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  TableRelated Patent Categories: Horizontally Supported Planar Surfaces, FoldingThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070234934. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/790,747, which was filed on Apr. 10, 2006 and entitled TABLE, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention generally relates to furniture and, in particular, to tables. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Conventional tables are used for a variety of purposes and come in a wide array of designs. In some situations, it is desirable to have a smaller table for personal or individual use. These smaller-sized tables intended for use by a single person may be referred to as a personal table. For example, persons living in a small space, such as a studio apartment, may choose to use a smaller or personal sized table on which to dine or perform tasks such as reading, working or writing. These smaller or personal sized tables can also be used to hold objects such as computers, televisions and other electronic equipment. [0006] Known tables often include a table top that is permanently fixed in a particular location and configuration. In addition, known tables typically include a table top that is disposed in a level orientation in which the upper surface of the table is generally parallel to a support surface such as the ground or floor. A level orientation, however, may not be best suited for certain uses of the table. [0007] Known tables may also be adjustable. For example, the height of some known tables may be adjustable. Additionally, the orientation of the table top for some known tables may be adjustable. Disadvantageously, it may be rather time consuming and difficult to adjust the height or orientation of the table top of some conventional tables. For example, adjusting the orientation of the table top of some conventional tables may require the loosening and tightening of a knob or fastener, which can make adjusting the orientation of the table tops difficult, awkward and time consuming. BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [0008] One aspect is a table that may include a table top that is movable between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position. The table may also include a frame that is sized and configured to support the table top, and the frame may be movable between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position. With the table top and the frame in the collapsed positions, the table may advantageously be disposed in a relatively compact. Significantly, this may allow the table to be stored in a smaller area and it may allow the table to be more efficiently shipped in smaller packaging. [0009] Another aspect is a table that may include a table top and a frame which can be separately movable between extended and collapsed positions. For example, when storage of the table is desired, the table top may be moved from the extended position to the collapsed position and then a portion of the frame may be moved from the extended position to the collapsed position. When use of the table is desired, the lower portion of the frame may be moved to back to its extended position and then the table top may be moved back to its extended position. Advantageously, the table top and the frame may be moved between the collapsed and extended positions in any desired order, which may increase the potential uses of the time. In addition, the table top and frame may be simultaneously moved between the collapsed and extended positions, if desired. [0010] Still another aspect is a table that may include one or more wheels, which may be sized and configured to allow the table to be quickly and easily moved. Significantly, the wheels may be used when the table top and/or frame are in the extended or use positions. For example, when the table top and frame are in the extended positions, the wheels may be used to allow the table to be quickly and easily moved from one location to another location. On the other hand, the wheels may allow the table to be quickly and easily moved when the table top and frame are in the collapsed positions. One or more of the wheels may also be spaced apart from a support surface when the table top and/or frame are in the extended or use positions. For instance, the wheels may be spaced apart from the support surface when the table top and frame are in the extended and/or use positions to prevent the table from inadvertently moving. [0011] Yet another aspect is a table that may include table top with a first section and a second section. The first and second sections are preferably movable relative to each other to allow the configuration of the table top to be adjusted. For example, the second table top section may be sized and configured to rotate, pivot, tilt and/or move relative to the first table top section. In addition, both the first and second sections of the table top may be adjustable. For instance, the first and second sections may be sized and configured to rotate, pivot, tilt and/or move in one or more directions. Advantageously, if the table top includes movable sections, then that may allow the table to accommodate a variety of different users and be used for a number of purposes and functions. [0012] A further aspect is a table that may include a table top with first and second sections in which the second section is sized and configured to rotate, pivot, tilt and/or move between a first position in which the first and second table top are generally aligned and a second position in which the second table top section is positioned at an angle relative to the first table top section. Advantageously, when the second table top section is in the second position, the first and second table top sections may be positioned for different uses. For example, the first table top section could be positioned in a generally level or horizontal position and pencils, pens, rulers, books and/or other items may rest upon this section of the table top. The second table top section, however, may be disposed at an angle relative to the first table top section. This may allow, for example, the second section to support items at an angle. Advantageously, this may allow items such as a laptop computer to be disposed in an ergonomically beneficial position. Of course, the table top sections may be disposed in other positions and may be used for a variety of other purposes and functions. [0013] A still further aspect is a table that may include a table top with first and second sections in which the second table top section may be sized and configured to rotate, pivot, tilt and/or within a limited range relative to the first table top section. Limiting the movement of the second table top section relative to the first table top section may advantageously help ensure that the second table top section is used for a particular, purpose or function. For example, if the movement of the second table top section is limited to about 15 degrees relative to the first table top section, then that may help prevent items from unintentionally sliding off the table top. In addition, limiting the movement of the table top sections may allow items such as laptop computers to be disposed in ergonomically beneficial positions. It will be appreciated that the movement of the table top sections need not be limited to about 15 degrees. In contrast, the table top sections may be limited to larger or smaller angles or positions depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table or table top sections. [0014] Yet another further aspect is a table that may include a table top with first and section sections in which the table top sections may be sized and configured to rotate, pivot, tilt and/or move without tightening and/or loosening of a knob or fastener. For example, the table top may include a ratcheting mechanism that is sized and configured to allow the position of the second table top section to be incrementally adjusted without tightening and/or loosening a knob or fastener. In addition, one or more portions of the table, such as the frame or table top, may help create a friction, snap and/or interference fit that allows the position of the second table top section to be incrementally adjusted without tightening and/or loosening a knob or fastener. [0015] Another aspect is a table that may be adjustable in height. In particular, the table top that may be sized and configured to be movable between a plurality of different heights. For example, the table top may move between a first position in which the table top is positioned at a first height and a second position in which the table top is positioned at a second height. [0016] Still another aspect is a table that may include a height adjustment mechanism which is sized and configured to adjust the height of the table top between the plurality of different heights. The height adjustment mechanism is preferably sized and configured to be operated with one hand or one foot. For example, the height adjustment mechanism may include a trigger (such as a button, lever, handle or the like) that may be operated with one hand to lock and/or unlock the table top at a desired height. Also, for example, the height adjustment mechanism may include a trigger (such as a foot pedal) that may be operated with one foot to lock and/or unlock the table top at a desired height. [0017] Yet another aspect is a table that may include a height adjustment mechanism which is sized and configured to adjust the height of the table top in a generally smooth fashion. For example, the height adjustment mechanism may include a spring (such as a gas spring, a coiled spring or the like) which may advantageously allow the height of the table top to be adjusted in a generally smooth fashion. [0018] A further aspect is a table that may have a relatively small-sized table top that is designed for use by a single person. This type of table that is intended for use by an individual may be referred to as a personal table, but it will be appreciated that more than one person could use the table if desired. Advantageously, the personal table may be relatively small and light-weight, which may make the table relatively easy to move and transport. Significantly, because the table may be sized and configured for personal use, it may not take up unnecessary space or provide a large amount of unused space. Therefore, the personal table may provide ample space for a single user without requiring a large area or wasting unnecessary space. [0019] A still further aspect is a table that may be used for a wide variety of different situations, purposes and uses. For example, the table may be used for supporting a television, computer, sewing machine, microwave, lamp, luggage and the like. The table can also be used for a wide variety of other uses such as a bedside table, coffee table, night stand, desk, shop table and the like. Further, the table can be used while performing a wide variety of tasks such as reading, writing, studying, working, etc. Thus, the table can be used in a number of different environments and it can perform numerous different tasks. [0020] Yet another further aspect is a table that may include a table top constructed from lightweight material so that the table is easily portable and can be readily lifted and moved by a single person. Desirably, the table top is constructed from blow-molded plastic, such as high density polyethylene. The blow-molded plastic table top may provide a relatively rigid, high-strength structure that is capable of withstanding repeated use and wear. Advantageously, the blow-molded table top may be easily manufactured and formed into the desired size and shape. The blow-molded plastic table top preferably includes a hollow interior portion, which may help form the relatively lightweight table top. Advantageously, the blow-molded table top may include one or more features that are integrally formed in the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece structure. For example, the bottom of the table top may include one or more grooves, channels and the like, which may be sized and configured to receive and/or retain a portion of the table such as the legs and/or frame. [0021] Another aspect is a table that may include a table top and one or more legs that are sized and configured to support the table top at a desired height. The legs are preferably offset towards one side of the table top. Advantageously, because the legs are not placed in the center of the table, that may provide increased legroom for the user. This also may allow the table top to be positioned closer to the body of the user, which may be more convenient for the user. Continue reading... Full patent description for Table Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Table patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Table or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Pallet with telescoped leg assemblies Next Patent Application: Simulated tiki furniture and method of making same Industry Class: Horizontally supported planar surfaces ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Table patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.61768 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Qualcomm , Schering-Plough , Schlumberger , Seagate , Siemens , Texas Instruments , |
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