To Table Only Patents (Class 312/241)
  • Patent number: 9730516
    Abstract: A table with drawers for displaying electronic devices is disclosed. The table may include a support beam and support panel within the table top for structural support. The table may include one or more drawers coupled to a carriage mechanism positioned rearward from the rear of the drawer. The carriage mechanism may be configured for moving the drawer from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Green, Kully Kraig Mandon, Daniel McBroom, Michael D. McBroom, Charles A. Schwalbach, Jonathan P. Siegel
  • Patent number: 8752912
    Abstract: A method for converting a watertight carrying case into a desk that includes mounting a bracket onto rearward projections from the case for permitting the case to serve as a desk without compromising its watertightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Extundo Incorporated
    Inventors: Clifford L. Johns, Munaf Chasmawala, Dennis McAndrews, Matthew Laughlin, Douglas K. Cornett
  • Patent number: 8616354
    Abstract: A configurable briefcase desktop having two generally planar support columns, each support column having a fixed length section and an extendable section. The extendable section of each support column is comprised of a scissors linkage and an elongated foot member. The elongated foot member provides improved load distribution across the surface supporting the invention. Embodiments typically include a fold lock mechanism to releasably lock each support column in its folded configuration. Other embodiments have a support stiffening mechanism adapted to yieldably resist movement of its respective support member from its support configuration. Further embodiments comprise at least one load sensor system to provide a warning signal when the extendable section of a support column is in extended configuration and subjected to a compression force in excess of a predetermined amount. In some embodiments the fold lock mechanism and support stiffening mechanism of a particular support column may be mechanically ganged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Vatche Azirian
  • Patent number: 8104849
    Abstract: An expandable table device for allowing a user to change a baby's diaper or to care for the baby which is composed of a base, a storage compartment disposed in the base, and an expandable table component disposed in the base. The table component is composed of a plurality of wings that can be stacked atop each other and stored in the storage compartment, or the wings can be expanded from the storage compartment and unstacked so as to create a generally flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Claudia Urioste-Risso
  • Patent number: 8033435
    Abstract: The invention is a mobile blueprint holder wherein a box mounts along an interior side of a pickup truck bed. The box opens to allow the blueprint table to fold out where the blueprint table rests at an angle. When not in use the blueprints and the blueprint table fold away for safe storage. The blueprint table folds along the middle and contains a plurality of clips for holding a blueprint in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Steven A. Brooke
  • Patent number: 7798351
    Abstract: This invention relates to an over-sized box-like container adapted to carry diverse, and often collapsed or unassembled household items, including furniture, accessories and art objects suitable to fully furnish one room. More particularly, this invention relates to an over-sized box-like container of the type described where the box itself, upon being disassembled, may be used to create one or more pieces of furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Sarah H. Voss
  • Patent number: 7735941
    Abstract: Gaming furniture (10) includes a support structure (12), and an erectable and collapsible support platform arrangement (16). The support structure (12) defines a space (22) in which one or more video-game controllers (62) and/or a corresponding video-game console can be received, and the support platform arrangement (16) supports the or each video-game controller (62). In a first condition, the support platform arrangement (16) is collapsed and received in the space (22) of the support structure (12) for storage. In a second condition, the support platform arrangement (16) is erected and projects beyond the perimeter of the support structure (12) for gaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Brian Sydney Heathcote
  • Patent number: 7543704
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses both apparatuses and methods for providing capabilities of facilitating utilitarian functions that are flexible in both their configuration and circumstances of utilization. In various embodiments, this multi-functional utility system is capable of being manually transportable, compactable, customizable, and is capable of operation in a variety of settings. In certain representative embodiments, the present invention includes folding legs, a base utility portion, a supplementary utility portion that is moveable relative to the base utility portion, and an assembly for arresting the motion of the supplementary utility portion, relative to the base utility portion. The supplementary utility portion is capable of assuming at least one closed disposition and at least one operative disposition, wherein the operative disposition is oriented at an angle between 0 and 180 degrees relative to the orientation of the supplementary utility portion when in the closed disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Norma Jean Miller
  • Patent number: 7533940
    Abstract: A convertible multiple panel assembly includes a plurality of panels that carry complementary releasable interlocking components. The components are selectively interengagable in a first pattern such that the panels define a box. The components are selectively disengaged from one another and re-interengaged in an alternative, second pattern to define a table and at least one associated bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jimmy D. Zook
  • Patent number: 7451709
    Abstract: A portable cooler and table assembly that may be easily transported in a single, self-contained unit is disclosed. The assembly may be converted for use as a table for a variety of recreational activities, e.g., dining, drinking, games such as ping pong, beer pong, table hockey, card games, board games, preparation for sporting events and meals. The table and cooler may be permanently attached to each other, or alternatively, the cooler may be detachable from the table. The table may fold or collapse to assist in converting the assembly from a compact, lightweight transportable unit into a fully extended and operable table and cooler. The table surface may contain surface features such as grooves, indentations, nets, game pieces, etc. The cooler may comprise any container that is capable of containing ice or some other refrigeration or heating system, e.g., a conventional 54 quart beverage cooler. Alternatively, the cooler may be replaced with a storage container or other storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventors: Brian Allen Swartfager, Andrew William Shilling, Christopher David Senard, Michael Joseph Slifko
  • Patent number: 7334802
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a portable, insulated container with lid; particularly towards a portable insulated container with lid and attached tray for movement between a stowed and elevated position above the surface of the container lid capable of supporting various items thereon while simultaneously allowing the user to lift the lid of the container to access the interior; more particularly to a portable cooler with an attached retractable tray constructed and arranged to be readily positioned by a single user at various elevations above the surface of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Ronda Kaplan
  • Patent number: 7278537
    Abstract: A portable gift wrapping center includes a storage compartment having a storage area for accommodating rolls of wrapping paper and accessories. A primary lid is hinged to the back wall of the compartment and defines a centrally located shallow storage area for writing paper, cards, etc., with the top surface of the primary lid defining a plurality of orthogonal grooves. A secondary lid, hinged to the primary lid, for enclosing the shallow storage area. A plurality of foldable legs are hinged to the bottom wall of the compartment to allow the table to be raised to a desired height in the deployed position or stored under a conventional bed in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Snapware Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Lown, Ali Nikkhah
  • Patent number: 6761119
    Abstract: A storage chest that converts into a table. The storage chest includes a cover that detaches from the storage unit and, when legs are added, converts to a table top. The cover/table top includes grooved slots for holding beverage containers. Table legs are stored within a storage compartment of the storage unit and attach to the table top to form the table. The storage and table unit further includes doors that detach from the storage unit and attach to the cover to form table top extensions. Thus, the storage and table unit conveniently stores and organizes items, and may also be used as a table for supporting food, beverages and other items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Lynn Davis
  • Patent number: 6663202
    Abstract: A transportable medical cart includes a frame assembly and a plurality of panels removably mounted on the frame assembly including a horizontal top panel, a pair of side panels and a pair of extension panels. The side panels are movable from a retracted position wherein the side panels are disposed in parallel planes perpendicular to the top panel to a non-retracted position wherein the side panels are disposed at an angle to the planes. The extension panels are movable from a non-extended position wherein the extension panels overlap the side panels in the retracted position to an extended position wherein the extension panels are horizontally aligned with the top panel. The side panels in the non-retracted position support the extension panels in the extended position. A plurality of drawer assemblies are removably mounted to the frame assembly, each including a slide rail and a drawer supported on the slide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Promedica, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Spann
  • Publication number: 20020195911
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a member by which the member is angularly movable from a storage position to a working position, comprising: a first link adapted for pivotal mounting to a support at a first end of said first link at a connection point thereof, and for pivotal mounting to said member at a second end of said first link; and a second link adapted for pivotal mounting to the support at a first end of the second link, at a point on the support below the connection point of the first link, said second link being adapted for pivotal mounting to said member at a second end of the second link; wherein: said second link is abutted, in use, at the working position of the member, against a stop means or limit means on said first link to prevent angular movement of the member past the working position; and in use, at the working position of the member, the second end of the first link and the second end of the second link are both intermediate the first end of the first link and the first end of the second link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Garry William Allen
  • Publication number: 20020078861
    Abstract: A storage chest that converts into a table. The storage chest includes a cover that detaches from the storage unit and, when legs are added, converts to a table top. The cover/table top includes grooved slots for holding beverage containers. Table legs are stored within a storage compartment of the storage unit and attach to the table top to form the table. The storage and table unit further includes doors that detach from the storage unit and attach to the cover to form table top extensions. Thus, the storage and table unit conveniently stores and organizes items, and may also be used as a table for supporting food, beverages and other items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Lynn Davis
  • Patent number: 6068355
    Abstract: A portable workstation or office foldable into a transportable unit including top and bottom parts hingedly connected to one another so that the top part is pivotable with respect to the bottom part between open and closed positions. A table top is disposed atop the bottom part and defines an upwardly facing work surface. The table top and bottom part together define an interior compartment for storing objects therein. The top part includes compartments configured for displaying and storing objects such as documents therein, and the workstation is adapted to secure objects on the work surface and adjacent the compartments during transport or storage of the workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarkson S. Thorp
  • Patent number: 5683157
    Abstract: A portable kitchen for storing and preparing food products comprising a main box having a table, a sink detachably connected to and covering the main box, and a front panel pivotally attached to the main box where the front panel opens to provide access to a compartment defined by the main box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Newman Lee Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kent N. Peterson, Nathan L. Norgaard, Terry D. Grabow, Michael A. Willier
  • Patent number: 5516202
    Abstract: A collapsible artist's water color palette comprising a plurality of rectangular trays non-fixedly attached to one another such that simple manipulation into a stacked, compact configuration for transport, or alternatively, a side-by-side, planer, configuration for mixing may be accomplished. In the stacked configuration, an upper tray serves as a lid for the tray below and, thus, prevents spillage of wet, runny paints and contamination of individual paint receptacles. A lid is provided to cover the uppermost tray when in the stacked configuration, and doubles as an additional working surface when in the planer configuration. Moreover, the subject invention provides a unitary structure so arranged with its integral components that paint receptacles and mixing surfaces may remain in an upright position during use and manipulation from one configuration to another, thus further reducing the possibility of paint spillage and contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Nancy J. Markezin
  • Patent number: 5403082
    Abstract: The desk includes a support frame and a work surface (24) which is similar to conventional size desk surfaces. The work surface (24) is movable between a retracted, vertical position and an extended working position in which it is substantially horizontal. To the rear of the work surface (24) are a plurality of equipment platforms (32, 34, 36) for support of various equipment, such as a computer, a monitor, and a printer. At one end of the desk is a rotating platform assembly (68) which is adapted to support a slide projector or the like. At the other end of the desk is a foldable, semicircular conference assembly (86) which can be folded to lie adjacent the other end of the desk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Synsor Corporation
    Inventor: Edward J. Kramer
  • Patent number: 5110193
    Abstract: A portable travel pantry has a rectangular main module for carrying food items and items relating to serving of food. The main module has separate compartments for conveniently storing eating utensils, food boxes, canned goods, and plates used for serving food. The main module has a swingable front wall and a swingable top wall, each of which is swingable between a transport configuration and a serving configuration. A catch-all module for receiving relatively bulky items may be selectively attached and detached from the main module. The portable travel pantry provides for an arrangement and segregation of the various food items and items relating to serving of the food, and the swingable front wall together with the swingable top wall provide for convenient access to the inside of the travel pantry and also additional surfaces for preparation of the meal. The detachable catch-all can be conveniently detached and placed alongside the main module when serving and preparing the meal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Inventor: Roy McClenning
  • Patent number: 5078460
    Abstract: A portable work station that can be folded into a compact unit with the appearance of a briefcase. The unit is designed to give the user the comfort and efficiency of an office environment by providing easy access to supplies used in the course of his or her work. The unit opens up to form a rigid desk top for writing and supporting portable equipment, such as computers, and provides various shelves for holding supplies and work material during use. A set of drawers function as regular desk drawers for storage and access to needed material. During transportation of the unit, the same drawers provide storage like a standard briefcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: Melvin L. Holsinger
  • Patent number: 4919498
    Abstract: A portable, multi-use, self-storing, wall mounted fold down desk/work center providing interior storage with applications for home, office and institutional uses. A box-like storage cavity is mounted on a wall and may be positioned at various selected heights. A single piece desk member having a flat work surface is hingedly attached at its back edge to the bottom frame of the storage cavity. First and second doors are hinged to the edge of the desk member and fold shut against the under edge of the desk member to make a compact box. When open the desk is in a horizontal position and the doors are folded to a vertical position. On one edge of each door is an extendable leg which extends to the floor to give the desk added stability. A collapsible dollhouse may be stored in its carrying case in the storage cavity. Alternatively, a vanity insert is provided so that when the desk is opened it converts into a dressing table. The unit may be a workcenter, game center or other utilitarian uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Inventor: De Maris C. Turner
  • Patent number: 4779940
    Abstract: An improved compact portable storage unit. The unit includes an articulated work stand which can be disassembled and stored in the doors of the unit. The doors of the unit are slidably removable and are used to form work stations and shelving on the articulated support stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Ralston
  • Patent number: 4733924
    Abstract: A combination packing case and desk includes a shelf unit adapted to secure a plurality of articles during shipping. A hollow seating member having an open bottom is adapted to be received about the upper portion of the shelf unit to protect the articles therein. An outer casing is provided with an open bottom and is adapted to be received about the shelf unit-seating member assembly in fully enclosed fashion. At the shipping destination, the outer casing comprises a base upon which the shelf unit is supported to form a desk. The seating member may be used in conjunction with the desk for tasks involving the articles shipped in and supported on the shelf unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Inventor: Donald C. Lewis
  • Patent number: 4645275
    Abstract: A portable carrying case for a printer of a computer system that doubles as an acoustical enclosure and may be converted into a printer stand. The case includes a base and removable cover which are both padded with urethane foam to protect the printer while being carried and to reduce noise during printing. The cover and base also include slots for accommodating bottom or back feed printers. A frame is contained within the base and is removable to elevate the case to convert it into a printer stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Inventor: Philip D. Pucci
  • Patent number: 4592603
    Abstract: The server/desk is a multi-functional piece of furniture that is unique in a number of ways. Probably the most unique feature is that the top separates revealing a cavity in the back of the furniture that will hold an extra leaf for a dining room table. Self storing leaves in furniture, have never been accommodated in any other item than the table itself. The front section of the top folds out onto supports so that the piece of furniture can be converted into a desk. When the folding tops are put back into their original position, the furniture piece has the appearance of a conventional solid top dining room server. The interior drawer and door features accommodate functions that might be expected from both a dining room server and a writing desk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Adams, Ernest T. Koontz, Jr., Steven D. Russell
  • Patent number: 4581902
    Abstract: An improved portable cooler and auxiliary table is the subject of the present invention. The cooler includes an insulated container having an openable top to provide access to the cooler chamber. In one embodiment, an auxiliary top panel is provided with U-shaped brackets at opposite ends which are selectively securable in receivers at the opposite ends of the container to secure the top in a position immediately overlying the cooler cover for storage. To place the auxiliary table in an elevated position of use, the table is removed from the receivers and legs are foldable from a stored position to a position of use and engageable in the receivers to position the table at an elevation above and parallel to the cooler top to allow access to the cooler chamber. The table may also be removed for use independent of the cooler. In other embodiments, the legs are extendible from apertures in the cooler side or end walls to allow the table unit to be elevated to the desired position and then secured in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Inventors: Jane G. Starck, Norman Rosenblum, Frances C. Rosenblum, James T. Misenhimer, Lynn W. Misenhimer, Frederick B. Starck, Daniel Starck, Catherine Starck, Monica C. Starck
  • Patent number: 4436353
    Abstract: A portable storage device and table for outdoors activity which unfolds from a trunk-like container into a table, having a front shelf face which foldably lifts from the container providing support for the table surface, and the trunk-like base providing a storage receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Inventor: Myron B. Tucker
  • Patent number: 4195889
    Abstract: This invention relates to a compact, portable camping box designed to hold the necessary equipment for the preparation and serving of meals and which is readily convertible at the site of use to provide a table or work surface. It consists basically of an open-sided box having top, bottom, and end members and includes interhinged leaves attached to the sides of the box so that when folded upwardly the leaves serve as side members for the box in addition to providing an enclosed storage space for the component parts of a three-legged tubular support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1980
    Inventor: Robert P. Coyne
  • Patent number: 4131327
    Abstract: A portable picnic and camping cabinet table for storing picnic and camping supplies therein. The cabinet table converting into an outdoor kitchen when set up and providing room for serving meals thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1978
    Inventors: Esther L. Marshall, William B. Allen
  • Patent number: 4102555
    Abstract: A work table has first and second spaced leg assemblies with a table pivotally secured to the first leg assembly for vertical storage positioning against the first leg assembly and a horizontal work position with a free outer end resting on the leg assembly. A two-piece flat shelf has a first member hinged to the first leg assembly, a second member hinged to the second leg assembly. The shelf members having abutting inner edges with a releasable clamp unit connecting the inner edges. A V-shaped stabilizer unit includes a first and second brace member with a top end secured to the tops of the leg assemblies and a bottom end secured to the shelf members. The brace members may be connected to the shelf members and collapsible, or may be pivotally connected to each other and releasably connected to the shelf members for folding to a storage position, with the table abutting the first leg assembly and the shelf members abutting the leg assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1978
    Inventor: Thaddeus Tobolski
  • Patent number: 4070715
    Abstract: Combination bed and desk furniture is disclosed in which a bed frame and desk are mounted on a base for conjoint movement between raised and lowered positions. In the raised position the bed frame is pivoted upright where its bedding is concealed from view, and at the same time the desk is elevated to a standard height above the floor. In the lowered position the bed frame is pivoted to a horizontal orientation spaced above the top of the desk to provide clearance for articles left on the desk surface. In the lowered position the bed frame is lowered to standard bed height above the floor which is lower than the desk. Means are provided for simultaneously moving the bed and desk elements between the raised and lowered positions without altering the horizontal alignment of the desk and its drawers in respect to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1978
    Inventor: George S. Reppas
  • Patent number: 4058355
    Abstract: A console for apparatus such as teleprinters including a box-like base or housing for housing the apparatus, a plate which is hinged to one side of the base and arranged to serve as a cover member in the housed condition of the apparatus and as a supporting surface in the ready for use condition of the apparatus, and bracket structures attached to the base which include upper and lower supporting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1977
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Horst Stahl, Franz Thorand
  • Patent number: 3936110
    Abstract: A cabinet having a lower door which opens outwardly and an upper door which opens downwardly to rest on the opened lower door; thereby the cabinet may be converted into a bar. The lower door preferably has an extension hinged to its outer end which folds outwardly and the upper door is preferably right angularly shaped to overlie the extension when it is folded open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1976
    Inventors: Daniel H. Meggs, Janos Beny