DESC:CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This Application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application 202321031849 filed on 4th May 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to tables and more particularly, to a movable and folding modular table with concealed power electricals (cables, cable connectors and power box) and table interconnecting devices for use in formation of various layouts/ arrangements of tables.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, workplaces/ workstations are furnished with electrical and/or electronic devices such as computing devices, printers, lamps, telephones and the like, are placed on tables. The wires, cords, cables and connectors are to be appropriately routed with respect to power plug points, usually provided on the table or below the table, to increase the available workspace. The layout of table assembly in workspace, meetings and conferences is set as per the availability of space, capacity of accommodation and type of setting. Changes in the layout from one pattern to another with powered table units have been a requirement across different industries. The common practice is to provide power to each table unit from multiple points on the ground. Power assembly with multiple points is an expensive affair requiring site work for each table in every possible layout leading to multiple cables running from each table to ground causing inconvenience and resulting in hazard. The conventional method does not provide mobile table assemblies or layout changes as per the space availability and requirements. Moreover, the table units lack end-to-end modesty panels depriving a formal appeal to the assembly layout and exposing the underlying technical details in use. Further, routing cables to the power plug points may result in tangling up of cables which is undesirable. Providing an integrated power electrical management through a network of tables is difficult and is one of the challenges posed to original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s). Therefore, the conventional method requires power flow enabled for each table unit of the layout, resulting in poor cable management and lack of interconnection owing to individual wire raisers. The table units are also rigid in pattern with no option for layout variation.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a modular table with easy connect and disconnect mechanisms for various table layout variation with effective cable management, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide a modular table (foldable table) having foldable tabletop and modesty panel with concealed power electricals (cables/ connectors) and table interconnecting devices for use in formation of various layouts/ arrangements of tables.
[005] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the modular table with castor levellers which assists in change of table layouts and ensures accurate planar tabletop level and assists in interconnecting of the tables via tabletop interconnecting devices on the same aligned plane.
[006] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a movable and folding modular table with modesty panel having compact space for power cables and cable connectors.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to easily disconnect and connect the tables for variation in layout as per customer requirement and space availability with completely concealed cables and connectors, castor levellers, lock, and modesty panels for sleek, elegant and uniformly powered table unit.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the modular table which is reliable and is easy to operate and is inexpensive.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to restrict tangling up of cables and to restrict the possibility of electrical interference between the cables.
[0010] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0012] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a modular table, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0013] Fig. 2 depicts a side view of the modular table, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0014] Fig. 3 illustrates a connector mounting bracket for mounting a cable connector onto a modesty panel of the modular table, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;;
[0015] Fig. 4 illustrates an inline layout/arrangement of modular tables, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0016] Fig. 5 illustrates transverse layout/arrangement of modular tables in which tabletop interconnecting devices are used for connecting one modular table with another modular table, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0017] Fig. 6 illustrates the modular table with the tabletop rotating mechanism, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0018] Fig. 7 illustrates a cable cover overlaid onto a leg of the table main structure to conceal the cable (power cable) which is routed to a power source located on ground, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0019] Fig. 8 illustrates various layouts/ arrangement of modular tables, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0021] The embodiments herein achieve a movable and folding modular table with concealed power electricals (cables, cable connectors and power box) and table interconnecting devices for use in formation of various layouts/ arrangements of tables. Referring now to the drawings Figs 1 through 8, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0022] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a modular table (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 2 depicts a side view of the modular table (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the modular table (100) includes a table main structure (102), a tabletop rotating mechanism (103) (as shown in fig. 6), a tabletop assembly (104), a plurality of castor wheels (105), a modesty panel (106), a plurality of castor locks (107), at least one power box (108), a plurality of cables (109), at least one or more cable management brackets (110), at least one or more cable connector mounting bracket (112), a plurality of tabletop interconnecting devices (114), a modesty panel male interconnector (116), a modesty panel female interconnector (118) (as shown in fig. 3) and a plurality of castor wheel levellers (120). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the modular table (100) is explained herein with below reference to be provided in a workspace for concealed power electricals (cables, cable connectors and power box) management and table interconnecting devices for use in formation of various layouts/ arrangements of tables (as shown in fig. 8) However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use/practice the components of modular table (100) in a fixed worktop table or in any other types of tables which are used in meetings, conferences, commercial places or any other places or in any other applications without otherwise deterring the intended function of the modular table (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0023] The table main structure (102) is adapted to support the tabletop assembly (104). The tabletop rotating mechanism (103) is adapted to facilitate movement of the tabletop assembly (104) between a vertical folded position (stowed position) and a horizontal operative position with respect to the table main structure (102). The tabletop assembly (104) is mounted onto the table main structure (102). The tabletop assembly (104) can also be called as worktop assembly. The plurality of castor wheels (105) are rotatably mounted to the table main structure (102). The modesty panel (106) is coupled to a tabletop (104A) of the tabletop assembly (104). Ther tabletop (104A) can also be called the worktop. Each of the castor wheel (105) is provided with the castor lock (107) adapted to lock respective castor wheel (105) thereby restricting a movement of the modular table (100). Each castor wheel (105) includes a threaded shaft (105S) adapted to be adjustably connected to a respective leg (102L) of the table main structure (102). The power box (108) is mounted onto the tabletop (104A) by fitting the power box (108) into an opening (104AC) (cutout, as shown in fig. 4) defined on the tabletop (104A) such that the plug socket, switches and fuses of the power box (108) are visible to outside. Most portion of the power box (108) are disposed to the underside of the tabletop (104A). Further, the power box (108) is fastened onto the tabletop (104A) by using fasteners such as but not limited to screws. The cable management bracket (110) is mounted onto the tabletop (104A) at its underside and is adapted to accommodate at least one cable (109) therein to conceal the cable (109) thereof. The cable management bracket (110) includes a base, an inclined wall extending from one side of the base and a top inclined flange extending from the inclined wall. The base of the cable management bracket (110) defines a groove adapted to hold the cable (109) therein to retain the cable (109) between a cross structural member of the tabletop assembly (104) and cable management bracket (110). The cable management bracket (110) includes a mounting flange extending from the base, wherein the mounting flange is mounted onto the underside of the tabletop (104A) by using fasteners (bolts/ screws) thereby mounting the cable management bracket (110) onto the tabletop (104A). The cable connector mounting bracket (112) is adapted to be mounted onto one of the modesty panel (106) or the tabletop (104A) at is underside, wherein the cable mounting bracket (112) is adapted to mount a corresponding cable connector (111) thereon. One end of each cable (109) is connected to the power box (108) and another end of each cable (109) is connected to the cable connector (111). The cables (109) can include power cables and/ or communication cables. The plurality of tabletop interconnecting devices (114) are mounted onto the underside of the tabletop (104A) on each end of the tabletop (104A). Each tabletop interconnecting devices (114) is adapted to be coupled to a respective tabletop interconnecting device (214) of adjacent modular table (200) thereby interconnecting the modular table (100) with the adjacent modular table (200. Each tabletop interconnecting device (114) includes a tabletop interconnecting gear (114G), a tabletop interconnecting latch (114L) and a cover (not shown). The tabletop interconnecting gear (114G) is mounted onto the tabletop (104A). The tabletop interconnecting latch (114L) is rotatably coupled with respect to the tabletop (104A) and the tabletop interconnecting gear (114G). The tabletop interconnecting latch (114L) is adapted to be engaged (snap fitted) against a respective tabletop interconnecting gear (214G) of adjacent modular table (200) thereby interconnecting the modular table (100) with the adjacent modular table (200). The tabletop interconnecting gear (114G) is adapted to be engaged (snap fitted) by a respective tabletop interconnecting latch (214L) of the adjacent modular table (200) thereby interconnecting the modular table (100) with the adjacent modular table (200). The tabletop interconnecting latch (114L, 214L) of the modular table (00, 200) includes a reinforcing member embedded therein to reinforce the tabletop interconnecting latch (114L, 214L).
[0024] The modesty panel male interconnector (116) is adapted to pivotably mounted onto a first end of the modesty panel (106) using a bush (not shown). The modesty panel male interconnector (116) of the modular table (100) is adapted to be coupled with a respective modesty panel female interconnector (218) of the adjacent modular table (200) thereby interconnecting the modular table (100) with the adjacent modular table (200). The modesty panel female interconnector (118) adapted to mounted onto a second end of the modesty panel (106). The modesty panel female interconnector (118) of the modular table (100) is adapted to be engaged by a respective modesty panel male interconnector (316) of the adjacent another modular table (300) thereby interconnecting the modular table (100) with the adjacent another modular table (300). The modesty panel male interconnector (116, 316) is considered to be a modesty panel interconnecting latch. The modesty panel female interconnector (118, 218) is considered to be a modesty panel interconnecting latch lock (bush/ circular member) or buckle. Each castor wheel leveller (120) is provided at respective castor wheel (105) to facilitate adjusting of a position of the respective castor wheel (105) thereby aligning the worktop (104A) of the modular table (100) with a respective worktop (204A) of adjacent table (200). Each castor wheel leveller (120) includes a plurality of castor wheel adjustment bushes (120A, 120B) (as shown in fig. 2) adapted to be adjustably connected onto the threaded shaft (105S) of the respective castor wheel (105). The plurality of castor wheel adjustment bushes (120A, 120B) are adapted to facilitate adjusting of the position of the respective castor wheel (105) thereby aligning the worktop (104A) of the modular table (100) with the respective worktop (204A) of adjacent table (200). The castor wheel adjustment bushes (120A, 120B) are adapted to facilitate locking of the respective castor wheel (105) at the adjusted position. Further, the modular table (100) includes a cable cover (122) (as shown in fig. 7) adapted to be overlaid onto a leg (102L) of the table main structure (102) to conceal the cable (109) therein, wherein the cable (109) is a power cable which is routed to a power source (not shown). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the cable cover (122) is considered to be a fabric cover.
[0025] The technical advantages of the modular table (100) are as follows. The modular table (100) is provided with foldable tabletop, modesty panel, concealed power electricals (cables/ connectors) and table interconnecting devices for use in formation of various layouts/ arrangements of tables. The modular table (100) with castor levellers which assists in change of table layouts and ensures accurate planar tabletop level and assists in interconnecting of the tables via tabletop interconnecting devices on the same aligned plane. The movable and folding modular table is provided with modesty panel having compact space for power cables and cable connectors. Easily disconnect and connect the tables for variation in layout as per customer requirement and space availability with completely concealed cables and connectors, castor levellers, lock, and modesty panels for sleek, elegant and uniformly powered table unit. The modular table (100) is reliable and is easy to operate and is inexpensive. The power cable is routed from the floor on the first modular table (100), the power is later flown from one modular table to another modular table using cable management channels provided under each table. The modular table (100) restricts tangling up of cables and to restrict the possibility of electrical interference between the cables.
[0026] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:We claim: -
1. A modular table (100) comprising:
a table main structure (102);
a tabletop assembly (104) adapted to be mounted onto the table main structure (102);
a modesty panel (106) coupled to a tabletop (104A) of the tabletop assembly (104);
at least one power box (108) mounted onto the tabletop (104A); and
at least one cable management bracket (110) mounted onto the tabletop (104A) at its underside and is adapted to accommodate at least one cable (109) therein to conceal the cable (109) thereof.
2. The modular table (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modular table (100) comprises:
at least one cable connector mounting bracket (112) adapted to be mounted onto one of the modesty panel (106) or the tabletop (104A), wherein the cable mounting bracket (112) is adapted to mount a corresponding cable connector (111) thereon,
wherein
one end of the cable (109) is connected to the power box (108) and another end of the cable (109) is connected to the cable connector (111).
3. The modular table (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modular table (100) comprises a plurality of tabletop interconnecting devices (114) mounted onto the underside of the tabletop (104A) on each end of the tabletop (104A),
wherein
each tabletop interconnecting devices (114) is adapted to be coupled to a respective tabletop interconnecting device (214) of adjacent modular table (200) thereby interconnecting the modular table (100) with the adjacent modular table (200).
4. The modular table (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modular table (100) comprises:
a modesty panel male interconnector (116) adapted to pivotably mounted onto a first end of the modesty panel (106), wherein the modesty panel male interconnector (116) ) of the modular table (100) is adapted to be coupled with a respective modesty panel female interconnector (218) of the adjacent modular table (200) thereby interconnecting the modular table (100) with the adjacent modular table (200); and
a modesty panel female interconnector (118) adapted to mounted onto a second end of the modesty panel (106), wherein the modesty panel female interconnector (118) of the modular table (100) is adapted to be engaged by a respective modesty panel male interconnector (316) of the adjacent another modular table (300) thereby interconnecting the modular table (100) with the adjacent another modular table (300)
wherein
the modesty panel male interconnector (116, 316) is a modesty panel interconnecting latch; and
the modesty panel female interconnector (118, 218) is a modesty panel interconnecting latch lock.
5. The modular table (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modular table (100) comprises:
a plurality of castor wheels (105) rotatably mounted to the table main structure (102); and
a plurality of castor wheel levellers (120), wherein each castor wheel leveller (120) is provided at respective castor wheel (105) to facilitate adjusting of a position of the respective castor wheel (105) thereby aligning the worktop (104A) of the modular table (100) with a respective worktop (204A) of adjacent table (200).

6. The modular table (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein each of the castor wheel (105) is provided with a castor lock (107) adapted to lock respective castor wheel (105) thereby restricting a movement of the modular table (100);
the cable management bracket (110) includes a base, an inclined wall extending from one side of the base and a top inclined flange extending from the inclined wall;
the base of the cable management bracket (110) defines a groove adapted to hold the cable (109) therein to retain the cable (109) between a cross structural member of the tabletop assembly (104) and cable management bracket (110); and
the cable management bracket (110) includes a mounting flange extending from the base, wherein the mounting flange is mounted onto the underside of the tabletop (104A) by using fasteners (bolts/ screws) thereby mounting the cable management bracket (110) onto the tabletop (104A).
7. The modular table (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tabletop assembly (104) is provided with a tabletop rotating mechanism (103) adapted to facilitate movement of the tabletop assembly (104) between a vertical folded position and a horizontal operative position with respect to the table main structure (102).
8. The modular table (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modular table (100) includes a cable cover (122) adapted to be overlaid onto a leg (102L) of the table main structure (102) to conceal the cable (109) therein, wherein the cable (109) is a power cable which is routed to a power source.
9. The modular table (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each tabletop interconnecting device (114) includes,
a tabletop interconnecting gear (114G) mounted onto the tabletop (104A);
a tabletop interconnecting latch (114L) rotatably coupled with respect to the tabletop (104A) and the tabletop interconnecting gear (114G),
wherein
the tabletop interconnecting latch (114L) is adapted to be engaged (snap fitted) against a respective tabletop interconnecting gear (214G) of adjacent modular table (200) thereby interconnecting the modular table (100) with the adjacent modular table (200);
the tabletop interconnecting gear (114G) is adapted to be engaged (snap fitted) by a respective tabletop interconnecting latch (214L) of the adjacent modular table (200) thereby interconnecting the modular table (100) with the adjacent modular table (200); and
the tabletop interconnecting latch (114L, 214L) of the modular table (00, 200) includes a reinforcing member embedded therein to reinforce the tabletop interconnecting latch (114L, 214L).
10. The modular table (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein each castor wheel (105) includes a threaded shaft (105S) adapted to be adjustably connected to a respective leg (102L) of the table main structure (102);
each castor wheel leveller (120) includes a plurality of castor wheel adjustment bushes (120A, 120B) adapted to be adjustably connected onto the threaded shaft (105S) of the respective castor wheel (105);
the plurality of castor wheel adjustment bushes (120A, 120B) are adapted to facilitate adjusting of the position of the respective castor wheel (105) thereby aligning the worktop (104A) of the modular table (100) with the respective worktop (204A) of adjacent table (200); and
the castor wheel adjustment bushes (120A, 120B) are adapted to facilitate locking of the respective castor wheel (105) at the adjusted position.