Patent Abstract:
A stackable, nestable, and gangable table for use in varied environments such as classrooms, conferences, testing, etc includes a wire frame scaled according to the anticipated use, a table top and a modesty panel angled obtusely from the table top to accommodate stacking and/or nesting of the tables. The table further includes glide members on the wire frame base that accommodates the ganging of tables next to one another. The glide members are mounted on the base in such a manner that they engage the opposing glides on the aligned consecutive table. The table also includes a mounting mechanism for mounting accessories such as a side storage pouch to provide additional storage and help delineate the personal work space of each table.

Full Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. application Ser. No. 11/533,400 entitled “Stackable, Nestable, and Gangable Table,” which was filed on Sep. 20, 2006 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,849,804 on Dec. 14, 2010, which has at least one common inventor and is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to the field of tables and more particularly to wire tables that can be nested, stacked or ganged. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    For many facilities such as schools, hotels, convention centers, churches, and offices it is desirable to utilize rooms and spaces in an efficient manner. At different times, these facilities will often need to use the same space for different purposes. Some activities require the use of furniture such as tables or desks, while at other times, furniture is not needed. These facilities will often move, rearrange, or eliminate the furniture in a room according to the needs of the event. In many instances, these facilities utilize desks or tables for such events as training, test administering, lectures, speeches, conventions, etc. When the furniture is not in use at these facilities it is desirable to minimize the floor space required to store these items. 
         [0004]    The desire to utilize spaces for different activities also presents the need to arrange furniture for various applications. Very often, arranging the furniture is cumbersome, time consuming and labor intensive. Similarly, providing an aesthetically pleasing arrangement often requires additional time, effort, and labor. 
         [0005]    The tables and desks used in these facilities come in many varieties adapted for many uses. In an effort to reduce the floor space required for storage, some tables and desks are stackable, nestable or gangable, while some are collapsible. One type of nestable table is represented in U.S. Pat. No. 3,326,148 to Jakobsen. This table includes a table top supported by four legs. The distance between one pair of legs is greater than the distance between another pair of legs to accommodate the nesting of the tables when stacked one on top of the other. The tables also include a glide extending along two opposite edges of the table to create a gap between each stacked table to facilitate separation of the stacked tables. Another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,669 to Marchand et al., depicts a table top hinged to a frame of which the legs of the table are also attached. This hinge allows the table top to be rotated to a vertical position to accommodate a horizontal nesting of the tables. 
         [0006]    Such tables provide a marginal space savings when stored. Such tables are often heavy and difficult to move or arrange. This presents problems for the facility that needs to provide accommodating facilities with a minimal investment of time and labor. 
         [0007]    There is a need, therefore, for a stackable table that can accommodate a multitude of uses and which can be arranged and moved with minimal effort and time required. There is also a need to provide an aesthetically pleasing arrangement without requiring extra time and labor. Optimally, the table would be simple to maneuver and arrange. There is a further need for a stackable table that encumbers minimal floor space while in storage. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In order to address these needs, the present invention provides a stackable, nestable and gangable table which includes a work surface and a modesty panel supported by a wire frame base. The frame, work surface and modesty panel are configured so that a plurality of like-configured tables may be stacked and/or nested. The modesty panel is angled vertically from the top surface, such as at 92 degree angle in one specific embodiment. This angle allows for stability when the tables are nested and stacked together. The work surface may contain a recessed area to provide a “spill proof” or “spill resistant” design. 
         [0009]    In another aspect of the invention, the wire frame defines one or more openings that are configured to allow accessories to mount within the opening. In one embodiment of the invention, the accessory mounted into the opening is a pouch carrier or receptacle that provides storage space for items while leaving the work surface unencumbered. The pouch includes a frame with the receptacle secured to the frame and a cantilever mounting arm that is configured to mount within the opening on the table. The accessory frame is configured so that the accessory, such as the pouch, may be situated between adjacent ganged tables without interference. 
         [0010]    In yet another aspect of the invention, glide members may be attached to the base of the table. In a specific embodiment, the glide members include a portion that is generally trapezoidal in shape which form a “dovetail” joint when juxtaposed with another glide member when adjacent tables are ganged together. The glide members not only facilitate ganging of the tables, they also prevent relative movement between adjacent tables. 
         [0011]    It is one object of the invention to provide a wire table that may be nested and/or stacked. A further object is to provide such a table that includes not only a work surface but also a modesty panel. 
         [0012]    A further object resides in features of the invention that allow for various accessories to be removably supported on the gangable and/or stackable table. This object is beneficially achieved while avoiding interference between the accessories and an adjacent ganged table. 
         [0013]    One significant benefit of the present invention is that it provides a wire table that is easily stacked and/or ganged. Other objects and benefits of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following written description and accompanying figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a wire frame table according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the wire frame table shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a further embodiment of the wire frame table shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of three wire frame tables stacked and nested according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the wire frame table shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a top view of a glide member used with the table shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the glide member shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the wire frame where the glide member shown in  FIG. 6  attaches. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a top view of three wire frame tables ganged according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of three wire frame tables ganged according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of the carrier pouch accessory for use with table shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of the carrier pouch shown in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of two ganged tables of the present invention and the receptacle pouch shown in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a side perspective view of the carrier pouch shown in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of a snap fit arrangement between the modesty panel and modesty panel support bar according to one embodiment of the wire table of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the table of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is a front view of another alternative embodiment of the table of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0031]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written specification. It is understood that no limitation to the scope of the invention is thereby intended. It is further understood that the present invention includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles of the invention as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. 
         [0032]    A stackable table  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is depicted in  FIG. 1 . The table  10  may be used in a variety of facilities such as a classroom, conference room, church, or convention center to meet a variety of needs. The table  10  includes a wire frame base  12  of generally u-shaped construction to provide chair access and leg space within the frame. The wire frame base may be constructed from any wire or rod material, but is preferably of a 7/16 inch wire stainless steel or aluminum. The wire frame base  12  has a floor-engaging frame  12 ′ that includes two base side bars  14 , each connected at a first end  13  to a longitudinal back bar  16  to form a U-shape as shown in  FIG. 1 . Attached at a second end  15  of each side bar  14  is a front vertical support rod  24  which extends vertically upward. Each front vertical support rod  24  extends to approximately the height of the desired work surface or table top  32 . A front cross member  26  (shown best in  FIG. 2 ) may be provided which spans between the two front vertical support rods  24 . Many heights of the table top  32  are contemplated, but in a preferred embodiment the height of the work surface is approximately 27-29 inches. In an alternative embodiment, a standard bar height may be approximately 42 inches as shown in  FIG. 16 .  FIGS. 16 and 17  show alternative embodiments of the wire frame table  10 ′,  10 ″ of the present invention including different configurations of the wire frame base  12 ′,  12 ″, the modesty panel  36 ′,  36 ″ and of the height of the table top  32 ′,  32 ″. In one embodiment, the front cross member  26  is sized to provide a leg space between the vertical rods that is slightly larger than a typical stackable chair, an example of which is depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,735 to Lucci et al. 
         [0033]    Two back vertical support rods  28  are attached at one end  27  to the longitudinal back bar  16 . These back vertical support rods  28  extend vertically upward from the longitudinal back bar  16  and are spaced from the front cross member  26  to accommodate the depth of a table top  32 , with or without a modesty panel  36 . The back vertical support rods  28  extend vertically upward and are each connected to an upper side bar  30 . In one embodiment, the back vertical support rods  28  and the top side bars  30  are formed from the same length of wire material. The joint may be formed by bending the wire material at approximately an angle A of about 92 degrees. The upper side bars  30  may then be joined at the other end to the front cross member  26  by means of brazing, welding, bolting, or any other suitable joining method known in the art. As seen in  FIG. 2 , the upper side bars  30  join the front cross member  26  inboard from the base side bars  14  and vertical rods  24 . 
         [0034]    It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, the joints of the wire members can be formed from bending the wire material. Thus, the wire frame base  12 , front vertical support rods  24  and front cross member  26  may be formed from a single piece of wire material that has been formed by bending the wire into the desired skeleton. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  shows three stackable tables  10 A,  10 B, and  10 C in a stacked and nested configuration suitable for storage. As is apparent from the figure, the tables may be stacked with the respective table tops  32  and modesty panels  36  in contact with each other. The tables may be stacked and nested in the following manner: A top table  10 B is positioned adjacent a bottom table  10 A by moving the top table  10 B over the bottom table  10 A. The front vertical supports  24  of the tables are spaced a distance W 1  ( FIG. 2 ) such that they pass around the back vertical supports  28  of the adjacent table which are spaced at lesser distance W 2 . The top table  10 B is then moved forward until the frame members nest as shown in  FIG. 4  with the base side bars  14  and back bars  16  resting on each other. The distance between the front vertical support rods W 1  is greater than the distance between the back vertical support rods W 2  which allows for the stackability/nestability of the tables as depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0036]    In a particular embodiment, the table top  32  is of generally rectangular construction as shown in  FIG. 2  to provide a usable work surface for the table. In one embodiment, the table top  32  may incorporate a slightly recessed surface  34  for containing or retaining pens and pencils on the table top, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Similarly, grooves for holding pens/pencils (not shown) or grooves/holes for holding drinking cups (not shown) may be formed into the table top in any suitable manner known in the art, so long as the stackability/nestability of the tables is not impaired. The table top has any depth suitable for a particular use. In one embodiment, the depth of the table top  32  is approximately 19 inches; however, alternative depths are also contemplated by this invention. 
         [0037]    In another feature of the invention, a modesty panel  36  of generally rectangular construction is disposed between the back vertical support rods  28  as shown in  FIG. 1 . This invention contemplates many lengths of the modesty panel  36 . In one embodiment, the modesty panel  36  extends down from the table top  32  toward the longitudinal back bar  16 , or may extend a shorter distance. According to convention, the modesty panel  36  may extend approximately eight inches from the table top  32 . Like the support rods, the modesty panel  36  is also angled slightly to provide stability when the tables are stacked/nested as shown in  FIG. 4 . In one embodiment, the angle between the table top and the modesty panel A is approximately 92 degrees, though other angles are acceptable. 
         [0038]    In one embodiment, the table top  32  and modesty panel  36  are of unitary construction. The unitary top/panel  32 / 36  may then be snap fit into place at a channel  37  shown in  FIG. 15 , on the edge of the unitary panel that fits the tubular material of the vertical supports  28  and side bars  30 . If the modesty panel  36  does not extend to the longitudinal back bar  16 , a modesty panel cross bar  38  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) may be utilized with the snap fit design. The modesty panel cross bar  38  could be made from the same wire material and span the width of the two back vertical supports  28  such that the bottom of the modesty panel  36  can engage the cross bar  38 . Other methods of joining the table top  32  and modesty panel  36  to the frame  12  are contemplated including any suitable means known in the art such as welding, riveting, gluing, etc. 
         [0039]    In order to enhance the fixation of the table top  32  to the wire frame of the table, at least one of the back vertical supports  28  and the associated upper side bar  30  may be canted inward at a slight angle so that the distance between the opposite upper side bars  30  decreases slightly from the front of the frame to the back. When the table top is positioned between the upper side bars  30  and back vertical supports  28 , the one back vertical support must be pushed outward enough for the table top  32  to fit between the bars. The natural spring resistance of the canted back vertical support will help hold the table top in position. 
         [0040]    Alternatively, both back vertical supports  28  and associated upper side bars  30  may be canted inward from the vertical front-back plane. With this configuration, the table top  32  will have a slightly trapezoidal shape from front to back. In a specific embodiment, the inward cant may be at an angle of about 89 degrees. 
         [0041]    In another feature of the invention the wire table defines an accessory opening  42  by joining an accessory bar  40  to the front vertical support rods  24  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 . It can be appreciated that the accessory opening  42  could be constructed on either side of the table, or both. The accessory bar  40  is spaced apart from the front vertical support rod  24  so as to define the opening  42  for mounting accessories. In one embodiment, the opening  42  is formed as an elongated slot, although other shapes of openings may be contemplated. The accessory opening  42  as shown in  FIG. 5  can be used to support a hanging bracket  62  by means of a cantilever arm  60 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 11-12 , which will be described in more detail later herein. 
         [0042]    In a further feature, the table  10  may include glide members  44  that support the table while providing a ganging capability. The glide members  44  are located on the wire frame base  12  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In a preferred embodiment, two glide members  44  are spaced apart on each side bar  14  of the wire base frame  12 . As shown in the detail views of  FIGS. 6-8 , one portion  41  of the glide members  44  is configured for mounting to the side bar  14  by at least partially wrapping around the geometry of the side bar  14 . In one embodiment, where the wire frame base  12  is of a wire construction, the glide member  44  is configured to receive the wire frame in a channel  46  sized to receive the wire material. 
         [0043]    In another embodiment, a secondary mechanism may be employed for securing the glide member  44  to the side bar  14 . For instance, one embodiment uses a screw  43  inserted through a hole  51  in the side bar  14  at the desired locations for positioning of the glide members, as shown in  FIG. 8 . The channel  46  of the glide member  44  thus includes a portion  46   a  to receive the side bar  14 , and a portion  46   b  configured to receive the screw  43 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The screw  43  helps position the glide member  44  on the frame and hold the glide member  44  in place during use. If the glide member  44  becomes worn or damaged it can be easily removed and replaced. In alternative embodiments, the screw  43  may be a spring pin that is initially depressed to mount the glide member  44  on the frame. 
         [0044]    The second portion  45  of the glide member  44  is of a generally trapezoidal configuration. This shape provides a unique advantage when two or more tables are ganged together. In order to take advantage of the configuration of the portion  45 , the glide members  44  are located at offset positions on the opposite side bars  14  such that when two or more tables are placed side by side, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the glide members  44  perform not only a spacing function, but also function to hold the consecutive tables in relative position. That is, the glide members  44  are located such that when two tables are placed next to each other, the angled edges  49  of the trapezoid shape  45  juxtapose to form a “dovetail” joint  47 . The alignment of the glide members  44  as depicted in  FIG. 9  is such that the glide members  44   b  attached to side bar  14   b  (of the second table  10   b ) are offset relative to the glide members  44   a  attached to side bar  14   a  (of the first table  10   a ). Similarly, the glide members  44   c  attached to side bar  14   c  are offset relative to those attached to side bar  14   b . In a preferred embodiment, the glide members are arranged so that the glide members on side bar  14   a  surround the glide members on the juxtaposed side bar  14   b.    
         [0045]    This feature provides many advantages. First, the glide member  44  works to evenly space each table  10  apart from the next when the tables are ganged in rows as shown in  FIG. 10 . Similarly, the engagement of the glide members  44  to one another prevents the tables from skewing. The “dovetail” joint  47  formed by the adjacent glide members  44 , provides an aesthetically pleasing arrangement for several tables with minimal effort. In one embodiment, the glide members are formed from a polycarbonate, but many suitable materials are contemplated by this invention. 
         [0046]    As alluded to above, another feature of the table  10  is the side storage carrier or pouch  48 , illustrated in  FIGS. 11-14 , that is configured to receive books, folders, or other supplies that might otherwise clutter the table top  32 . In one embodiment, the side storage receptacle pouch  48  is formed from a wire frame  50 . The wire frame  50  is of a generally rectangular construction and is preferably sized such that when the tables  10  are ganged, the wire frame  50  will fit inside the space between the table tops  32  as shown in  FIG. 13 . A rectangular piece of material  54 , preferably of a knit or woven mesh, is secured to the longitudinal edges  52 ,  53  of the wire frame  50  forming a pouch  56  sized to receive books, folders, training materials, etc. In one embodiment, the longitudinal edge  53  of the wire frame  50  that is disposed farthest from the table top  32  is elevated with respect to the other longitudinal edge  52 . It can be appreciated that when tables  10  are grouped together in rows, this raised edge  53  will help delineate the workspace or personal space for each table  10  as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0047]    As best seen in  FIG. 14 , the wire frame  50  terminates at a lateral edge  58  in a cantilever arm  60 . In a preferred embodiment, the ends  55  of the wire frame  50  are formed into the arm  60  from a continuous piece of material, such as a steel or aluminum tube. In an alternative embodiment, the arm  60  may be attached to the wire frame  50  of the side storage pouch  48  by any suitable method. The arm  60  is connected or attached to a hanging bracket  62  that is used to support the arm  60  on the wire table  10 . The hanging bracket  62  is generally elongated, as shown in  FIG. 13 , with an oval member  64  that is configured to be received into the accessory opening  42  of the table  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the oval member  64  defines a groove  66  formed on the outside perimeter  68 . This groove  66  is deeper at the top end  70  than at the bottom end  72  of the oval member  64 . The differences in the depth (D 1 , D 2 ) of the groove  66  allows the hanging bracket  62  to be easily mounted into or removed from the accessory aperture  42  with no tools. To mount the hanging bracket  62 , and thus the accessory  48  attached to it, the top end  70  of the oval member  64  is inserted into the accessory opening  42 . The hanging bracket  62  is then angled into place as shown in  FIG. 12 , and the bottom end  72  of the oval member  64  is seated on an edge of the accessory bar  40  with the weight of the accessory holding it in place. Reversal of this procedure allows for removal. It can be appreciated that other accessories, such as shelves, partitions, storage bins, etc, may be used with the hanging bracket  62 . 
         [0048]    While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that only the preferred embodiments have been presented and that all changes, modifications and further applications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0