Abstract:
An apparatus for converting tables having a horizontal planar surface and a frame affixed to one side of the surface. The frame is dimensioned to capture a plurality of tables beneath the table converting apparatus.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled, “TABLE CONVERSION APPARATUS,” having Ser. No. 60/486,977, filed Jul. 14, 2003, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The present invention is generally related to tables and tabletops and, more particularly, is related to an apparatus for converting one or more tables into a single table.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Restaurants, clubs, banquet halls and similar facilities often have a need to provide tables and seating for varying numbers of guests. For example, one setting might require tables for four persons, while the next setting might require tables for ten persons. One solution is to move the smaller tables out of the room so that the larger tables can be moved into the same space. However, this solution is labor-intensive, and requires storage space for the tables not in use. Another solution is to join multiple tables together, edge-to-edge, to form a larger table. However, this solution does not provide a smooth continuous surface for the enlarged tabletop.  
         [0004]     To date, there are numerous methods for joining tables edge-to-edge. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,714,906 teaches auxiliary units with a concave edge removably attached with magnets to the edge of a base circular unit. Additionally, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,146,855 and 5,673,631 teach joining tables with fill in pieces and a joining leaf respectively. Further, methods for increasing tabletop area also include using an additional top for fitting over a single table. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,529,051 teaches an auxiliary top which fits over the top of a table where the underlying table is made of two sections which slide apart, and the sliding mechanism is used to secure the top to the table. Two patents, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,468,962 and 3,683,337 teach a top fitting over a single table and using a frame forming a recessed area.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0005]     Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for providing a variety of table sizes, comprising: a plurality of tables, wherein each of the plurality of tables comprises a tabletop having a top surface; a table converter top, wherein the table converter top comprises a horizontal planar surface, wherein the top surface comprises an area greater than the area of two of the plurality of tables; and a table converter frame, wherein the table converter frame is configured to be affixed to the bottom surface and wherein the table converter frame is further configured to be positioned around the plurality of tables when the table converter top is placed on top of the plurality of tables.  
         [0006]     Briefly described, an embodiment, among others, can be implemented as follows. An apparatus for converting tables comprising: a horizontal planar surface, wherein the horizontal planar surface comprises a first side and a second side; and a frame affixed to the second side, wherein the frame is affixed some distance from the edge(s) of the horizontal planar surface.  
         [0007]     An embodiment of the present invention can also be viewed as a system for providing a variety of table configurations, comprising: means for converting a plurality of tables into a single table, wherein the single table has a larger surface area than the sum of the surface areas of the plurality of tables; and means for storing a large single table, wherein a single table converter is removed from the top of the plurality of tables, wherein the single table converter is stored in a compact manner.  
         [0008]     Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]     Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a table conversion apparatus.  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the table conversion apparatus of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a table conversion apparatus.  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment.  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment.  
         [0015]     FIG:  6  is a partial, side-elevational and cross-sectional view of a corner of an embodiment of a table conversion apparatus.  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a partial, bottom plan view of a corner of an embodiment showing details of a bracket. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0017]     Reference is now made to  FIG. 1 , an exploded view of an embodiment of the apparatus. One or more rectilinear tables  110 , with tops  112  and legs  114  are positioned side by side, with edges either touching or close together. When so positioned, the tops  112  form a surface with dimension A×B. A table converter  120  has a top surface  130  and a frame  140  attached to the underside of the top surface. The frame  140  is rectilinear in shape and has an inside dimension of A′×B′, which is slightly larger than A×B, and a depth which is greater than the depth of tops  112 . The top surface  130  of this embodiment is substantially rectilinear in shape and sized to be larger than frame  140 . One of ordinary skill in the art will realize that in an alternative embodiment the frame  140  may be on the edge of the top surface  130 , resulting in no overhanging portion.  
         [0018]     The table converter  120  is positioned above the tables  110  and aligned such that the tops  112  of the tables  110  fit closely inside the frame  140 . The table converter  120  is then lowered so that it rests on tables  110 . The size and shape of the frame acts to “capture” the tables underneath. Tables  110  stay in position and do not move apart because the frame  140  dimensions are only slightly larger than the dimensions of the tops  112 . Horizontal movement of top surface  130  along tops  112  is limited by the frame  140 .  
         [0019]     The top surface  130  of the table converter  120  provides a smooth continuous surface, which is larger than the sum of the individual tables. In an alternative embodiment, the top surface  130  has rounded corners. The table converter  120  does not require legs because it is supported by the legs  114  of the tables  110 .  
         [0020]     Although in this embodiment the tables  110  are similar in shape to the table converter  120 , this is not a requirement. Circular tables would also work underneath a rectilinear table converter  120  with no loss of functionality. Although circular tables do not fit together edge-to-edge, the frame  140  acts to keep the circular tables in place. For the same reason, a combination of circular and rectilinear tables would also work underneath a rectilinear table converter  120  with no loss of functionality.  
         [0021]     One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the tables  110  and the table converter  120  may be composed of wood, plastic, metal or any combinations of these materials. Further, the table converter  120  may be produced as an assembly of components or as a one-piece structure.  
         [0022]     Although this embodiment uses two tables  110 , the systems and apparatus are not so limited. For example, three or more tables  110  could be placed side by side, or four tables  110  could be arranged in a 2×2 configuration to form a much larger surface area.  
         [0023]     Reference is now made to  FIG. 2 , a partial, cross-sectional view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1 . Tables  110 , with tops  112  and legs  114  are positioned side by side within frame  140 . Tables  110  fit closely together, and fit closely inside frame  140 . Frame  140  hangs down from the top surface  130  of the table converter  120  to enclose tops  112  on all sides. In a preferred embodiment, the depth of frame  140  is such that frame  140  overhangs tops  112  completely. Top surface  130  is a smooth continuous surface larger than the total surface of the individual tables  110 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus. One or more circular tables  310 , with tops  312  and centrally positioned legs  314  are positioned close together or touching. When so positioned, the tops  112  form a surface with dimension A×B. A table converter  320  has a top surface  330  and a frame  340  attached to the underside of the top surface. The frame  340  is rectangular in shape and has an inside dimension of A′×B′which is slightly larger than A×B, and a depth which is greater than the depth of tops  312 . The top surface  330  is oval and sized to be larger than frame  340 .  
         [0025]     The table converter  320  is positioned above the tables  310  and aligned such that the tops  312  of the tables  310  fit closely inside the frame  340 . The table converter  320  is then lowered so that it rests on tables  310 . The size and shape of the frame acts to “capture” the tables underneath. Tables  310  stay in position and do not move apart because the inside dimensions of frame  340  are only slightly larger than the dimensions of the tops  312 . Horizontal movement of top surface  330  along tops  312  is limited by the frame  340 .  
         [0026]     The top surface  330  of the table converter  320  provides a smooth continuous surface, which is larger than the sum of the individual tables. The table converter does not require supports because it is supported by the centrally positioned legs  314  of the tables  310 . Additionally, the table converter top may be hinged to provide for more compact storage and convenient carrying.  
         [0027]     One of ordinary skill in the art will know that, although this embodiment shows circular tables  310 , other table geometries, such as, for example, octagonal, could be utilized in these systems. Similarly, although two tables  310  are shown under an oval top surface  330 , a larger number of tables  310  (for example, four) may be used with an octagonal top surface  330 . Further, combinations of tables with different top surface geometries can be used with a table converter having, for example, a rectilinear, circular, octagonal or other shape. Additionally, this embodiment is not limited to tables having a specific leg or support configuration. For example, one or more tables could have multiple legs and be combined with one or more tables having pedestal style support.  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment where the frame is comprised of separate frame members  440  spaced at intervals around the perimeter of and attached to the underside of top surface  430  with, for example, any suitable type and number of fasteners. In this exemplary embodiment, the top surface  430  has a length and width greater than the area defined by the frame members  440 . Although the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 4  illustrates the frame members  440  positioned along the straight edges of the top surface  430 , one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the frame members  440  may be configured as separate frame members  440  located at alternative positions for capturing the tables, such as at the corners. Frame members  440  positioned at the corners may be configured as substantially linear members or, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, as frame members  440  having, for example, perpendicular components. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the frame members  440  of alternative embodiments are not limited to substantially linear or perpendicular configurations and may be configured as components at some other angle.  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment. Frame  540  is attached to the underside of top surface  530  with, for example, any suitable type and number of fasteners. In this exemplary embodiment, the top surface  530  has a length and width greater than the frame  540 , so that some portion of top surface  530  extends outside and over frame  540 . An embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , may have the frame  540  constructed of separate pieces which are joined together at the corners  510 , but one of ordinary skill in the art would realize that the frame  540  may be a single piece and further that the table converter may be a single piece. In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , frame  540  is constructed of separate pieces joined together by a bracket  520  at each corner  510 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 6  is a partial, side elevational and cross-sectional view of a corner of an embodiment. Top surface  630  is attached to frame  640  with a screw, nail, or other suitable fastener  660 , or with glue or adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom edges  670  of frame  640  are slightly rounded rather than sharp to prevent catching and tearing.  
         [0031]      FIG. 7  is a partial, bottom plan view of a corner  710  of the apparatus showing details of bracket  720 . Bracket  720  can provide strength when frame  740  is constructed of separate members. Bracket  720  is attached to the underside of frame  740  at corner  710  with a suitable number and type of fasteners. In a preferred embodiment, the sides of bracket  620  are blunt rather than sharp to prevent catching and tearing.  
         [0032]     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.