Horizontally supported planar surfaces – Folding
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-30
2001-06-05
Chen, Jose V. (Department: 3624)
Horizontally supported planar surfaces
Folding
C108S023000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240855
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a portable table or booth assembly that is repeatedly convertible between a compact closed storable collapsed configuration and a setup open configuration. More particularly, this invention relates to a table or booth assembly that includes a backlit display panel. In the storable configuration, the table or booth assembly occupies a relatively small space and is easily movable to a desired location. In the open configuration, the table or booth assembly provides a tabletop surface with a storage area and supporting display panels.
This invention also relates to a lightbox, which uses the front panel of the table assembly of this invention. This lightbox provides backlighted graphic display, which, as an independent assembly, may be wall mounted. In addition, this invention also provides a unique corner member which connects and positions structural elements of the table assembly and of the lightbox to assume the unique shape. The corner member also connects and positions elements of the table assembly to allow movement through the various arrangements from the open to the closed configurations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Companies and organizations rely on several ways to present their products, services or information to a potential market or customer. One of the most effective means is to demonstrate the product or service features or present the information via personal interaction directly with the potential customer or user. Some of the techniques include food sampling and promotional hand-out stations in supermarkets, often referred to as “product sampling”. Such marketing campaigns generally last for one to several days. A portable table is typically set up in an aisle for product display and sampling, and then taken down for storage until the next use or for transport to another location. Normally, such tables do not provide for effective display of a graphic identifying the product or service being offered, nor do they usually provide a convenient storage area.
Portable tables or booths are used in a number of other situations, including registration tables at special events, serving tables at banquets, product information stands at trade shows and temporary podiums at meetings. These events may last from a few hours to a couple of weeks. Such situations require a temporary, portable table or booth. Generally, presenters may be unskilled at setting up tables or booths requiring complicated assembly and manipulation of separate parts with special tools. Skilled personnel may then be needed for set-up of the exhibit. The time and cost of the presentation is thereby undesirably increased.
The tables most commonly used may be folding card tables with cloth skirts, tables with wood or laminate surfaces, and portable tables or booths assembled from individual parts. Presentations using a typical folding card table suffer from having a top surface inconveniently low for walk-up clientele, and also lack discreet yet accessible storage space. Non-folding tables are heavy, bulky, take up valuable storage space, and are costly and time-consuming to transport. To the knowledge of these inventors, no portable display booth or table currently available offers integral backlit display of graphics.
Backlighted graphic displays are usable in a wide variety of situations calling for an eye-catching display of graphics, advertising or text.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a convertible, portable table or booth, which is a single, one-piece assembly. The present table or booth is constructable of lightweight, low-cost, durable, attractive materials, such as wood, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum), plastics, composites and combinations thereof. In its open configuration, the assembly of this invention may be variously described as a table, a booth, a cart, or similar descriptors. It is a table, because it provides a convenient horizontal tabletop surface. It is a cart, because it may be designed to be easily rollable with needed display materials positioned thereon. It is a booth, because vertical front and side panels form an enclosure with rear access, within which are supporting shelves. For convenience in this discussion, the present invention will be referred to as a “table assembly,” without any intention to place limits on the potential uses thereof. The vertical panels, such as the front panel, may also display graphics with attractive, eye-catching back-lighting. The shelving is discreetly concealed from the customer's view, yet conveniently accessible to the presenter. A rolling mechanism allows easy transport in the closed configuration. Maneuverability in the open configuration is provided by gliders or wheels, which may be lockable for stability when the booth or table has been suitably positioned for use.
The table assembly of this invention is repeatedly convertible between a small compact configuration for storage, shipping and transport, and an open usable configuration for point-of-sale display and presentation. An embodiment of the present invention is sized and adapted to be readily transportable in the trunk or backseat of a typical car, van or similar vehicle.
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Website www.cheeznpackers.com
ewpage.htm for SNAPPEX Versa-lock Locking Extrusion.
Pamphlet describing Master Series Demo Tables (Master Series 4500) and pamphlet with specifications.
Pamphlet for Hubert Fixtures by Design and Demo Stations.
Pirkl Paul M.
Stimson Robert W.
Chen José V.
Forrest Peter R.
Reid Malcolm D.
Table Guys, Inc.
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