PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9730516-B2
Application Number: US-201514837277-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Table mechanisms and structures

Abstract:
A table with drawers for displaying electronic devices is disclosed. The table may include a support beam and support panel within the table top for structural support. The table may include one or more drawers coupled to a carriage mechanism positioned rearward from the rear of the drawer. The carriage mechanism may be configured for moving the drawer from a first position to a second position.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A table comprising:
 a table top defining an upper surface and a lower surface; 
 a first drawer disposed beneath the lower surface of the table top, the first drawer comprising a side panel, wherein the side panel defines a cavity with an opening at a rear of the first drawer; 
 a second drawer immediately adjacent to the first drawer; and 
 a carriage mechanism comprising an extension arm disposed within the side panel cavity and extending through the opening at the rear of the first drawer, 
 wherein the first drawer is movable between a first position and a second position by sliding relative to the extension arm, and 
 wherein there is no intervening mechanism between adjacent outer side surfaces of the first and second drawers. 
 
     
     
       2. The table of  claim 1 , wherein the side panel further comprises outer side surfaces forming outer side faces of the first drawer, and
 wherein the outer side surfaces are bare. 
 
     
     
       3. The table of  claim 1 , wherein the first drawer further comprises a front surface, and
 wherein the front surface is bare. 
 
     
     
       4. The table of  claim 1 , wherein the side panel further comprises outer side surfaces forming outer side faces of the first drawer,
 wherein the outer side surfaces are bare; 
 wherein the first drawer further comprises a bottom surface, and 
 wherein the bottom surface is bare. 
 
     
     
       5. The table of  claim 1 , wherein the first drawer is closed in the first position and the first drawer is open in the second position, and wherein, the carriage mechanism is not visible from any perspective above the table top upper surface when the first drawer is in the first position and the second position. 
     
     
       6. A table comprising:
 a table top defining an upper surface and a lower surface; 
 a drawer disposed below the table top; 
 a carriage mechanism for moving the drawer between a first position and a second position, the carriage mechanism comprising:
 a bracket comprising a mounting panel fixed to the lower surface of the table top and comprising an extension arm extending toward the drawer; 
 a carriage coupled to an upper surface of the bracket extension arm, wherein the carriage defines a longitudinal groove; and 
 a rail coupled to the drawer, wherein the rail extends from a rear of the drawer, 
 
 wherein the bracket is entirely disposed rearward of the drawer, 
 wherein the rail is slidably disposed in the groove of the carriage, and 
 wherein the rail is configured to translate within the groove of the carriage to slidably move the drawer between the first position and the second position. 
 
     
     
       7. The table of  claim 6 , wherein the sides of the rail define opposing longitudinal grooves,
 wherein the sides of the carriage define opposing longitudinal protrusions at least partially disposed within the longitudinal grooves of the rail, and 
 wherein the longitudinal grooves slide over the longitudinal protrusions when the drawer moves between the first position and the second position. 
 
     
     
       8. The table of  claim 6 , wherein the drawer comprises a hollow side panel,
 wherein the rail is disposed within the hollow side panel, and 
 wherein the rail extends from a rear opening thereof. 
 
     
     
       9. The table of  claim 6 , further comprising a second drawer immediately adjacent to the first drawer,
 wherein there is no intervening mechanism between adjacent outer side surfaces of the first and second drawers. 
 
     
     
       10. The table of  claim 6 , wherein the bracket extends rearward from the rear of the drawer,
 wherein the bracket mounting panel is mounted to the lower surface of the table top at a position rearward of the drawer when the drawer is in the first position, and 
 wherein the drawer is closed in the first position. 
 
     
     
       11. The table of  claim 6 , wherein the bracket remains in a fixed position relative to the table top whether the drawer is in the first position or the second position. 
     
     
       12. The table of  claim 6 , wherein the carriage mechanism is not visible from any perspective above the table top upper surface when the drawer is in the first position or the second position. 
     
     
       13. A table comprising:
 a table top coupled to a table leg, the table top comprising a support beam and a support panel disposed above the support beam, wherein the support beam comprises:
 a longitudinally extending branch; 
 a first transversely extending branch that extends from a first end of the longitudinally extending branch; and 
 a second transversely extending branch that extends from a second end of the longitudinally extending branch, 
 
 wherein the support panel comprises:
 a middle panel; 
 a top sheet extending over and fixed to a top side of the middle panel; and 
 a bottom sheet extending over and fixed to a bottom side of the middle panel. 
 
 
     
     
       14. The table of  claim 13 , wherein the support beam is metal. 
     
     
       15. The table of  claim 13 , wherein the longitudinally extending branch, the first transversely extending branch, and the second transversely extending branch of the support beam are connected in the form of an “I” shape. 
     
     
       16. The table of  claim 13 , wherein the middle panel of the support panel comprises a honeycomb structure. 
     
     
       17. The table of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the middle panel, the top sheet, and the bottom sheet is aluminum. 
     
     
       18. The table of  claim 13 , further comprising a support block disposed within the middle panel of the support panel,
 wherein the support block defines at least a portion of the middle panel of the support panel and wherein the top sheet of the support panel is disposed on top of the support block and the bottom sheet of the support panel is disposed beneath the support block, and 
 wherein the support block has greater density than portions of the middle panel immediately adjacent the support block. 
 
     
     
       19. The table of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a support block disposed within the middle panel of the support panel, wherein the support block has greater density than portions of the middle panel immediately adjacent the support block; and 
 a drawer mounted to the support block. 
 
     
     
       20. The table of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a plurality of spaced-apart support blocks disposed within the middle panel of the support panel, wherein each support block has greater density than immediately adjacent portions of the middle panel; and 
 a plurality of drawers mounted to the support block. 
 
     
     
       21. The table of  claim 13 , further comprising a drawer mounted to the support panel, wherein the drawer is only connected to the support panel in an area rearward of the drawer. 
     
     
       22. The table of  claim 13 , wherein the longitudinally extending branch of the support beam extends through the middle third of the table top. 
     
     
       23. The table of  claim 13 , comprising:
 a first side support beam and a second side support beam, 
 wherein the table leg is coupled to the first side support beam and a second table leg coupled to the second side support beam.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/045,470, filed on Sep. 3, 2014, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to tables with drawers for displaying electronic devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to mechanisms and structures for tables and drawers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A retailer or other person may desire to provide a table having drawers for housing or displaying electronic devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     A retailer or other user may have various locations within a store or other location for using, displaying, testing, and/or providing technical assistance for electronic devices. The retailer may wish to provide tables at these locations to provide a convenient place for people (e.g., customers, salespeople, and technical support personnel) to use the electronic devices. The retailer may wish to provide storage within the tables to provide a convenient place for people (e.g., salespeople and technical support personnel) to access the electronic devices. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, a table is provided with drawers conveniently located beneath a lower surface of the table. The drawers may be used as storage space and reduce clutter on the table top surface. The table top surface remains as a flat expanse to maximize working surface. 
     To accomplish this and other objectives, the retailer may use a table or elements thereof according to embodiments described herein. 
     In some embodiments, a table includes a table top and a support beam and a support panel. The support panel may be disposed above the support beam. The support beam may include a longitudinally extending branch, a first transversely extending branch extending from a first end of the longitudinally extending branch, and a second transversely extending branch extending from a second end of the longitudinally extending branch. The support panel may include a middle panel, a top sheet extending over and fixed to a top side of the middle panel, and a bottom sheet extending over and fixed to a bottom side of the middle panel. 
     In some embodiments, a table includes a table top defining an upper surface and a lower surface with a drawer disposed below the table top. The drawer may include side panels defining inner side cavities with a rear opening at a rear of the drawer. The drawer may include a carriage mechanism disposed within the drawer side panels and extending through the opening at the rear of the drawer for moving the drawer between a first position and a second position. 
     In some embodiments, a table includes a table top defining an upper surface and a lower surface with a drawer disposed below the table top. The drawer may include a carriage mechanism for moving the drawer between a first position and a second position. The carriage mechanism may include a bracket connected to the drawer. The bracket may include a mounting panel fixed to the bottom surface of the table top and an extension arm extending toward the drawer. The carriage mechanism may include a carriage coupled to an upper surface of the bracket. The carriage may include a longitudinal groove and opposing longitudinal protrusions. The carriage mechanism may include a rail coupled to the drawer. The rail may extend from a rear of the drawer and may include opposing longitudinal grooves and a longitudinal protrusion. The rail longitudinal protrusion may be at least partially disposed within the carriage longitudinal groove. The carriage longitudinal protrusions may be at least partially disposed within rail opposing longitudinal grooves. The rail may be configured to slide along the carriage to move the drawer from a first position to a second position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a table according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows a cross-sectional side view of a table according to some embodiments, taken along line  2 - 2 ′ of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a cross-sectional side view of a table according to some embodiments, taken along line  3 - 3 ′ of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional side view of a table according to some embodiments, taken along line  4 - 4 ′ of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a table according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional top plan view of a table according to some embodiments, taken along line  6 - 6 ′ of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  shows a bottom view of a table according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  shows an enlarged view of area A of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 9  shows a top plan view of a drawer according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional view of a drawer according to some embodiments, taken along line  10 - 10 ′ of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of a drawer according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  shows a bottom view of a drawer according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  shows a cross-sectional view of a drawer according to some embodiments, taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a drawer according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  shows a partial cross-sectional view of a table according to some embodiments, taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 16  shows a cross-sectional view of a drawer according to some embodiments, taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 17  shows an exploded perspective view of portions of a carriage mechanism according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, they is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     A retailer or other user may have various locations within a store or other location for using, displaying, testing, and/or providing technical assistance for electronic devices. The retailer may wish to provide tables at these locations to provide a convenient place for people (e.g., customers, salespeople, and technical support personnel) to use the electronic devices. Furthermore, the retailer may wish to provide storage within the tables to provide a convenient place for people (e.g., salespeople and technical support personnel) to access the electronic devices. 
     A table is typically provided with support within a table top and table legs. The table top typically includes structural support along all perimeters of the table top. This structural support in the table provides reinforcement for the table top and helps distribute force applied to the table top. 
     A retailer may wish to provide drawers conveniently located beneath the table top. In some embodiments, drawers beneath the table top may be mounted to the bottom surface of the table top, occupying space that could otherwise be occupied by a perimeter support structure. In some embodiments, to maintain optimum structural integrity of the table, an internal support structure may be provided and may support the table at locations displaced from its perimeter, to leave room for drawers to be positioned immediately below the table top. 
     In some embodiments, structural support for the table is provided by a support structure having structural beams and a support panel extending from all sides of the table. The structural beams and support panel may compensate for the lack of support structure along the perimeters of the table top (e.g., in areas occupied by drawers). The structural beams and support panel may strengthen the table top by transferring force applied to one part of the table to legs at the ends of the table. The support beam and support panel may reinforce the table by distributing force applied to one part of the table through the table top and to legs thereof. Although this document describes the table in terms of a retailer facilitating use, display, testing or technical assistance related to electronic devices, the table can be used in any situation, for example, a dining table, kitchen table, side table, coffee table, desk, a temporary workstation, or mobile kiosk for electronic devices. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-16 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
     Embodiments of the present invention include a table  100  with drawers  200  (e.g., for housing or storing electronic devices). Table  100  may include a support structure including support beam  114  and support panel  116 . Table  100  may include one or more drawers  200 , each having a carriage mechanism  300  for moving drawer  200  from a first, closed, position to a second, open, position. In some embodiments, the elements and systems described herein (e.g., table  100  including support beam  114 , support panel  116 , drawers  200 , and/or carriage mechanism  300 ) may be used in conjunction with one or more of the elements and systems described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 62/045,474, 62/045,455, and 62/045,457, all filed on Sep. 3, 2014 (e.g., the display systems and/or components thereof disclosed in these applications). Each of these applications is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , table  100  may include a table top  102  having an upper surface  104 , a lower surface  106 , and a side surface  107 , and also may include legs  108 . Table top  102  may define one or more apertures  110 . In some embodiments, instead of discrete openings as shown in  FIG. 1 , aperture  110  is a continuous slot running longitudinally along the center of table top  102 . In some embodiments, table top  102  has a continuous surface (e.g., formed having, for example, no aperture, cavity, gap, opening, etc.). In some embodiments, aperture  110  is an electrical port or a pass-through for electrical wires (e.g., that may be connected to electrical ports within or below table top  102 ). As used herein, “electrical ports” encompasses both data ports and power ports. In some embodiments, table  100  may include an electrical cord  112  for providing data or power to ports and/or devices within table  100 . In some embodiments, table top  102  has a continuous surface (e.g., formed in a single segment having, for example, no aperture, cavity, gap, opening, etc.). 
     Some conventional tables may include structural support around the table, including along all perimeters of the table top. This structural support may reinforce the strength of the table top and help distribute force applied to the table top. Structural support throughout the table, including along the perimeter of the table top, may interrupt features or accessories beneath the table top surface, preventing features or accessories from mounting to the bottom surface of the table top. Such structural support may interfere with use of the table top and areas beneath the table top. 
     In embodiments of the present invention, structural support may be positioned throughout table top  102  in a manner that minimally interferes with areas beneath table top  102 , to provide an optimal environment for mounting features to lower surface  106  of table top  102 , such as, for example, drawers  200 . The structural support provided in embodiments of the present invention helps allow space beneath table top  102  to be maximally utilized, in part by minimizing disposition of support structures along longitudinal peripheral sides of table top  102 . 
       FIGS. 2-4 and 6  show cross-sectional views of table  100  according to some embodiments, where table  100  includes a support beam  114  and a support panel  116 . In some embodiments, support beam  114  may include a longitudinally extending branch  120 , a first transversely extending branch  122 , and a second transversely extending branch  124 . First transversely extending branch  122  may extend from a first end of longitudinally extending branch  120  and second transversely extending branch  124  may extend from a second end of longitudinally extending branch  120 . Table  100  may include support beams  118  along transverse sides  150  of table top  102 . 
     In some embodiments, longitudinally extending branch  120 , first transversely extending branch  122 , and second transversely extending branch  124  are connected in the form of an I-shape. Support beam  114  is not limited to an “I-shape,” but may have any shape including a longitudinally extending branch and a transversely extending branch extending therefrom, including, but not limited to, a T-shape, an L-shape, a triangle, etc. Support beam  114  may be metal (e.g., steel or aluminum). In some embodiments, longitudinally extending branch  120  may extend longitudinally within the longitudinal middle third of table top  102 . For example, where table  100  includes aperture  110  positioned longitudinally centrally, longitudinally extending branch  120  may be positioned adjacent to aperture  110  offset from a longitudinal center of table top  102  to support the structure. In some embodiments, longitudinally extending branch  120  may extend along the longitudinal center of table top  102 . Support panel  116  may be disposed above support beam  114  and may include a middle panel  130 , a top sheet  132  extending over and fixed to a top side of middle panel  130 , and a bottom sheet  134  extending over and fixed to a bottom side of middle panel  130 . Support panel  116  (including top sheet  132 , bottom sheet  134 , and middle panel  130 ) may extend throughout most of the length and width of table top  102  (e.g., greater than ¾ of the length of table top  102  and greater than ¾ of the width of table top  102 ). In some embodiments, top sheet  132  and bottom sheet  134  may extend continuously over the entire length and width of support panel  116 . In some embodiments middle panel  130  of support panel  116  may be a honeycomb structure  140 . In some embodiments honeycomb structure  140  of middle panel  130  may include interruptions to accommodate support blocks  142  as described below. Middle panel  130  is not limited to a panel with a honeycomb configuration of a hexagonal shape, but may have any shape including a panel with an array of hollow cells formed between vertical walls. Top sheet  132 , bottom sheet  134 , and middle panel  130  may be metal (e.g., steel or aluminum). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2, 4, and 8 , support panel  116  may include one or more support blocks  142  disposed within the middle panel  130  of support panel  116 . Top sheet  132  may be disposed on top of support block  142  and bottom sheet  134  may be disposed beneath support block  142 . Support blocks  142  may form part of middle panel  130 , adjacent to honeycomb structure  140  thereof. In some embodiments, support blocks  142  may have greater density than middle panel  130  (e.g., to more securely hold fasteners such as, for example, clamps, screws, bolts, adhesive, and welds). Support blocks  142  may be located anywhere additional structural support is needed (e.g., at areas where drawers  200  are attached to table top  102 ). Portions of support panel  116  including support blocks  142  may be more equipped to handle greater applied force than portions of support panel  116  that do not include support blocks  142 . For example, portions of the table top  102  that include support blocks  142  within support panel  116  may be better suited to stably hold a drawer  200  beneath table top  102  than portions of table top  102  that do not include support blocks  142  within support panel  116 . In some embodiments, support blocks  142  may be located where hardware is attached to table top  102  (e.g., via fasteners such as, for example, clamps, screws, bolts, adhesive, and welds). For example, the greater density of support blocks  142  may allow for a stronger connection between fasteners holding hardware of drawer  200  to table top. In some embodiments, hardware may be fixed to table top  102  according to locations of support blocks  142 . 
     Some conventional tables transfer force applied to the table to a structural support flange along the perimeter of the table top (e.g., extending between table legs) and to the ground or floor through legs of the table. Transfer of the applied force can help the table to remain supported at the point of contact and to distribute the force applied throughout the table to the legs. This transfer helps to minimize concentration of force in a relatively small area (e.g., immediately where applied) to thereby maintain structural integrity of the table and minimize the potential for damage to the table. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, transversely extending branches  122  and  124  of support beam are disposed along opposing transverse sides  150  of table top  102  (see  FIG. 1 ). Support beams  118  may also be disposed at transverse sides  150  of table top  102  extending between and connecting to adjacent legs  108 . In some embodiments, support beams  118  extend below table top  102 . In some embodiments, transversely extending branches  122  are coupled to support beams  118  (e.g., via mechanical fasteners  126  such as, for example, clamps, screws, bolts, adhesive, and welds, see  FIG. 6 ). Together, support beams  118  and transversely extending branches  122  and  124  may support table  100  in a transverse direction, and may direct forces applied to table  100  along their lengths to legs  108 . In some embodiments, support beams  118  are longer than transversely extending branches  122 , and so forces applied through transversely extending branches  122  are carried to legs  108  by support beams  118 . 
     In some embodiments, table top  102  does not have support beams extending between legs  108  along its longitudinal sides  152 . This may be in order to accommodate drawers in this area (e.g., below table top  102  in the same plane as transverse support beams  118 ). Longitudinally extending branch  120  of support beam  114  compensates for this lack of side support beams. As shown in  FIG. 6 , longitudinally extending branch  120  extends longitudinally within a middle longitudinal area of table top  102  (e.g., a middle third or middle quarter of table top  102 ). This inner position leaves room for drawers  200  or other fixtures along longitudinal sides  152 . Longitudinally extending branch  120  supports table  100  in the longitudinal direction, and may direct forces applied to table  100  along its length to transversely extending branches  122  and  124 , which direct the force transversely along transverse sides  150  toward longitudinal sides  152  and ultimately to table legs  108  and the ground or floor beneath them. In this way, table top  102  remains longitudinally supported even without support beams along its longitudinal sides  152  (e.g., within outer thirds of table top  102 ). 
     Support panel  116  may help more directly transfer force throughout table top  102  to support beam  114 , and thereby to legs  108  and ground. Support panel  116  may be a rigid structure, due in part to its layered structure (including middle panel  130 , top sheet  132 , and bottom sheet  134 ). Its rigidity allows forces to more directly transfer through it to support beam  114  disposed beneath it (e.g., rather than retaining applied force through bending or otherwise deforming). As shown in  FIG. 2 , rigid support panel  116  may rest on and be directly coupled to support beam  114  (e.g., along transversely extending branches  122  and  124 ), to directly transfer such force. The connection between support panel  116  and support beam  114  may also help support the rigidity of support panel  116 . For example, longitudinally extending branch  120  may resist bowing of support panel  116  in the longitudinal direction (e.g., when a force is applied centrally to table top  102 ). 
     For example, force applied to an area of table  100  above a drawer  200  may transfer to support panel  116 , which may transfer it to longitudinally extending branch  120  and transversely extending branches  122  and  124 . Longitudinally extending branch  120  may also transfer its force to transversely extending branches  122  and  124 . Transversely extending branches  122  and  124  may transfer the force to legs  108  (e.g., via support beam  118 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , table  100  may have one or more drawers  200 . Drawers  200  may include a peripheral wall  202  defining an inner drawer cavity  204 . Peripheral wall  202  may include hollow side panels  212  having outer side surfaces  208 . In some embodiments, outer side surfaces  208  may be bare. For example, they may include no hardware or other overlying or interrupting elements extending out from side surfaces  208 . The lack of elements extending out from side surfaces  208  allow side surfaces  208  of adjacent drawers to be positioned immediately adjacent, with no between adjacent side surfaces  208 . For example, adjacent side surfaces  208  may be spaced apart by less than ½ inch (e.g., less than ¼ inch or less than ⅛ inch). This helps maximize drawer space and minimize visual or mechanical interruption between adjacent drawers  200 . In some embodiments, bare outer side surfaces  208  may also be continuous, having no holes or voids. Bare continuous side surfaces  208  can help present clean side surfaces when the drawers are open for providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Furthermore, not having drawer mechanisms or other hardware exposed on side surfaces  208  can help minimize the potential for tampering or inadvertent damage to drawer mechanisms or other hardware. 
     In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in  FIG. 5 , drawer  200  may include a front surface  210 . In some embodiments, front surface  210  may be formed by a panel having a flat front surface  210 . In some embodiments of table  100 , front surface  210  may be bare. Examples of a bare surface are described herein with respect to the bare outer side surfaces  208 . Bare front surface  210  may be flush with the edge of table top  102  when drawer  200  is closed (See  FIG. 1 ), meaning that side surface  107  of table top  102  may be parallel to and coplanar with front surface  210  of drawer  200  at their interface(s) (e.g., aligned within a tolerance of +/−⅛ inch, which is generally imperceptible to a casual observer and will not interfere with the use and appearance of side surface  107  and front surface  210  together as aligned surfaces). 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , no portion of drawer  200  extends forward of side surface  107  when drawer  200  is closed. This helps to prevent clothing, hands, data cords, or other objects from catching on the edge of the drawer and helps to minimize physical and visual interruption between side surface  107  and drawer  200 , thereby better presenting clean side surfaces of table top  102 . 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, a table  100  may include a plurality of drawers  200  arranged side-by-side, which may have front surfaces  210  parallel to one another along the same geometric plane when drawers  200  are in the same position (e.g., closed or open the same amount), as shown in  FIGS. 1-5 and 7 . In some embodiments, these drawers  200  are disposed immediately adjacent one another. Adjacent drawers  200  may have no intervening hardware or other overlying or interrupting elements between their respective outer side surfaces  208 . Adjacent drawers  200  may have bare front surfaces  210  that are flush with side surface  107  of table top  102  when drawers  200  are closed. Front surface  210  of drawer  200  may be flush with the surface of front surfaces  210  of adjacent drawers  200  when drawers  200  are closed. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 12 , drawer  200  may include a bottom surface  214 . In some embodiments, bottom surface  214  may be at least partially formed by a bottom panel  216  having a flat bottom surface  214 . In some embodiments, bottom surface  214  may define a cutout  218 . Cutout  218  may help drawer  200  to be easily opened or closed. For example, a person accessing drawer  200  may reach beneath drawer  200  to bottom surface  214  and pull drawer  200  open at cut out  218 . A person may reach beneath drawer  200  to bottom surface  214  to push drawer  200  closed at cut out  218 . In some embodiments, cut out  218  may be located within a bottom surface of a panel forming front surface  210 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . In some embodiments, the bottom surface  214  may be bare. In some embodiments the bottom surface  214  may be bare except for cutout  218 . Examples of a bare surface are described herein with respect to the bare outer side surfaces. For example, bottom surface  214  may include no hardware or other overlying or interrupting elements extending out from bottom surface  214 . 
     Some conventional tables with drawers may include drawers typically supported along the outer sides or bottoms of the drawers. These drawers typically open and close by drawer movement mechanisms such as glides located along the sides or bottoms of the drawers. These movement mechanisms may be visible and easily accessible, and may interrupt bare or continuous surfaces of the drawers (e.g., by protruding therefrom). Visible movement mechanisms may increase the potential for tampering or inadvertent damage to the drawer, including its mechanisms. Drawers of some conventional tables may be structurally supported along the side of the drawer, external to the drawer. 
     In some embodiments, drawers  200  may include a carriage mechanism  300  for moving the drawer  200  between a first position and a second position, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 9-16 , where drawer  200  is closed in a first position (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ) and open in a second position (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, elements of carriage mechanism  300  may be positioned rearward of the drawer  200 , and in some embodiments elements of carriage mechanism  300  may be positioned within portions of drawer  200 . This positioning of carriage mechanism  300  allows movement of drawer  200  while not contributing any visual or physical element to exterior portions of drawer  200  that are visible or accessible during normal operation (e.g., outer side surfaces  208 , bottom surface  214 , or inner cavity  204  of drawer  200 ). For example, carriage mechanism  300  may not be visible from a perspective above the table top when drawer  200  is open or closed. In such embodiments, the potential for tampering or inadvertent damage to drawer  200  or its mechanisms (e.g., carriage mechanism  300 ) is minimized. 
     In some embodiments, carriage mechanism  300  may include a bracket  302  extending from the rear of drawer  200  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). Bracket  302  may include a mounting panel  320  and an extension arm  322 . In some embodiments two brackets  302  are used per drawer  200 , including two bracket extension arms  322 , one for each hollow side panel  212  of drawer  200 , and two mounting panels  320 , one for each bracket extension arm  322 . A pair of brackets  302  may be coupled together by lower support member  312  extending therebetween (see, e.g.,  FIG. 12 ). Mounting panel  320  may be fixed to table top lower surface  106  at a position rearward of drawer  200 . Extension arm  322  may extend toward drawer  200  and into cavity  230  of side panel  212  via opening  206 . In some embodiments, carriage mechanism  300  may include a lower support  312  fixed to extension arm  322 . 
     Carriage mechanism  300  may include at least one carriage  304  fixed to an upper surface of bracket extension arm  322  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 8, 10, and 15 ). In some embodiments, carriage mechanism  300  may include a plurality of carriages  304 . In some embodiments, carriage  304  may include a groove  330 . In some embodiments carriage  304  may also include opposing protrusions  332  protruding from, for example, sides of groove  330 . Carriage mechanism  300  may include a rail  306  coupled to drawer  200 . Rail  306  may extend from a rear of the drawer  200 . Rail  306  may include opposing grooves  340  and a protrusion  342 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a cross-section of carriage mechanism showing rail  306  engaged with carriage  304 .  FIG. 17  shows an exploded perspective representation of a portion of rail  306  and carriage  304 . Protrusion  342  may have a profile sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of carriage groove  330 , including opposing rail grooves  340 , which may correspond in size and shape to opposing carriage protrusions  332 . In some embodiments, protrusion  342  embodies the full cross-section of rail  306 , along at least a portion of rail  306 . Rail  306  may slide along carriage  304 , moving drawer  200  between an open position and a closed position. Rail  306  may remain engaged with carriage  304  throughout movement of drawer  200  between the open and closed positions. Engagement of rail  306  and carriage  304  may be maintained at least in part by engagement of rail protrusion  342  within carriage groove  330 . 
     In some embodiments, a spacer  308  may be disposed above rail  306  and beneath a drawer slide cover  310  of side panel  212 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of drawer slide cover  310  may be an interior feature of drawer  200 , such as a portion of a rim or tray. Spacer  308  may be sandwiched between rail  306  and drawer slide cover  310  to support drawer at a desired height above carriage  304  and bracket extension arm  322 . Spacer  308  may minimize shaking of rail  306  when sliding along carriage  304  and may help rail  306  slide smoothly along carriage  304  (e.g., by maintaining bottom surface  214  of drawer  200  spaced apart from carriage  304 , thereby preventing any friction or other interference therebetween). In this way, drawer  200  may smoothly slide relative to extension arm  322  to move between open and closed positions. 
     Bracket  302  may extend rearward from the rear of drawer  200  (e.g., out from side panel cavities  230  via openings  206 ) and may remain in a fixed position relative to table top  102  whether drawer  200  is open or closed. Bracket  302  may act as an encasement for members of carriage mechanism  300 . For example, bracket  302  may help protect rail  306  or carriage  304  from tampering or inadvertent damage. Spacer  308  may help rail  306  remain coupled to carriage  304  and prevent rail  306  from moving out of place. 
     In some embodiments mounting panel  320  of bracket  302  may be fixed to table top lower surface  106  to thereby fix bracket  302  relative to table top  102 . In some embodiments carriage  304  may be fixed to an upper surface of bracket extension arm  322  using any type of fastening mechanism, such as, but not limited to, clamps, screws, bolts, adhesive, and welding. In some embodiments, mounting panel  320  is fixed to table top lower surface  106  in a secure position to ensure that drawer  200  remains in position. For example, mounting panel  320  may be fixed to table top lower surface  106  at locations corresponding to support blocks  142  of support panel  116  (e.g., by fasteners driven through mounting panel  320  and into support blocks  142 ). In some embodiments, drawer  200  may be attached to table  100  only through mounting panel  320 . In some embodiments mounting panel  320  is disposed entirely behind drawer  200 , whether drawer  200  is in an open or closed position. Attaching drawer  200  to table only in an area behind drawer  200  allows for other use of areas beside, above and below drawers. For example, adjacent drawers can be spaced closer together, drawers can be positioned closer to lower surface  106  of table top  102 , and more space can be maintained below drawers  200 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more carriages  304  are fixed to an upper surface of each bracket extension arm  322  in a secure position. For example, two carriages  304  may be fixed to each bracket extension arm  322  to allow rail  306  to slide smoothly along spaced-apart carriages  304  without racking or shaking of carriage mechanism  300  when drawer  200  is moving between open and closed positions. 
     In some embodiments, drawers  200  may include a hollow side panel  212 . In some embodiments hollow side panel  212  (including drawer slide cover  310 ) may form side panel cavity  230 . For example, hollow side panel  212  may not be sealed on all sides but may form cavity  230  as shown, for example, in  FIG. 15 . In some embodiments, side panel cavity  230  is also partially defined by bottom panel  216  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 15 ). Side panel cavity  230  may have an opening  206  at the rear of drawer  200 . In some embodiments, at least when drawer  200  is closed, extension arm  322  of bracket  302  and carriages  304  fixed thereto may be disposed within side panel cavity  230  of hollow side panel  212 . Rail  306  may be fixed relative to drawer and disposed within side panel cavity  230  of hollow side panel  212 . Rail  306  may extend rearward from hollow side panel  212  from opening  206  of drawer  200 . In operation, rail  306  may slide along carriage  304  and relative to bracket extension arm  322  such that bracket extension arm  322  is inserted a greater distance or a lesser distance within cavity  230 , depending on the direction of motion of drawer  200  (e.g., whether drawer  200  is being moved to a closed or an open position). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9, 11, and 13 , carriage mechanism  300  may include a lock  314 . When carriage mechanism  300  is locked, lock  314  may prevent drawer  200  from being opened. Lock  314  may be coupled to a security block  315  when lock  314  is engaged, and drawer  200  may not open. Lock  314  may be disengaged by, for example, inserting and turning a key in a keyhole of lock  314  (e.g., accessible from under table  100 ), or by sensor identification (e.g., at or remote from lock  314 ). For example, lock  314  may be disengaged when an authorized device, signal, or tag comes into virtual contact with a sensor  221  of table  100 , which may occur through a sensor antenna  220  coupled to or otherwise in communication with sensor  221  (i.e., when an authorized device, signal, or tag is sensed by sensor antenna  220  (e.g., is within a sensing range of sensor antenna  220 )). 
     When lock  314  is disengaged, lock  314  may decouple from security block  315  and drawer  200  may be allowed to be opened. In some embodiments, sensor antenna  220  may be located beneath front surface  210  of drawer  200  (e.g., within peripheral side wall  202 ). In some embodiments, sensor antenna  220  may be located at the location of lock  314 . In some embodiments, sensor antenna  200  may be located within table top  102 . In some embodiments, sensor antenna  220  may not be located on table  100 . For example, sensor antenna  220  may be located on a wall or chair near table  100 , or other remote locations. Sensor antenna  220  may have a limited range, so as to only detect a device, signal, or tag placed near to sensor antenna  220 . For example, the range of sensor antenna may extend just above or adjacent the surface of table  100  (e.g., upper surface  104  of table top  102  or front surface  210  of drawer  200 ). This can help minimize the chance of inadvertently unlocking lock  314 , since it requires a user to place their device, signal, or tag in the right location on the appropriate surface, which takes knowledge of the right location and deliberate action unlikely to be taken inadvertently. In some embodiments a user may interact with sensor  221  directly, without a sensor antenna  220 , such as when sensor  221  is a biometric scanner such as a fingerprint scanner. 
     When lock  314  is disengaged, lock  314  may decouple from security block  315  and drawer  200  may be allowed to be opened. In some embodiments, sensor antenna  220  may be located beneath front surface  210  of drawer  200  (e.g., within peripheral side wall  202 ). In some embodiments, sensor antenna  220  may be located at the location of lock  314 . In some embodiments, sensor antenna  200  may be located within table top  102 . In some embodiments, sensor antenna  220  may not be located on table  100 . For example, sensor antenna  220  may be located on a wall or chair near table  100 , or other remote locations. Sensor antenna  220  may have a limited range, so as to only detect a device, signal, or tag placed near to sensor antenna  220 . For example, the range of sensor antenna may extend just above or adjacent the surface of table  200  (e.g., upper surface  104  of table top  102  or front surface  210  of drawer  200 ). This can help minimize the chance of inadvertently unlocking lock  314 , since it requires a user to place their device, signal, or tag in the right location on the appropriate surface, which takes knowledge of the right location and deliberate action unlikely to be taken inadvertently. In some embodiments a user may interact with sensor  221  directly, without a sensor antenna  220 , such as when sensor  221  is a biometric scanner such as a fingerprint scanner. 
     Types of sensors (and corresponding devices, signals, or tags) that may be used in accordance with the embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to, fingerprint sensors, radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensors, weight sensors, motion sensors, capacitive touch sensors, and bar code (including quick response (QR) code) scanners. A motion sensor may send a signal in response to sensing the motion (e.g., an authorized motion) of an object, such as a hand. A capacitive touch sensor may send a signal in response to sensing a touch, for example, the touch of a finger (e.g., in an authorized sequence). A weight sensor may send a signal upon sensing a weight above or below a threshold weight. An RFID sensor may send a signal upon sensing identification information on an employee&#39;s or technical assistant&#39;s RFID card (e.g., via an authorized passive or active RFID tag). A bar code scanner may send a signal upon reading a bar code associated with an employee or technical assistant (e.g., an authorized bar code). Controlling access to drawers  200  (e.g., via sensors  221  as described), may increase security within a retailer&#39;s store. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , lower support member  312  may be fixed to the bottom side of a portion of extension arm  322  that extends rearward from the rear of drawer  200 , and may extend between two brackets  302 . Lower support member  312  may provide structural reinforcement to carriage mechanism  300 , and may maintain desired spacing between brackets  302  for a given drawer  200  (e.g., to match spacing of side panel cavities  230  of drawer  200 ). Lower support member  312  may have a rear vertical flange to help protect the rear of carriage mechanism  300  by minimizing its potential for coming into contact with structures rearward of carriage mechanism  300 . In some embodiments, hardware or accessories of carriage mechanism  300  may be disposed on lower support member  312 . For example, lock  314  and security block  315  may be fixed to lower support member  312 . In some embodiments, lower support member  312  is formed of the same material as brackets  302  (e.g., metal, such as aluminum or steel). 
     As described, in some embodiments, rail protrusion  342  may be at least partially disposed within carriage groove  330 . Carriage protrusions  332  may be at least partially disposed within rail opposing grooves  340 . Rail protrusion  342  may then slide along carriage  304 , moving drawer  200  between an open position and a closed position. Positioning of rail protrusion  342  within carriage groove  330  and carriage protrusions  332  within rail opposing grooves  340  promotes proper alignment of carriage mechanism  300  (e.g., so that both rails  306  of a given drawer  200  translate parallel to upper surface  104  of table top  102  and perpendicular to side surface  107  of table top  102  with minimal deviation). This positioning helps to maintain rail  306  in engagement with carriage  304 . Rail  306  may slide along carriage  304  in a smooth and continuous motion. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the length of extension arm  322  may be longer than the length of drawer  200 . The length of rail  306  may span the length of drawer  200 . This allows an overlap length between rail  306  and bracket extension arm  322  even when drawer  200  is open, to maintain engagement of rail  306  and carriage  304  so that drawer  200  can be closed. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, force applied to drawer  200  may transfer to other parts of table  100 . In some embodiments, since drawers  200  are mounted fixedly to support panel  116  (e.g., at support blocks  142 ), force applied to one or more drawers  200  (e.g., in an open position) may transfer directly to support panel  116 , and from there may transfer through other elements of table  100  (e.g., support beam  114 , support beam  118 , and legs  108 ). The transfer of force in this way may help maintain drawer in solid connection to and alignment with table top  102 , even when subjected to force placed upon drawer  200 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 9-14 , exposed portions of carriage mechanism  300  are located at the rear of drawer  200 , while other elements of carriage mechanism  300  extend within cavities of drawer  200 . Arranging carriage mechanism  300  in this way may be beneficial for various reasons. For example, positioning exposed portions of carriage mechanism  300  behind drawer  200  allows concealment of carriage mechanism  300  underneath table top  102 . In combination with those portions concealed within cavities of drawer  200 , carriage mechanism  300  is entirely hidden from an observer viewing drawer from above table top  102 , and is only accessible from underneath table top  102 . In this arrangement all components of carriage mechanism  300  are concealed, even when drawer  200  is opened. This helps minimize potential interference with or damage to carriage mechanism  300  by persons or occurrences around table  100 . This also presents a clean, aesthetically pleasing appearance when drawer  200  is opened. 
     Also for example, the arrangement of carriage mechanism  300  at the rear of the drawer  200  minimizes wasted space. Positioning carriage mechanism  300  components behind and within drawer  200  avoids use of intervening mechanisms or interruptions between adjacent drawers. Further, positioning components of carriage mechanism  300  behind drawer  200  arranges them in areas that may otherwise be unoccupied wasted space behind drawer  200 . This reduces the space used in other areas around and within drawers  200 . This positioning of carriage mechanism  300  also allows for a greater number of drawers  200  to fit underneath table  100  in side-by-side configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . 
     Also for example, the arrangement of carriage mechanism  300  at the rear of drawer  200  allows for a smooth and quiet motion. As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , carriage mechanism  300  may include an insulating glide cover  316 . Insulating glide cover  316  may be disposed between drawer slide cover  310  and bracket  302 . Insulating glide cover  316  may act as a noise dampener to help insulate the drawer mechanism from noise caused by rail  306  sliding along carriage  304 , by itself absorbing noise and other vibration. Insulating glide cover  316  may help drawer  200  move quietly between closed and open positions. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many of the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for the purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. 
     The Detailed Description section is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventors, and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way. 
     The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance. 
     The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150827
Publication Date: 20170815
Grant Date: 20170815
Priority Date: 20140903
Inventors: GREEN CHRISTOPHER M.
MANDON KULLY KRAIG
MCBROOM DANIEL
MCBROOM MICHAEL D.
SCHWALBACH CHARLES A.
SIEGEL JONATHAN P.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A47F7/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B2021/066", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B88/407", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B2021/066", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B88/407", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47F7/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 55401058