Conference table
A conference table includes a work surface supported by at least two supports and a plurality of receiving slots positioned generally beneath the work surface and accessible from at least one side of the conference table. The receiving slots are configured to receive electronic racking units therein, and include electrical connections for electrically connecting a power source to the racking units when the racking units are inserted into the receiving slots. The racking units are securable in the receiving slots and are generally concealable within the receiving slots via at least one movable cover. The table may include a plurality of lights positioned around the table and movable between a raised position, where the lights may illuminate the work surface, and a lowered position, where the lights may be positioned generally beneath the work surface. The table may include an accessory well for movably housing an accessory within the well of the conference table.
The present invention relates generally to conference tables and, more particularly, to conference tables at which electronic accessories and devices may be used or connected.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIt is known to provide a conference table that includes a large work surface that may provide for electrical connection or power supply to a computer or laptop or the like positioned at the table. The conference table may include a plurality of outlets and/or communication wiring or network or video cabling that may be accessible from the work surface. The outlets or connectors may be provided for plugging in a computer or the like while the computer is placed on the work surface. The outlets and connectors may be positioned within a channel along the work surface and may be covered with a removable cover. An example of such a table is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,327,983.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a conference table that may receive or house a plurality of racking units or electronic accessories therein. The conference table may include electrical power supply connectors or other communication links and the like to the racking units as the racking units are received into the respective openings in the conference table. The conference table may also provide for other electrical connections, such as power connections, telecommunication connections, video and network connections and the like, for other electronic accessories and the like that may be positioned at the conference table. The connections may be readily accessed through one or more openings in the tabletop or work surface of the conference table. The conference table may also include one or more accessory wells for holding one or more electronic accessories therein. The wells may be raised upwardly so that the accessory is positioned generally at or above the tabletop or work surface, and may be lowered down into the conference table and closed over, such that the accessory is positioned within the well and covered by a cover generally at the work surface. The conference table may include lights or other accessories as well to provide an enhanced work surface at which the people sitting around the conference table may work or confer.
According to an aspect of the present invention, a conference table for a plurality of people to confer at includes a tabletop or work surface supported by at least two supports and a plurality of receiving slots or shelves positioned generally beneath the tabletop. The receiving slots are accessible from at least one side of the conference table and are configured to receive electronic racking units therein. The receiving slots include electrical connections for electrically connecting one or more electrical wires to the racking units when the racking units are inserted into the receiving slots. The wires may connect to a power source and/or other electrical accessories or units at or near or associated with the conference table. The racking units are securable in the receiving slots and are selectively concealable within the receiving slots via at least one movable or removable cover.
The receiving slots may be positioned within, beneath and along at least one side of the work surface and/or may be positioned within a column that defines at least one of the supports of the work surface. The conference table may include at least one accessory connector that is positioned within a recess of the work surface and that is accessible from above the work surface. The accessory connector is configured to connect to an accessory and may be connected to an electrical power source or communication link. The recess may receive an accessory therein and may be selectively accessible via opening a cover that is movably positioned at and at least partially over the recess. The recess may include a movable platform that may support an accessory and that is movable between a lowered position, where the platform and the accessory are at least substantially within the recess, and a raised position, where the platform and the accessory are elevated such that the accessory is at a level generally coplanar with the work surface.
The conference table may include a plurality of microphones spaced along the work surface for receiving vocal signals from a person sitting near the respective microphone. The microphones may be fixedly mounted to the work surface and may be positioned at least partially within and along a trim strip along the work surface. The conference table may include a plurality of lights that may be vertically movable between a raised position, where the lights function to illuminate at least a portion of the work surface, and a lowered position, where the lights are positioned below the work surface and substantially concealed by a cover portion of the lights. The lights may be automatically activated when moved to the raised position and automatically deactivated when moved to the lowered position. Each of the lights may include an elongated upper bar that houses the illumination source of the light. The elongated upper bar may define a cover portion that generally corresponds with the upper surface of the work surface at or around the light when the light is in the lowered position. The lights may be positioned along a trim strip of the work surface, such that the cover portions of the lights generally correspond with the surface of the trim strip at either side of the lights.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a conference table for a plurality of people to confer at includes a work surface supported by at least two supports, a plurality of work stations defined at least partially around the work surface, and a plurality of lights along the work surface. Each work station is configured for a person to sit at, and the lights are positioned generally at respective ones of the work stations. The lights are vertically movable between a raised position, where the lights function to illuminate at least a portion of the work surface at the respective work station, and a lowered position, where the lights are positioned below the work surface and substantially concealed by a cover portion of the lights. Each of the lights is independently vertically movable.
Therefore, the present invention provides a conference table that may house or receive a plurality of electronic accessories or racking units therein, and that may provide for electrical or telecommunication connections to the racking units and/or other accessories. The conference table of the present invention thus provides for enhanced and convenient storage for audio and/or visual equipment where they may be easily or readily accessible by a person sitting at the conference table. The conference table of the present invention also provides for readily accessible connections for various electronic devices and, thus, provides an enhanced work surface at which people may work with their laptops and the like.
These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, a conference table 10 includes a work surface or tabletop 12 and a pair of generally vertical legs or columns or supports 14, one at or near each end of the conference table 10 (
Work surface 12 may be supported on supports 14 by a pair of longitudinally extending beams or support members 30 that extend substantially the length of the work surface and that at least span the gap between the supports to provide support over substantially the entire length of the work surface 12. The beams 30 may comprise a metallic material, such as an extruded aluminum material, and may connect to a plurality of side braces 32 (
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Racking units 18 thus may be electronically connected to the appropriate connectors and wiring as they are attached to the racking bracketry 16, 22. The wiring may be routed in and along the conference table 10 when the table is assembled, as can be seen with reference to
After the racking units 18 have been installed and secured to the racking brackets 16, 22, the covers 24, 26 may be positioned at the racking units to generally conceal the racking units within the column support 14 or lower trough 20, respectively. The covers may be readily removed or opened by a person sitting at the table to access the racking units or accessories. For example, the covers 24, 26 may be readily removed from the conference table to provide access to the racking units, such as shown in
As can be seen in
Conference table 10 may also include one or more center modules 28, which may also be mounted to or attached to or supported by the flanges 30a of the longitudinal beams 30, such as shown in
Optionally, the storage well may comprise a retractable or adjustable well 38 (
Optionally, the center modules 28 of the conference table of the present invention may include one or more access modules 42 (
The access modules may provide power connections and voice/data connections concealed beneath the dual gull wing doors 44, which may comprise a metallic material, a veneer material or a glass material or the like. The access modules may be provided in various lengths, depending on the particular application of the conference table. Each access module may be equipped with multiple outlet receptacles and RJ-11 (voice) and RJ-45 (data) snap-in connectors, all of which may be accessible from either or both sides of the access module. The quantity of receptacles and connectors may be selected and changed depending on the length of the access module and/or on the length or application of the conference table. The access module or modules may also be equipped with blank interface cards, which may serve as the mounting platform for additional separately specified voice or data connectors or the like, as may be desired after the conference table is assembled.
Optionally, the center modules 28 of the conference table of the present invention may further include a fixed shelf 50 (
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In the illustrated embodiment, the presentation lights 52 include a generally horizontal upper bar 52a that houses the illumination source or light bulb 52b or the like. The upper bar 52a is connected between a pair of generally vertical supports 52c to support the upper bar and the illumination source generally above the work surface when the presentation light is in its operable position. As can be seen with reference to
The presentation lights may be raised and lowered via a touch and release mechanism, whereby pushing downward on the presentation light when it is in its lowered position releases the light, such that the light may raise upward to its raised position in response to a biasing member or spring or the like within the presentation light and/or conference table. Optionally, pressing the presentation light and allowing the presentation light to be raised to its elevated position may also function to activate the illumination source, such that the presentation light is on when in its raised position. Pressing downward on the presentation light to move it back to its retracted or lowered position may then also function to deactivate the illumination source to turn off the presentation light when it is stored in the conference table.
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Because the center modules and lower channels or troughs may be readily inserted into the channels or grooves extending along the beams (as shown in
Therefore, the present invention provides a conference table that may be configured to have one or more storage wells and racking units and power connections and telecommunication connections, depending on the particular application of the conference table. The conference table may receive a plurality of racking units therein to substantially fixedly retain the desired components and to provide the electrical connections thereto when the components or units are mounted to or attached to the conference table. The conference table may further include one or more storage wells or retractable wells for receiving and storing one or more accessories or the like within the conference table. The conference table may also include multiple power and/or data and/or communication connections for readily connecting or plugging a cord or cable or the like of a computer or laptop or accessory or the like to the appropriate connectors of the conference table. The conference table may further provide presentation lights for selectively illuminating an area or work station of the work surface to provide enhanced illumination when the lights of the conference room may be dimmed, such as for presentations or the like. The work surface and the modules and racking units and lights may be mounted to or attached to and supported by a pair of longitudinally extending support beams, such that the work surface or tabletop of the conference table need not provide structural rigidity to the conference table.
Changes and modifications to the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent law.
Claims
1. A conference table for a plurality of people to confer at, said conference table comprising:
- a work surface supported by at least two supports; and
- a plurality of receiving slots positioned generally beneath said work surface and accessible from at least one side of said conference table, said receiving slots being configured to receive electronic racking units therein, said receiving slots including electrical connections for electrically connecting a power source to said racking units when said racking units are inserted into said receiving slots, said racking units being securable in said receiving slots and being generally concealable within said receiving slots via at least one movable cover.
2. The conference table of claim 1, wherein said receiving slots are positioned beneath and along at least one side of said work surface.
3. The conference table of claim 1, wherein said supports comprise at least one column configured to house at least some of said receiving slots.
4. The conference table of claim 1, wherein said electrical connections connect to a power supply via an electrical cord extending from said conference table.
5. The conference table of claim 1 including at least one accessory connector positioned within a recess of said work surface and being accessible from above said work surface, said accessory connector being configured to connect to an accessory and being connected to an electrical power source or a communication link.
6. The conference table of claim 1 including at least one recess formed in said work surface, said at least one recess being configured to receive at least one accessory therein.
7. The conference table of claim 6 including at least one accessory connector positioned within said recess, said accessory connector being configured to connect to said accessory and being connected to an electrical power source or a communication link.
8. The conference table of claim 7, wherein said at least one recess is selectively accessible via opening of a cover that is movably positioned at least partially over said recess.
9. The conference table of claim 8 including a movable platform that is movably positioned in said recess, said movable platform supporting said accessory at least partially within said recess.
10. The conference table of claim 9, wherein said platform is movable between a lowered position, where said platform and said accessory are within said recess, and a raised position, where said platform and said accessory are elevated such that said accessory is at a level generally coplanar with said work surface.
11. The conference table of claim 10, wherein said cover is positionable to generally cover said recess and said accessory when said platform is in said lowered position, and said cover is positionable to be remote from an opening of said recess when said platform is in said raised position.
12. The conference table of claim 11, wherein said platform and said cover are operated generally in unison, said cover being automatically moved to be remote from said opening when said platform is being raised toward said raised position.
13. The conference table of claim 6, wherein said at least one recess provides at least one connection for providing electrical connection to a portable accessory positioned at said conference table.
14. The conference table of claim 1 including a plurality of microphones spaced along said work surface for receiving vocal signals from a person sitting near a respective microphone.
15. The conference table of claim 14, wherein said microphones are fixedly mounted to said work surface.
16. The conference table of claim 1 including a plurality of lights along said work surface, said lights being vertically movable between a raised position, where said lights function to illuminate at least a portion of said work surface, and a lowered position, where said lights are positioned below said work surface and substantially concealed by a cover portion of said lights.
17. The conference table of claim 16, wherein said lights are automatically activated when moved to said raised position and automatically deactivated when moved to said lowered position.
18. The conference table of claim 16, wherein each of said lights includes an elongated upper bar that houses an illumination source, said elongated upper bar defining said cover portion, said cover portion generally corresponding with the surface of said work surface at said light when said light is in said lowered position.
19. The conference table of claim 18, wherein said lights are positioned along a trim strip of said work surface, said cover portion of said light generally corresponding with an upper surface of said trim strip.
20. The conference table of claim 1 including a pair of longitudinally extending support beams, said support beams supporting said work surface and being supported by said at least two supports.
21. A conference table for a plurality of people to confer at, said conference table comprising:
- a work surface supported by at least two supports;
- a plurality of work stations defined at least partially around said work surface, each of said work stations being configured for a person to sit at; and
- a plurality of lights along said work surface, said lights being positioned generally at respective ones of said work stations, said lights being movable between a raised position, where said lights function to illuminate at least a portion of said work surface at the respective work station, and a lowered position, where said lights are positioned below said work surface and substantially concealed by a cover portion of said lights, each of said lights being independently vertically movable.
22. The conference table of claim 21, wherein said lights are automatically activated when moved to said raised position and automatically deactivated when moved to said lowered position.
23. The conference table of claim 22, wherein each of said lights includes an elongated upper bar attached at an upper end of at least one generally vertical support, said generally vertical support vertically moving along a track to vertically move said light between the raised and lowered positions.
24. The conference table of claim 23, wherein said upper bar houses an illumination source for illuminating said at least a portion of said work surface.
25. The conference table of claim 24, wherein said elongated upper bar defines said cover portion, said cover portion generally corresponding with the surface of said work surface at said light when said light is in said lowered position.
26. The conference table of claim 21, wherein said lights are positioned along a trim strip of said work surface, said cover portion of said light generally corresponding with an upper surface of said trim strip.
27. The conference table of claim 21 including receiving slots positioned generally beneath said work surface and accessible from at least one side of said conference table, said receiving slots being configured to receive electronic racking units therein, said receiving slots including electrical connections for electrically connecting a power source to said racking units when said racking units are inserted into said receiving slots, said racking units being securable in said receiving slots and being generally concealable within said receiving slots via at least one movable cover.
28. The conference table of claim 27, wherein said electrical connections connect to a power supply via an electrical cord extending from said conference table.
29. The conference table of claim 21 including at least one accessory connector positioned within a recess of said work surface and being accessible from above said work surface, said accessory connector being configured to connect to an accessory and being connected to an electrical power source or a communication link.
30. The conference table of claim 21 including at least one recess formed in said work surface, said at least one recess being configured to receive at least one accessory therein.
31. The conference table of claim 30 including at least one accessory connector positioned within said recess, said accessory connector being configured to connect to said accessory and being connected to an electrical power source or a communication link.
32. The conference table of claim 31, wherein said at least one recess is selectively accessible via opening of a cover that is movably positioned at least partially over said recess.
33. The conference table of claim 32 including a movable platform that is movably positioned in said recess, said movable platform supporting said accessory at least partially within said recess.
34. The conference table of claim 33, wherein said platform is movable between a lowered position, where said platform and said accessory are within said recess, and a raised position, where said platform and said accessory are elevated such that said accessory is at a level generally coplanar with said work surface.
35. The conference table of claim 34, wherein said cover is positionable to generally cover said recess and said accessory when said platform is in said lowered position, and said cover is positionable to be remote from an opening of said recess when said platform is in said raised position.
36. The conference table of claim 35, wherein said platform and said cover are operated generally in unison, said cover being automatically moved to be remote from said opening when said platform is being raised toward said raised position.
37. The conference table of claim 21 including a plurality of microphones spaced along said work surface for receiving vocal signals from a person sitting near a respective microphone.
38. The conference table of claim 21 including a pair of longitudinally extending support beams, said support beams supporting said work surface and being supported by said at least two supports.
39. A conference table for a plurality of people to confer at, said conference table comprising:
- a work surface;
- a pair of longitudinally extending support members that extend at least partially along an underside of said work surface to provide support of said work surface;
- at least two generally vertical supports supporting said support members;
- a plurality of receiving slots positioned generally beneath said work surface and accessible from at least one side of said conference table, said receiving slots being configured to receive electronic racking units therein, said racking units being securable in said receiving slots;
- a plurality of lights positioned along said work surface, said lights being vertically movable between a raised position, where said lights function to illuminate at least a portion of said work surface at the respective locations of said lights, and a lowered position, where said lights are positioned below said work surface and substantially concealed by a cover portion of said lights; and
- a recess in said work surface and a movable platform movably positioned in said recess, said movable platform supporting an accessory at least partially within said recess, said platform being movable between a lowered position, where said platform and said accessory are within said recess, and a raised position, where said platform and said accessory are elevated such that said accessory is at a level generally coplanar with said work surface.
40. The conference table of claim 39, wherein said receiving slots include electrical connections for electrically connecting a power source to said racking units when said racking units are inserted into said receiving slots.
41. The conference table of claim 39, wherein said electronic racking units are generally concealable within said receiving slots via at least one movable cover.
42. The conference table of claim 39, wherein each of said lights is independently vertically movable.
43. The conference table of claim 39, wherein said lights are automatically activated when moved to said raised position and automatically deactivated when moved to said lowered position.
44. The conference table of claim 43, wherein each of said lights includes an elongated upper bar attached at an upper end of at least one generally vertical support, said generally vertical support vertically moving along a track to vertically move said light between the raised and lowered positions.
45. The conference table of claim 44, wherein said upper bar houses an illumination source for illuminating said at least a portion of said work surface.
46. The conference table of claim 45, wherein said elongated upper bar defines said cover portion, said cover portion generally corresponding with the surface of said work surface at said light when said light is in said lowered position.
47. The conference table of claim 39, wherein said lights are positioned along a trim strip of said work surface, said cover portion of said light generally corresponding with an upper surface of said trim strip.
48. The conference table of claim 39, wherein said movable platform is positioned along a generally central region of said table and between said pair of support members.
49. The conference table of claim 39 including at least one accessory connector positioned within said recess, said accessory connector being configured to connect to said accessory and being connected to an electrical power source or a communication link.
50. The conference table of claim 39, wherein said at least one recess is selectively accessible via opening of a cover that is movably positioned at least partially over said recess.
51. The conference table of claim 50, wherein said cover is positionable to generally cover said recess and said accessory when said platform is in said lowered position, and said cover is positionable to be remote from an opening of said recess when said platform is in said raised position.
52. The conference table of claim 39, wherein said at least one recess provides at least one connection for providing electrical connection to a portable accessory positioned at said conference table.
53. The conference table of claim 39 including a plurality of microphones spaced along said work surface for receiving vocal signals from a person sitting near a respective microphone.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 2, 2004
Publication Date: Dec 8, 2005
Inventors: Mitchell Bakker (Holland, MI), Robert Bockheim (Grand Rapids, MI), Scott Carpenter (Caledonia, MI), Aaron DeJule (Chicago, IL), Michael Fedrigo (Comstock Park, MI), Robert Surman (East Grand Rapids, MI)
Application Number: 10/858,724