Alternately Usable Surfaces Patents (Class 108/13)
  • Patent number: 11617441
    Abstract: An article of furniture can be converted for dual uses as a coffee table and an ottoman, or vice versa, with relative ease using a simple conversion mechanism disposed on the article if furniture and operably connected between a number of convertible members and a base for the article of furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventor: Natasha Hazarian
  • Patent number: 11602836
    Abstract: A modular workbench system for quickly and easily interchanging a portion thereof may include a workbench with a cutout therein and a modular insert panel designed to removably engage with the cutout in the workbench. The edge of the cutout may include bench grooves, such as a bench finger joint, and the modular insert panel may include insert grooves, such as an insert panel finger joint, on an outer edge thereof, wherein the insert grooves are designed to removably engage with the bench grooves. The modular insert panel may include a tool premounted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Inventor: Robert Edgar Hartley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11304510
    Abstract: A portable standing desk configured for use in at least a storage position and a first use position includes a first and second tray portion, and an end cap. The first tray portion can have a main body including a first plurality of fingers, a first plurality of landing surfaces, first hinge posts and first guide arms. The first tray portion has a first working surface and a first inside surface. The second tray portion has a main body including a second plurality of fingers, a second plurality of landing surfaces, second hinge posts and second guide arms. The second tray portion has a second working surface and a second inside surface. The first and second hinge posts couple with the second and first guide arms to form a hinge that defines a pivot axis such that the first and second tray portions are selectively rotatable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventor: Gregory Alan Fernandes
  • Patent number: 11034414
    Abstract: A convertible seating system for a marine vessel includes a frame and a seat mounted on the frame and defining a first support surface. A backrest is configured for movement relative to the seat and the frame between a first position and a second position. In the second position, the backrest defines a second support surface lying generally parallel and vertically displaced relative to the first support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob W. Wilson, Paul Sherwood-Berndt
  • Patent number: 10568414
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to expandable furniture products that can be transformed into different configurations. The furniture products are equipped with an expansion system that enables the furniture products to be transformed between a compacted, space-saving configuration and an expanded configuration that increases the surface area of the furniture products. The expansion system integrated into the furniture products permits the furniture products to easily switch between the compacted configuration and the expanded configuration, and allows the furniture products to be fashioned in various ways when arranged in the expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: HILLSDALE FURNITURE LLC
    Inventor: Uri Glattstein
  • Patent number: 10134308
    Abstract: A mounting member, for supporting a sign holder assembly relative to a substantially horizontal member of a display system, includes a front plate, at least one side panel, and a back support. The front plate selectively receives the sign holder assembly and has a substantially planar primary surface. The at least one side panel is coupled to and extends away from the substantially planar primary surface of the front plate. The back support is coupled to the at least one side panel opposite and spaced from the front plate, at least partially defining use and storage channels each open toward a different one of at least two directions. Each of the use and storage channels are sized to independently and selectively straddle the substantially horizontal member to selectively couple the mounting member to the substantially horizontal member in a different one of a use orientation and a storage orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert G. Logan, Jeremy A. Clark, David H. Cheney, Jason L. Dusbabek, Paul A. Schlough
  • Patent number: 10117509
    Abstract: A table assembly may include a tabletop member having a lateral sidewall and a longitudinal sidewall. A cover may be pivotally connected to the tabletop member about a cover pivot. The cover may be configured to move from a closed position to a display position and may include a cover cavity having an interior wall. An adjustable length arm may include a first arm portion and a second arm portion. The first arm portion may be pivotally connected to the lateral sidewall of the tabletop member. The second arm portion may be pivotally connected to the interior wall of the cover. The cover may be configured to receive the tabletop member in the cover cavity when the cover is in the closed position. The cover pivot may be located nearer the longitudinal sidewall of the tabletop member than the first arm end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Steven Cooke
  • Patent number: 9872573
    Abstract: Furniture with an extensible counter-top is described. The extensible counter-top has a primary surface and a pair of leaves hingeably attached to the cabinet housing for pivoting relative to the primary surface. In a folded position, the pair of leaves rest upon the primary surface. In an unfolded position, the pair of leaves pivot in opposite directions to expand a width of the counter-top. When in the unfolded position, a first leaf of the pair of leaves forms a first support surface substantially coplanar with the primary surface, and a second leaf of the pair of leaves forms a second support surface offset below the primary surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: A.R.T. Furniture, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Eric Yates, Adam Tilley
  • Patent number: 9814321
    Abstract: Furniture convertible between a seating position and a bed position. The furniture may include a frame including spaced apart arms, a first section having a closed position and an open position, where, in the closed position, the first section is substantially horizontal between the spaced apart arms, and a second section separately moveable from the first section. The second section is movable from a folded position, where the second section is stored substantially within the frame, to an unfolded position, where the second section is unfolded outside of the frame and disposed adjacent to the first section in the closed position, thus forming a horizontal sleeping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: American Leather Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas A. Garland
  • Patent number: 9756934
    Abstract: A foldable table that provides a stable operational position in which the table legs may extend beyond the footprint of the table, and a folded, storage position in which the table legs may be tucked within the footprint of the table. An aspect provides table legs that may slide and pivot within sockets of a table top, to enable the legs to lock into the extended position and to also pivot flat against a horizontal undersurface of the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: MEGA Brands Inc.
    Inventors: Dominique Roy, Thierry Beauregard
  • Patent number: 8925468
    Abstract: A table top, including an outer frame extending around the periphery of the table top, the frame having an inner surface with a plurality of first openings provided therein, a central portion having an outer periphery receivable within the outer frame, such that together they form the upper surface of the table top, and the outer periphery of the central portion sits adjacent the inner surface of the frame, the outer periphery including a plurality of second openings aligned with the first openings, and a plurality of pins insertable to extend between the first and second openings to connect the central portion to the outer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: IHS Global Design Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Nicholas Polidoros
  • Publication number: 20140305347
    Abstract: A deployable table for an external spare tire assembly is an apparatus that provides a user with a fold-out shelf while the apparatus is attached to the spare tire assembly or provides the user with a table while the apparatus is detached from the spare tire assembly. The apparatus includes an adapter mount, a dual compression clamp, a central hub, a table frame, a table top, and foldable legs. The adapter mount allows the apparatus to detachably attach to the external spare tire assembly. The central hub is connected normal to the table frame, which is used to support the table top. The table top has a stationary portion and a fold-out portion that is used as the shelf. The foldable legs collapse within the table frame or can extend when the apparatus is used as a table. The dual compression clamp connects the central hub to the adapter mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Dan C. LARIMER
  • Publication number: 20130020848
    Abstract: A furniture assembly is disclosed. A surface is reversibly attached to a support via a removable connector. The connector attaches through the surface into the support structure and preferably lays flush with the surface. The connector may even blend aesthetically with the surface. The surface may be flipped to the opposite side by removing the connector and turning the surface over. A recess on the opposing side also allows the connector to pass there-through and connect to the support structure. In alternate embodiments, the two opposing surfaces may be identical or they may be different to reflect two distinct styles, colors, patterns, textures or the like. The flipping of the surface may be done to extend the life of the surface, change the aesthetic of the surface or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: 10-30 Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Warnke, Steve Van Bergen
  • Publication number: 20120295239
    Abstract: An apparatus is described that allows a table to be turned upside down so that a toddler can use the upright legs as grips and the horizontal cross support beams as obstacles to master the art of stepping over this obstacle height of the cross support beams. Once the art of stepping is mastered, the table is flipped upright to function as a table again. Several adjustments are added to a table so that the height of the cross support beams and length of the legs can be adjusted to provide a range of mastering possibilities when in the upside down position. When flipped upright, the surface of the table can have adjustable to have uniform height or a top that slants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Helen Gabara, Serena Gabara, Thaddeus John Gabara, Thaddeus Gabara
  • Publication number: 20120048149
    Abstract: Marine Equipment, more specifically, an apparatus that provides a durable, stable and secure, portable, full service liquor, beverage, and bar accessory storage, display and server box designed for nautical vessels in a marine environment that are subjected to rocking in water. The apparatus can best be described as a box made of plastic composite board with cut-outs on the top of the box. The cut-outs securely accommodate various bar items such as liquor bottles, wine bottles, ice bucket, wine cooler, blender, shaker cup, glasses, a cutting board, and condiment trays. The “fixed top” embodiment of the invention has a wood molding trim top rail for preventing items sitting on the box from sliding off due to the vessel rocking in water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Diane Lee Pendleton
  • Patent number: 8104410
    Abstract: A desk having a reversible work platform. In one embodiment, the reversible work platform is attached to a frame assembly with a plurality of bushings and associated bolts, and can be reconfigured from a left-handed configuration to a right-handed configuration by removing the bushings and bolts from above the desk, flipping the reversible work platform, and reinstalling the bushings and bolts from above the desk. In one embodiment, an L-shaped desk is reconfigured by flipping the reversible work platform and rearranging the parts of the frame assembly. Leg assemblies of the frame assembly include height adjustment mechanisms, which are actuated by a hand crank to change the height of the reversible work platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Watson Furniture Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Lanfear, Daniel A. Novak, Jacob Anthony Baron-Taltre
  • Patent number: 7614988
    Abstract: A multi-functional exercise bench having a storage section that can store exercise equipment such as weights, jump ropes, water bottles, yoga mats, decorative hand weights, yoga mats, resistance bands, etc. The bench includes a riser platform that provides an angled surface that the user can lay on while exercising. The riser platform is hinged at one end of the bench. Additionally, a storage cover can be included, being hinged at the rear of the bench. The multi-functional exercise bench can include weight support members as well as leg exercise devices. These weight holding exercise members can be collapsible and capable of being stored inside the storage section. The bench is covered in aesthetically pleasing materials to match the décor of the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Mary Kiser
  • Publication number: 20090223417
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a table for attaching to the wall of an aircraft or the like, with a table top comprising at least two table top segments which are moveable relative to each other. According to the invention, the following features are provided: a) at least one table top segment has a screen on one side; b) two table top segments are pivotable or rotatable in relation to each other about at least two axes, with the first axis running parallel to an edge of a table top segment and the second axis running substantially perpendicularly to the first axis in the plane of a table top segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Lufthansa Technik AG
    Inventor: Andrew Muirhead
  • Publication number: 20090101047
    Abstract: A multimedia table that can be used by a hospital patient or home users. One side of the table can provide a tray in which the patient can use to eat. An opposite side of the table provides for an LCD device wherein a person can watch television. The patient can rotate the table so that the patient can utilize either side of the table as the patient desires. Thus, for example, the table can be useful for a patient lying in a hospital bed, recovering in a nursing home, at home, or any other user wherein the table can facilitate entertainment, communication, eating, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Azanaw Mulaw, Paul Berman, Peter Barnett
  • Patent number: 7517012
    Abstract: A reversible food and game tray device for use with a child safety seat includes a two-sided tray that is easily reversible between two sides. One side includes a generally flat surface on which books, toys, games, and the like may be rested for use by a child. An opposed side defines multiple recesses for holding plates, cups, napkins, food, and drink items. The tray includes coupling elements for holding the tray in place as well as for enabling the tray to be quickly and easily reversed between the game and food surfaces. The coupling elements include at least one pin cooperatively positioned for releasably engaging a track. Preferably, two pairs of pins are provided along with a control lever for selectively retracting a selected pair of pins. Operation of the lever enables the tray to be pivoted, slid, and thus reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Lesley C. Day
  • Publication number: 20080276839
    Abstract: A convertible furniture item, the furniture item convertible between a coffee table and a dining table with chairs, which includes a planar rectangular table top having a first and a second side and ends and is supported at the ends by a plurality of planar legs. The legs are positioned and configured to double as the backs and legs of opposed chairs, support inwardly extending seats when the coffee table is turned on the first side a planar dining table surface is centrally positioned between the legs, outwardly extending from the second side in this dining table position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Andre' Daniel Louis, Robert M. Herod
  • Publication number: 20080236452
    Abstract: Convertible, multi-functional furniture is disclosed that has at least a standard configuration and a converted configuration, the standard and converted configurations providing different uses for the convertible furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Pratt, David W. Bradley
  • Patent number: 7377515
    Abstract: An apparatus that is used to convert a surface of a table into a card table, that can later be removed, stowed and easily transported. In its preferred embodiment, the device would be comprised of four major components: a thin flat piece of padding; a piece of cloth with a constricting perimeter, a long, soft, flexible border; and a strap with a joining mechanism. The device would be installed onto a table by laying the piece of padding flat on a table surface; covering the padding with the cloth; wrapping the border around the common edges of the cloth, padding and table; and securing the padding, cloth and border in place around the perimeter of a table surface edge through tension afforded by the strap, with the ends of the strap being connected by the joining mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Chandler Barker
  • Patent number: 7341307
    Abstract: An article of furniture comprising a frame including a first portion disposed in a horizontal direction and having an opening centrally disposed therein and a second portion attached to an underside of the first portion and disposed in a vertical direction. A predetermined plurality of leg members are connected to such underside of the frame's first portion of said frame to maintain the frame at a desired height. A flat member having a smooth finish on one side and a cushion on an opposite side. A first device is provided to enable rotating of the flat member to expose one of such smooth finish and such cushion as desired. There is a second device provided to maintain the flat member in a substantially horizontal plane during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventors: James Aaron Parker, Vincent Todd Herring, James Douglas Parker
  • Patent number: 7231740
    Abstract: A modular stage prop system having a first stage prop and a second stage prop. The first stage prop has a first stepping surface and a plurality of first side surfaces extending from the first stepping surface. The first stepping surface and the plurality of first side surfaces define a first partial enclosure in which an object may be stored. At least one of the first stepping surface and the plurality of first side surfaces has a male connector portion. The second stage prop has a second stepping surface and a plurality of second side surfaces extending from the second stepping surface. The second stepping surface and the plurality of second side surfaces define a second partial enclosure in which an object may be stored. At least one of the second stepping surface and the plurality of second side surfaces has a female connector portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventor: Scott E. Jirele
  • Patent number: 7156745
    Abstract: A combination pool table/ping pong table having height adjustment means for raising and lowering simultaneously the four corners of the game table. This allows the game of pool to be played at a proper regulation height and also allows the ping pong table to be used at a proper regulation height. A ping pong table surface is formed from a plurality of panels that rest on the top edge of the game table. These panels can be removably connected to each other. There is a storage rack assembly positioned in a chamber beneath the playing surface of the pool table that allows the ping pong table panels to be stored out of sight when not in use. There are two different embodiments of height adjustment means for raising and lowering the height of the game table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Richard B. Fahmie
  • Patent number: 6840180
    Abstract: A lightweight, portable table that is easily transportable. The inventive table includes two interchangeable table tops, one of which includes a compartment that can hold and transport the remainder of the table when disassembled. The top which houses the remainder of the table's components can be fitted with handles and removable wheels to facilitate transportation of the table. The table tops are pivotable about an upstanding support to allow an infinite variety of positions for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Matthew J. Ulmer
  • Patent number: 6823804
    Abstract: An interchangeable table top arrangement has a frame and backer board that can fit over a pre-existing table top or can be attached to a pedestal and used as a main table top. The frame and backer board define a recess, and an interchangeable insert fits into this recess. A hook-and-eye material (i.e., Velcro®) or other suitable releasable attachment system hold the insert in place within the frame. Finger holes in the backer board facilitate separating the attachment system to change out the insert. The inserts may have designs imprinted on them, e.g., advertising, holiday theme material, or game boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Holly K. Arnell
  • Patent number: 6814404
    Abstract: A passenger headrest is platform deployable and stowable from a passenger seat. The platform operates as a rear headrest and is pivoted to a forward position to serve as a forward leaning face-headrest. The headrest includes a headrest platform that is attached to an adjustable post made of tubular construction and having a plurality of holes. The adjustable post is concentrically dimensioned to be slidably received by a tubular bar. The tubular bar has a set of holes and is pivotably attached to the passenger seat. A first connector secures the adjustable post and tubular bar to each other. The headrest is pivotable through a range of motion adjusted by a passenger, wherein the passenger selects an inclination angle. The inclination angle used by the passenger is established via a second connector that secures the tubular bar to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas M. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6729685
    Abstract: A foldable wall supported seat that is rested against a wall at one end and may be used as a seat or to support decorative items. The supported seat has a pair of leg assemblies, a pair of U brackets, a seat surface, and a wall bumper. The leg assemblies are pivotally attached to the seat in order to allow the legs to be stowed beneath and parallel to the seat and lowered, perpendicular to the seat when the seat is in use. When the legs are lowered, the wall bumper is pressed against the wall to support a user thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Sonny Ebalobor
  • Patent number: 6679189
    Abstract: A convertible shelving unit with adjustable shelves includes an adaptable shelving system which allows a user to arrange the shelving into horizontal and cradling positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: William F. Henningfeld
  • Patent number: 6629504
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved convertible table construction that includes a central table base section having a central tabletop section with at least two adjacent edges to which at least one adjustable table leaf is attached. The adjustable table leaf is “L” shaped, with one leg of the “L” being a large work surface and the other leg being a smaller work surface. The “L” shaped leaf has attachment hardware along the intersection of the legs that allow the leaf to be attached to the edges of the top work surface of the table base. The hardware is uniquely configured to allow the “L” shaped leaves to be attached in two different orientations providing for a work surface that is adjustable in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Seth Stem
  • Publication number: 20030041786
    Abstract: An interchangeable table top arrangement has a frame and backer board that can fit over a pre-existing table top or can be attached to a pedestal and used as a main table top. The frame and backer board define a recess, and an interchangeable insert fits into this recess. A hook-and-eye material (i.e., Velcro®) or other suitable releasable attachment system hold the insert in place within the frame. Finger holes in the backer board facilitate separating the attachment system to change out the insert. The inserts may have designs imprinted on them, e.g., advertising, holiday theme material, or game boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Holly K. Arnell
  • Patent number: 6516731
    Abstract: A classroom desk, the desk having an article pad coupled to upper sides of props and supports, an upper plate attached to an upper side of the artical pad and a fixing unit for fixing the article pad and the upper plate to the props, wherein the fixing unit comprises: a first fixing pin for penetrating an upper end of the props and periphery of the article pad to be fitted into the upper plate; and a second fixing pin for being fitted into an upper side of the upper plate to be threaded to the first fixing pin, such that the upper plate can be simply and swiftly replaced and can be reversely used without being scarred on the article pad and a bottom surface of the upper plate while the fixing unit for fixing the upper plate can be prevented from being unscrewed and there leave no traces of the upper plate having been secured, thereby reducing waste of material cost and upkeep cost, and beautifying an exterior look of the classroom desk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Hyuk Koo Park
  • Publication number: 20020117091
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved convertible table construction that includes a central table base section having a central tabletop section with at least two adjacent edges to which at least one adjustable table leaf is attached. The adjustable table leaf is “L” shaped, with one leg of the “L” being a large work surface and the other leg being a smaller work surface. The “L” shaped leaf has attachment hardware along the intersection of the legs that allow the leaf to be attached to the edges of the top work surface of the table base. The hardware of the present invention is uniquely configured to allow the “L” shaped leaves to be attached in two different orientations providing for a work surface that is adjustable in size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Seth Stem
  • Publication number: 20020104463
    Abstract: The workbench of the present invention includes a support and a rotable worktop having multiple useable positions. The support includes interconnected spaced-apart support members. The worktop includes opposing surfaces, each adapted to support at least one tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph L. Wichert
  • Patent number: 6164211
    Abstract: A convertible article of furniture with a movable top and a fixed base. The top has folding panels or leaves and the entire top is movable from a horizontal position, in which the furniture article serves as a table, to a vertical position, in which the furniture article can serve a variety of purposes such as an entertainment center, a wine rack, a computer stand, etc., depending on the position of the folding panels. Drawers and organizers can optionally be inserted into the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph E. Faris
  • Patent number: 6155641
    Abstract: A variable height chair provides variable seat height measurements from the floor to the planar surface of the seat. The seat planar surfaces consist of seat panels forming a polygonal core and are supported at each end by two end frame panels. The central axis of the core is offset from the respective centers of the two end frame panels. The end frame panels have a number of identical dimensioned edges placed substantially parallel and apart from each other. The variation in height is achieved by the asymmetrical or offset location of the axis of the polygonal core. Through successive rotation forward or backward, different heights emerge for each planar seat surface. These different heights of the seat planar surfaces provide selectively different heights for persons of varied statures within the same age bracket and in different age brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Beverly J. Frost
  • Patent number: 6113182
    Abstract: A footrest-table convertible article of furniture includes a pair of vertical supports, at least one brace rigidly interconnecting the vertical supports, a rotatable element disposed between the vertical supports, and a pivot connection supporting the rotatable element on the vertical supports for rotation about a horizontal axis. The rotatable element has two opposed major surfaces, one being a flat unupholstered table top, and another being a cushioned footrest. The rotatable element can be flipped 180.degree. between a position in which the table top is uppermost and horizontal, and a position in which the cushioned footrest is uppermost and horizontal. A locking mechanism secures the rotatable element in either of the positions, at a consistent height above the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: James H. Wise
  • Patent number: 5957059
    Abstract: A computer desk is provided to house a computer system comprising a computer, a monitor, and a keyboard. The computer desk includes a first leg, a second leg, and a desk top extending between the first and second legs. A monitor shelf is positioned below the desktop, and a computer box sized and shaped to accept the computer is positioned against an outer surface of one of the legs. The desk top extends across the top of the legs and computer box. The portion of the desktop above the computer box is fixed. However, the portion of the desktop between the desk's legs is convertible between a closed position in which the desktop can be used as a writing surface and an opened position in which the monitor and keyboard are exposed and accessible to facilitate use of the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Gary Burhman
  • Patent number: 5727476
    Abstract: A multipurpose ottoman is described, consisting of a base unit having two supporting walls which rest on an underlying surface, and a top unit including a tabletop configured to receive a cushion or other items such as tableware, games or the like. The tabletop has two supporting walls which are designed to fit within the walls of the base unit and two support flaps connected by hinges to the tabletop. The support flaps are approximately parallel to the outside surfaces of the tabletop walls and are shorter in height than these walls.When it is desired that the assembly function as an ottoman, the supporting walls of the tabletop are lowered within the supporting walls of the base unit, and the support flaps are moved slightly to fit over a portion of the outer surfaces of the base unit's walls so that the tabletop rests on the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Ronald J. Priore, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5718178
    Abstract: A combination storage table and planter has a tubular body extending upwardly from a base. Received within the tubular body is an open ended spool. A reversible top is adapted to be received upon the tubular member such that in one orientation a table having a substantially flat planar surface is defined, and in another orientation the top has a recess or cavity for receiving soil and plants. The storage compartments are separated for dry and wet storage. Accordingly, a storage unit is provided which may also alternatively function as either a table or a plantar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Thom A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5570641
    Abstract: A table (16) is pivotable about an axis (41) with respect to a frame (14) between two working dispositions. A power tool working assembly (20) may be mounted on the table. A working head (eg blade 32) of the assembly (20) is positionable through an aperture in the table so that it can work on workpieces supported above either side of the table.The table is connected to the frame through an intermediate member (46) which is pivoted to the frame. The table has a first wheel (40) fixed thereto and a belt passes around the first wheel and around a second wheel (50) fixed to the frame (14) around the pivot (51) of the intermediate member. Pivoting of the intermediate member relative to the frame rolls the first wheel inside the belt and rotates the table between bench mode (FIG. 2) and snip-off mode (FIG. 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Andrea Garuglieri
  • Patent number: 5564343
    Abstract: An adjustable shelf for a paint colorant dispensing station comprises at least two platforms rotatably mounted on a pair of brackets. A pair of stops restrain the rotation of the shelf between two positions. One of the platforms is substantially horizontal and disposed beneath a dispensing head in one of the positions. The other platform is substantially horizontal and disposed beneath the dispensing head in the other of the positions. Each platform is adapted to hold a paint can. Each stop is adjustable by rotating the stop relative to the shelf. The rotation causes a threaded rod to extend from or retract to the element that supports the stop. A locking mechanism is provided to selectively restrain the shelf against rotation when the shelf is in one of the two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: ABC TechCorp
    Inventors: Erik G. Bartholomy, Joseph N. Biber, Beverly A. Damko, Norman A. Johansen, John E. Kurowicki, William A. McSwain, Lawrence C. Stanek, Robert E. West
  • Patent number: 5431206
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a portable workstation, including: a support structure; a horizontal, generally planar, working surface disposed upon and supported by the support structure; a plurality of tools mounted on the working surface, each of the plurality of tools being mounted on a horizontal mounting plate, the mounting plate forming a portion of the working surface, and the mounting plate being rotatable such that each of the plurality of tools may be selectively rotated between a working position on top of the working surface and a stored position underneath the working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventor: Michael J. McAllister
  • Patent number: 5421231
    Abstract: A portable saw table comprising a saw track pivotally supported on a saw table. A protractor is mounted on the saw track and an indicator-indexer plate is mounted on the saw table. A hand operated locking mechanism is provided. The saw table includes laterally extensible side members and longitudinally extending end members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Tapco Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Break, Arthur B. Chubb, Daniel J. Spencer, James E. Suyak
  • Patent number: 5360264
    Abstract: A versatile child's play table includes a removable and reversible table top with a smooth playing surface on one side and a modular building block interconnection system on the other side. The reversible table top can be removed to reveal a recessed playing surface with a surrounding ledge. Attached beneath the recessed playing surface are one or more toy storage drawers, and beneath the drawer(s) is a storage area with supports for storing the reversible table top. In an alternative embodiment, the reversible table top is formed from two halves, each of which are independently removable and reversible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Michael N. Crane
  • Patent number: 5160288
    Abstract: A toy table including a table top, a central portion of the table top being separately mounted from the remainder of the table top, apparatus for mounting the central portion of the table top to rotate and provide a first surface to the top and a second surface to the bottom, each of the surfaces of the central portion mounting items to appear on the table top, apparatus for rotating the central portion to place the second surface facing upward and the first surface facing downward, and apparatus for actuating the apparatus for rotating the central portion in response to a push from one side or the other below the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Milan J. Seda
  • Patent number: 5092615
    Abstract: A combined collapsible beach table, dolly and sled structure having a flat smooth table-top surface slidable over a sandy beach when the table is inverted and having recessed wheels with rolling surfaces projecting only slightly from the sliding surface to rollably support the inverted structure on a hard smooth surface. A pair of folding dual-leg members are extended to support the structure as a table and to retain loads thereon when the structure is inverted and used as a sled or dolly. The dual-leg members are folded against the table top to form a compact storable structure. A detachable pulling handle is storable in the compact folded structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventor: Donald C. Gregalis
  • Patent number: 5082038
    Abstract: A door fabrication station for sawing, planing, routering and mounting hardware on a door includes an upper door support frame for supporting a door in a generally horizontal position, a leg assembly extending below the door support frame to a surface on which the door fabrication station is to be supported, the leg assembly contacting the surface at one or more locations defining an area of surface contact, a lower door support mounted within the area of surface contact for supporting a door in generally vertical position, and an upper door support mounted above the lower door support for providing additional door support in the generally vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventor: Jeff A. Teel