shape. A rigid structure will permanently deform as it fails under a force. See bimodal flexible structure. 
     Roughly: As used in this disclosure, roughly refers to a comparison between two objects. Roughly means that the difference between one or more parameters of the two compared objects are not significantly different. 
     Superior: As used in this disclosure, the term superior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the opposite direction of the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally. 
     Supporting Surface: As used in this disclosure, a supporting surface is a horizontal surface upon which an object is placed and to which the load of the object is transferred. This disclosure assumes that an object placed on the supporting surface is in an orientation that is appropriate for the normal or anticipated use of the object. 
     Suspend: As used in this disclosure, to suspend an object means to support an object such that the inferior end of the object does not form a significant portion of the load path of the object. Include inferior superior and load path. See Sling 
     U-Shaped Structure: As used in this disclosure, a U-shaped structure refers to a three-sided structure comprising a crossbeam, a first arm, and a second arm. In a U-shaped structure, the first arm and the second arm project away from the crossbeam: 1) in the same direction; 2) at a roughly perpendicular angle to the crossbeam, and, 3) the span of the length of the first arm roughly equals the span of the length of the second arm. The first arm and the second arm project away from the crossbeam in the manner of a cantilever. 
     Vertical: As used in this disclosure, vertical refers to a direction that is either: 1) perpendicular to the horizontal direction; 2) parallel to the local force of gravity; or, 3) when referring to an individual object the direction from the designated top of the individual object to the designated bottom of the individual object. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the second option should be used in interpreting the specification. Unless specifically noted in this disclosure, the vertical direction is always perpendicular to the horizontal direction. 
     With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and in  FIGS. 1 through 7  include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the invention. 
     It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.