Adjustable table

Abstract

An adjustable and segmented table top including a footing, a pedestal, and a plurality of leaves. The pedestal is mounted on the footing. Each leaf comprises a stem extending from the pedestal, and each stem is independently mounted for extension and rotation from the pedestal.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to adjustable tables.

BACKGROUND ART

Whilst it is known to provide tables with adjustable tops to give flexibility in terms of the usable size of a table top, in some social settings such as in a lounge or entertainment room where people are seated in various positions in a room, it would be useful to have a table which can be adjusted to provide a table surfaces for individuals seated in different positions and of varying heights.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable table which provides variable table top settings to accommodate persons seated at different levels adjacent to the table.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a pedestal type table comprising a footing, a pedestal and a plurality of leaves wherein the pedestal is mounted on the footing, each of said leaves comprising a stem extending from the pedestal wherein each said stem is independently mounted for extension and rotation from the pedestal.

By providing an adjustable and segmented table top formed from a plurality of leaves which are supported by the pedestal, the arrangement and construction being such that the relative positions of the segments or leaves of the table top in relation to the pedestal can be altered for the convenience of persons seated adjacent to the table, the table top can accommodate persons sitting at different levels adjacent the table.

The independent adjustment of the stems relative to the pedestal permits the leaves to be positioned independently to accommodate each user's preferences.

The footing for use in the pedestal type table of the present invention may be of any convenient configuration. The footing may be in the form of a weighted base or in the form of a splayed footing, or other convenient configuration. As a weighted base, the footing may be formed from a dense material positioned around the pedestal such that the table is retained in an upright position. Typically the weighted base may be formed from a dense material such as steel, rock or concrete and may be finished with a surface coating such as a plastics housing or a paint. Alternatively, the weighted base may be finished by polishing to provide an attractive finish.

In an alternative configuration, the footing may be formed as a splayed footing comprising a plurality of feet radiating from the pedestal so as to provide a stable base for the pedestal type table.

The pedestal may be formed with a plurality of tubes corresponding to the plurality of leaves. The tubes may be welded or otherwise fixed together and in another embodiment may be formed with a plurality of tubes housed within a pedestal member. It is envisaged that there may be other configurations of pedestals that would permit the extendable, rotatable engagement with the stems of the leaves to allow the independent adjustment of the height and orientation of the leaves.

In one embodiment of the present invention the pedestal and the footing may be formed by a plurality of tubular members that are conjoined to form the pedestal and then splayed at their base to form the footing for the table.

The pedestal type table is formed from a plurality of leaves. Preferably the plurality of leaves interengage to form a substantially contiguous surface when the leaves are nested at the same height and oriented into abutment with each other. Preferably the top of the table formed by abutting leaves is of a desired shape such as a square, rectangular or circular shape.

The leaves may be of regular or complex shape whereby the interlocking of the leaves to form a contiguous surface may provide increased stability of the surface or simply provide an increased decorative appeal.

Alternatively, the leaves may be formed in individual shapes that do not readily nest to form a contiguous table surface when positioned at the same height. In such a configuration, the leaves may be uniquely formed to provide interesting and decorative shapes.

The leaves include a stem that engages with the pedestal and can be adjusted relative to the pedestal to provide vertical movement of the leaves as well as rotational movement of the leaves around the pedestal. The stem may provide cantilevered support for the leaf. It is convenient that the stem be formed as a cylindrical member for being received within a corresponding tube in the pedestal. The tube in the pedestal may have a clamping means associated therewith for allowing the stem to be moved vertically and also rotated in a released condition and retain the leaf of the table in a desired position in a clamped condition. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of different mechanisms may be used to allow the adjustment of the stem in the pedestal.

In one embodiment of the present invention the stem may be L-shaped and not only engage in a telescoping manner with the pedestal but also include a telescoping extension adjacent the leaf whereby the leaf may be displaced laterally with respect to the pedestal. In this manner, each leaf may be raised vertically, rotated with respect to the pedestal and also moved radially with respect to the pedestal. In this embodiment, the leaf or the stem may include a locking means for adjustment of the leaf relative to the stem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table according to the present invention in a compact form; and

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the table of FIG. 1 with segments of the table top in varying positions with one segment of the table top not shown for clarity; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing of a cantilevered support for a segment of the table top of the table of FIG. 1.

With respect to the drawings, the present invention comprises an adjustable pedestal-type table having a pedestal generally indicated by arrow 1 and footings generally indicated by arrow 2.

A table top indicated by arrow 3 is supported by the pedestal and footing may be segmented into four rectilinear segments 3a with support for each of the segments being provided by cantilevered arms 4 telescopically and pivotably connected to the pedestal 1.

The pedestal and footings are constructed from four identically shaped pieces of metal tubing each having a foot 5 and an upright 6.

The uprights 6 are joined in a cluster as illustrated with each foot 5 spaced at approximately 90 degrees from its neighbour.

Each cantilevered arm 4 is provided with an upright which is slidable and pivotable relative to a respective upright 6 of the pedestal, this situation being best exemplified by FIG. 3.

The cantilevered arms 4 each comprise an inner tube 8 and an outer tube 9 to which the table top segments 3a are secured.

In accordance with the objectives of the present invention, the table can be used in a compact form (FIG. 1) or with pivotable and cantilever adjustments with the segmented portions 3a of the table top in varying radial and height adjusted positions, as illustrated by FIG. 2.

Locking collars 10 and adjustment thumbscrews 11 can be used to secure segments 3a in a desired position.

The cantilevered arms are able to be rotated through approximately 90 degrees.

The table of the present invention provides versatility for the user and can be used in indoor and outdoor settings.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and modifications and additions thereto may be made without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

Claims

1. A pedestal type table comprising a footing, a pedestal and a plurality of leaves wherein the pedestal is mounted on the footing, each of said leaves comprising a stem extending from the pedestal wherein each said stem is independently mounted for extension and rotation from the pedestal;

2. A table according to claim 1 wherein the footing is in the form of a weighted base;

3. A table according to claim 1 wherein the footing is in the form of a splayed footing;

4. A table according to claim 3 wherein the footing is formed as a splayed footing comprising a plurality of feet radiating from the pedestal so as to provide a stable base for the pedestal type table;

5. A table according to claim 4 wherein the pedestal and the footing are formed by a plurality of tubular members that are conjoined to form the pedestal and then splayed at their base to form the footing for the table.

6. A table according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of leaves interengage to form a substantially contiguous surface when the leaves are nested at the same height and oriented into abutment with each other.

7. A table according to claim 1 wherein the stem is formed as a cylindrical member for being received within a corresponding tube in the pedestal.

8. A table according to claim 7 wherein the tube in the pedestal includes a clamping means associated therewith for allowing the stem to be moved vertically and also rotated in a released condition and retain the leaf of the table in a desired position in a clamped condition.

9. A table according to claim 1 wherein the stem is radically extendible from the pedestal.