Horizontally supported planar surfaces – Plural related horizontal surfaces – Terraced
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-27
2001-08-28
Chen, Jose V. (Department: 3636)
Horizontally supported planar surfaces
Plural related horizontal surfaces
Terraced
C108S050010
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279489
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a multiple utility table. More particularly, the invention relates to a table which is configured so as to be useful for a variety of purposes.
In homes around the world, the most common type of table found in front of couches and other casual seating is a “coffee table”. A standard coffee table is approximately eighteen inches high. Such a height makes the coffee table ideal as a footrest, for holding books and magazines, and for holding a variety of other objects while not obscuring the view of people seated at the couch. However, this height makes the coffee table unsuitable for use when eating, reading, or working at the couch.
Because most coffee tables are even lower than the knees of a person seated at a couch, the person must both lean forward and crouch downward in order to use the coffee tabletop as an eating surface or a work surface. This position is extremely uncomfortable and can even lead to back pain and muscle aches over a period of time.
As a result, many have proposed devices which allow one to more easily work or eat at the couch. Such devices generally take the form of lap desks and other devices which are based on the assumption that the coffee table is too unsuitable to even be adapted to carry out the desired tasks.
While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as disclosed hereafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to produce a table which is suitable for use in front of a couch or chair, but which allows a variety of activities to be carried out therewith which could not be carried out effectively with a conventional coffee table.
It is another object of the invention to provide a table which allows a person to eat, work, and read at the table while comfortably seated in the couch or chair. Accordingly, the table is situated so that it provides a convenient surface immediately adjacent to the lap of the user.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a table which prevents inadvertent ankle injuries. Accordingly, the table legs are positioned so that they do not interfere with the user's legs as the user stands up toward the side of the table.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a table which is useable from opposite sides and which allows several people to work, eat, or read at the same time. Accordingly, the staggered configuration of the table in its standard configuration allows three people to work at the table, wherein each person is seated comfortably and also has his or her own expansive workspace.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a table which is modular so that it can be configured in numerous ways, for accomplishing numerous different uses.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.
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Chen José V.
Goldstein Law Offices P.C.
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