Table And Tabletop For Use With Interchangeable Art Elements

Abstract

A table and tabletop configured for easy exchange of art elements is disclosed. The table has tabletop that includes a frame system with an outer frame movably connected with an inner frame. The outer frame supports a protective element, and the inner frame supports an art element. When the outer frame is moved away from the inner frame, the art element supported in the inner frame can readily be exchanged with another.

Claims

1. A table, comprising: a. a leg supporting, directly or indirectly, a tabletop; b. the tabletop including a frame system, the frame system comprising an outer frame movably connected with an inner frame; c. the outer frame comprising a border with a top facing surface that is in a first reference plane when the tabletop is in an open position, a second reference plane when the tabletop is in a closed position, wherein the first reference plane and the second reference plane are parallel, and the border comprises an inward facing surface adapted to support a protective element, the inward facing surface being perpendicular to the first and the second reference planes; and d. the inner frame comprising a receptacle adapted to removably receive an art element, wherein the outer frame is liftable from the inner frame to open the tabletop for exchanging one art element for another.

2. The table of claim 1 wherein the top facing surface of the outer frame is coextensive with the tabletop.

3. The table of claim 1 wherein the inward facing surface of the outer frame includes a channel about its perimeter sized and shaped to receive outer edges of the protective element.

4. The table of claim 3 wherein the protective element comprises a transparent or translucent material.

5. The table of claim 4 wherein the transparent or translucent material comprises one or more of glass or plastic.

6. The table of claim 1 wherein the outer frame is connected with the inner frame by at least one hinge.

7. The table of claim 6 further including a locking mechanism to secure the outer frame is in the closed position.

8. The table of claim 1 wherein the inner frame is sized and shaped to receive standard wall art.

9. The table of claim 8 wherein the inner frame further includes filler to secure wall art of a nonstandard size in the inner frame.

10. The table of claim 1 wherein the leg directly supports the tabletop.

11. The table of claim 1 wherein the leg indirectly supports the tabletop through connection with an intermediate furniture base piece.

12. A tabletop including a frame system, the frame system comprising an outer frame movably connected with an inner frame to move between an open position and a closed position; a. the outer frame comprising a border with a top facing surface that is in a first reference plane in the open position, a second reference plane in the closed position, wherein the first reference plane and the second reference plane are parallel, and an inward facing surface adapted to support a protective element, the inward facing surface being perpendicular to the first and the second reference planes; and b. the inner frame comprising a receptacle adapted to removably receive an art element, wherein the outer frame is manually and reversibly movable away from the inner frame for ease of exchanging art elements while remaining attached with the inner frame.

13. The tabletop of claim 12 wherein the top facing surface of the border comprises one or more of glass, metal, wood, or plastic.

14. The tabletop of claim 12 wherein the protective element is a sheet of plastic or glass adhered within a channel in the inner surface of the border.

15. The tabletop of claim 12 wherein the protective element is a sheet of plastic or glass removably mechanically secured within a channel in the inner surface of the border.

16. The tabletop of claim 12 wherein the protective element and the art element combine to create a third visual impression not identical to either the protective element or art element individually.

17. The tabletop of claim 12 wherein the art element is wall art comprising of a standard size.

18. A table comprising the tabletop of claim 12.

19. A horizontal art display apparatus, comprising: a. a frame system mounted horizontally, the frame system comprising an outer frame movably connected with an inner frame to move between an open position and a closed position; b. the outer frame comprising a border with a top facing surface that is in a first reference plane in the open position, a second reference plane in the closed position, wherein the first reference plane and the second reference plane are parallel, and the border having an inward facing surface supporting a protective translucent or transparent element, the inward facing surface being perpendicular to the first and the second reference planes; and c. the inner frame comprising a receptacle adapted to removably receive an art element, wherein the outer frame is reversibly movable away from the inner frame for exchanging art elements.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary table with an exemplary tabletop in a closed position.

[0006] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary tabletop in an open position.

[0007] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a portion of a border of a top frame.

[0008] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a portion of tabletop with a protective element and art element supported therein.

[0009] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary tabletop in an open position, the tabletop including an art element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Reference in this specification to an exemplary illustration, an example, or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the exemplary assembly is included in at least one illustration. The appearances of the phrase in an illustration or similar type language in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same illustration or example. Similar numerals in different figures are meant to indicate similar structure.

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, exemplary table 10 is shown. Table 10 includes a border 12 framing an art element 14. Border 12a is a top facing surface of border 12. Legs 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d support tabletop 18, directly or indirectly. Table 10 is shown with tabletop 18 in a closed position in FIG. 1, but tabletop 18 is movable between a closed position and an open position (FIGS. 2 and 5). Art element 14 can be exchanged with another art element 14 when tabletop 18 is in an open position.

[0012] Table 10 is not limited by size, shape, or material. For example, table 10 can be a narrow rectangular coffee table, a smaller and slightly taller end table or night stand, or a larger oval table has a height that is higher than standard coffee tables and similar to that of standard dining tables. Components of table 10 may comprise metal, wood, glass, plastic, and combinations thereof.

[0013] As illustrated, the border 12 in table 10 is shaped as a flat open rectangle, but other shapes such as open squares, open ovals, open circles, and other open geometric shapes are contemplated. Art element 14 is viewed through one or more openings in the open geometric shape, as that term is used. Although illustrated as flat, the top facing surface of border 12 need not be flat. As is common in frames and other edges on decorative furnishings, rounded and waved and other decorative surfaces are contemplated for inclusion in a top facing surface 12a of border 12.

[0014] Art element 14 rests within tabletop 18 in structure not shown in FIG. 1 (see instead FIGS. 4 and 5). Although art element 14 is illustrated as a single, unitary substrate with an image therein or thereon, it is contemplated that more than one art element 14 may be displayed within the same tabletop 18. Art element 14 generally includes an image that is visible either directly or through a protective element (not shown in FIG. 1, see instead FIGS. 2 and 4). Art element 14 is illustrated as rectangular, but other shapes are contemplated. Such shapes include squares, circles, ovals, triangles and other regular and irregular shapes. In some embodiments, art element 14 is standard-sized wall art for small, medium and/or large art. Exemplary standard sizes for small wall art include 1012, 1114, and 1114, and their reverse orientations. Exemplary standard sizes for medium wall art include 1822, 1923, 2024, and their reverse orientations. Exemplary standard sizes for oversized wall art include 2740, 2842, 3048, and their reverse orientations. Other sizes are contemplated, including but not limited to 3636, 2430, 2424, 3648, 4848, 2020, 2436 1824, 1020, 1224, 2228, 1530, 810, 1010, 1212, 1620, 1114824, 44, 1612, 2030, and 3040 and their reverse orientations. In other words, sizes and shapes of art element 14 are not meant to limit the appended claims.

[0015] When a protective element is used in tabletop 18 to cover art element 14, art element 14 is not limited by medium. Art element 14 can include photographs, watercolor paintings, drawings, oil on canvas or other substrate, acrylic on canvas or other substrate, metal art, mixed media pieces, and more. Art elements 14 can be themed. For example, art elements can relate to a particular art style (cubism, impressionism, surrealism, etc.), holiday, season, color scheme, etc. Art elements 14 can include personal photos printed on a large substrate, tapestries, hand crafted elements, etc. Art elements 14 can be the product or output of computer systems that accept user-provided input, such as photos, paintings or drawings of family members, vacation scenes, pets, and more for printing on a number of commercially available substrates.

[0016] In some embodiments, art element 14 includes a wooden or other light weight support for the substrate that includes the image to be displayed. In some examples, art element 14 is a canvas wrapped around a light wood base and stapled and/or glued thereto. In embodiments where a protective element is not used, the art element 14 may comprise a durable upward facing surface capable acting as a surface of tabletop 18 that may be subjected to household cleaners, supporting food and drink containers, and other items and body parts that typically reside on tables at least temporarily. In such cases, art element 14 may be coated or otherwise treated for scratch resistance, UV protection, and the like.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, an exemplary table 110 with tabletop 118 is illustrated in an open position. In the open position, top facing surface 112a of border 112 rests within reference plane A. In the closed position, top facing surface 112a of border 112 rests within reference plane B. In at least one embodiment, reference plane A is parallel to reference plane B.

[0018] The tabletop 118 is illustrated as a frame system having an outer frame 130 and an inner frame 120. The outer frame 130 comprises a border 112 that is movably connected with an inner frame 120. As drawn, the outer frame 130 and the inner frame 120 are movably connected through a hinge system 140, drawn as a folding lift and up hinge assembly. Hinge system 140 enables movement between an open position and a closed position of tabletop 118. Other systems and assemblies are contemplated for enabling movement between an open position and a closed position. These may include telescoping hinges, lifting hinges, and other structures that are attachable with the outer frame 130 and the inner frame 120, directly or indirectly. These systems and assemblies for enabling movement between an open and closed may include one or more of lid stays, soft down lid stays, folding/up hinge brackets, multi-functioning lifts, a push down locking system, piano hinges, 90 degree folding hinges, lid support hinges, drop front desk hinges, lift up scissor hinge and support, gas spring hinges, spring assists, self-locking hinges, platform hinges, flip hinges, self-supporting hinges, invisible hinges, concealed hinges, recessed hinges, collapsible hinge, locking hinge, hidden hinge. In some systems and assemblies, static hinges are contemplated. In some embodiments, dynamic hinges are contemplated. Systems and assemblies can be attached, directly or indirectly, with the outer frame 130 and inner frame 120. Attachment may be achieved in any number of ways. In some embodiments, fasteners and/or adhesives are used. Fasteners may include clips, screws, nails, and other mechanical securement devices. Adhesives may include glues and like substances.

[0019] When tabletop 118 is in the open position, art element 114 may be readily interchanged. In the closed position, tabletop 118 displays art element 114 in a horizontal position. To commence movement between the open and closed position, a user may manually lift, for example, a side of border 112 that is flush with an outer side surface inner frame 120 or an overhang of border 112 that extends beyond an outer side surface of inner frame 120 in one or more of length or width. Other structures such as tabs or handles may be added to a surface of outer frame 130 for ease of access to move the outer frame 130 between an open and closed position. Movement between open and closed positions may optionally be assisted by an integrated hydraulic cylinder for smooth, controlled self-closing action. Electronic activation of opening and closing action is contemplated, including by remote control in some embodiments. Optionally, a locking mechanism such as a mechanical fastener may secure used to secure the outer frame in the closed position. Such locking mechanism may include a release to permit lifting into the open position.

[0020] Outer frame 130 and inner frame 120 may comprise one or more of wood, metal, glass, or plastic. Outer frame 130 and inner frame 120 may be of the same or different materials from one another. In some embodiments, the outer frame 130 has a perimeter that is coextensive with a perimeter of the table of which it is a part. In other embodiments, the outer frame 130 has a perimeter that is larger than the remainder table of which it is a part to create an overhang for ease of lifting. In still other embodiments, some or all of outer frame 130 is smaller than the length or width of the table of which it is a part so that the art element 114 is a smaller portion of the entirety of table of which it is a part.

[0021] In the open position, an inward facing surface 150 of border 112 of outer frame 130 includes channel 151 to support one or more edges of a protective element 170. In at least one embodiment, the inward facing surface 150 is perpendicular to the reference plane A and the reference plane B. The channel 151 may run along, in whole or in part, a length of inward facing surface 150. Other mechanisms for attaching the protective element 170 to the outer frame 130 may include adhesion and/or mechanical fastening, with or without channel 151. Where channel 151 is used, the protective element 170 may be friction fit into the channel 151, adhered within the channel 151, and/or mechanically secured within the channel 151 by a fastener. The protective element 170 may be removably insertable or permanently fixed within channel 151.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a side view of the inward facing surface 150 of border 112 is shown with channel 151 therein. Inward facing surface 150 is perpendicular to top facing surface 112a of border 112 and reference planes A and B. Any protective element inserted or secured in channel 151 would then be parallel to reference planes A and B. Alternative configurations are also contemplated.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 4, a partial side view of tabletop 118 is shown in a closed position with art element 114 resting, in part, on support 122a in the inner frame 120. Border 112 has a top facing frame-like decorative surface 112a and border 112 supports protective element 170. In some embodiments, lighting may be added within the frame system for visual effects. Optionally, such lighting may be adjustable in intensity and/or color.

[0024] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 5, the protective element 170 may comprise a transparent or translucent material. In some embodiments, protective element 170 may be selected for a combined visual impression that is not achieved by the protective element 170 alone or the art element 114 alone. For example, protective element 170 may be of a particular color that highlights some aspects of art element 114.

[0025] In some embodiments, the transparent or translucent material of protective element 170 includes one or more of a glass or plastic sheet or panel. When the protective element 170 includes plastic, the plastic may be or include PET/Plexiglass sheets, acrylic sheets, and/or polycarbonate panels, and/or combinations of any of the former. The protective element 170 may be coated or otherwise treated for UV protection, glare resistance, scratch resistance. The protective element 170 may include tint or other light bending properties designed to complement one or more art elements (not shown in FIG. 2). In embodiments where protective element 170 is used, protective element 170 should be sufficiently durable to withstand treatment as furniture including exposure to household cleaning materials, support for hot and cold food and drink, and other exposures expected of furniture surfaces.

[0026] Inner frame 120 includes a receptacle to removably receive the art element 114. As illustrated, inner frame 120 includes an open space above one or more supports at a bottom to form the receptacle to hold art element 114. As drawn, supports 122a and 122b are wood slats. Optional fasteners such as clips may be used hold the art element 114 in place to avoid movement when tabletop 118 is moved such as by being bumped or tipped to retrieve a child's toy that slid under the table. Optional fillers may be used under and/or around the circumference of art elements to assist in holding art element 114 in place. Such fillers may include a pad or a thick foamed surface upon which an art element 114 may rest, crushed paper or foam around the circumference of an art element, or other materials that assist in stabilizing the art element in place. Any such fillers and fasteners may be easy to manipulate for ease of interchangeability. Any number of supports made of any number of materials and shaped in a variety of forms may be suitable with tabletop 118. For example, supports may be a grid of multiple thin and lightweight metal rods sized and positioned to accommodate more than one art element.

[0027] Legs can be attached directly to tabletop 118 or fastening structure on tabletop 118. Alternatively, legs may be attached tabletop 118 indirectly to another intervening base. In some embodiments, tabletop 118 may be set upon and/or attached to another table or flat surface, which may already be equipped with one or more legs. Legs may be comprised of the same or different materials as tabletop 118, including metal, wood, plastic, glass, and combinations of one or more of those materials.

[0028] It is contemplated that the tabletop could be sold separately or as part of a table. It is contemplated that the parts of the table could be manufactured using lean manufacturing methods, including some or all of injection molding, extrusion, wood working techniques. The table and tabletop could be simply assembled using standards techniques.

[0029] Methods of using the table and tabletop include a number of options for interior design. One such option is to simply display a single piece of art horizontally until the user wishes to change it out with another. Users can rotate a series of art to include stints on vertical walls and in a horizontal tabletop. This way, the look of the room hosting the furniture can change without adding new pieces of art. With the disclosed systems and methods, whenever it suits the users, they can readily change the art element out of the tabletop and replace it with another, having a significant impact on the look of the table and possibly the look of the room as a whole. They need only lift the tabletop from the closed position to the open position, remove one art piece, replace it with another, and close the tabletop.

[0030] With regard to the assemblies, systems, methods, etc. described or illustrated in this disclosure, it should be understood that, although the steps of such methods, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain sequence, such methods could be practiced in an order other than the order described. It further should be understood that certain steps could be performed simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of methods are provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments, and should in no way be construed to limit the claimed invention.

[0031] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many applications other than the examples provided would be upon reading the above description. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the arts discussed, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future arrangements. In sum, the disclosed embodiments and claimed invention are capable of modification and variation.

[0032] All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art unless an explicit indication to the contrary is made. For example, use of singular articles such as a, the, said, etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.