Abstract:
A combination table and room partition. The table is provided with a partition that is connected thereto by way of one or more hinges. The partition is thus movable from a resting position to a deployed position above and orthogonal to the tabletop.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The current invention relates to the furniture field, more specifically to a table that is adapted to be a room partition 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    There are many instances in which it may be desirable to partition off certain sections of a room For example, in settings such as in a social hall or the like, often a room will be larger than necessary for a given group. To section off a portion of the room, movable, temporary partitions are commonly used. 
         [0003]    There are many instances in which it may be desirable to partition off certain sections of a room. For example, in settings such as in a social hall or the like, often a room will be larger than necessary for a given group. To section off a portion of the room, movable, temporary partitions are commonly used. 
         [0004]    Movable partitions—which typically consist of vertically supported panels or wall sections—are widely used; however, they suffer numerous disadvantages. The partitions are often quite large and unwieldy. As a result, they require a significant amount of storage space, which oftentimes is at a premium. Partitions must also be carried from storage to use, which can be time-consuming, disruptive and requires a great deal of effort. 
         [0005]    There is, therefore, a need for partitions that are require minimal storage space and that are quickly and conveniently deployable. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    These and other advantages are realized with the combination table and partition of the current invention—wherein a partition is designed to be an integral part of a table. The partition conveniently rests on the tabletop or hangs down therefrom like a skirt when not in use. When a partition is desired, the partition section is raised and locked into place along the length of the table. 
         [0007]    Embodiments of the invention thus allow for room partitions to be easily stored without requiring extra storage place. In addition, when a partition is desired—it is available at or near the exact location that it is needed. When the partition is no longer needed, it is quickly and easily returned to its storage position—as an integral part of the table. This presents a vast improvement over the prior art whereby multiple, bulky partitions must be stored, carried and returned to storage after use 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a table shown with its partition hanging down according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a side, perspective view of the table of  FIG. 1  with its partition deployed according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is front, perspective view of the table and partition of  FIG. 2 , shown locked in place according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the table of  FIGS. 1-3  with its partition deployed and locked in place. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4   a  is an enlarged view of a joint between a partition and table according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a table with a partition resting on the tabletop according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the table of  FIG. 5  with the partition deployed to an upstanding position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the joint between the table and partition of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a real, perspective view of the table and partition of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a front, perspective view of a table and a partition having a fabric surface according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9   a  is a front, perspective view of the table of  FIG. 9 , with its partition hanging down according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a table having rotatable blocking members for securing a partition in place according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a front view of a table and partition having telescoping members according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a side view of a table and partition positioned on the underside and substantially parallel to the tabletop according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a side, perspective view of a table and partition having a main partition and an additional segment according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a front, perspective view of a table having two partition segments—one extending from the table top and upwardly and one descending from the table top downwardly—according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    The following is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the drawings in which the same reference numerals identify the same elements of structure in each of the several figures. 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention. As shown, a standard table—having a tabletop  22  defining a plane substantially parallel to the ground and supported by legs  24  also is provided with a downward hanging panel  26 , which is deployable for use as a partition. Note that in this document, the view shown in  FIG. 1  is the “side” of the table, the side to which the panel  26  is attached is the “rear” and the side opposite thereof is the “front.” 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , tabletop  22  has a thickness along its rear length  28  to which the partition  26  is hingedly connected. Partition  26  has a length  32 , a width  34  and a thickness  36 . A hinge having one leaf  37  fixed to rear length  28  of tabletop  22  and a second leaf  38  fixed to the outside face  40  of partition  26  joins the partition  26  to the table top  22 . The hinge knuckle  42  faces outward (i.e. in the direction facing away from the table). This configuration allows for the partition  26  to be rotated by roughly 180° about the axis of hinge knuckle  42  from a downward hanging vertical orientation below and substantially orthogonal to the tabletop  22  (as shown in FIG.  1 )—to an upstanding vertical position above and substantially orthogonal to tabletop  22  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). When the partition  26  is so raised to an upstanding position, its bottom thickness  36   a  rests on tabletop  22 . 
         [0027]    Once placed in an upstanding vertical position (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) the tabletop  22  presents a physical barrier to further rotation of the hinge in the direction toward the front of the table. With the partition so positioned, no specific structures or mechanisms are required to prevent frontward rotation thereof. However, to ensure that partition  26 , does not rotate rearward (i.e. toward hanging position), a securing mechanism is provided for preventing the partition from dropping toward its hanging position. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 3  a hook and eye  44  is provided—with the hook, for example, inserted on the movable partition  26  and the eye inserted on the stationary table portion. The hook and eye are positioned, such that when the partition  26  is raised and is resting on the surface of tabletop  22 —the hook and eye are spaced apart such that the hook could be rotated and inserted into the eye. 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  shows a side view of a table with its partition deployed and resting on the top surface of tabletop  22  and secured in place by way of a hook and eye.  FIG. 4   a  shows an enlarged view of the hinged joint between partition  26  and tabletop  22  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0030]    In another embodiment of the invention, a partition folds directly onto to the surface of the tabletop. In this embodiment, the rear face  40  of partition  26  serves as the tabletop surface when it is in storage position. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a partition  26  is shown having a width  34  that is slightly longer than that of tabletop  22 . As such, when partition  26  is laid directly on top of tabletop  22  with top thickness  36   b  substantially aligned with the front of tabletop  22 , the bottom portion of partition  26  slightly overhangs from the rear side of the table. The overhanging area  41  is wide enough to receive a leaf of a hinge  38 . The second hinge leaf  37  is attached to the rear thickness  28  of tabletop  22 . In this manner, partition  22  could be lifted upward and rearward until partition  22  is brought to upstanding orientation. 
         [0032]    When partition is so deployed and vertically oriented, rear thickness  28  (alternatively referred to as “rear length” herein) prevents any further movement of the partition in the direction toward the rear of the table. However, to ensure that the partition does not fall forward (i.e. returning to its resting position on the surface of tabletop) a locking mechanism is provided for locking the partition  22  to the side of the table. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , a hook (or eye) is attached to bottom thickness  36   a  of partition  22 , which mates with an eye (or hook) located on the underside of tabletop  22 . When partition is raised to a vertical orientation (as shown in  FIG. 6 ) hook and eye  44  members are brought into close enough proximity to each other to be engaged. Locking the partition in this fashion temporarily joins the bottom portion of the partition to the table and prevents forward movement of the same.  FIG. 7  shows an enlarged view of the hinged joint between partition  26  and tabletop  22 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 8  shows a rear, perspective view of the table and partition of  FIG. 6 . It should be noted that rear surface  40  acts as a tabletop when the partition is in its resting position (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) and, as such, surface  40  is preferably smoothly finished to achieve tabletop quality. 
         [0035]    It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that partitions need not be comprised of solid material. In some embodiments of the invention, partition  26   a  comprises a solid frame that supports a fabric or such similar soft material. 
         [0036]      FIG. 9  shows a partition  26   a , which comprises a substantially rectangular solid frame  48  having two substantially parallel horizontal support members  49   a ,  49   b  and two substantially parallel vertical members  51   a ,  51   b  A segment of fabric  50  having outside dimensions that are roughly the same as the inside dimensions of the frame is attached to and held within the frame  48  In one embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 9   a , frame  48  is hingedly attached to tabletop  22  in a manner similar to that described with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . In this embodiment, when frame  48  is lowered to its resting position (i.e. hanging down from the rear of the table), fabric  50  serves as a decorative table skirt (as shown in  FIG. 9   a ). 
         [0037]    It will be understood that partitions of the invention, when deployed, may be secured in place using any of various securing mechanisms known in the art. For example, in the embodiments described with reference to  FIGS. 1-8 , a hook and eye was described as a temporary locking device for securing the partition in place. However, any of various securing mechanisms or male/female engagements may be utilized. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill that a “securing mechanism” refers to any device, hardware or mechanical design that presents a physical obstacle to substantial lateral movement of the partition when it is in a deployed position. 
         [0038]    For example,  FIG. 9  shows a bolt  52  (handle portion showing) that is guided by a track  54  and which inserts into a cavity or receiving chamber  56  disposed on the table portion. In  FIG. 9 , the bolt  52  is shown positioned on the side thickness  36  of the partition  48  and the receiving chamber  56  is provided on the table portion, however, the bolt may alternatively be positioned on the table portion—with the chamber  56  on the partition. 
         [0039]    As another example,  FIG. 10  shows blocking members  58  that are pivotably connected to rear thickness  28  of a table. Blocking members  58  comprise a slender piece of material such as wood, metal, hard plastic or the like that is attached to rear thickness  28  by way of a pivot, such as a screw  60  or rivet in its general center. When not in use, members  58  are pivoted to rest horizontally along thickness  28 . However, when partition  26   a  is deployed, members  58  may be swiveled upward, thereby presenting a physical barrier to lateral (rearward) movement of partition  26   a . Preferably, a catch or trap  59  is positioned to maintain member  58  in place when rotated vertically (and/or when resting horizontally—although not shown). 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 11 , a partition  26   b  comprises a frame with a fabric insert similar to the one described with reference to  FIGS. 9-11 . However, parallel vertical members  51   a ,  51   b —rather than being a solid, fixed flame member—are instead telescoping members that are capable of expanding and retreating. A fabric segment  50   b  is attached at its top to horizontal member  49   b  and at its bottom to horizontal member  49   a . The height of the fabric (i.e. top to bottom) is roughly equal to the height defined by the distance between horizontal member  49   a  and horizontal member  49   b  when telescoping members  51   a ,  51   b  are extended to their maximum extension. When telescoping members  51   a ,  51   b  are not extended to the maximum, there is some degree of slack in the fabric. 
         [0041]    In another embodiment of the invention, and as shown in  FIG. 12  a partition may be stored on the underside of the tabletop—and substantially out of view. The partition is hingedly connected to the tabletop in a manner allowing for approximate 270° of rotation from a substantially horizontal orientation on the underside of the table to a vertical orientation substantially above and orthogonal thereto. 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 12  a partition  64  (shown in dotted lines) is hingedly connected to the underside of tabletop  22 . The length of partition  64  is preferably somewhat shorter than the distance between a first set of legs on one side of the table and a second set of legs on the other side of the table. In this manner, partition  64  fits between the sets of table legs and is free to swing from a resting position on the underside of the table (and substantially parallel thereto) to be deployed (and returned thereafter). A securing mechanism is provided for securing the partition  64  in place on the underside of tabletop  22 . 
         [0043]    In a preferred embodiment, a partition is approximately 3′ in width. For a table whose tabletop stands at about 3′ off the ground, the partition will reach about 6′ in height. If a higher partition is desired, embodiments of the invention allow for some extension thereof. 
         [0044]    In one embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 13 , a solid partition similar to those described in reference to  FIGS. 1-8  is provided with an additional segment  66  that folds back onto the main partition  26  and that may be deployed when extra height is desired. As shown in  FIG. 13 , segment  66  is hingedly connected to main partition  26 . When additional height is desired, segment  66  is rotated upwardly (in the direction of arrow  67   a ). When not being deployed, segment  66  rests on the rear side of partition main partition  26 . Segment  66  is lowered from a deployed position to a resting position by being rotated in the direction shown be arrow  67   b.    
         [0045]      FIG. 14  shows yet another embodiment of the invention, whereby a partition comprises two segments—one segment  68  extending from the tabletop and upward and another segment  70  extending from the tabletop to the floor. For example, a table may comprise a first partition that rests on the surface of a tabletop as shown in  FIG. 5  and a second partition that rests in the underside of the tabletop as shown in  FIG. 12 . The first partition rises to a vertical position, above and substantially orthogonal to the tabletop  22 , and the second partition lowers to a vertical position, below and substantially orthogonal to tabletop  22 . In another embodiment, the vertical parallel members described with reference to the partition of  FIG. 11  extend downwardly in addition to extending upwardly. An attached fabric segment selves as a bottom segment of a partition. 
         [0046]    In another embodiment of the invention, a partition is provided with clamps at or near its bottom length. The clamps are correspondingly sized to grip a tabletop thickness. In this manner, the partition may be selectively clamped onto the tabletop and easily removed. 
         [0047]    Having described this invention with regard to specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitation since further modifications and variations may be apparent or may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the present application cover all such modifications and variation as fall within the scope of the appended claims.