Table Apparatus and Method

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/658,033, filed on May 8, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/116,173, filed on Mar. 1, 2023 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,998,109), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/499,363, filed on Oct. 12, 2021 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,596,223), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/922,602, filed on Jul. 7, 2020 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,154,130), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/681,375, filed on Nov. 12, 2019 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,743,654), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/876,838, filed on Jan. 22, 2018, (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,506,874), the contents of these aforementioned applications being fully incorporated herein by reference.

This document relates to a table apparatus and related systems and methods.

Tables, desks, and other work surfaces are often used in combination with a chair. Oftentimes, the chair is adjustable in height and includes arms. When people leave chairs, or move the chair to access different portions of the table, the arms and back of the chair can come in contact with an edge of the table, which can potentially cause damage to both the table edge and change. In addition, springing up of the seat and arms of the chair upon a person exiting the chair is very common. This is due to the typical relation of the arm of the chair to the table surface which is the result of human body geometry. For example, many people position their height-adjustable seating and its arm such that the arm is either directly parallel to the top surface of their desk or slightly below. Therefore, when one sits on the height-adjustable product, such as a spring gas cylinder equipped chair, the seating lowers a certain amount which places the position of the arm(s) below the surface. When leaving the table, the user may spin the seating away from the surface leaving one arm below the surface. Upon exiting the seating, the arm now returns to the initial position of the gas spring causing the arm to be pushed into the lower surface of the table or collide with an edge of the table.

This relationship between chairs and tables can cause damage to both the table and the arms of the chair. Generally, steps are taken to diminish damage of one item at the expense of the other. For example, metal arms for chairs make the chairs more durable to withstand damage, but can be more detrimental to tables. In addition, protection to the table often includes edging material that surrounds an edge of the table for protection, but this can increase damage to the chair. However, these modifications can diminish the aesthetics of the furniture.

Some embodiments of a table system can include a sub-top member that is positionable below a table to provide protection to both a table and chairs. Moreover, the table system may provide an aesthetic and sleek appearance that does not obscure an edge of the table. In particular embodiments, the table system can include an electronics panel (e.g., positioned along the sub-top protector member) that provides connection of electronic devices to electrical ports coupled to the table.

In some embodiments, a table assembly may include a table top. The table top may define a table peripheral edge and a lower surface. The table assembly may also include a sub-top positioned below the lower surface of the table top. The sub-top may define a protective peripheral edge extending outwardly beyond the table peripheral edge by a first distance. The sub-top can be made of a first material that is softer than the table top. The first distance may be less than 1.5% of a minimum width of a major upper surface of the table top. The sub-top may be configured to protect chairs. The first material of the sub-top may be exposed along the protective peripheral edge. The first material of the sub-top may absorb impact from objects. Optionally, the sub-top may include a sub-top body, and the protective edge may surround a portion of the sub-top body. The protective edge and the sub-top body may be made of different materials. The table top may be made of at least one of wood, glass, stone, metal, laminate, and plastic. The sub-top may be made of a soft polymer material having an outer skin surface with that is different than the table peripheral edge of the table top. The sub-top may include an electronics connector. The electronics connector may be positioned below the protective edge on an exterior face of the sub-top. An exterior face of the electronics connector may be flush with the exterior face of the sub-top. The exterior face of the electronics connector can be angled inwardly from the protective peripheral edge of the sub-top. The electronics connector may include at least one of a power outlet, a USB port, an HDMI port, a VGA port, a video port, an audio port, a serial port, a parallel port a, a DVI port, a printer port, a game port, and an Ethernet port.

In another embodiments, a table assembly may include a table top having a major upper surface that is bordered by a table peripheral edge. The table assembly may also include means for protecting the table peripheral edge from lateral impacts. The protecting means may be mounted below the table top and positioned outwardly beyond the table peripheral edge by a first distance that is less than 1.5% of a minimum width of the major upper surface of the table top. The protecting means may include a sub-top positioned below the lower surface of the table top. The protecting means may include a first material that is softer than the table top and may be exposed below the table peripheral edge to absorb lateral impact from objects. The protecting means may be a means for protecting the table peripheral edge from lateral impacts of one or more chairs. The table top may be made of at least one of wood, glass, stone, metal, laminate, and plastic. The protecting means may be made of a soft polymer material having an outer skin surface that is different than the table peripheral edge of the table top. The protecting means may include an electronics connector positioned below an outer protective edge of the protecting means along a downwardly angled face of the protecting means. An exterior face of the electronics connector may be flush with the angled face of the sub-top.

Some embodiments include a method of assembling a table assembly. The method may include mounting a table top over a protective sub-top of the table assembly. The table top may have a major upper surface that is bordered by a table peripheral edge. A protective peripheral edge of the sub-top may be positioned below the table peripheral edge. The protective peripheral edge may extend parallel to and offset from the table peripheral edge such that the protective peripheral edge may extend outwardly beyond the table peripheral edge by a first distance for protecting the table peripheral edge from lateral impacts. The sub-top may be mounted below the table top so that the first distance is less than 1.5% of a minimum width of the major upper surface of the table top. The table top may be made of at least one of wood, glass, stone, metal, laminate, and plastic. The sub-top may be made of a soft polymer material having an outer skin surface that is different than the table peripheral edge of the table top.

Some embodiments include a method of protecting a table assembly and/or a chair. The method may include absorbing an impact of a chair along a lateral edge of a table assembly. The table assembly may include a table top mounted over a sub-top. The table top may have a major upper surface that is bordered by a table peripheral edge. The sub-top may have a protective peripheral edge positioned below the table peripheral edge and that may extend parallel to and offset from the table peripheral edge. The protective peripheral edge may extend outwardly beyond the table peripheral edge by a first distance means. The protective peripheral edge may include a soft polymer material that absorbs the impact to hinder the chair from contacting the table peripheral edge of the table top.

Some or all of the embodiments described herein may provide one or more of the following benefits. First, some embodiments of a table protector can provide protection of both an exterior peripheral edge of the table and an underside of the table. In some embodiments, the table protector can therefore minimize damage to accessory furniture, such as chairs. In particular embodiments, protection can be provided by the table protector regardless of a material of the table and/or the chairs. These materials can include, but are not limited to, wood, glass, stone, metal, laminate, plastic, and upholstery.

Second, some embodiments of the table protector described herein may be generally concealed under a top element of the table (e.g., positioned as a sub-top element) to provide an aesthetic appearance that maintains the decorative or otherwise desired top element, for example, as a formal conference table. In some embodiments, the table protector allows a top of the table and an exterior peripheral edge face of the top to remain exposed, without obstruction.

Third, some embodiments of the table protector described herein may provide incorporation of electronic or other componentry within the table protector. In particular embodiments, the incorporation of components are not visible from a topside of the table. In some embodiments, the incorporation of the electronics panel components do not interfere with a bottomside of the table protector. In some embodiments, the incorporation of the electronics panel components can be flush with a face of the table protector. In some cases, the incorporation of electronics panel components can be recessed into the table protector. In some cases, the incorporation of components can be provided such that the material is substantially similar to the table protector to provide a seamless incorporation.

Fourth, some embodiments of the table protector described herein can be resistant to scratches, chipping, and other forms of damage due to a material of the table protector. In some embodiments, a texture of the material can reduce damage and limit visibility to any damage that may occur due to excessive forces. In some embodiments, a geometry of the table protector can reduce damage and limit visibility to any damage that may occur due to excessive forces.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

Referring to, a table systemcan include a table assemblyand one or more chairs. Table assemblycan include a table top, a table protectorlocated below table top, and legs. In this embodiment, the table protectoris implemented as a sub-top member so that the table topand its exterior peripheral edge faceremain exposed. Legscan extend below the table topto support and elevate table assembly. In some cases, legscan be attached to table top, the table protector, or a combination thereof.

Optionally, table topcan be formed of glass, wood, stone, metal, laminate, plastic, another material, or a combination thereof so as to provide a selected appearance, for example, as a formal conference table in the depicted embodiment. Table topcan include a top surfaceand a peripheral edge face. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge faceis exposed along all sides of the table top(e.g., along all four sides of the rectangular table top in the depicted embodiment). In some cases, top surfaceand edgecan be made of the same material (e.g., a slab of solid material). Alternatively, top surfacecan be made of one material (e.g., laminate) and edgecan be made of a different material (e.g., wood or a different material located under laminate). In this embodiment, the table protectoris arranged as a sub-top member so that top surfaceand edgeare exposed and visible while the majority of the table protector is generally concealed from view.

Still referring to, each of the chairscan optionally include a seatin combination with any or all of a back, arms, and an arm restIn some cases, armscan include an arm supportand an arm edgeFor example, arm restmay extend from backsubstantially horizontally to seat, or at an angle to seat, to allow a user to rest an arm on arm restIn the depicted embodiment, arm supportcan extend between arm restand seatand provides arm edgebetween arm restand arm supportIn some cases, arm edgecan be a portion of armthat is located farthest from back, such that arm edgecan come in contact with objects, such as table assembly, during use of the chair. Optionally, chaircan include an actuation mechanism. Actuation mechanismcan allow a height of seat, back, and armsto be modified. In some cases, actuation mechanismcan move seat, back, and armsuniformly. Alternatively, actuation mechanismcan provide unique actuation of seat, backand armsseparately. In some cases, actuation mechanismcan be a spring gas cylinder. In some cases, the height of seat, back, and/or armscan change slightly when a person sits in chairas compared to when chairis empty. As shown in the depicted embodiment, chaircan be rotatable such that the seat, back, and other elements can be rotated by a user relative to the legs/ground-engaging components of the chair.

Table protectoris positioned relative to the table topto protect table topfrom damage caused by items (e.g., chair) coming into lateral contact with table assembly. In some cases, table protectorcan protect chair(e.g., arms, back) from damage caused by an impact at an outer periphery of the table assembly. For example, table protectorcan be sized and shaped to protect table topand/or chairfrom damage due to a horizontal force(e.g., armor backbeing pushed into table assembly), rotational force(e.g., rotation of chaircausing armor backto contact table assembly), and/or vertical force(e.g., height of armincreasing due to a person leaving chairor actuating chairto increase height of chair). Preferably, table protectorcan be made of a material that is resistant to damage (e.g., scratches, dents, chips, etc.) caused by impact. For example, table protectorcan be made of a soft, resilient material, such as a polymer, cork, leather, etc., having an outer surface/skin that is configured to blend with, or add to, the outer decorative appearance of the table top. In some cases, a geometry of table protectorcan reduce the likelihood of visible damage caused by an impact along an outer periphery of the table assembly. Optionally, table protectorcan include a texture or pattern along its outer surface that can reduce the likelihood of visibility of any damage.

Still referring to, some embodiments of the table protectorcan include a lower surfaceconfigured to protect an underside of table assembly. In some cases, lower surfacecan protect table assemblyfrom damage caused by armsraising into the lower surface. Table protectorcan include an upper surface, which is optionally located directly below the lower surface of table top. Alternatively, upper surfaceof table protectorcan be spaced below table topwith a buffer. Buffercan be part of table protectorthat is raised above an edge of table protectorand can be sized such that bufferis smaller (e.g., in length and width) than table protectorand/or table top, so that bufferis limited in exposure and visibility.

In the depicted embodiment, lower surfaceand upper surfaceare separated via an angled edge. Angled edgecan provide increased overall thickness to table assemblyrelative to table topalone, such that a thinner piece of material can be used for table top, providing reduced costs for table assembly. In some cases, angled edgecan allow portions of chair(e.g., arms) that are lodged under the table protectorto raise slightly, such as when a person exits chairand causes an increase in height of arms. For example, as a person exits chair, if armis underneath angled edge, the armmay rise slightly along the angled edge, thereby causing small horizontal movement of chairas well. In some cases, angled edgecan have an angle between 10 degrees and 80 degrees. Alternatively, angled edgecan have a radius of curvature.

Table protectorcan include a protective edge. In some cases, protective edgecan include rounded edgesbetween protective edgeand upper surface, protective edgeand angled edge, and/or protective edgeand lower surface. In the depicted embodiment, table protectorcan be sized so protective edgeextends beyond exterior peripheral edge faceof table topby a distance(e.g., 1-10 mm), such that impact to table assemblyis received by protective edgethereby protecting exterior peripheral edge faceof table topfrom damage. Preferably, the distanceis relatively small compared to the major upper surface of the table top. For example, the distancemay be less than 1.5% (and optionally, 0.01% to 1.0%) of the minimum width of the major upper surface of the table top. In some embodiments, table protectorcan include an electronics connector.

Referring to, the table protectorcan include lower surface, angled edge, protective edge, rounded edge(s)and upper surface, as described with respect to. The table protectorcan optionally include an upward protrusion, a lower surface extension, and an upper surface extension. These components of the table protector, or a subset of the components, may be collectively referred to as the table protector edge. In some embodiments, table protectorcan include a table protector bodythat provides structure between multiple table protector edges(e.g., surrounding a conference table). Table protector bodycan include an upper body surface, a lower body surface, an angled body edge, a corner body extension, and a body receiver.

Table protector bodycan provide structural support to table protectoras table protector edgemay be made of a soft material. In some cases, table protector bodycan also reduce costs of table protector. For example, table protector bodycan be made of a material that is more cost effective than the material of table protector edge, such as wood, particle board, plastic, etc.

Upper body surfaceextends along a top of table protector body. Upper body surfacemay be exposed, such that upper body surfaceabuts a lower surface of table top. Alternatively, upper surface extensionmay extend from upper surfacealong upper surfacesuch that upper surface extensionis between upper body surfaceand a lower surface of table top. Upper surface extensioncan be an extension of table protector edgeand can accordingly be made of a material similar to that of table protector edge. In some cases, upper body surfacecan support buffer, as described with respect to.

Similarly, lower body surfaceextends along a bottom of table protector body. Lower body surfacemay be offset vertically from lower surfacesuch that lower body surfacewill not come into contact with chairor a person in chair. Alternatively, when lower body surfaceis flush with lower surface, or substantially flush with lower surface, lower surface extensionmay extend from lower surfacealong lower body surfacesuch that lower surface extensionprovides protection between lower body surfaceand chair, a person or other objects in contact with table system. Lower surface extensioncan be an extension of table protector edgeand can accordingly be made of a material similar to that of table protector edge. Optionally, lower surface extensioncan be offset vertically from lower surface. For example, a portion of lower surfacecan be removed to create lower surface extensionhigher than lower surface.

Still referring to, angled body edgeof table protector bodycan extend along an inside of angled edgeof table protector edge. This configuration can provide a flush coupling between table protector bodyand table protector edge. Alternatively, the interior of table protector edgemay be rounded, rectangular, square, or another shape, and angled body edgecan be shaped to correspond with the shape of the interior of table protector edge. Angled body edgecan extend into corner body extension.

Corner body extensioncan extend into protective edgeand provide a surface for upper surface. Alternatively, table protector bodymay not include corner body extension. Instead, upper surfacemay extend downward toward angled edgerather than creating a gap.

Upward protrusioncan be position along, and extend upward from, lower surfacesuch that upward protrusioncan be inserted into body receiverto aid in coupling table protector edgeand table protector bodytogether. In some cases, the geometry of the upward protrusionand/or body receivercan aid in retaining upward protrusionin body receiver. Upward protrusionand body receivercan be shaped as compliments to one another to provide secure coupling of the table protector edgeand table protector body. Additionally, upward protrusioncan aid in protecting upholstered arms of chairs. For example, upholstered or foam padded arms of chairs, if trapped underneath lower surface, will conform to the upward protrusionsuch that arms of the chair are not damaged.

Referring to, a second embodiment of a table protectorcan include a table protector edgesubstantially similar to table protector edgedescribed with respect to. The table protectorcan further include a table protector bodywhich can include a body connector unitand a body edge unit. In some cases, body connector unitand body edge unitare a single unit. Alternatively, body connector unitand body edge unitare separate units coupled together. Body connector unitcan include an upper body connector surface, and a lower body connector surface. Body edge unitcan include a body edge unit, a body edge upper surface, a body edge lower surface, an angled body edge, a body corner extension, and a body receiver.

The table protector edgecan include a combination of lower surface, angled edge, protective edge, rounded edge(s), upper surface, upward protrusion, and an upper surface extension.

Table protector bodycan provide structural support to table protectoras table protector edgemay be made of a soft material. In some cases, table protector bodycan also reduce costs of table protector. For example, table protector bodycan be made of a material that is more cost effective than the material of table protector edge, such as wood, particle board, plastic, etc. Body edge unitcan be received by table protector edgeand can coupled to body connector unit. Body connector unitcan extend between multiple body edge units(e.g., surrounding a conference table).

Upper body connector surfaceextends along a top of body connector unit. Upper body connector surfacemay be exposed, such that upper body connector surfaceabuts a lower surface of table top. Alternatively, upper surface extensionmay extend from upper surfacealong upper body connector surfacesuch that upper surface extensionis between upper body connector surfaceand a lower surface of table top. Upper surface extensioncan be an extension of table protector edgeand can accordingly be made of a material similar to that of table protector edge. In some cases, upper body connector surfacecan support buffer, as described with respect to.

Lower body connector surfacecan extend along the bottom of body connector unit. Lower body connector surfacecan be located higher than body edge lower surface, such that a space is created between body edge units. This space can be used to run cables for electronics connector, and limit the interference between cables and a lower portion of the table assembly. Further, additional costs can be saved by reducing the height of body connector unit.

Still referring to, body edge upper surfaceof body edge unitcan extend along an inside edge of upper surfaceof table protector edge. This configuration can provide a flush coupling between edge body unitand table protector edge. In some cases, body edge upper surfacemay be exposed, such that edge body upper surfaceabuts a lower surface of table top. Alternatively, upper surface extensionmay extend from upper surfacealong body edge upper surfacesuch that upper surface extensionis between body edge upper surfaceand a lower surface of table top.

Similarly, body edge lower surfaceof body edge unitcan extend along an inside of lower surfaceof table protector edge. This configuration can provide a flush coupling between edge body unitand table protector edge. Further, body edge lower surfacemay extend between angled body edgeand body receiver.

Angled body edgeof body edge unitcan extend along an inside of angled edgeof table protector edge. This configuration can provide a flush coupling between edge body unitand table protector edge. Alternatively, the interior of table protector edgemay be rounded, rectangular, square, or another shape, and angled body edgecan be shaped to correspond with the shape of the interior of table protector edge. Angled body edgecan extend into body corner extension.

Body corner extensioncan extend into protective edgeand provide a surface for upper surface. Alternatively, body edge unitmay not include body corner extension. Instead, upper surfacemay extend downward toward angled edgerather than creating a gap.

Upward protrusioncan be position along, and extend upward from, lower surfacesuch that upward protrusioncan be inserted into body receiverto aid in coupling table protector edgeand body edge unittogether. In some cases, the geometry of the upward protrusionand/or body receivercan aid in retaining upward protrusionin body receiver. Upward protrusionand body receivercan be shaped as compliments to one another to provide secure coupling of the table protector edgeand table protector body. Additionally, upward protrusioncan aid in protecting upholstered arms of chairs. For example, upholstered or foam padded arms of chairs, if trapped underneath lower surface, will conform to the upward protrusionsuch that arms of the chair are not damaged.

While table protectorsandhave been described with respect to various geometries, it should be realized that many other geometric configurations would also be suitable for table protectorsand. Further while table protectorsandhave been described with respect to being a sub-top for a table, such as a conference table, it is envisioned that the sub-top protector can be used for underneath any shape of table, as well as for other types of surfaces, such as other tables, desks, work surfaces, and/or cabinetry.

Referring to, electronics connectorcan be received in an electronics connector receiving areaof table protector. Electronics connectorinclude a variety of electrical component connection ports position along an electronics connector face. As shown in, electronics connectorincludes electrical outlets, USB ports, a first recessed port, and a second recessed port.

Electronics connector receiving areacan be located below protective edgeand rounded edge(s), such that the electronics connector receiving areais located on angled edgeof table protector. Electronics connector receiving areacan provide access of electronics connector cablesto electronics connector. In some cases, electronics connectorincludes just a face panel that electrical ports can be received within. Alternatively, electronics connectorcan include built-in electrical ports that can be coupled to the appropriate electronics connector cables. Electronics connector facecan be flush with angled edgeto provide a seamless integration of the electronics connectorand table protector.

Electrical outletsand USB portsare shown to be integrated flush with face. Electrical outletscan receive a power cord. In another embodiment, an electrical port can extend into the cavity toward electronics connector face. The electrical ports can also include, but are not limited to, HDMI ports, VGA ports, video ports, audio ports, serial ports, parallel ports, DVI ports, printer ports, game ports, Ethernet ports, and any combination thereof. In addition, the ports can be mini or micro ports of the aforementioned ports.

In some embodiments, electronics connectorcan be made of a material substantially similar to the material of table protector edge, such that electronics connectorpossesses similar qualities as table protector edge. For example, electronics connectorcan be made of material that is resistant to damage (e.g., scratches, dents, chips, etc.) caused by impact, such as a soft, resilient material having an outer surface/skin that is configured to blend with, or add to, the outer decorative appearance of the table top.

In some embodiments, the table protector can also include other elements positioned and connected similarly to electronics connector. For example, table protectorcan include a drawer, a cup holder, and/or a table extension (e.g., a flat surface that can extend similar to a drawer, but provide additional table space).

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modification may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.