Patent Publication Number: US-2019183244-A1

Title: Combination collapsible table picture frame

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/607,293 filed Dec. 18, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a collapsible table, and more particularly to a collapsible table having an aesthetic display and the ability to be suspended vertically from a support structure such as a wall. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional tables are known in the art for having a table top and legs providing structural support for multiple purposes. Collapsible tables are known which have foldable or collapsed to allow for easy and convenient stowing. However, no conventional collapsible tables are known which have an aesthetic display and the ability to be suspended vertically from a support structure. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be explained and will become obvious to one skilled in the art through the summary of the invention that follows. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Collapsible or foldable tables are widely used to provide temporary table space in houses, apartments, office rooms, and conference rooms. Collapsible tables are popular for such applications because they may be folded into a relatively flat package which allows for storage between uses. 
     Prior conceived collapsible tables have been lacking in their designs because they pose storage problems for users who do not have adequate storage space in their apartments or houses to store even the collapsed table, or are required to store the collapsed tables in remote storage areas, a significant distance away from the location in which the table will be used as a support structure. 
     What is needed, therefore, is a folding table which is sturdy, relatively light-weight, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and configured to be aesthetically displayed on a wall or like structure, avoiding the need for storage space within a storage unit such as a closet or the like and providing a means to store the table at a location near which the table will be used as a support structure. 
     The present invention comprises a novel table which is readily collapsible into a significantly compact unit without the removal of any component parts and aesthetically stowable for display on a vertical support structure such as a wall. The invention further provides for the display of artistic pieces such as photographs or paintings both when the table is in its collapsed and its fully extended positions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a combination collapsible table picture frame in its fully extended position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a bottom perspective view of a combination collapsible table picture frame in its fully extended position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows a combination collapsible table picture frame stowed on a wall in its collapsed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of a combination collapsible table picture frame in its fully collapsed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows a hanging means for hanging a combination collapsible table picture frame in its fully collapsed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view of the table top portion of a combination collapsible table picture frame in its fully collapsed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows a combination collapsible table picture frame in its fully collapsed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows a combination collapsible table picture frame affixed to a wall in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one of more of the associated listed items. It will further be understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. 
     Disclosed herein is a collapsible table having picture frame functionality which allows a user to fold the table into its picture frame form in order to stow it on a wall or any similar vertical structure. The combination in its basic form and function consists of two major elements: a collapsible table and a framed display. 
     It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved collapsible table having a table top constructed to hold a picture, mirror, or the like items for display and allow for the hanging and stowing of the collapsed table on a vertical support structure. 
     In some embodiments, the table top has a photo aperture in its front face and is arranged for the insertion of a photo between the top and bottom surfaces of the table top. The front member is held in place within the recess of the back member by cooperating metal elements. 
     In addition to the display of photographs, the present invention has utility for the display of a range of items including leaflets, drawings, mirrors, and the like items frequently found in framed displays. It is particularly useful to house items for display while the table is in its collapsed form and hung on a wall, or when the table is erected and in use as a supporting structure, to create a display of the framed item on the table top surface. For the purpose of illustration, the item housed for display within the table top frame will be described herein as photograph. 
     According to embodiments of the present invention, the table top portion of the combination collapsible table picture frame consists of a lower edge, an inward section that further has a front side, a back side, an outer edge and a lower edge. There is no limitation to the type of material or size of a photo retaining table top frame that can be used to implement the invention. The indicia, the size of the photo insert and photo slot can be made to accommodate most any size photo commensurate with the overall size of the table top. 
     Further, the present invention discloses a variety of hanging means that may be implemented to hang the table in its collapsed form onto a wall or like upright supporting structure to display the framed picture located on the table-top surface. 
     According to embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for the manufacturing of a collapsible table with a picture frame table-top configuration. The method includes forming a table-top having a substantially planar top surface with a framed outer edge, a removable bottom surface opposite the top surface allowing for the insertion of a photo or the like between the top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of legs attached to the bottom surface able to alternate between the collapsed and fully extended modes. 
     In some embodiments, the table top portion of the combination collapsible table picture frame is primarily comprised of a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the table top may be substantially flat and has the ability to be removeably attached to the bottom portion of the table top. In some embodiments, the bottom surface comprises a plurality of foldable or collapsible legs. 
     According to embodiments of the present invention, a portion of the combination collapsible table picture frame is affixed to a portion of a wall or like vertical support structure. In this embodiment, the legs of the collapsible table are concealed from plain sight when the table is hanging vertically on the wall in its collapsed position. The table is thus affixed to a portion of the wall at all times via a track system that allows the table top of a collapsed table to be slidably lowered from a vertical position to a horizontal position along the wall. In such embodiment, the legs of the table are folded against the bottom side of the table top when the table is in its vertical position on the wall in its collapsed position. Further in this embodiment, the table legs become accessible when the table top is lowered to its horizontal positioning, and allows a user to easily disengage the legs from their collapsed position to their fully extended position. In this embodiment, the aesthetic display of the table top is viewable both in the substantially vertical and horizontal positioning of the table top. 
     The present invention will now be described by referencing the appended figures representing preferred embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-8 , there is generally depicted a table frame  10  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Table frame  10  generally includes a table top  12  having a top surface  11  with a framed edge  15  and an opposing bottom surface  13 . In some embodiments, top surface  11  is held in place within the recess of opposing bottom surface  13  by retaining plates  21 . 
       FIG. 1  shows table frame  10  in its fully extended position. As shown in  FIG. 1 , according to embodiments of the present invention, table frame  10  comprises table top  12  having a top surface  11  and a bottom surface  13  (not shown) encased by framed edge  15 . In some embodiments, table frame  10  is further comprised of legs  14  having a first end  19  (not shown) and a second end  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , according to embodiments of the present invention, table frame  10  comprises table top  12  having a top surface  11  (not shown) and a bottom surface  13  encased by framed edge  15 . In some embodiments, table frame  10  is further comprised of legs  14  having a first end  19  (not shown) and a second end  20 . 
     Although table top  12  of table frame  10  depicted in  FIGS. 1-8  is generally square shaped, it should be appreciated that the structures described herein are applicable to table tops that are rectangular, circular, elliptical, or any other shape. Thus, the scope of the invention is not limited to any particular shape of the table top  12 . 
     Table frame  10  further generally comprises a plurality of legs  14 . Each leg  14  has a first end  19  and a second end  20 . Legs  14  may be pivotably connected to table top  12  of table frame  10  at first ends  19  by pivoting connection members  16 . In some embodiments, pivoting connection members  16  are hinges. Legs  14  are attached to table top  12  in a manner that allows legs  14  to pivot or fold so that table frame  10  is in its collapsed position ( FIG. 4 ), and to extend, so that table frame  10  is in its fully extended position ( FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, legs  14  pivot or fold and may be disposed within the bottom portion of table top  12  in storage space  23 . 
     In some embodiments, the opposing bottom surface  13  of table top  12  is removable from table top  12 , enabling a user to place a photograph, memorabilia or the like for display on top surface  11 . 
     In some embodiments, top surface  11  is glass, plexiglass, or the like relatively clear material pressed up against framed edge  15 . In some embodiments, top surface  11  acts as a photo aperture on the front face of the table, allowing for the display of a photo on the front side of table top  12 . In some embodiments, top surface  11  is a slab of mirror pressed against framed edge  15 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , according to embodiments of the present invention, table frame  10  may be suspended from a wall  50  or similar support structure in its collapsed position. In some embodiments, legs  14  (not shown) are disposed within storage space  23  (not shown) within table top  12  having a framed edge  15 . In some embodiments, table frame  10  is suspended on wall  50  by hanging means  29  (not shown) suspended on support means  28  (not shown). 
       FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of table frame  10  in its collapsed position. As shown in  FIG. 4 , according to embodiments of the present invention, table top  12  may store collapsed legs  14  in storage space  23 . In some embodiments, table top  12  may be suspended from a wall or similar support structure by a mounting system  17 . Mounting system  17  is comprised of hanging means  29  and fastening members  27 . Hanging means  29  are disposed along the bottom portion of table top  12 . In some embodiments, hanging means  29  are attached to the bottom portion of table top  12  by fastening members  27  such as screws or the like fastening members. In some embodiments, first ends  19  of legs  14  pivot, allowing table frame  10  to be in its fully extended position ( FIG. 1 ) or in its fully collapsed position ( FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments, opposing bottom surface  13  is held in place by retaining plates  21 . In some embodiments, retaining plates  21  fasten to framed edge  15  by fastening members  27 . In some embodiments, fastening members  27  are screws. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , according to embodiments of the present invention, the bottom portion of table top  12  has a mounting system  17  comprised of hanging means  29  and fastening members  27 . Hanging means  29  may be used to hang or suspend table frame  10  in its collapsed position from a vertical structure  50  such as a wall or the like support structure. In some embodiments, hanging means  29  is a hook or similar suspension mechanism. In some embodiments, hanging means  29  removeably attaches to support means  28 . In some embodiments, hanging means  28  is constructed to fit firmly within support means  28 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , according to embodiments of the present invention, table frame  10  is comprised of table top  12  with legs  14  having first ends  19  and second ends  20  (not shown) and a framed edge  15 , having a top surface  11  and opposing bottom surface  13 . In some embodiments, opposing bottom surface  13  is held in place by retaining plates  21 . In some embodiments, retaining plates  21  fasten to framed edge  15  by fastening members  27 . In some embodiments, fastening members  27  are screws. In some embodiments, legs  14  are pivotably attached to table top  12  by pivoting connection members  16 . In some embodiments, pivoting connection members  16  may be concealed from plain sight by covers  26 . In some embodiments, covers  26  are caps or the like concealing members. In some embodiments, locking members  24  and plugs  25  may lock legs  14  in their fully extended positions. In some embodiments, locking members  24  are ball detents. In some embodiments, framed edge  15  comprises a rubber  22  or like lining between the bottom surface of framed edge  15  and top surface  11 , as a means to prevent food, liquid, or any like material from seeping between framed edge  15  and top surface  11  when table frame  10  is used for dining. In some embodiments, table top  12  contains a storage space  23  for storing legs  14  when legs  14  are in their collapsed positions. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , according to embodiments of the present invention, table frame  10  is comprises legs  14 , having the ability to swing or pivot into table top  12 . In some embodiments, legs  14  are pivotable and collapse into table top  12  via swinging motion  52 . 
     In some embodiments, table top  12  of the combination collapsible table picture frame is primarily comprised of top surface  11  and bottom surface  13 , without a framed edge. The top surface  11  of the table top  12  may be substantially flat and has the ability to be removeably attached to the bottom surface  13  of the table top  12 . In some embodiments, the bottom surface  13  comprises hanging means  29  and a plurality of collapsible legs  14 . 
     In some embodiments, table frame  10  is affixed to a portion of a wall  50  or like vertical support structure. In this embodiment, legs  14  are concealed from plain sight when the table is hanging vertically on the wall in its collapsed mode. Table  10  may be affixed to a portion of the wall at all times via a track system  17  that allows table top  12  to be slidably lowered from a vertical position to a horizontal position along the wall ( FIG. 8 ). In some embodiments, legs  14  are folded against opposing bottom  13  of the table top  11  when table  10  is in its vertical position on the wall in its collapsed mode. Legs  14  of this embodiment become accessible when table top  11  is lowered to its horizontal positioning, and allows a user to easily disengage legs  14  from their collapsed position to their fully extended position ( FIG. 5 ). In this embodiment, a framed photograph placed within table top  12  is viewable in both the vertical and horizontal positions of the table. 
     The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with modifications as is suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.