Telephonic communications – Terminal accessory or auxiliary equipment – Support or stand
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-01
2003-04-29
Chiang, Jack (Department: 2642)
Telephonic communications
Terminal accessory or auxiliary equipment
Support or stand
C312S223100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06556678
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a communication system comprised of a table or work area, such as a conference table, that includes a communication module positioned within a recess in the top of the table or work area. In a first embodiment, the entire module is moveable between a lowered position within the recess, and a raised position in which a part of the module projects above the table top. In a second embodiment, the top section of the module is moveable between closed and open positions, while the remainder of the module is stationary.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Historically, a conference table, the table being used herein to identify a table used by multiple persons as a gathering place to exchange information, has been used primarily to support writing pads and other materials when a group of individuals gathered around the table for discussions. With the recent explosion of communications technologies, conference tables and adjacent areas have become cluttered with various devices and associated wiring and other connectors. Such devices include telephones, conference speakers, computers, visual screens, various audio and video recording and play-back devices, etc.
As a result, conference tables have become storage surfaces for electronic devices, with wiring being strung across the table between components, both on and adjacent the table. Consequently, the tables have diminished value as a gathering place for individuals during meetings, and are difficult to set up and disassemble after meetings. Also, issues that arise during the meeting may necessitate delays while additional electronic equipment is set up for use by the participants. Even with proper equipment in place, it is often difficult to provide equal access to the equipment by all participants, without pulling the equipment around to various locations on the table, or requiring the participants to change seats. One central visual area is also often difficult for everyone to view equally.
Numerous kinds of electronic devices are an accepted necessity for modern business, with the devices being used for communications, calculations and transmission of information. There will also be a continuing need for groups of people to access these devices as part of the decision making process. Therefore, a system in which a plurality of persons could have ready access to such devices when at a conference table would be of considerable value. In addition, a system providing access to this system without cluttering the work surface, and being easily accessed or stored, would be of further value.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention addresses these needs by providing a system comprised of a conference table with an opening in the surface of the table, and a retractable communication module that is stored within this opening. In one embodiment, the entire module is moveable within this opening between a lowered or stored position beneath this opening and a raised position in which the module projects above the surface of the table. In a second embodiment, the top of the module is moveable between a lowered position and a raised position, while the remainder of the module is stationary.
The Table
The exact construction of the table forming a part of the invention is not critical, so long as the table has a top with an upper work surface, and a module opening within the work surface extending through the tabletop. The table may be designed for use by a single individual, or by multiple individuals. The tabletop may be of one-piece, or of multiple pieces that are joined permanently together. Preferably, however, the table is of a modular construction, with various tabletop sections being releasibly joined to form the tabletop. Examples of suitable tables are described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/216,717, filed Dec. 18, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,398, issued Jan. 11, 2000, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/409,517, filed Sep. 30, 1999, both applications being incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
In the tables described in these applications, a plurality of three-sided segments are joined together to form a three-sided table module. A plurality of these modules are then joined together to form a modular conference table. The dimensions of the segments are such that a three-sided opening is formed in the center of the table module when the three-sided segments are joined.
The tables described in these applications also includes a leg, cover or base with a central opening beneath each opening in the module top. Preferably, the leg opening is also three-sided, with alignment and dimensions like the opening in the module top. Thus, when a table of this configuration is used in the present invention, a communication module can be positioned with a retracted position within the leg opening, and a raised position extending from the leg opening up through the opening in the module top. Alternatively, the module can be fixed within the opening in the tabletop, with the leg opening being optionally used for storage of other components. When a conference table is formed of a plurality of table modules, communications modules can be positioned in a plurality of table module openings from which they can be extended for use, or retracted so that they are hidden beneath the table.
The Module
The exact configuration of the communications module will depend upon its particular end uses, and the level of sophistication desired. Basically, the communication module comprises a housing to support one or more communications devices, and a top or outer surface that is positioned substantially in a plane with the upper surface of the table top when the module is in its lowered or closed position. The communications devices, the term being used herein to designate various electronic devices, and components thereof used to communicate information either to or from participants, may include a display screen, a video camera, a speaker, a microphone, audio and video recording or play-back devices, computers, and various jacks.
Components of these devices may also be installed in the module, with the remainder of the particular device being at a remote location. The module may also include various kinds of input and output components, such as outlets, jacks, infrared receiver and transmitter ports, and the like. These devices and components may be arranged in the housing in any suitable manner depending upon the particular devices or components, ease of access, and overall aesthetic appearance of the module.
One embodiment of the module includes a hinged top with an upper surface that is substantially in a plane with the upper surface of the tabletop when the module is in a lowered or closed position. When the module is in its raised position, the hinged top can be opened to a vertical position to provide access to devices beneath the top. For example, a display screen may be attached to the inner surface of the top, so that the screen will be positioned vertically for viewing when the top is opened. The top and attached screen can be supported on a swivel base that is rotatable about a vertical axis so that the screen can be rotated up to 360° for viewing by different individuals around the table.
In a further enhancement of this embodiment, a computer can be positioned within the housing or at a remote location, e.g., beneath the table, and connected to the display. Different participants can then access the computer through a keyboard on the table and display output from the computer on the display screen. The keyboard can be connected to the computer through a wiring jack, or via an infrared port. The display screens of several other modules can be slaved to the first module, so that the information is displayed on a plurality of display screens.
The display screen can also be attached to a remote communication source, such as an audio/video feed from a remote conference table, or other remote source. In this instance, the com
,MacCord Mason PLLC
Boyce Products Ltd.
Chiang Jack
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