The present application claims priority to singapore patent application No. 10202011185R filed 11/10/2020 and chinese utility model application No. 202120792809.8 filed 4/19/2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
Detailed Description
The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and reasonable changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The various embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments may be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.
The disclosure illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," and the like are to be construed broadly and without limitation. The word "comprising" such as "comprises" or "comprising", and the like, is thus to be understood as implying that the integer or group of integers is included but not excluding any other integer or group of integers. Furthermore, the terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure. Thus, it should be understood that although the present disclosure has been described in detail in the exemplary embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the disclosure herein embodied may be resorted to by those skilled in the art.
Features described in the context of embodiments may be correspondingly applicable to the same or similar features in other embodiments. Features described in the context of embodiments may be correspondingly applicable to other embodiments even if not explicitly described in these other embodiments. Furthermore, additions and/or combinations and/or substitutions described in the context of an embodiment for features may be applied accordingly to the same or similar features in other embodiments.
In the context of various embodiments, the articles "a," "an," and "the" as used with respect to a feature or element include references to one or more features or elements. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Throughout the specification, the term "table assembly" refers broadly to the various components of the table unit. In some embodiments, the table assembly may be assembled by a user.
Throughout the specification, the term "magnetically coupled" refers broadly to a magnetic attraction force between two objects, and may have an associated magnetic strength. In some embodiments, the magnetic coupling may be between a magnetic accessory and various components of the table assembly (such as the table top or leg).
Throughout the specification, for clarity, terms such as "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," and the like, refer to devices that are oriented in normal operation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term "upper" may no longer be in an upper orientation relative to its adjacent components/layers when the device is stored or transported. Accordingly, the above terms are not to be construed as limiting terms defining a particular orientation. For example, a table top having an upper surface and a lower surface may be broadly construed as an upper surface (first layer) layered over a lower surface (second layer), and the upper surface may partially or completely wrap the lower surface in some embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a table assembly 100. The table assembly 100 includes a table top 102 and a plurality of legs 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d. The tabletop 102 includes an upper surface 106 and a lower surface 107. The upper surface 106 is arranged to be layered on the lower surface 107. In some embodiments, the table top 102 may be rectangular. It is contemplated that the table top 102 may include various shapes such as, but not limited to, square or circular.
The upper surface 106 is made of a metallic material such as, but not limited to, iron, aluminum, copper, brass, zinc, titanium, carbon steel, stainless steel, or a combination of these metals. The metallic material is adapted to magnetically couple with the at least one magnetic accessory. In some embodiments, the upper surface 106 may include a layer made of steel having a thickness in the range of 0.5mm to 2.0 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness may be at least 0.6mm. The upper surface 106 may also have a powder layer coated thereon.
In use, at least one accessory (e.g., a magnetic table pad (which is described in further detail below)) may be magnetically coupled to a metallic material (e.g., steel on the upper surface 106) to maintain its position when the magnetic accessory is placed on the table top 102.
The lower surface 107 may comprise a Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). In some embodiments, the MDF may have a weight of 700-800kg/m3 More preferably 750-800kg/m3 Is a density of (3). It is contemplated that the lower surface 107 may include a density of 800-900kg/m3 High Density Fiberboard (HDF). MDF may be wound/coated with powder coated steel. The steel-coated powder may be formed or composed of a non-conductive (or electrically insulating) material such as, but not limited to, at least one of the following: polyurethane, epoxy, ceramic coating, and/or polymer. In some embodiments, the powder coating may have a thickness of 50-100 μm, and in some embodiments, may have a thickness of 80 μm.
Fig. 2A and 2B illustrate enlarged cross-sectional views of various embodiments 200A, 200B of the lower surface 107 of the table top 102 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the line A-A' or from a direction parallel to the plane defined by the table top 102. Fig. 2C illustrates a bottom or plan view 200C of the lower surface 107 of the tabletop 120. Referring to fig. 2A, the lower surface 107 of the table top 102 may be formed from a composite material that includes an MDF and at least one panel having a honeycomb structure 202. The at least one panel having the honeycomb structure 202 may be a wood-based panel. In other words, the lower surface 107 may be formed from a composite material comprising a mixture or composition of MDF and at least one panel having a honeycomb structure 202 (as shown in fig. 2A). In some embodiments, the composite material may further include other wood-based materials without the honeycomb 202. Referring to fig. 2B, the composite material may include at least one panel having a honeycomb structure 202 arranged as a core or center panel with an MDF layer disposed on top of the at least one panel. In some embodiments, the MDF layer may further include other wood-based materials without the honeycomb 202. Referring to fig. 2C, the various panels with honeycomb 202 may be arranged in a matrix arrangement with an MDF layer arranged between the various panels with honeycomb 202. It is contemplated that other layering arrangements having at least one panel arrangement with honeycomb 202 as a core or center panel may be suitable. Suitable panels for use as core/center panels include non-warp (non-warp) honeycomb panels for use in the manufacture of fire-resistant wooden doors. In some embodiments, portions of the lower surface 107 may have holes 204, with the holes 204 being shaped and sized to receive one or more types of fasteners, such as screws, for example, for connection to other components of the table assembly 100. The holes 204 may be formed in the wood-based material without the honeycomb 202 to provide stable support to receive fasteners. It is contemplated that other fasteners may be used such as, but not limited to, bolts, nails, rivets.
The table top 102 includes a core layer of honeycomb structure 202, one or more layers of MDF, and an upper surface 106. The upper surface 106 is of a metallic material (e.g., steel) having magnetic properties and is coated with an electrically insulating material. The table top 102 achieves a relatively lightweight table top 102 without compromising (or having minimal adverse effects on) the load bearing characteristics of the table top 102. In addition, the panel with the honeycomb structure 202 may be fire resistant and thus may prevent a user from being injured by fire in the event of failure or malfunction within the components of the electrical outlet. In addition, the electrical insulation afforded by the powder coating provides a reduced risk of shock to the user.
It is contemplated that other fiber sheets (e.g., HDF) may be used in conjunction with the core layer of the honeycomb panel to improve the load bearing properties of the table top 102. It is also contemplated that the honeycomb core layer in the lower surface 107 of the table top 102 may include one or more lightweight metal particles, such as, but not limited to, aluminum, or the lower surface 107 may be formed or constructed of a composite material having a wood-fiber honeycomb and metal particles, such as aluminum.
Fig. 3 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment 300 of the return portion 106b of the table top 102 at a corner region/section of the table top 102. In some embodiments, the upper surface 106 of the tabletop 102 includes a first layer 106a of a powder steel laminate (powder coated or otherwise) attached to the first surface 107a of the MDF and/or at least one panel having a honeycomb structure 202. The upper surface 106 may partially surround the lower surface 107, e.g. MDF and/or at least one panel with a honeycomb structure 202, and terminate at a second surface 107b of the lower surface 107, e.g. MDF and/or at least one panel with a honeycomb structure 202. The portion of the upper surface 106 that is attached to the second surface 107b of the lower surface 107 may include a folded-back portion 106b (see the dashed box in fig. 3) such that the thickness of the folded-back portion 106b is at least twice the thickness of the first layer 106a. Thus, when one or more magnetic fittings are attached to the first layer 106a, the folded-back portion 106b can provide a greater magnetically attractive effective area relative to the first layer 106a. The return portion 106b may also provide a stronger magnetic attraction to the magnet assembly and thus may allow the magnet assembly to hold heavier items without falling off the table top 102. The return portion may also extend around an edge portion of the table top 102 (see 106c and dashed box in fig. 3).
It will be apparent that fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which a first layer (upper surface 106) is arranged to be layered on a second layer (lower surface 107) to create at least two different magnetic coupling forces associated with different portions of the table top 102 when at least one magnetic accessory is attached to the different portions of the table top 102. In normal operation, this translates into at least one portion/component (e.g., an edge portion or a bottom portion) of the table top 102 having a stronger magnetic coupling force (when at least one magnetic accessory is attached thereto) than the rest of the table top 102. Advantageously, such an arrangement provides for at least a first region/section of the table top 102 (e.g., an edge or bottom of the table top 102) and at least a second region/section of the table top 102 (e.g., on a top surface of the table top 102), wherein the at least first region/section of the table top 102 is adapted to suspend a magnetic accessory therefrom in association with a stronger magnetic coupling force and the at least second region/section of the table top 102 is adapted to have a magnetic accessory mounted thereon without undue difficulty with respect to intentional movement of the accessory in association with a weaker magnetic coupling force.
As shown in fig. 3, the folded-back portion 106b may also have an outer layer that is inclined towards the second surface 107b so as to force the folded-back portion 106b against the second surface 107b. The return portion 106b may accommodate undesired expansion and contraction of the metallic material in the upper surface 106 due to thermal variations during transport of the table assembly 100. For example, during shipping or during storage, the table assembly 100 may be stored at high temperatures (e.g., 70-80℃.) and, as a result, the upper surface 106, including metallic material, may expand and delaminate, i.e., delaminate, from the lower surface 107 and may damage the table top 102. In another example, the table assembly 100 may be transported, used, or stored at low temperatures (e.g., <10℃.) and the upper surface 106 comprising a metallic material may shrink and peel from the lower surface 107 and may damage the table top 102. The folded-back portion 106b may thus accommodate expansion and contraction of the upper surface 106, and may thus minimize or prevent delamination of the upper surface 106 from the lower surface 107.
In some embodiments, the upper surface 106 may include one or more pieces of ferromagnetic material, such as magnets. One or more magnets may be attached to the upper surface 106 to provide a stronger magnetic attraction when one or more magnetic fittings are attached to the upper surface 106.
Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a table assembly 400A with a magnetic accessory, such as a table pad assembly 410. The table top assembly 410 may be magnetic and may have variable sizes and shapes such that it may cover at least one area of the upper surface 106 of the table top 102. In some embodiments, the table top assembly 410 may cover the entire area of the upper surface 106 of the table top 102.
Fig. 4B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a table assembly 400B that includes a table pad assembly 410 with a clamp member 414 that is separate from a table pad 412. The table pad assembly 410 may include a table pad 412 (also commonly referred to as a plate member) and a clip member 414. The table top 412 may include a lip 416, and the lip 416 may be configured to be removably mounted to the upper surface 106 of the table top 102. The table pad 412 may be non-rigid and may be made of a ferromagnetic material such as, but not limited to, iron, nickel, cobalt, and/or alloys thereof. In some embodiments, the table pad 412 includes a first layer (e.g., a lower layer) made of a mixture of rubber and ferromagnetic components, and a second layer (e.g., an upper layer) made of a polyurethane material, such as polyurethane leather. It is contemplated that other materials may be selected. Thus, the table top 412 is attached to the upper surface 106 of the table top 102 to prevent the table top 412 from sliding off the table top 102.
The clip member 414 may be made of a metallic material such as, but not limited to, iron, aluminum, copper, brass, zinc, titanium, carbon steel, stainless steel, or a combination of these metals. The table top 412 may be magnetically attached to the table top 102 and the clip member 414. In other words, the clip member 414 is magnetizable and attached to the table pad 412 by magnetic force.
The table top 412 may be magnetic as described above and, in some embodiments, may have an initial size that matches the size of the table top 102. The table top 412 may be attached to the upper surface 106 of the table top 102, for example, via magnetic adhesion, to prevent the table top 412 from sliding off the table top 102. The table pad 412 may provide a smooth and seamless experience for the user, which may be critical if the user is a player that requires optimal mouse control. The table pad 412 may also be flexible so that it may be rolled up for portability. When opened for attachment to the upper surface 106, the table pad 412 can be easily unfolded to be completely flat without requiring or having to be cumbersome to straighten.
The clip member 414 may include a groove 415 extending along a longitudinal direction of the clip member 414. For example, a pair of longitudinally extending walls 417, 419 of the clamp member 414 may define a recess 415 therebetween. The recess 415 may be configured to receive an edge 416 of the table pad 412. The clip members 414 may be configured to be mounted on the upper surface 106 of the table top 102 adjacent to the edges of the table top 102 (as shown in figures 4D and 4E). The clamp member 414 and the table pad 412 may also be slidably movable relative to each other. The width of the recess 415 may be sized to match the thickness of the table pad 412 to allow sliding movement relative to one another.
Figure 4C illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a table assembly 400C that includes a table pad assembly 410 with a clip member 414 attached to a table pad 412. The edge 416 of the table pad 102 may be slidably received by the recess 415 of the clip member 414. The edge 416 of the table pad 102 may be received by the recess 415 such that it abuts the bottom of the recess 415 when fully inserted.
Fig. 4D illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a table assembly 400D that includes a table pad assembly 410 with a table pad 412 and a clip member 414 that are positioned on the upper surface 106 of the table top 102. As shown in fig. 4D, the table pad 412 and the clip member 414 are horizontal and mounted on the upper surface 106 of the table top 102. The table top 412 may also be smaller than and not match the size of the table top 102 so that a gap 422 is formed between the clip member 414 and the edge 424 of the table top 102. As the clamp member 414 and the table pad 412 are slidably moved relative to each other in a lateral direction of the clamp member 414, the clamp member 414 may slide relative to the table pad 412 to abut the edge 424 of the table top 102 while shielding the edge 416 of the table pad 412 by one of the pair of longitudinally extending walls 417, 419.
Fig. 4E illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a table assembly 400E that includes a table pad assembly 410 with a clamp member 414 adjacent to an edge 424 of the table top 102. The clip member 414 may be in a state of abutting the edge 424 of the table top 102. This is possible when the table top 412 is smaller than the table top 102 and the clip member 414 slides to abut the edge 424, as described above in fig. 4C. In some embodiments, the table top 412 may initially have the same dimensions as the table top 102 and the clip members 414 do not slide, but rather, snugly fit to the table top edge 424. As the table top 412 contracts over time, the clip member 414 may remain in the same state, i.e., abutting the table top edge 424, while shielding the table top edge 416 by one of the pair of longitudinally extending walls 417, 419. In other words, when the table pad 412 collapses, it now slides relative to the clip member 414.
The table top assembly 410 may prevent excessive movement of the accessory along the table top 102 and may prevent objects from falling off the table edge. The table top assembly 410 may also attenuate noise generated by objects on the table and provide aesthetic features to the table assembly 100 (e.g., a computer table). In addition, if the table top 412 and the table top 102 have different sizes, the table top assembly 410 may eliminate the gap between the table top 102 and the table top 412. This may prevent the accumulation of dust, prevent further damage to the table top 102 and table top 412, and may also be aesthetically attractive.
Different types of magnetic assemblies may also be used with table assembly 100. Such a magnetic accessory may attach itself to the tabletop 102 by magnetic means or the like. The magnetic assemblies for use with the table assembly 100 may have a magnetic strength in the range of 50-100,000,000 gauss (Gs), preferably in the range of 50-300,000 gauss, and more preferably in the range of 50-200,000 gauss. The magnetic fittings may have magnetic strength related to their size or shape and may vary accordingly depending on these characteristics. The magnetic strength should be strong enough to be stable so that they can remain in place on the tabletop 102 even when the magnetic accessory is accidentally knocked over, unless the magnetic accessory is intentionally or mechanically displaced from its position. The magnetic assemblies may maintain and retain their position even when the table assembly 100 is used as a drawing table or the tabletop 102 is tilted at an angle relative to the horizontal. Examples of such magnetic accessories include, but are not limited to, cable covers, USB/audio hubs, cable clips, cable reels, wireless chargers, wrist pads, mouse pads, earphone holders, microphones, headphones, speakers, mice, mouse holders, holders for any accessory or electronic device, keyboards, shelves, dividers, mats, table lifts, monitor racks, toys, display units, and any device used on a table or desk. In some embodiments, each magnetic fitting may have a ferromagnetic portion with a thickness in the range of 0.5mm to 2.0mm, preferably at least 0.6mm. In some embodiments, the ferromagnetic portion may comprise a steel composite.
Fig. 5A-5D illustrate perspective views of various exemplary magnetic assemblies 500 to be used with table assembly 100. In fig. 5A-5D, the magnetic accessory may be a cable retainer configured to retain at least one cable. Referring to fig. 5A, an example of a magnetic accessory includes a magnetic cable clamp 502, which magnetic cable clamp 502 may be positioned at an edge of the tabletop 102 for holding a cable. The magnetic cable clip 502 may include a through hole to securely retain the cable 504 when the cable 504 is attached to the table top 102. The size of the through holes is selected to be greater than the diameter of the cable 504 but less than the connector head (e.g., USB or HDMI connector head) so that the cable 504 is prevented from slipping onto the floor. The magnetic cable clips 502 may have different sizes, two of which are shown in fig. 5A.
Another example of a magnetic accessory is a cable clamp anchor 506 (as shown in fig. 5B), the cable clamp anchor 506 being attached to the upper surface 106 of the tabletop 102 and capable of holding various cables 508. The cable clip anchor 506 may include a reclosable fastener in the form of Velcro (Velcro) 510 that surrounds the cable 508 to hold them in place. Fig. 5C shows a bottom perspective view of cable clip anchor 506.
Yet another example of a magnetic accessory is a magnetic cable sheath 512 (as shown in fig. 5D) to enclose the cable 514 when the cable 514 is positioned on a flat surface. In some embodiments, the magnetic cable sheath 512 may be attached perpendicularly to one of the legs 104a, 104b, 104c, 104 d. The magnetic cable sheath 512 may also be attached to the tabletop 102 in a horizontal position.
The table assembly 100 may thus include a magneto ecosystem configured to detachably mount at least one magnetic accessory via a magnetic coupling force. The magneto-ecological system may mount the table pad assembly 410 to provide a smooth and continuous surface to the user for optimal mouse control and to prevent objects from sliding off the table top 102 or being knocked over. The magneto ecosystem can also install a magnetic fitting 500 for a cable management system, where loose cables and wires can be routed and organized with fittings such as magnetic cable clamps 502 or cable clamp anchors 506. In addition, the cables may be hidden along each leg 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d of the table assembly 100 with a magnetic cable jacket 512. So that a clean and tidy environment may be provided, which may be aesthetically attractive to the user.
Fig. 6A shows a close-up perspective view 600A of the hinge member 602 of the table assembly 100. Fig. 6B shows a close-up perspective view 600B of the hinge member 602 connected to the cover member 108, and illustrations (i) and (ii) show enlarged views of the hinge member 602 and the hinge plate member 608. Fig. 6C shows a perspective top view 600C of a hinge member 602 on the table top 102. Fig. 6D and 6E illustrate close-up perspective views 600D, 600E of the assembly of the hinge member 602 to the table top 102. Referring to fig. 6A-6E, the table assembly 100 includes a cable slot 606 disposed adjacent an edge of the table top 102. The cover member 108 may be configured to cover the cable tray 606, and the cover member 108 may be pivotable between a first position flush with the table top 102 and a second position tilted to the table top 102, as shown in fig. 6A, 6B, 6D, and 6E. The hinge member 602 is configured to pivot the cover member 108 between the first position and the second position without extending the cover member 108 laterally from an edge of the table top 102. The hinge member 602 may thus allow the cover member 108 to pivot without having to contact a wall against which the table assembly 100 may rest. In other words, as shown in fig. 6A, 6B, 6D, and 6E, when flipped open (in the second position), the cover 108 may pivot inwardly toward the user. The bracket 604 fixedly mounted to the cover member 108 may be configured to receive the hinge member 602, and the hinge member 602 may be mounted to the table top 102, as shown in fig. 6A. The hinge member 602 may include a plate having two arms 603 extending from one end of the plate to receive corresponding slots formed in the bracket 604, a raised portion 605 extending from the other end of the plate to allow the bracket and cover member 108 to rest thereon when in the closed position, and a hinge plate member 608 positioned offset from the longitudinal axis of the plate, wherein the two arms and the raised portion extend from the plate. In some embodiments, the hinge plate member 608 (shown attached to the hinge member 602 in fig. 6B (i) and as an integrated member with the hinge member 602 in fig. 6B (ii)) may receive a fastener to mount the hinge member 602 to the table top 102. As shown in fig. 6D and 6E, the hinge plate member 608 may be arranged, for example, on top in line with the plate member 610 of the table top 102, and may be attached to the plate member 610 of the table top 102 via fasteners (see arrows in fig. 6D and 6E). Thus, the cover member 108 may be attached to the table top 102. The hinge member 602 may be moved between the first and second positions in a smooth operation while maintaining its resistance to provide a simple mechanism for storing and managing cables and wires to a user. Thus, when the cover member 108 covers the cable tray 606 in the first position, the table assembly 100 may allow cables and wires to be hidden from view and neatly retained in the cable tray 606. In this way, a clean and tidy table top 102 may be provided and may be aesthetically attractive to the user.
As shown in fig. 1, a plurality of legs 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d may extend from the lower surface of the table top 102. Each of the plurality of legs 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d may have a hollow section and may be mounted to the table top 102 via a joining member 110a, 110d, which may be flexible or rigid. The plurality of legs 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d may be formed from a metallic material that may be the same metallic material as the upper surface 106 of the table top 102. In some embodiments, the plurality of legs 104a, 140b, 104c, 104d may be made of steel. This allows a magnetic fitting (such as magnetic cable sheath 512) to be attached to and magnetically coupled to the leg. It is contemplated that other desired magnetic fittings may also be attached to the legs. The coupling members 110a, 110d may be made of aluminum, which may allow easy manufacture of a die-cast cover (die-cast cover) for the coupling members 110a, 110 d. The height adjustment mechanism 700 may be disposed in each of the plurality of legs 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d to adjust the height of the legs. The table assembly 100 also includes a cover member 108 that is mounted along the edges of the table top 102 by hinge members (shown in fig. 6A and 6B).
Fig. 7A shows a perspective view 700A of an embodiment of a height adjustment mechanism 700 in a leg of the table assembly 100. The height adjustment mechanism 700 may include a rotatable member 708 accessible on an outer surface of the leg 702 and a telescoping member 704 connected to the rotatable member 708. The rotatable member 708 may extend into the hollow section of the leg 702. A telescoping member 704 is disposed in the hollow section of the leg 702. The hollow section of the leg 702 is configured to receive the telescoping member 704 such that the hollow section 702 covers at least one region of the telescoping member 704. The telescoping member 704 may include a plurality of visual indicators 206 disposed on the side surfaces for indicating the amount of adjustment.
In use, the bottom surface of the telescoping member 704 is in contact with the floor such that the telescoping member 704 supports a predetermined weight, including the weight of the table assembly 100. In some embodiments, the telescoping member 704 may support a weight of up to 200kg, or preferably up to 150kg or 100 kg. The telescoping members 704 may be made of any material, such as plastic (e.g., high density plastic), metal, wood, or any material that supports a predetermined weight, including the weight of the table assembly 100. In some embodiments, the telescoping member 704 may be made of MDF, and may also include a core layer formed or composed of wood-based panels having a honeycomb structure 202 (as shown in fig. 2A-2C). This may reduce the weight of the table assembly 100 without including the weight-bearing characteristics of the table assembly 100. In one embodiment, and as shown in fig. 7A, the head of the rotatable member 708 may be located at an outer surface such that an external device (e.g., an Allen key) may be fitted onto the head to rotate the rotatable member 708. It will be appreciated that other means (e.g., a screwdriver) may also be used to rotate the rotatable member 708 to prevent accidental rotation of the rotatable member 708. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the head of the rotatable member 708 may also include a knob around the head of the rotatable member 708 to allow the user to easily rotate the rotatable member 708.
The height adjustment mechanism 700 is configured to adjust the height of each of the plurality of legs 104a, 104b, 104c, 104 d. Rotation of the rotatable member 708 is configured to cause translation of the telescoping member 704 relative to the leg, thereby extending or retracting the telescoping member 704 from the bottom of the leg. For example, when the height adjustment mechanism 700 is used to extend the leg, an allen wrench may be used to rotate the rotatable member 208. As the rotatable member 208 rotates, the telescoping member 204 protrudes from the hollow section of the leg 202 and becomes visible. On the other hand, when the height adjustment mechanism 200 is used to lower the height of the leg, the socket head wrench rotates the rotatable member 208 in the opposite direction such that the telescoping member 204 retracts into the hollow section of the leg 202. It is also contemplated that a lock may be provided to hold telescoping member 704 at a preferred height.
Fig. 7B shows a close-up view 700B of an embodiment of the height adjustment mechanism 700 with the hollow section of the leg 702 removed. As shown in fig. 7B, the rotatable member 708 includes a threaded shaft 709 and the height adjustment mechanism 700 further includes a wedge member 710 that is threadably engaged with the shaft 709. In fig. 7B, wedge member 710 has a threaded bore 712 with internal threads that engage the threads of shaft 709. The wedge member 710 is constrained from rotating such that the wedge member 710 slides relative to the shaft 709 as the rotatable member 708 rotates. For example, the shape and/or size of the wedge member 710 may be selected to allow the wedge member to be slidable but not rotatable within the hollow section of the leg 702. The wedge member 710 also includes a first angled surface 714 and the telescoping member 704 includes a second angled surface 716 in sliding engagement with the first angled surface 714. In some embodiments, telescoping member 704 may include a through slot 718 to act as a retaining guide to allow wedge member 710 to slide along second inclined surface 716.
In a non-limiting example, the axis 709 of the rotatable member 708 may be substantially horizontal. When rotatable member 708 is rotated using an allen wrench, wedge member 710 may slide on second inclined surface 716, which translates into vertical movement of telescoping member 704. For example, once rotatable member 708 rotates, wedge member 710 slides along sloped surface 716 in a left to right movement, thereby increasing or decreasing the protruding length of telescoping member 704. Rotatable member 708 holds wedge member 710 and telescoping member 704 together. The height adjustment mechanism 700 may provide stability of the table assembly 100 on uneven floor surfaces. This may be accomplished by individually adjusting the height of selected ones of the plurality of legs 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d to compensate for uneven floor surfaces. Thus, the table top 102 may be maintained at a level above an uneven floor surface by properly adjusting the height of one or more associated legs. In some embodiments, the height adjustment mechanism 700 may allow the tabletop 102 to be tilted at an angle, i.e., converted to a drawing table or the like. This may be accomplished when the plurality of legs 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d are flexibly mounted to the table top 102.
Fig. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of various components 800 of an embodiment of the table assembly 100. The components of the table assembly 100 may be packaged as a kit that includes a table top 102 having an upper surface 106 and a lower surface 107. The kit also includes a table top assembly 410 as described above with reference to fig. 4A-4E. Briefly, the table pad assembly 410 includes a table pad 412 formed or constructed of a ferromagnetic material. The table pad 412 may be configured to be removably mounted to the upper surface 106 of the table top 102. The kit further comprises a clip member 414, the clip member 414 having a groove 415 extending along a longitudinal direction of the clip member 414, the groove 415 being configured to receive an edge of a table pad, and wherein the clip member and the table pad are slidably movable relative to each other. The table assembly 100 may also include a plurality of legs 104a, 104B, 104c, 104d, and the legs 104a, 104B, 104c, 104d may also include the height adjustment mechanism 700 described with reference to fig. 7A and 7B.
The table assembly 100 may be assembled by placing the table top 102 and holes (not shown) for mating screws facing upward on a flat surface. A plurality of plastic spacers 802a, 802b, 802c, 802d are used to insert into each of the linking members 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d of each of the plurality of legs 104a, 104b, 104c, 104 d. The plurality of legs 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, along with the linking members 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, are then inserted into a plurality of pre-designed slots positioned at the lower surface of the table top 102 for optimal fit. The plurality of legs 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d may then be secured to the table top 102 using screws. The table top 102 is flipped up and the cover member 108 is aligned with the edges of the table top 102 and secured in place using fasteners (e.g., screws). The height and stability of the table assembly 100 may be adjusted using the height adjustment mechanism 700. Finally, a table pad 412 (not shown) may be placed on the upper surface 106 of the table top 102 and the clamp member 414 may be slid over the edge 416 of the table pad 412 such that the recess 415 of the clamp member 414 receives the edge 416 of the table pad 412 and the table pad 412 may be magnetically coupled to the upper surface 106 of the table top 102 and to the clamp member 414. The various components of the table assembly 100 and the table pad assembly 410 may be pre-packaged in a kit prior to assembly, or packaged in a flat package, such as a flat bag, for better portability.
Fig. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of a method 900 of manufacturing a table assembly. The method 900 includes (a.) providing a table top having an upper surface and a lower surface; wherein the upper surface comprises a metallic material adapted to magnetically couple with at least one magnetic accessory; and wherein the upper surface is further arranged to be layered on the lower surface to create at least two different magnetic coupling forces associated with different portions of the lower surface/tabletop when the at least one magnetic fitting is attached to the different portions of the lower surface/tabletop (step S902).
The table assembly may be the table assembly 100 described with reference to the embodiments of figures 1-3. The at least one magnetic accessory may be the table pad assembly 410 described with reference to the embodiment of fig. 4A-4E, and/or various accessories such as the magnetic cable retainer 500 described with reference to the embodiment of fig. 5A-5D. It is contemplated that other magnetic assemblies may be used in conjunction with the table assembly 100, as desired by the user.
Figure 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a method 1000 of manufacturing a table top assembly. The method 1000 includes (a.) providing a table top configured to be removably mounted on an upper surface of a table top; providing a clip member having a groove extending along a longitudinal direction of the clip member; wherein the recess is configured to receive an edge of the table pad, and wherein the clip member and the table pad are slidably movable relative to one another.
The table pad assemblies may be the table pad assemblies 400A-400E described with reference to the embodiments of fig. 4A-4E. The table top assembly may be used with the table assembly 100 described with reference to the embodiments of figures 1-3. It is contemplated that other magnetic fittings may be used in conjunction with the table pad assembly and/or the table assembly, such as the cable retainer 500 described with reference to the embodiments of fig. 5A-5D, as desired by the user.
As described with reference to the embodiments of fig. 4A-4E, the table pad 412 may include a first layer (e.g., a lower layer) comprising a mixture of rubber and ferromagnetic components and a second layer (e.g., an upper layer) made of a polyurethane material such as polyurethane leather and may also include a design, such as embroidery, that is aesthetically attractive to the user. During manufacture of the table pad 412, a second layer (e.g., an upper layer) may be attached (e.g., laminated via a compression mold) to a first layer (e.g., a lower layer). It is contemplated that other fabrication techniques may be used to attach the first and second layers (e.g., lower and upper layers).
The table assembly 100 as described herein relates to a table assembly having a magnetic ecosystem such that its accessories may be attached to the table assembly via strong attachment means (e.g., using magnetic forces). For example, the table top does not slide off the table top because it is attached by a strong magnetic force. The table pad also provides a smooth surface for the user, which may be important during games where optimal mouse control is required. The table mat may be rolled up to be portable and may be unfolded completely flat during assembly. In addition, an accessory (e.g., a microphone) with a magnetic mount may be attached to the table top, which may prevent it from being knocked down the table while the user is working. Furthermore, the folded-back portion provides a larger area for magnetic attachment to hold heavier items, such as headphone holders, and may prevent them from falling or slipping off the table top. Further, a cable fitting (such as a cable clamp or cable clamp anchor) with a magnetic mount may be attached to the table top to manage the cable or wire. The presence of a strong magnetic force for attachment can be useful to users entering an electronic game and users desiring a clean and clean table top.
Furthermore, the table assemblies 100, 200A, 200B, 300 as described herein provide a lightweight table assembly that does not include the weight-bearing characteristics of the table assembly. In addition, the folded-back portion of the table top provides a table assembly that is configured to accommodate expansion and/or contraction of the metal components of the table assembly due to temperature changes that occur during transport of the table assembly. This provides a table assembly that is lightweight and easy to carry, while preventing damage to the table top.
While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the disclosure is therefore indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.