Patent Publication Number: US-10327558-B2

Title: Multi-configurable furniture system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/272,506 filed on Sep. 22, 2016 entitled “Multi-Configurable Furniture System” which claims priority to Provisional Application No. 62/222,426 filed on Sep. 23, 2015 entitled “Multi-Configurable Furniture System” and to Provisional Application No. 62/240,110 filed on Oct. 12, 2015 entitled “Coffee Table Bar”. The content of these applications are fully incorporated herein for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to a table. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a modular table having removable stools which can be stored within the base of the table and an elevation-adjustable tabletop which can use jack screws or a removably rotatable mid-section to affect the height of the table. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Tables are used around the world to allow residents of a home to place things, eat, or put their feet up and relax. There presently exist tables, for example, which use hinges to lift the table top closer to the eye level of the user. However, presently there exists a need for a table which is multi-functional and can adapt to the need of the user. For example, present tables do not provide seating nor do they provide modularity so as to allow a user to turn the table top into a game board or wine rack or paper towel dispenser or any other useful addition. 
     Thus, there presently exists a need for a table having the described modularity and storage capabilities. The present invention provides storage for stools or chairs as well as modularity as to the height and use of the table top. Other tables have been designed in an attempt to reach this goal but none have the desired efficiency and reliability. 
     Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide improvements which overcome the aforementioned inadequacies of the prior art devices and methods and provide and improvement which is a significant contribution to the advancement of table art. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a table which can store a set of stools or chairs. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a table which can be raised or lowered using jack screws. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a table which is modular such that the user can rearrange the structure of the coffee table to the user&#39;s desired arrangement. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a table which can be turned into a gaming table quickly and efficiently. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a table which saves space by storing various components within itself when not in use. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide stools which have a cavity to receive a table top or bench and hold the stools together while the table is being used as a table. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a table which can be turned into a bar. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a table having a manual method of lifting or lowering the height of a table top or bench. 
     The foregoing has outlined some of the pertinent objects of this invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     For the purpose of summarizing this invention, this invention comprises a modular table comprising a main table body having a center portion, a mid-section which is disposed vertically underneath the main table body wherein the mid-section is adapted to provide vertical support to the main table body. An alternative embodiment of the table has a center portion of the main table body which is telescopically expandable allowing the mid-section to become vertically disposed. This telescopic expansion can be achieved using jack screws or rotatable mid-section. The table trunk is capable of housing a plurality of stools or chairs. The stools or chairs can be coupled together and, when placed end to end, provide a further base for the main table body due to a notch which is formed and which fits an extension which protrudes downwardly from the main table body. The main table body can also have a reversible table top which can be designed to be a gaming board or a bar top. 
     An alternative embodiment of the invention comprises a table having a telescoping body which uses jack screws to raise and/or lower the height of the table. This embodiment features storage space for stools which are substantially similar to the stools used in the first embodiment. The table top is also modular and can be modified into any number of designs. 
     Another alternative embodiment of the invention comprises a table having space for stool storage. The stools used in this embodiment can have any number of interlocking designs such that the stools interlock when placed within the table. 
     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures and methods for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions and methods do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following descriptions, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the table when it is in the coffee table position. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the table from  FIG. 1  when it is in the bar position and with the stools removed and placed upright. 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  are perspective views of the hinging mid-section of the table. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the stools. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the table top, the hinging mid-section, the slide latch, and the base. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the base. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of connected stools and the table top showing the notch and protrusion holding the stools and table top together when in position. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the table top which incorporates craps or roulette table games. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the reversible table top. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the table top which can be used for gaming in a closed position and includes a chip holder. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the table top which incorporates a golf game. 
         FIG. 12  is perspective view of the table top which shows how the table top opens and reverses. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a side perspective view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a front view of the alternative embodiment of the table fully expanded into the bar position. 
         FIG. 16  is a rear view of the alternative embodiment of the table fully expanded into the bar position. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stools. 
         FIG. 18  is an interior view of the table and the jack screws used to raise/lower the table. 
         FIG. 19  is a close-up view of belt-based rotor used to manipulate the jack screws to raise/lower the table. 
         FIG. 20  is a close-up view of a drive shaft-based rotor used to manipulate the jack screws to raise/lower the table. 
         FIG. 21  is an exploded view of the control panel which controls the jack screws and a middle section of the table shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 22  is an bottom view of the control panel. 
         FIG. 23  is a bottom perspective view of one of the telescoping joints of the table shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 24  is a side cross-sectional view of the table showing the telescoping sections of the table. 
         FIG. 25  is a top perspective view of the table without the table top showing the telescoping sections of the table. 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the telescoping sections of the table. 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the protective cover used to protect the belt and/or drive shaft. 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stools. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the table. 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the table. 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the table. 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the table with the stools removed. 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the table with the stools removed. 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the table with the stools removed. 
     
    
    
     Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention relates to a table which is modular and which can store a plurality of stools or chairs. The various components of the present invention, and the manner in which they interrelate, are described in greater detail hereinafter. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the table  10  comprises a table top  12 , a base  14 , a mid-section  16 , and a plurality of stools  18 . The stools  18  fit within mid-section  16  when the table  10  is in the “table” position. The table  10  can be any style or design as preferred by the user. Similarly, the table  10  can be modified to include other components or options such as a wine glass holder, cup holder, or chip rack. The base, which is shown in further detail in  FIG. 5  and described below, has a series of protrusions  28  used to keep the mid-section  16  in the desired position. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 3A through 3D , the mid-section  16  comprises two frames  20  which are preferably connected by a hinge  22 . Each frame  20  is preferably rectangular and is comprised of a first opening  24  and second opening  26 . The hinge  22  allows the mid-section  16  to change the height/length of the mid-section  16 . The frames  20  are preferably laid length-wise in connection with the base  14  when the table  10  is in the “table” position, as shown in  FIG. 3A . The frames  20  are preferably vertically positioned and in connection with the base  14  when the table is in the “bar” position, as shown in  FIG. 3B . The height of the table  10  in either position can be raised or lowered by folding the frames  20  using the hinge  22  and rotating based on the desired position of either “table” or “bar” as can be seen in  FIGS. 3C and 3D . Each frame  20  has at least one position latch  30  which will lock frame  20  into position. Preferably, the position latch  30  is placed strategically so that each frame  20  of mid-section  16  is symmetrical. 
       FIG. 4  shows a variation of the stool  18  which can be placed within the mid-section  16 . The stool  18  has a seat  32  having a seat top side  34  and seat bottom side  36 . Seat bottom side  36  has a plate  38  which connects to a plurality of legs  40 . Each leg  40  has a support  42  connecting the leg  40  to a proximate leg  40 . Each leg  40  also has a leg stop  44  attached to it at a first leg end  46  which adds strength and style but also limits the movement of the stool  18  when stowed in the table  10 . Each leg  40  has a leg end piece  48  at a second leg end  50  which interconnects with the leg end  48  of a second stool  18 . When two stools  18  are interconnected, they can form a bench, which is described below in  FIG. 7 , as each leg end  48  continues along each leg  40  until it reaches leg stop  44 . Each leg  40  has a foot plate heel rest  52  which is used to support each leg  40  and for the user to rest their foot while in use. The seat  32  preferably has a cushion  54  attached or on top for comfort and are preferably foam rubber or padding and may have a decorative cover. 
       FIG. 5  provides a more detailed view of the base  14  and hinge  22 . The base  14  comprises a plurality of protrusions  28  which lock the mid-section  16  into the desired position. The mid-section further comprises height adjustment holes  56  to be used with slide latch pins  58 . The slide latch pins  58  lock into the height adjustment holes  56  to lock the mid-section  16  into place with the base  14  using a slide latch  68 . The table top  12  is preferably a flat surface and is placed on the portion of the mid-section  16  facing upward using a platform frame  60 . The platform frame  60  has a flat top surface  62  and bottom surface  64  which connects to the position extrusions  94  which allow for slide latch pins  58  to lock the mid-section  16  into place. The base  14  has an indentation  66  extending across the width of the base  14  for the hinge  22  to rest and to have the mid-section be level when in place. 
       FIG. 6  is a close-up view of the base  14  showing the slide latch  68 . The base  14  performs this function by connecting to the first opening  24  or second opening  26  using the protrusions  28 . Inner protrusions  70  and middle protrusions  72  and outer protrusions  74  define where the mid-section  16  can be placed. Placing either the first opening  24  or the second opening  26  on the inner protrusions  70  results in the “bar” position when the mid-section  16  is positioned vertically. Placing either the first opening  24  or the second opening  26  on the inner protrusions  70  and middle protrusions  72  results in the “table” position when the mid-section  16  is positioned horizontally. Once the mid-section  16  is in place the slide latch  68  can be put into place, locking the mid-section into position and stabilizing the table  10 . The outer protrusions  74  serve to act as a final position when supporting the table  10  at its lowest height. The slide latch  68  allows the middle protrusions  72  to slide along the length of the base  14  to provide for proper placement of the mid-section  16 . When the middle protrusions  72  are closer to the inner protrusions  68 , the base  14  is ready to accept the mid-section  16  to form the “table” position. When the middle protrusions  72  are further from the inner protrusions  68 , the base  14  is ready to accept the mid-section  16  to form the “bar” position. The middle protrusions  72  can be held against the outer protrusions  74  through the use of a magnet  76  and magnet striker  78 . The magnet  76  is preferably attached to each middle protrusion  72  and the magnet striker  78  is preferably attached to each outer protrusion  74 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the stool  18  when interconnected with a second stool  18 . The leg stops  44  must meet in order for the bench option  80  to properly fit. The bench option  80  has a top bench side  82 , which is preferably flat, and a bottom bench side  84  which has a bench extension  86  which fits into a notch  88  defined by the support  42  and foot plate heel rest  52 . The space  90  between each leg  40  which the bench extension  86  fits within. 
       FIGS. 8-12  shows an alternative embodiment of the table top  12  which can take the form of a reversible game board  92 . The reversible game board  92  can be any number of games including, but not limited to, craps, roulette, card games, or mini golf. The reversible game board  92  itself has position extrusions  94  like the table top  12 . As can be seen in  FIG. 12 , the reversible game board  92  preferably consists of a first surface  96  and second surface  98 . The first surface  96  has a plurality of board openings  100  and the second surface  102  has a plurality of board projections  104  which interconnect to form a removable table top  106 . The board projections  104  may also comprise chip holders  108 . The first surface  100  may be flipped over and placed on top of the second surface  102  so that the user can use the reversible game board  92  as either a “table” or a “game board.” 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  show an alternative embodiment of table  10 . This embodiment comprises a series of interlocking sections: the base  14 , the lower section  110 , the central section  112 , and the upper section  114 . The lower section  110  houses the stools  18 . The central section  112  houses the mechanism which allows for the raising and lowering of the table  10  and which will be described in further detail below. The table  10  can be in either the “table” position or “bar” position. The stools  18  must either be housed in the lower section  110  when in the “table” position or remain outside the table  10  as the central section  112  and upper section  114  cover the entry  116  allowing the stool  18  to enter the lower section  110 . As can be seen in  FIG. 15 , the table  10  has three sections: the lower section  110 , the central section  112 , and upper section  114 . The lower section  110  optionally has a foot rest  116  and foot rest struts  118  for when the table  10  is in the “bar” position. The upper section  114  attaches to a table top  12  which itself is comprised of an upper surface  120  and periphery  122 . The periphery  122  of the table top  12  preferably has a padded edge  124  attached to it but may also be flush with the upper section  114 . 
       FIG. 16  provides a rear view of the alternative embodiment of the table  10 . The table  10  can be raised or lowered using a series of jack screws  128 , each of which has an outer housing  130 . The jack screws  128  consist of upper jack screw  136 , middle jack screw  138 , and lower jack screw  140 . The outer housing  130  is telescopic and runs from the base  14  to the table top  12 . The central section  112  houses a control panel  132 , described in more detail in  FIG. 21  below, which controls the jack screws  128  through an interface  134 . The control panel  132  and interface  134  provide power and control to the jack screws  128  to ensure the table extends to the correct height. Depending on the direction of extension, the upper jack screw  136  or lower jack screw  140  may rotate or remain still; the middle jack screw  138  will always rotate. The middle jack screw  138  must be double threaded to accommodate the upper jack screw  136  and lower jack screw  140 . The middle jack screw interacts with the jack screw gear  142 , described in greater detail below. 
     Preferably, the system is powered through batteries. The control panel  132  may also have LED lights, bar lights, or a cigarette lighter built into it based on the user&#39;s preference. The table  10  includes a notch  144  for storage of the stools  18 . The notch  144  may include space for storage of other items such as wine, towels, beverages, or other small items the user may need. 
       FIG. 17  depicts an alternative embodiment of the stools  18 . This alternative embodiment has a square-shaped seat but is otherwise functionally identical to the previously described stool  18 . The legs  40  slide together and interconnect for easy storage within the table  10 . 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the central section  112  and, in particular, the control panel  132  and jack screws  128 . The jack screws  128  can be run one of two ways using either a drive shaft  148  or a belt/chain  150 . The motor  146  either turns the drive shaft  148  or pulls the belt/chain  150  in the standard fashion. The control panel  132  houses a control box  152  which houses all of the controls, circuit boards, and other electronics of the table  10 .  FIGS. 19 and 20  depict the belt/chain driven method and drive shaft method respectively. As shown in  FIG. 19 , the belt/chain  150  wraps around a cam  154  which is attached to the jack screw shaft  156 . The motor  146  pulls the belt/chain  150  which in turn rotates the cam  154 . This rotation leads to the table  10  rising or falling depending on the rotation direction.  FIG. 20  shows the drive shaft  148  which at its proximate end  160  comprises a tapered gear  162  which is generally in contact with the jack screw gear  164  which is attached to the jack screw shaft  156 . The motor rotates the drive shaft  148  thereby rotating the tapered gear  162  which in turn rotates the jack screw gear  164  which rotates the jack screw shaft  156  thereby raising or lowering the table  10 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 21 , the control panel  132  is detachable. The motor  146  is attached to the central section surface underside  168 . The central section surface  166  has a plurality of openings  170  for the jack screws  128 .  FIG. 22  shows an underside view of the control panel  132  and central section surface underside  168 . The intersection  172  of the drive shaft and/or chain/belt is similar to a differential in an automobile such that each jack screw  128  ends up rotating at the same average rotational velocity. 
       FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of the lower section  110 , the central section  112 , and the upper section  114 . As can be seen from this view, the upper section  114  has an upper section extension  174 . The central section  112  has a central section groove  176  which fits into upper section extension  174  so that the upper section  114  slidably moves over the central section  112 . Similarly, the central section  112  has a central section extension  178  and the lower section  110  has a lower section groove  180  which fits onto central section groove  176  so that the central section  112  slidably moves into the lower section  110 .  FIG. 24  shows a different cross-section of the table  10  showing how the upper section  114  connects to the central section  112  which connects to the lower section  110 .  FIG. 25  depicts an optional corner guide  182  which is helpful for alignment and support.  FIG. 26  is another, different, cross-sectional view of the lower section  110 , central section  112 , and upper section  114  and how each section connects. 
       FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the protective cover  184  which is placed over the drive shaft  148  or belt/chain  150 . It is preferably attached to the central section surface underside  168 . 
       FIG. 28  is an alternative embodiment of the stools  18 . This embodiment features a back rest  186  attached to the seat  32  and a plurality of legs  40 . The legs  40  are preferably thin longitudinally and have a uniform thickness. The foot plate heel rest  52  is preferably circular but can be any shape so long as it prevents the stools  18  from advancing too far when connecting for storage since the legs  40  slidably interconnect as in the previous embodiments of the stools  18 . 
       FIGS. 29, 30, and 31  depict an alternate embodiment of the table  10 . This embodiment features a single opening  188  for the stools  18  and is viewed as more of an end table. This alternate embodiment of table  10  has a base  190 , central section  192 , and table top  194  which itself is comprised of topside  196  and underside  198 . The topside  196  has an impression  200  which allows for other objects such as board games to be placed thereon. The central section  192  comprises a first side  202  and second side  204  with the opening  188  being located through the entirety of either the first side  202  or second side  204 . If desired, the central section  192  can be rotated to give the table  10  a different height. This arrangement can be seen more clearly in  FIGS. 32, 33, and 34  which depict various embodiments of table  10 .  FIG. 32  provides an embodiment wherein the table  10  and stools  18  are generally square.  FIG. 33  provides an embodiment wherein the table  10  is generally square and stools  18  are generally round with the stools  18  further comprising a seat  32  and legs  40  with legs  40  further comprising first outer segment  206 , first inner segment  208 , second outer segment  210 , second inner segment  212 , and central segment  214 .  FIG. 34  provides an embodiment wherein the table  10  and stools  18  are generally square with the stools  18  further comprising a seat  32  and legs  40  with legs  40  further comprising a plurality of slanted supports  216 . When inserted into the opening  188 , the slanted supports  216  preferably enmesh themselves together so that the stools  18  can fit snugly in the opening  188 .