HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE TABLE

Abstract

The described table relates generally to a height adjustable table and specifically to a table with legs that are adjustable in length, and as well to the adjustable table legs themselves. The described table relates to a height adjustable table comprising a horizontal component supported by a plurality of telescoping legs, the legs each comprising an outer tube connected to the horizontal component and an inner tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is moveably engaged within said outer tube, and the outer tube comprises an opening comprised of a substantially longitudinal channel with a plurality of pockets extending out from said channel, and the inner tube comprises a pin extending into said opening. The described table also relates to the adjustable legs and the use of the table.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a height adjustable table and specifically to a table with legs that are adjustable in length, as well as to the adjustable table legs themselves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are instances in which tables are required for seated activities, such as for taking notes; however, these tables are also utilized for standing activities, such as manual physical therapy. Tables fixed at a height for seated activities are not necessarily at the right height for standing activities due to the different heights of individuals and size of patients, and this causes challenges and discomfort for individuals especially when standing at a table of the wrong height.

For example, classrooms need to be equipped with tables of various heights to accommodate standing activities; however, the disadvantage is that these tables do not all facilitate use for seated activities. In another example, a physical therapist may require a table to provide therapies while the therapist is in seated position and then have the table elevated when the therapist is providing therapies in standing position.

In addition it is desirable to have a table that may be used for either sitting or standing activities by people of different heights. For example, a massage therapist of one height may wish to raise a massage table to a higher height than a shorter massage therapist using the same table who would prefer the table at a lower height.

There are several methods for adjusting the height of tables, for example, as described in Canadian patents 2,199,316 (Adjustable Height Tables) and 2,394,678 (Height Adjustable Table), and Canadian patent applications 2,609,895 (Height Adjustable Table) and 2,649,053 (Multi Adjustable Table Attachment). These tables have specific combinations of table surface and legs, but what is needed is a table used for seated activities that easily adapts to a table of the desired height for standing activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a height adjustable table comprising a horizontal component supported by a plurality of telescoping legs, said legs each comprising an outer tube connected to said horizontal component and an inner tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is moveably engaged within said outer tube, and said outer tube comprises an opening comprised of a substantially longitudinal channel with a plurality of pockets extending out from said channel, and said inner tube comprises a pin extending into said opening. In an embodiment of the invention the plurality of pockets are mushroom-shaped and extending sideways out from said channel at an upward angle. Such a table can have four legs, one or more bearings on said outer tube, and the pin can be a shoulder bolt. The second end of said inner tube can additionally comprise an extension bolt.

The pin can be located near said first end of said inner tube and the pockets can be labeled with corresponding labels on each leg. The pockets can be profiled to closely hold said pin and maintain the position of the pin. Such profiling can be mushroom-shaped such that the pockets extend in a mushroom shape sideways from the channel at an upward angle.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a height adjustable table comprising a horizontal component supported by four telescoping legs, said legs each comprising an outer tube attached to said horizontal component and an inner tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is moveably engaged within said outer tube, and said outer tube comprises an opening comprised of a substantially longitudinal channel with a plurality of mushroom-shaped pockets extending sideways out from said channel at an upward angle, and said inner tube near said first end additionally comprises a shoulder bolt extending into said opening.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of such a table whereby in a resting position said horizontal component maintains said pin within one of said pockets, and raising said horizontal component causes said pin to slide down in said one of said pockets and enables said pin to be moved into the channel and into another pocket.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, said pockets are profiled in any manner such that said pin is better maintained in position within the pocket. Said pockets can be profiled to form a substantially sideways mushroom shape with an upper edge and lower edge whereby said pin in resting position abuts against the upper edge of the pocket and when said horizontal component is raised abuts said lower edge of the pocket.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a height adjustable table leg comprising an outer tube and an inner tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is moveably engaged within said outer tube, and said outer tube comprises an opening comprised of a substantially longitudinal channel with a plurality of pockets extending out from said channel, and said inner tube comprises a pin extending into said opening. Said pockets can be profiled to form an upper edge and lower edge whereby said pin in resting position abuts against the upper edge of the pocket and when said horizontal component is raised abuts said lower edge of the pocket. Such profiling can be in the shape of a mushroom extending sideways out from the channel at an upward angle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which illustrate by way of example only an embodiment of the invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table with four legs according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial front view with a cutaway of a leg in resting position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial front view with a cutaway of a leg in transitory position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial front view of a leg in resting position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial front view with partial cross-section of a leg in transitory position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial front view with partial cross-section of a leg in resting position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, a height adjustable table according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at 10 and the height adjustable leg according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at 35. Although the legs of the present invention are described herein in the context of a table, it is nonetheless understood that the legs can be manufactured and sold on their own, or that the table and legs can be sold as a kit.

The table 10 has a plurality of telescoping legs 35 connected to the bottom of a horizontal component 20 which has a weight to it. The legs 35 are comprised of an inner tube 40 telescoped within an outer tube 30, wherein the inner tube has a first end and a second end, and the first end is moveably engaged within the outer tube. Optionally, the legs 35 each include an extension bolt 100.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the table 10 has four telescoping legs 35. The composition of the horizontal component can be customized to any desired use of the table. For example, a massage or occupational therapy table can be connected to the legs to accommodate different heights of masseuses or therapists. A metal or wooden desk top can be connected to the legs to accommodate different heights of students. It is understood that any material or surfacing of the horizontal component can be used that meets the needs of the user, and the table can be used for a wide variety of uses.

For ease of understanding an embodiment of the table and legs of the present invention, FIG. 2 shows the position of the inner tube 40 within the outer tube 30 and also shows the inner tube 40 with the outer tube 30 cutaway. The outer tube 30 of each leg includes an opening comprising a substantially longitudinal channel 70 with a plurality of pockets 80. In an embodiment of the present invention, the pockets extend substantially perpendicular out from the channel. In another embodiment of the present invention, the pockets extend out from the channel at an upward angle. The outer tube 30 of each of the legs 35 has the same or substantially similar channel and pockets so that the horizontal component 20 can be generally level, if desired, when the height of the horizontal component is adjusted as described herein.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the pockets are profiled to hold the pin in place. For example, the pockets may be profiled into a mushroom, or guitar peg shape such that the pocket has a curved upper edge and curved lower edge. The pockets can also be angled slightly upwardly for ease of movement of the pin out of the pocket and into the channel when it is desired to change the placement of the pin from one pocket to another pocket.

The inner tube 40 has a pin 90 attached to it and a shoulder bolt can be used for this function. In an embodiment of the present invention the pin 90 is located near the first end of the inner tube. The pin 90 can be made of any suitable component that can be connected to the inner tube 40. For example the pin 90 can be a shoulder bolt and the inner tube 40 can be drilled and tapped, a bushing inserted and a shoulder bolt threaded on. To use materials efficiently, the upper end of the inner tube 40 is where the pin 90 is placed; however the pin 90 could be placed in another location of the inner tube 40, for example for increased leg strength or stability. As well, in order to prevent rocking and play inside the outer tube 30 the outer tube 30 can include an upper bearing 50 and lower bearing 60.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the pin is attached to the same point of the inner tube in each of the legs.

FIG. 2 shows the pin 90 in resting position within a pocket 80. In the shown embodiment the pin at rest is abutting the upper edge of the pocket. Given that the pin 90 is in the lower most pocket 80, the height of the horizontal component 20 will be in its furthest position from the floor or surface on which the legs are resting. FIG. 3 shows the pin 90 in transitory position moving upwardly within the channel 70.

In contrast to FIG. 2, FIG. 4 shows the pin 90 in resting position within a pocket 80 and given that the pocket is higher on the outer tube 30, the height of the horizontal component 20 will be closer to the floor than in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show the pockets 80 with numbers which serve as a reference to adjust the legs 35 and hence table 10 to the desired height and to adjust each leg 35 to the same pocket. However, the numbers of the pockets can also be omitted for a different appearance or other comparative indicators rather than consecutive numbers used, for example a measurement of height from the ground, symbols, or words such as high, medium, low or names of individuals using the table. The plurality of pockets are oriented in the figures all on one side, however, they can also be oriented all on the other side or with a combination of both sides. FIG. 4 shows the pin 90 in resting position abutting against the upper edge of pocket 80.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate movement of the pin 90 when adjusting the length of a leg 35. When adjusting the height of the horizontal component 20 of a table 10, a person is positioned in a manner that allows that person to pull the horizontal component upward thereby releasing the pressure or weight on the pin 90 for the legs on that end of the table and allowing the pin to slide down in the pocket 80. At this point, the pin 90 is resting on the lower edge of the pocket 80. The person is then able to adjust in turn both legs on that end by moving the pin 90 on each leg (causing the inner tube 40 to moveably engage in a rotational direction) into the channel. FIG. 5 shows the pin 90 in the channel 70. The person moves the pin through the channel 70 into another pocket 80. After changing the pin position on both legs, the horizontal component 20 is lowered again. FIG. 6 shows that the person moved the pin 90 into the #4 pocket 80, and the pin is at rest abutting against the upper edge of the pocket. The pin 90 for both of the adjusted legs 35 is now in a different pocket and the horizontal component 20 is at an angle. The person can then position themselves at the other end of the table and repeat the procedure with respect to the legs at that end. In this way the table can be easily adjusted in height. When there are more people the legs can be adjusted simultaneously. By having the pockets numbered the person will be able to easily adjust the table to the same position on both ends or to the desired pocket for each leg.

Alternatively, the legs can be adjusted to different heights if desired. For example, if a slanted table is required for a four legged table, two legs at one end could be adjusted to the same height and the two legs at the other end could both be adjusted to another height. In another example, if one end of a table is mounted to a wall via a hinge or otherwise, the legs of the present invention can be connected to the other end of the table in order to slant the table up, down or perpendicular to the wall.

In order for said pin to stay in place, the pocket 80 can be profiled to prevent the pin sliding out of position. The pockets are profiled to closely hold said pin. As stated above the pockets can be profiled to form a substantially sideways mushroom shape with an upper edge and lower edge whereby said pin in resting position, with the weight of the horizontal component on the legs, abuts against the upper edge of the pocket and when said horizontal component is raised abuts said lower edge of the pocket. The pin can then be manually moved into the channel and to the desired pocket. The movement of the pin 90 in and out of the pockets 80 can be further facilitated when the pockets are at an upward angle, that is, angled towards the horizontal component 20.

The horizontal component 20 of the table 10 could also be raised by another manual means, such as a crank, or by a mechanical means, either of which raise either each leg individually or all legs simultaneously.

Optionally a threaded extension bolt 100 can be included at the bottom of each of the legs 35 that can be turned to extend or shorten the individual legs and adjust to any variations in the level of the floor.

The present invention does not require multiple screws and nuts to set the various heights of the table. The legs 35 of the table contain an opening with a channel 70 and pockets 80 to give a range of heights, and in an embodiment of this invention the range is eleven inches. The desired height range can be varied depending on the purposes for which the table will be used.

In order to achieve stability, the inner tube is ground to achieve very tight tolerances both in diameter and roundness and can be subsequently plated with zinc, nickel or chrome to give it surface hardness as well as rust prevention. The inner tube can be guided using the upper bearing 50 and lower bearing 60 in outer tube 30 which can be plastic or any bearing material such as bronze with a tight tolerance in order to prevent rocking and play inside the leg. In an embodiment of the invention the bearings are fastened onto the outer tube, for example, be press-fit, glue, screw or welded, but alternatively the bearings can be placed on the inner tube although the placement is important to avoid interference with the movement of the tubes when adjusting the leg length.

The outer tube 30 of the legs 35 can be notched with a channel 70 using laser cutting technology or machining on a vertical CNC milling machine for accuracy of the distance between the various pockets. (CNC is a generic term meaning ‘computer numerical control’).

It will be understood that the legs of the present invention can be used for supporting and adjusting the height of any horizontal component or platform. For example, coffee tables, computer stands, benches, art easels and plant stands.

Various embodiments of the present invention having been thus described in detail by way of example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the invention. The invention includes all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A height adjustable table comprising a horizontal component supported by a plurality of telescoping legs,

said legs each comprising an outer tube connected to said horizontal component and an inner tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is moveably engaged within said outer tube, and

said outer tube comprises an opening comprised of a substantially longitudinal channel with a plurality of pockets extending out from said channel, the pockets extending upwardly with respect to the second end, and

said inner tube comprises a pin extending into said opening;

wherein each pocket is mushroom-shaped for receiving and retaining the pin.

2.-3. (canceled)

4. The table of claim 1, in which there are four legs.

5. The table of claim 1, in which said outer tube additionally comprises one or more bearings.

6. The table of claim 1, in which said pin is a shoulder bolt.

7. The table of claim 1, in which said second end of said inner tube additionally comprises an extension bolt.

8. The table of claim 1, in which said pin is located near said first end of said inner tube.

9. The table of claim 1, in which said pockets are labeled with corresponding labels on each leg.

10. The table of claim 1, in which said pockets are profiled to closely hold said pin.

11. (canceled)

12. A height adjustable table comprising a horizontal component supported by four telescoping legs,

said legs each comprising an outer tube attached to said horizontal component and an inner tube having a second end, wherein said first end is moveably engaged within said outer tube, and

said outer tube comprises an opening comprised of a substantially longitudinal channel with a plurality of mushroom shaped pockets extending sideways out from said channel at an upward angle, and

said inner tube near said first end additionally comprises a shoulder bolt extending into said opening.

13. The use of the table of claim 1, whereby in a resting position said horizontal component maintains said pin within one of said pockets, and raising said horizontal component causes said pin to slide down in said one of said pockets and enables said pin to be moved into the channel and into another pocket.

14. The use of the table of claim 12, whereby in a resting position said horizontal component maintains said pin within one of said pockets, and raising said horizontal component causes said pin to slide down in said one of said pockets and enables said pin to be moved into the channel and into another pocket.

15. A height adjustable table leg comprising an outer tube and an inner tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is moveably engaged within said outer tube, and said outer tube comprises an opening comprised of a substantially longitudinal channel with a plurality of pockets extending out from said channel, and said inner tube comprises a pin extending into said opening.

16. The leg of claim 15, in which said pockets are additionally angled upwardly.

17. The leg of claim 15, in which said pockets are additionally mushroom-shaped and angled upwardly.

18. The leg of claim 15, in which said pockets are additionally mushroom-shaped and angled upwardly and said pin is a shoulder bolt.

19. A height adjustable table leg comprising an outer tube and an inner tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is moveably engaged within said outer tube which comprises one or more bearings in engagement with said inner tube, and said outer tube additionally comprises an opening comprised of a substantially longitudinal channel with a plurality of mushroom shaped pockets extending sideways out from said channel at an upward angle, and said inner tube comprises a pin extending into said opening.

20. The leg of claim 19, in which said pin is a shoulder bolt.

21. The leg of claim 19, in which said second end of said inner tube additionally comprises an extension bolt.

22. The leg of claim 19, in which said pin is located near said first end of said inner tube.

23. The leg of claim 19, in which said pockets are labeled with corresponding labels on each leg.