Patent Publication Number: US-6662731-B2

Title: Nestable table with slotted table top

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to nestable furniture, and more particularly relates to a table having a pivotally supported table top and novel base permitting nesting to adjacent tables when in use or in storage positions, and nesting to adjacent furniture in use positions for efficient use of space and optimal arrangement. However, it is noted that several of the present inventive concepts are not believed to be limited to only tables and table tops. 
     It is desirable to create a nestable table having a table top that is able to nest against and/or overlappingly move under a worksurface on existing furniture, even when the existing furniture has a leg or other interfering support structure located at an edge of its worksurface that would normally prevent moving the nestable table to a desired overlapped condition. Further, a table is desired that would nest against an end of a partition or screen, with half of the table being usable on each side of the partition or screen. Still further, it is desirable to provide a table top that can be easily unlatched and pivoted to a storage position for dense storage, and also easily and stably moved between use and storage positions without manipulating or fumbling with a cumbersome latch. Also, a stable table is also desired that does not have legs and feet that get in the way of a person&#39;s knees and feet while using the table. 
     Improvement is also desired for latch mechanisms for holding table tops in a use position. It is desirable to make the latch mechanisms less complex, yet to simultaneously improve their operation and function, to reduce their profile and the space they require, and to make them less expensive. 
     Accordingly, an apparatus solving the aforementioned problems and having the aforementioned advantages is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a table includes a table top defining an unobstructed open slot that extends inwardly from a perimeter of the table top and that extends vertically through the table top, where the slot has a width and length shaped and adapted to receive a separate freestanding article of furniture slid horizontally into the slot through the perimeter. A base supports the table top, such as above a floor surface, and includes a leg attached to the table top. The base includes feet extending from a bottom of the leg to locations spaced away from under the slot so that an area below the slot from the table top to a floor surface is open and unobstructed. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a table includes a table top, and a base including at least one leg pivotally supporting the table top for movement between a horizontal use position and a vertical storage position. A first link is pivoted to the table top for movement about a top pivot, and a second link is pivoted to the at least one leg for movement about a bottom pivot. The first and second links are movably attached to each other at a common joint for movement to a locking position where the common joint is moved over-center relative to a line connecting the top and bottom pivots, such that the table top is held in the horizontal use position, and for movement to a released position where the common joint is moved off-center relative to the line connecting the top and bottom pivots, such that the table top can be moved from the use position toward the storage position. A handle is attached to one of the links, with the handle being positioned for easy access under the table top when the table top is in the use position and being movable to push the first and second links from the over-center locking position to the off-center released position. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a table includes a table top, and a base including a center leg with a fixed pivot pivotally supporting the table top for movement between a horizontal use position and a vertical storage position. A first link is pivoted to the table top for movement about a top pivot, and a second link is pivoted to the leg for movement about a bottom pivot. The first link slidably engages the second link at a common joint and, when the table top is in a horizontal use position, is movable between a locking position and a released position. The common joint includes a bearing with an end closest to the bottom pivot that moves over-center relative to the top and bottom pivots when the second link is moved toward the locking position. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, an article of furniture includes a furniture component, and a base supporting the furniture component. The base includes a post, and floor-engaging feet attached to the post that extend outwardly from the post. At least one of the feet includes a flat section with an elongated linear free end that extends horizontally and that has a transverse cross section that is elongated in a lateral direction and foreshortened in a vertical direction. By this arrangement, the free end is adapted to lie close to a floor surface and to not objectionably interfere with a position of a person&#39;s feet when using the furniture component. 
     In still another aspect of the present invention, a table supported on a floor surface includes a table top, and a base supporting the table top. The base includes a post and floor-engaging feet attached to the post. The feet include a low-profile vertically-thin foot that extends outwardly so that the first foot is adapted to provide a minimal bump on the floor surface, such that when the table is nested against a mating furniture unit, the vertically-thin foot does not objectionably engage and interfere with parts of the mating furniture. 
    
    
     These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a table embodying the present invention, the table engaging a freestanding screen and partition; 
     FIG. 2 is a bottom fragmentary perspective view of the pivot mechanism pivotally connecting the table top to the base in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded view of FIG. 2; 
     FIGS. 4-7 are side views of the table shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 showing the table in a vertical storage position; FIG. 5 showing the table top in an angled position; FIG. 6 showing the table in a horizontal use position and with the interlock mechanism in an unlocked off-center position, and FIG. 7 showing the table in a horizontal use position and with the interlock mechanism in an over-center locked position; 
     FIGS. 8-9 are enlarged fragmentary side views of the pivot mechanism shown in FIGS. 7-8, respectively, the stationary base bracket being partially broken away to simplify the figures; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing two tables of FIG. 1 in storage positions and nested together for compact storage; and 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the table of FIG. 1 in a use position and nested against another table having a spider-legged base. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A table  20  (FIGS. 1-2) includes a round table top  21  supported on a base  22 , with the table top  21  defining an open slot  23  that extends inwardly about half way from a perimeter of the table top  21 . The slot  23  is shaped to receive a freestanding article of furniture slid horizontally into the slot, such as a screen  24 , or an end of a partition panel  24 A, or a leg  25  or post of another table  26  (FIG.  11 ), or a stand for a lamp, or the like. The table top  21  is pivoted to the base  22  by a pivot mechanism (FIG. 2) including slidably-interconnected pivot links  27  and  28  that, after the table top  21  is moved to a use position, are mechanically movable from an “off-center” unlocked position (FIGS. 6 and 8) to an over-center locked position (FIGS.  7  and  9 ). A handle  29  is formed as part of the link  28  to assist with the over-center movement. The base  22  is adapted to nest against similar bases (FIG. 10) and non-similar bases (FIG. 11) for compact storage (FIG. 10) or overlapping use (FIG.  11 ). In particular, the base  22  includes at least two feet  30  and  31  with flattened cross sections  32  that lie close to a floor surface so that they do not objectionably interfere with mating furniture nor with a person&#39;s feet when using the table  20  (see FIGS.  1  and  11 ). 
     The illustrated table top  21  (FIG. 2) is made of standard table top materials, such as wood product covered with a scratch-resistant laminate top layer. The illustrated worksurface/table top  21  is about an inch thick or more, but it is noted that a variety of different materials and thicknesses can be used for the table top  21 . The pivot locations and internal friction level of the pivot mechanism can be adjusted to create an optimal balance as the table top is pivoted between use and storage positions. The illustrated table  20  has a center of mass located generally above the pivot axis  47  of the table top when the table top  21  is in a horizontal use position. By this arrangement, the table top  21  is relatively stable when in its use position, but the center of mass moves off-center of the pivot axis when the table top  21  is moved to a storage position, such that the table weight naturally biases the table top toward the storage position when in the storage position. 
     The slot  23  can be made as large and long as needed for its intended purpose. The illustrated slot  23  is about two inches wide and about twelve to sixteen inches long. It is large enough to receive a standard freestanding screen, such as screen  24  or a “fin” partition panel  24 A to a depth of about two-thirds of the radius of the table top  21 . It is contemplated that the slot could be made wide enough to engage a “spine” partition panel, such as are often about 4 inches thick and that carry electrical and other utilities, and could be made slightly deeper, if desired. 
     The illustrated base  22  (FIG. 1) includes a center post  35 , two flat feet  30  and  31  that extend radially from a bottom end of the post  35 , and two raised feet  36  and  37  that extend radially and horizontally from a location about 3 or 4 inches above the bottom end of the post  35 . Castors  38  and  39  are attached to the ends of feet  36  and  37 . Notably, the table top  21  is rotatable on the center post  35 , such that the feet  30  and  31  (or the castors  38  and  39 ) can be located generally below and on either side of the slot  23 , making the area below the slot  23  open and unobstructed. The table  30  can be slid into position against the screen  24 , with feet  30  and  31  located on opposite sides of the screen  24  (FIG.  1 ). Alternatively, by grasping an edge of the table opposite the castors  38  and  39 , the table  20  can be lifted and rolled into position against furniture such as a screen  24 , with the castors  38  and  39  rolling into positions adjacent the screen  24  and with an inner end of the slot  23  engaging the screen  24 . 
     The illustrated feet  30 ,  31 ,  36 , and  37  are arranged in an X-shaped pattern, with the feet  30  and  31  being arranged in a V-shaped pattern on one side and the feet  36  and  37  being arranged in a V-shaped pattern on the other side. However, it is contemplated that more or less of each type of feet can be used, and that they can be arranged in different patterns. The feet  30  and  31  are specially designed to have a transverse cross section with a low vertical profile. The illustrated feet  30  and  31  have a height of about ¼″ to ½″, with rounded edges, and a width of about 2 to 3 inches. However, the present inventive concepts are contemplated to include different profiles and shapes. An important and innovative aspect of the present feet  30  and  31  is that they provide enough strength to stably support the table  20 , yet they have a low enough profile such that they do not objectionably interfere with the feet of a person using the table. Also, by rotating the table top  21  so that the slot  23  is between the feet  30  and  31 , the feet  30  and  31  can be slipped under furniture having a short leg. For example, desks with drawers often have a short leg (similar to screen leg  24 B) under its drawers, providing a small space under the drawers above the floor surface that can receive the feet  30  and  31 . 
     The center post  35  (FIG. 2) is vertically extendable, and includes an internal gas spring with release button  40  at its top (FIG.  3 ). An elongated handle  41  is extended through a bracket hole under the table top  21 , and includes an actuating finger  42  at its inner end shaped to engage and release the button  40  when the handle  41  is rotated, and includes a grip  43  at its outer end shaped to facilitate rotating the handle  41 . Preferably, the handle  41  is elongated in a direction parallel the pivot axis of the table top and extends to a location near an edge of the table top, so that the handle  41  is always easily accessible, even when in the storage position. By rotating the handle  41 , the release button  40  is depressed by the finger  42  and the gas spring is released to assist in lifting (or lowering) the table top  21 . 
     The pivot mechanism includes a base-attached stationary bracket  45  and a table-top-attached swing bracket  46  pivoted to the stationary bracket  45  by pivot pins  46 ′ for movement about the pivot axis  47 . The swing bracket  46  includes a crescent shaped plate  48  attached to the table top  21 , first ear flanges  49  located at pivot axis  47 , and second ear flanges  50 . The stationary bracket  45  includes a center section  51  shaped to securely engage a top of the center post  35 . Arms  52  and  53  extend in opposite directions from the center section  51 , and include ear flanges  54  that align with ear flanges  49 . The pivot pins  46 ′ extend through aligned holes in the ear flanges  49  and  54  for pivotally supporting the table top  21  for movement about axis  47 . Two parallel arms  55  and  56  extend forward of the center section  51 , and define front and rear spaces  57  and  58  therebetween. The rear space  58  receives the actuating finger  42  of handle  41 . Pivot flanges  59  extend from a front of the arms  55  and  56 . The link  27  includes two legs  60  that fit between and are pivoted to the pivot flanges  59  for movement about an axis  61 . The link  27  is a cast U-shaped component and includes a cylindrical body  62  that interconnects the legs  60 . The body  62  has a bore  63  transversely through it and an inner end  64  that are strategically located as discussed below. 
     The link  28  includes a J-shaped rod  65  and a handle  29 . The J-shaped rod  65  includes a first end  67  that is pivoted to the second ear flange  50  for movement about an axis  68 , and a rod section  69  that slidably/pivotally engages the bore  63  in the link  27 . As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the link  28  slidably engages the link  27  as the table top  21  is pivoted between a vertical storage position (FIG. 4) through intermediate positions (FIG. 5) to a horizontal use position (FIG.  6 ). 
     In the non-locked horizontal use position (FIG.  6 ), the pivot axis  68  is spaced above and slightly rearward of the pivot axis  61 , as represented by the angle of line  70 . The rear end  64  of the bore  63  (see line  71 ) is located in an off-center non-locking position rearward of the line  70  connecting the axis  61  and  68 . This off-center position is illustrated by line  71 , which is drawn through the bore end  64  to the axis  68 . Accordingly, the direction of force on the rod section  69  by bore end  64  and bore  63  is such that the table top  21  can be lifted, and the rod section  69  will slide within the bore  63  to allow the table top  21  to be pivoted toward a storage position. (See FIG. 5.) However, when the handle  66  is pulled upwardly to a locking position, the bore end  64  moves over-center of the line  70 , as illustrated in FIG. 7, where the line  71  has moved across the line  70 . In the locking position, any upward lifting movement on the table top  21  causes the rod section  69  to bind up in the bore  63 , because the forces on the link  27  caused by the rod section  69  engaging link  28  cause a counter-clockwise torque on the link  27  that prevents the link  27  from rotating to a position where the link  28  can slide within the bore  64 . Notably, the position of the handle  66  is relatively close to an underside of the table top  21  when in the locking position, such that the handle  66  limits “over-rotation” or looseness of the table top  21  when the link  28  is in the locking position. Bumpers and stops can also be put on the brackets  45  and  46  and links  27  and  28  to limit over-rotation of the table top  21 , if desired. The close position of the handle to the table top  21  also prevents the handle  66  from interfering with knees of a person using the table top  21 . The handle  66  is spaced from the link  28  when in the locking position (FIG.  7 ), such that it provides a substantial torque arm for moving the link  28  from the over center locking position back to the off-center unlocked position (FIG.  6 ). Also, the handle  66  and rod section  69  are moved to positions close to the post  35  when the table top  21  is in the vertical storage position, such that the pivot mechanism provides a thin profile against the post  35  and the table top  21  for dense storage. 
     The present table  20  is particularly useful for dense storage (FIG. 10) against identical table  20 . Also, the table top  21  can be used on a table  90  having a more traditional base  91  with radial legs  92 , where the legs  30  and  31  of the table  20  fit under the spider legs  92  of the traditional base  91 . 
     It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.