GB2198935A

GB2198935A - Table

Info

Publication number: GB2198935A
Application number: GB8629239A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Michael Gray
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-12-06
Filing date: 1986-12-06
Publication date: 1988-06-29
Also published as: GB8629239D0

Abstract

A table comprises a table top (6) and substantially identical base units (8a, 8b). Each base unit comprises two frame units, each of which is formed generally as three sides of a rectangle, connector member being provided for connecting the two frame units together. The frame units are free-standing, and when in first, spaced apart positions, fig. 1, the table top may be supported at a first level, and with the frame units in second relative positions, in which there are at least partially nested, support the table top at a lower level fig. 2. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: "Improvements relating to tables" Description of Invention Whilst it is common for tables to be extensible to enable them to be used in different circumstances, it is still necessary for different tables to be utilised to fulfill the similar functions of a relatively high dining table and a relatively low occasional or coffee table.

According to this invention there is provided a table comprising a base and a table top, the base being capable of being positioned on the floor in one of two orientations, the table top being seatable on the base in either of said orientations whereby the table top may be supported at different heights from the floor.

Preferably the base is in the form of a frame, conveniently comprising one or more hollow members formed to provide multi-point floor engagement and multi-point support for the table top in each orientation.

Preferably the base is of two-part construction, the parts being separated when in a position, the first position, to support the table top at its higher level and be capable of at least partial "nesting" - i.e. extending into the same three dimensional envelope - when in a position, the second position, to support the table top at its lower level.

Preferably each part is provided by a unit, the two units being substantially identical. Preferably each unit when in its first position is free-standing, although when in its second position one of the units may derive at least some support from the other unit.

Conveniently each unit is formed from two sub-frame units, each of which lies in a plane, and means to connect the sub-frame units together.

Thus each frame unit may comprise two sub-frame units each formed generally as three sides of a rectangle (comprising spaced parallel limbs and a transverse limb extending between the parallel limbs), and connection means to connect the sub-frame units together at the free end portions of their parallel limbs.

There will now be given a detailed description, to be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, of a table which is the preferred embodiment of this invention, having been selected for the purposes of illustrating the invention by way of example.

In the accompanying drawings: FIGURE I is a perspective view showing the table which is the preferred embodiment of the invention, the units of a base of the table being shown in a first position supporting the table top at a higher level; FIGURE 2 is a view similar to that shown in Figure 1, showing the units of the base in second position, supporting the table top at a lower level; and FIGURE 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing one of the base units in an exploded condition; and FIGURE 4 is an enlarged view showing a connector member of the preferred embodiment.

The table which is the preferred embodiment of this invention comprises a table top ó and a base comprising base units 8a, 8b, the two base units being substantially identical.

Each base unit comprises two sub-frame units 10, each of which is formed generally as three sides of a rectangle, comprising spaced parallel limbs 12a, 12b and a transverse limb 14 extending between the parallel limbs, (see Figure 3).

Each base unit aiso comprises two connector members 16, each connector member comprising a head 18 and two shanks 20 extending from the head at any convenient included angle, typically between 60 and 900, (see Figure 4).

The sub-frame is formed from lengths of rectangular cross-section hollow tube, joined together to form an integral unit. Alternatively however circular cross-section tube may be utilised, which may cenveniently be formed from a single length of tube bent into a desired shape.

The shanks 20 are capable of being inserted into the hollow interior of the limbs 12a and 12b as a forcefit, such as to resist subsequent separative movement. In this manner when the two connector members have been inserted into their respective hollow tubes, the two sub-frame units 12a and 12b are rigidly connected together to provide a unit which is capable of standing freely either on an adjacent pair of limbs 12b, or on the two transverse limbs 14.

The head 18 is provided with a flat 19, so as to provide a horizontal surface when the unit is resting on the floor on the two parallel limbs.

Figure I shows the table with the units Sa and 8b in first positions, with the table top being supported at a height appropriate to the use of the table as a dining table. The units 8a and 8b rest on the floor with an adjacent pair of limbs 12a resting on the floor, with the opposed limbs 12b providing a Vshaped support for one side of the table.

In their second positions shown in Figure 2, the base units 8a and 8b are at least in part in a nesting configuration, the unit 8a lying with the two transverse limbs 14 of the two sub unit lying on the ground, the second bose unit 8b resting between the two pairs of parallel limbs 12a, 12a and 12b, 12b, supporting to second base unit with the surface 19 of the two heads of the connectors on the ground. In this manner both units serve to provide an extensive support surface for the table top 6 at a position suitable for the use of the table as an occasional, or coffee table.

It is to be appreciate that whilst in the preferred embodiment the base units are of hollow, rectangular cross-section tubular construction, other constructions may be utilised as may be desired, such as a tube of ovoid or circular cross-section.

Whilst in the construction illustrated the table top rests on the base units if desired releasable securing means may be utlised to secure the table top against movement relative to the base units.

It will also be appreciated that whilst in the preferred embodiment, each base unit is formed from two sub-units secured together, if desired the base units may each be formed as an integral unit.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, or a class or group of substances or compositions, as appropriate, may, separately or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

I. A table comprising a base and a table top, the base being capable of being positioned on the floor in one of two orientations, the table top being seatable on the base in either of said orientations whereby the table top may be supported at different heights from the floor.
2. A table according to Claim I wherein the base is in the form of a frame, comprising one or more members formed to provide multi-point floor engagement and multi-point support for the table top in each orientation.
3. A table according to Claim I wherein the frame is of two-part construction.
4. A table according to Claim 3 wherein the parts of the base are capable of relative movement between first positions in which they support the table top at a higher level and a second position in which they support the table top at a lower level.
5. A table according to Claim 4 wherein the base parts, when in their relative second positions, are at least partially nested.
6. A table according to any one of Claims 3, 4 and 5 wherein the two base parts are substantially identical.
7. A table according to any one of Claims 3 to 6 wherein each base part when in a first portion is free-standing.
8. A table according to any preceding claim appendent upon Claim 4 wherein when the base parts are in their second positions one of the base parts derives at least some support from the other base part.
9. A table according to any one of Claims 2 to 8 wherein each base part comprises two frame units, each of which frame units lies in a plane, and means to connect the frame units together.
10. A table according to Claim 9 wherein each frame unit is formed generally as three sides of a rectangle, connection means being provided to connect the frame units together at the free-end portions of their parallel limbs.
I I. A table comprising a base and a table top, the base being constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompany drawings.
12. Any novel feature or novel combination of features hereinbefre described and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.