WO2000013548A1 - Table portable - Google Patents

Table portable Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000013548A1
WO2000013548A1 PCT/US1999/019528 US9919528W WO0013548A1 WO 2000013548 A1 WO2000013548 A1 WO 2000013548A1 US 9919528 W US9919528 W US 9919528W WO 0013548 A1 WO0013548 A1 WO 0013548A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
table top
connector devices
portable
tables
edge
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/019528
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2000013548B1 (fr
Inventor
Walter R. Wagner
Richard C. Bue
Original Assignee
Sico Incorporated
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sico Incorporated filed Critical Sico Incorporated
Priority to AU56935/99A priority Critical patent/AU5693599A/en
Publication of WO2000013548A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000013548A1/fr
Publication of WO2000013548B1 publication Critical patent/WO2000013548B1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B87/00—Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units
    • A47B87/002—Combination of tables; Linking or assembling means therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a portable table and in particular, to a room service table having connector devices for connecting tables in series.
  • Prior Art Portable tables are well known and used for a variety of purposes, especially in the hotel industry. Such tables may be used for room service to deliver a meal from the kitchen and may be left in the room for the guests to dine on. Room service tables are typically mounted on casters or wheels for easy rolling. A bracket for holding and storing food warmers is often located beneath the table top.
  • the * table top may typically be folded to a storage position so that the tables may be nested for more compact storage.
  • the table top may also includes side leaves that fold from a storage position to a horizontal position, forming a larger table surface. The leaves fold downward to provide easier mobility and to provide an easier fit through doorways and onto and off of elevators.
  • a problem that arises with the use of such tables is management and delivery of multiple tables.
  • a problem that occurs when trying to push room service tables in series occurs with alignment of the edges.
  • serving tables are often pushed over slight differences in floor height, as occurs for example, in doorways or when floors of elevator cars are higher or lower than the height of the floor of the building, or when tables are pushed through transitions onto or off of ramps, the table tops may overlap slightly and one table may wedge under another. This misalignment may make maneuvering the tables extremely difficult.
  • This problem becomes magnified when doors are closing on the tables and the tables are difficult to push.
  • the problem may also occur from slight pressure or lifting force being placed on one edge of the table to raise or lower the opposite end.
  • the present invention is directed to a portable room service table and in particular, to a room service table that may be joined in an end to end relationship with adjacent room service tables.
  • the room service table of the present invention includes a table top that may be folded between a storage position and a horizontal use position.
  • the table has a frame mounted on casters or rollers to provide easy portability.
  • the connectors mount to the underside of the table tops at the edge and are aligned with one another.
  • the first connector includes a mounting bracket and a bumper extending downward below the table top edge.
  • the mounting bracket has a retainer for storing a connecting member that is pivotally mounted by a hinge on the mounting bracket.
  • the connector member is preferably formed from a slightly elastic material and includes an end grip and an orifice through which the retainer member extends.
  • the second complementary connector mounts near the opposite end of each front and rear edge and has a bumper extending downward.
  • a retainer member similar to that on the first connector is formed that receives the connecting member of the first connector when pivoted outward to extend beneath the second connector.
  • the retainer member of the second connector extends through the orifice of the connecting member in a similar manner to the engagement between the connecting member and the retainer member of the first connector.
  • the connecting member includes an end grip that is angled to provide clearance from the underside of the table top for operator's fingers.
  • the connecting member is typically formed from a somewhat flexible material with some elasticity, it provides slight flex between connected tables and to facilitate easier removal and insertion of the retainers.
  • the bumpers prevent the edges of the table tops from sliding under and over one another and possible wedging or jamming, that might cause damage to the tables. As the tables may be rolled over obstacles and variations in the floor surface, there may be slight elevational adjustment at the edges. As there are a pair of bumpers, one near each end of the edge, adequate safeguard prevents one of the table tops from wedging beneath the other.
  • the connectors provide for joining the portable room service tables in an end to end relationship in series. A number of tables may be joined together to form an extended series of tray tables that may be moved together as a single unit.
  • the connectors also provide for attaching or detaching one table at a time so that the entire unit may be moved to a location and one or more tables dropped off at their desired destination such as is common with delivering multiple meals to different rooms in a hotel.
  • Figure 1 shows a side elevational view of portable serving tables joined in series according to the principles of the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a side elevational detail view of a connector device mounted under the table tops of two adjacent tables shown in Figure 1 to connect the tables at their edges;
  • Figure 3 shows a side elevational detail view of a connector device mounted under the table tops of two adjacent tables shown in Figure 1 aligned but disconnected with connector element in a retracted storage position;
  • Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a first connector mounted on the underside of a table top for the connector device shown in Figures 2 and 3;
  • Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a second complementary connector for the connector device mounted on the underside of a table top shown in Figures 2 and 3;
  • Figure 6 shows an end elevational view of a table with the table top in the folded storage position, revealing the underside of the table top.
  • Each of the tables 10 includes a frame 12 mounted on casters or rollers 16 for portability.
  • the frame 12 supports a substantially rectangular table top 14 and may include folding side leaves for extending the surface area of the table top 14. Although a rectangular top 14 is shown, other shapes that allow joining along at least two edges may also be used.
  • the table 10 also includes a food warmer storage rack or frame for supporting a food warmer (not shown) beneath the table top 14.
  • a folding linkage 52 facilitates folding of the table top 14 between the horizontal use position shown in Figure 1 , and a substantially vertical storage position, shown in Figure 6.
  • the room service tables 10 may be nested closer to one another, taking up less space when stored.
  • the tables 10 may be connected in an end to end relationship with connectors 18 and 20.
  • the connectors 18 and 20 are complementary and engage one another to join front and rear edges of the tops 14 of adjacent tables 10.
  • the connectors 18 and 20 mount on the underside along the front and rear edges of the table top 14 in opposed alignment along the edges. It can be appreciated that the first connectors 18 are mounted in diametrically opposite corners of the table while the second connectors 20 are mounted in the other diametrically opposite corners of the table so that the first and second connectors 18 and 20 are always aligned and the orientation of the tables may be reversed without affecting alignment or connectability of the tables 10.
  • This configuration provides two pairs of complementary connectors 18 and 20 along each front and rear edge of the table top 14 for a more secure attachment between adjacent joined room service tables 10.
  • the first connector 18 includes a mounting bracket 22 with a bumper 24 extending downward.
  • the mounting bracket 22 attaches to the underside of the table top 14 with hardware 38, including rivets and screws.
  • the mounting bracket 22 also includes an angled portion 26 extending inward from the edge of the table top 14 for receiving a connecting member 32 in a secured storage position, as shown more clearly in Figure 3.
  • the angled portion 26 includes a retainer 28 that includes a slight lip.
  • the retainer 28 extends into an orifice 34 formed through the connecting member 32 with the lip engaging the face of the connecting member 32.
  • the connecting member 32 mounts on a hinge 30 providing pivotal movement between the extended connecting position, shown in Figure 2, and the retracted storage position, shown in Figure 3.
  • the connecting member 32 also includes an end grip 36, as shown in Figure 4 to allow easy actuation by an operator.
  • the end grip 36 is angled relative to the rest of the body of the connecting member 32 to be easily accessible when stored against the angled portion 26 of the mounting bracket 22, as shown in Figure 3, or when extended for connecting the second complementary connector 20, as shown in Figure 2.
  • the second complementary connector 20 includes a mounting bracket 40 with an edge bumper 42 extending downward, similar to and aligned with the bumper 24.
  • the bracket 40 is mounted with screws, rivets or other hardware 46.
  • the bracket 40 includes a retainer member 44 with a lip similar to the retainer member 28 on the first connector 18.
  • the connector 20 is positioned to align with the first connector 18 and connect adjacent tables 10 so that the edges of the table tops 14 are closely aligned.
  • the connecting member 32 of the first connector 18 is typically in the retracted storage position and held by the retainer member 28.
  • the connecting member 32 is disengaged from the retainer 28 by holding the end grip 36 and pulling the connecting member 32 downward.
  • the connecting member 32 is typically made of a somewhat flexible rubber material that has some elasticity so that it is held securely in place, yet can be extended to clear the lip of the retainers for removal.
  • the connecting members 32 fold upward so that the retainer member 44 of the second connecting member 20 extends into the orifice 34 as shown in Figure 2.
  • both pairs of the connectors 18 and 20 on the table tops 14 are engaged for a secure connection so that the two joined tables 10 may be moved as a connected unit.
  • a number greater than two may also be joined in a similar manner to form an extended room service table system, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the number of room service tables so connected is generally limited by the spaces in which the transportation takes place.
  • the connecting member 32 is pulled downward from the position shown in Figure 2 so that the connecting member 32 disengages the retainer member 44.
  • the connecting member 32 is pushed backward into the position shown in Figure 3 and held by retainer member 28.
  • one table 10 may be disengaged without disconnecting the other tables from one another.
  • This arrangement provides for dropping tables off one at a time at their needed destinations while proceeding to the other destinations with the remaining tables.
  • This system also provides for collecting multiple tables 10 and returning them to the kitchen, for example, as a single unit, thereby reducing the number of trips required.
  • This system also provides for greater flexibility as any number of tables may be joined together depending on the needs and space limitations.
  • One of the obstacles that may be encountered with such a system is differences in elevation or bumps in the floor, such as may occur when passing through doorways, pushing tables 10 onto or off of elevators, or pushing or pulling a series of connected tables 10 through transitions onto or off of ramps.
  • the present invention provides bumpers 24 and 42 that engage one another or the adjacent opposing table top edge to provide greater protection against misalignment of the edges of the table tops 14. This configuration prevents wedging or overlapping and the related transporting and maneuvering problems.
  • the connecting member 32 is somewhat flexible and may stretch and move to adapt to variations in the height of the floor as the tables 10 are pushed over bumps or variations in angle as occurs when one table 10 is on a ramp and the connected adjacent table 10 is still off the ramp, but is elastic to aid in returning the tables 10 to an aligned position.
  • the connectors 18 and 20 of the present invention are mounted in an out of the way position hidden beneath the underside of the table top 14 in both the storage and connection positions, for a more pleasing appearance.
  • the tables 10 are more aesthetically pleasing and safety is not compromised as there are no loose parts and little likelihood of catching clothing or table linens.

Landscapes

  • Tables And Desks Characterized By Structural Shape (AREA)
  • Legs For Furniture In General (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une table portable de service aux chambres composée d'un cadre et d'un plateau pliable. On monte le cadre sur des roulettes ou sur des roues de manière à pouvoir le déplacer. On dispose des éléments de fixation le long des bords avant et arrière de la table afin de permettre le montage des tables en série. Ces éléments de fixation comprennent des butoirs empêchant les bords des tables de se coincer ou d'être mal alignés. Les éléments de fixation supplémentaires comportent un premier élément de fixation pourvu d'un dispositif de retenue d'un élément de fixation. On monte de façon pivotante ledit élément, que l'on peut faire passer d'une position pliée de rangement sous le plateau de la table à une position dépliée qui permet d'engager l'élément de fixation supplémentaire sous un plateau de table adjacent. L'élément de fixation supplémentaire comprend un élément de retenue allant dans un orifice de l'élément de fixation, ce qui provoque l'enclenchement. _________________________________________________
PCT/US1999/019528 1998-09-04 1999-08-26 Table portable WO2000013548A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU56935/99A AU5693599A (en) 1998-09-04 1999-08-26 Portable table

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14816998A 1998-09-04 1998-09-04
US09/148,169 1998-09-04

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000013548A1 true WO2000013548A1 (fr) 2000-03-16
WO2000013548B1 WO2000013548B1 (fr) 2000-04-27

Family

ID=22524599

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/019528 WO2000013548A1 (fr) 1998-09-04 1999-08-26 Table portable

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU5693599A (fr)
WO (1) WO2000013548A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002102193A1 (fr) * 2001-06-15 2002-12-27 Pro-Cord Spa Table pliante
US11291302B2 (en) 2018-05-23 2022-04-05 Herman Miller, Inc. Furniture system
US11457732B2 (en) 2020-01-10 2022-10-04 MillerKnoll, Inc. Chase for connecting tables

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3915100A (en) * 1973-02-05 1975-10-28 Henry E Sullivan Panel fastening device
US3964401A (en) * 1970-06-25 1976-06-22 Firma Karl Gutmann Kg Typewriter and bookkeeping machine work unit for the formation of a work unit chain
GB2100121A (en) * 1981-05-11 1982-12-22 Midland Repetition The Co Ltd Means for aligning and linking together articles such as furniture
DE4230381A1 (de) * 1991-09-13 1993-04-08 Kotobuki Corp Rollenlageranordnung fuer einen fahrbaren tisch
EP0631744A1 (fr) * 1993-06-08 1995-01-04 Steelcase, Inc. Table mobile et système à tables

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3964401A (en) * 1970-06-25 1976-06-22 Firma Karl Gutmann Kg Typewriter and bookkeeping machine work unit for the formation of a work unit chain
US3915100A (en) * 1973-02-05 1975-10-28 Henry E Sullivan Panel fastening device
GB2100121A (en) * 1981-05-11 1982-12-22 Midland Repetition The Co Ltd Means for aligning and linking together articles such as furniture
DE4230381A1 (de) * 1991-09-13 1993-04-08 Kotobuki Corp Rollenlageranordnung fuer einen fahrbaren tisch
EP0631744A1 (fr) * 1993-06-08 1995-01-04 Steelcase, Inc. Table mobile et système à tables

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002102193A1 (fr) * 2001-06-15 2002-12-27 Pro-Cord Spa Table pliante
US7614351B2 (en) 2001-06-15 2009-11-10 Pro-Cord S.P.A. Folding table
US11291302B2 (en) 2018-05-23 2022-04-05 Herman Miller, Inc. Furniture system
US11812848B2 (en) 2018-05-23 2023-11-14 MillerKnoll, Inc. Furniture system
US11457732B2 (en) 2020-01-10 2022-10-04 MillerKnoll, Inc. Chase for connecting tables
US11771219B2 (en) 2020-01-10 2023-10-03 MillerKnoll, Inc. Chase for connecting tables

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU5693599A (en) 2000-03-27
WO2000013548B1 (fr) 2000-04-27

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