Scratching pad side table

Abstract

A scratchable side table placed adjacent another piece of furniture may include a base, a table top, a frame extending between the base and the table top, and a scratchpad removably attached to the frame. The side table may be formed in an L shape that facilitates extension around a corner of the piece of furniture and protects the corner from, for example, cat scratching. Therefore, the scratchable side table can be used as a scratching column for a cat and can also be used as a side table for a display, and meanwhile, a long sofa is protected from being scratched. The scratching pad is intended for being scratched by pet animals.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 406,825, filed on September 15, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments described herein relate generally to furniture, and particularly to furniture having a built-in scratching pad or scratching post for pets, such as cats. Background Art

[0004] Scratching mats, boards and posts for pets are particularly useful for cats because they have an instinct to scratch with their claws. This helps them express affection, mark objects with their scent, and keep their nails clean and sharp. Cats will find places to satisfy this natural instinct, whether there is a scratching post or not. Therefore, it is important for cat owners to make sure they provide their pets with enough scratching space, especially if they want to protect their furniture.

[0005] Scratching pads, scratching boards and scratching posts are usually free-standing structures and are typically intended to be placed alone in an open space so that the pet can easily reach them. Therefore, such structures are inconvenient because they take up space in the house that could be used for everyday furniture and may look unpleasant if worn or damaged after use. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a scratching device for a pet that is configured for placement directly adjacent to a piece of furniture so that the device can be seamlessly integrated into the piece of furniture in an aesthetically pleasing manner while still providing a useful scratching surface for the pet.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a side table including a scratching board or scratching pad, wherein the side table is configured for placement directly adjacent to a piece of furniture, such as a couch or bed, so that the side table appears to be an integral part of the piece of furniture. Another object of the present invention is to make the scratching board or the scratching pad easily replaceable.

[0008] A side table according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a base portion, a top portion, and a scratching pad portion extending between the base portion and the top portion, the scratching pad portion including a scratching pad configured for scratching by a pet animal.

[0009] In some embodiments, the scratching pad comprises a type of material selected from the group consisting of sisal, jute, cardboard, wood, and combinations thereof.

[0010] In some embodiments, the scratching pad is made of carpet, rope, wood, fabric, or a combination thereof.

[0011] In some embodiments, the scratching pad portion further includes a panel supporting the scratching pad.

[0012] In some embodiments, the panel includes at least one hook fastener configured to retain the scratching pad to a front portion of the panel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the panel includes at least one clip configured to attach to a corresponding end portion of the scratching pad.

[0014] In some embodiments, the side table further includes at least two posts extending between the base portion and the top portion, wherein each end portion of the scratching pad extends around a corresponding one of the at least two posts such that the scratching pad is tensioned between the at least two posts.

[0015] In some embodiments, the base portion includes at least one extending support member.

[0016] In some embodiments, the top portion includes a tabletop.

[0017] In some embodiments, the table top extends laterally beyond the scratching pad portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the side table is L-shaped.

[0019] In some embodiments, the side table is configured to be placed directly adjacent to another piece of furniture in a matching fit.

[0020] In some embodiments, the side table is a scratchable side table comprising: a base, a scratching pad comprising a material having a rough surface, a tabletop extending laterally beyond the scratching pad, a panel extending between the base and the tabletop, and at least two posts extending between the base portion and the top portion. The posts are attached to the panel and the scratching pad. The panel comprises at least one attachment fixture configured to retain the scratching pad to the panel, wherein the scratching pad is removable from the panel. The table is positionable adjacent to another piece of furniture such that the side table forms a cohesive unit with the adjacent piece of furniture.

[0021] In some embodiments, the rough surface is formed of at least one of a corrugated material, a rope-like material, or a suede material.

[0022] In some embodiments, the scratching pad is made of carpet, rope, wood, fabric, or a combination thereof.

[0023] In some embodiments, the panel is made of sisal, jute, wood, cardboard, or a combination thereof.

[0024] In some embodiments, the base portion includes at least one extended support foot.

[0025] In some embodiments, the roughened surface may be attached to the panel by hook fasteners or hook and loop fasteners.

[0026] In some embodiments, the table is L-shaped.

[0027] In some embodiments, the table is rectangular.

[0028] In some embodiments, the height of the side table can be adjusted using one or more risers.

[0029] In some embodiments, the scratchable side table includes: a base, a tabletop having a flat horizontal top surface, a rigid frame extending vertically from the base to the tabletop, a flexible scratching pad removably coupled to and surrounding the frame, and the flexible scratching pad extends from the tabletop to the base and defines at least two adjacent sides of the side table between the tabletop and the base. The scratching pad has a rough outer surface and the tabletop is overhung above the rough outer surface.

[0030] In some embodiments, the base, the tabletop, and the scratching pad have an L-shaped horizontal cross-section such that the side table forms an L-shape.

[0031] In some embodiments, the scratchable side table is configured to attach around the corner of a couch or another piece of furniture.

[0032] In some embodiments, the rough surface is formed of at least one of a corrugated material, a rope-like material, or a suede material.

[0033] In some embodiments, the scratchable side table further includes a stability extension coupled to the base and protruding laterally from the base.

[0034] In some embodiments, a furniture protection system includes the scratchable side table of any of the preceding embodiments, and a furniture piece positioned adjacent to the scratchable side table.

[0035] In some embodiments, the furniture protection system is a couch, wherein the tabletop surface is positioned above the armrests of the couch.

[0036] In some embodiments, the height of the scratchable side table in the furniture protection system is adjustable using a riser, further wherein the height of the scratchable side table is aligned adjacent to the armrest of the couch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 is a top front perspective view of a scratching pad side table according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 2 is an exploded top front perspective view of a scratching pad side table according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 3 is an exploded bottom front perspective view of a scratching pad side table according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 4 is based on Figure 1 An exploded top front perspective view of an embodiment of a scratching pad side table.

[0042] Figure 5 is an exploded top front perspective view of a scratching pad side table with the scratching pad surface partially disassembled according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 6 is based on Figure 1 Exploded back front perspective view of the scratching pad side table of an embodiment of the invention.

[0044] Figure 7 is a replacement scratching pad according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 8 is a photograph of a scratching pad side table according to an embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 9 is a top front perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a scratching pad side table configured to be placed adjacent to the back of a couch or sofa.

[0047] Fig.10 is a top front perspective view of a scratching pad side table according to an embodiment.

[0048] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Exploded top front perspective view of the Scratching Pad Side Table.

[0049] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 A rear perspective view of the scratching pad side table with the scratching pad removed.

[0050] Fig.13 yes Fig.10 A front perspective view of the scratching pad side table with the scratching pad removed.

[0051] Fig.14 Yes Fig.10 A top perspective view of the Scratching Pad Side Table Furniture Protection System. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] In the following description, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments including structures, systems and methods may be practiced without these specific details. The descriptions and representations herein conform to the standards used by experienced or skilled personnel in the art in order to most effectively convey the substance of their work to other technical personnel in the art. In some instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and elements are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present disclosure.

[0053] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," "some embodiments," etc. indicate that the described embodiments may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, the present disclosure has been prepared such that when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with one embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art that such feature, structure, or characteristic is applicable to other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0054] The following examples of the present disclosure are illustrative rather than limiting. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other suitable modifications and adjustments of the various conditions and parameters normally encountered in the art are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a scratching pad side table (also referred to as a scratchable side table, generally designated by reference numeral 1) according to embodiments discussed herein. The scratching pad side table 1 includes a base portion 10, a top portion 20, and a scratching pad portion 30 extending between the base portion 10 and the top portion 20. Figure 1The illustrated scratching pad side table 1 has a generally L-shaped configuration so as to fit around and snugly fit around a piece of furniture (e.g., around a corner of a piece of furniture) to provide the appearance that the scratching pad side table 1 is integrated with the piece of furniture. For example, if the piece of furniture is a couch, the scratching pad side table 1 may be positioned directly adjacent to a handle portion of the couch so as to extend to the sides of the handle portion and around the front of the handle portion. It should be understood that while the L-shape may provide certain benefits, the scratching pad side table 1 is not limited to an L-shape or any other particular shape and may be generally rectangular or square in exemplary embodiments (e.g., see Figures 4 to 6 ) or any other shape as desired to match adjacent furniture pieces. It should also be understood that the scratching pad side table 1 is not limited to placement adjacent to the handle portion of a couch, and may also be placed adjacent to the back of a couch (see, for example, Fig. 9 ). Thus, the term "side table" as used herein is not limited to a table placed to the right or left of a couch (i.e., near an armrest), and encompasses a table that is constructed to fit around and / or in close proximity to a piece of furniture.

[0056] In some embodiments, the scratching pad side table 1 can have a length L of 20 inches to 60 inches, a height H of 10 inches to 40 inches, and a width W of 5 inches to 30 inches. In a specific example embodiment, the side table 1 has a length L of 38.5 inches, a height H of 23 inches, and a width W of 14 inches. It should be understood that these dimensions are examples only and are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0057] The scratch pad portion 30 is composed of a scratch pad 32 and one or more panels (such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, scratching pad 30 can be made of scratching pad material, such as, for example, sisal, jute, hemp, cardboard, synthetic material, wood, or a combination thereof. Scratching pad 32 can be carpet, rope, wood, fabric, or a combination thereof.

[0058] The base portion 10 may be configured for placement directly onto the floor, and thus may have a generally flat bottom surface. The base portion 10 may include a support structure, such as, for example, an extension support 12 .

[0059] The top portion 20 may include a tabletop 22 configured to support items such as, for example, lamps, ashtrays, decorative items, and the like.

[0060] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the base portion 10 can be attached to the scratching pad portion 30 by a series of bottom brackets 42A, 42B, 42C, and the top portion 20 can be attached to the scratching pad portion 30 by a series of top brackets 44A, 44B, 44C. Although three top brackets and three bottom brackets are shown, it should be understood that any number and arrangement of brackets can be used to attach the components of the side table 1 together. In some embodiments, screws are used to attach the top and bottom brackets to the base portion 10, the top portion 20, and the scratching pad portion 30. In some embodiments, other fastening elements can be used to attach the top and bottom brackets to the base portion 10, the top portion 20, and the scratching pad portion 30, such as, for example, clamps, nails, screws, adhesives, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, fastening elements other than brackets can be used to attach the base portion 10 and the top portion 20 to the scratching pad portion 30, such as, for example, clamps, nails, screws, adhesives, and combinations thereof.

[0061] As discussed, side table 1 can have any suitable contour so as to closely abut an adjacent furniture piece in a matching fit. Thus, base portion 10, top portion 20, and scratch pad portion 30 can each be made from any number of individual components that are joined together to form an integral panel. For example, each of base portion 10, top portion 20, and scratch pad portion 30 can include a body panel and one or more side panels as desired so as to conform to the shape of an adjacent furniture piece.

[0062] In some embodiments, posts 36A, 36B may be disposed at both ends of the scratch pad portion 30. The posts 36A, 36B may extend vertically between the base portion 10 and the top portion 20. The opposite end portion of the scratch pad 32 may wrap around a corresponding one of the posts 36A, 36B and be secured by a fastening assembly such as, for example, Figure 6 The clip 39 is shown secured to the back of the panel 34. Although reference is made herein to a rectangular configuration (e.g., Figures 4 to 6 , Fig. 9 ) are shown and described with certain features (e.g., for attaching a scratching pad 30), but it should be understood that they are equally applicable to L-shaped configurations (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 8 , Figures 10 to 14 ).

[0063] To facilitate smooth and tight wrapping around the posts 36A, 36B, the posts 36A, 36B may have a rounded profile (e.g., cylindrical). The posts 36A, 36B may be removable from the top portion 10 and the bottom portion 20 so that the scratching pad 32 may be replaced after being worn out by use. In this regard, Figure 7A replacement scratching pad 132 is shown that can be used as a replacement kit together with replacement posts 136A, 136B. A worn scratching pad 32 and associated posts 36A, 36B can be removed from the side table 1 and replaced with a new scratching pad 132 and posts 136A, 136B. Figure 2 As most clearly shown, posts 36A, 36B may be inserted into corresponding openings 14A, 14B in base portion 10 and secured at the top of the side table by fastening clips 24. The old scratching pad 32 and posts 36A, 36B may be removed by pulling posts 36A, 36B out of openings 14A, 14B and fastening clips 24, and the new replacement scratching pad 132 and posts 136A, 136B may be installed by pushing the bottom portions of posts 136A, 136B into openings 14A, 14B and the top portions of posts 136A, 136B into fastening clips 24.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, the scratch pad 32 may be tightened against the front of the panel 34 by an additional fastening element such as, for example, a hook and loop fastener 38. In this regard, the front side of the panel 34 may include one of the hook and loop assemblies of the hook and loop fastener 38, and the back side of the scratch pad 32 may include the other hook and loop assembly of the hook and loop fastener 38. Alternatively, the scratch pad 32 may be fastened directly to a hook assembly disposed on the front side of the panel 34 in a loop-free fastener configuration.

[0065] Figure 8 A pet cat 1000 is shown interacting with a scratching pad side table 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The side table 1 is shown adjacent to a side handle of a couch 100, with a drinking glass resting on the tabletop of the side table 1, while the pet cat 1000 scratches its claws on the scratching pad portion of the side table 1. Thus, the side table 1 is able to protect the couch 100 from damage while providing a scratching surface for the pet. Thus, the side table 1 and the couch 100 together form a furniture protection system, wherein the side table 1 protects the surface of the couch 100 from being scratched by the cat 1000, while providing a safe and healthy opportunity for the cat 1000 to scratch the scratching pad 30 of the side table 1.

[0066] like Figure 8As shown, the side table 1 extends vertically to cover a large portion of the lower side surface of the couch that is easily accessible to the cat 1000. It also wraps around the front corner of the couch 100 to continuously extend the same protection to at least a portion of the lower front surface of the couch, wherein the lower front surface of the couch is perpendicular to the lower side surface of the couch. This substantially covers and protects the armrest area of ​​the couch 100 while not interfering with the use of the couch's seat, and further provides the tabletop surface 22 in a convenient position for the user of the couch. The L-shape of the side table 1 enables its inner corner 60 to fit tightly around the outer corner of a furniture piece such as a couch 100, thereby completely protecting the corner of the furniture in addition to protecting the adjacent sides.

[0067] like Fig. 9 As shown, the side table 1 of the present invention is not limited to side tables, but also includes other tables, such as a sofa table that is configured to be placed adjacent to the back of a sofa or other large furniture piece.

[0068] The following will refer to Figures 10 to 14 The scratchable side table 2 shown is used to illustrate and describe the further features and benefits of the scratchable side table. It should be understood that such features of the side table 2 are applicable to the above-mentioned side table 1, and vice versa. The side table 2 comprises a base 11, a scratching pad 31, a desktop 21 extending laterally beyond the scratching pad 31, and a frame 46 extending between the base 11 and the desktop. The frame 46 can be formed by a panel. For example, the frame can be formed by a first panel 47 and a second panel 48. In order to form and support the L-shape of the side table 2, the first panel 47 and the second panel 48 can be positioned vertically to each other. They can meet along adjacent vertical edges to form a corner (for example, an inner corner 61 and an outer corner 62). Panels 47 and 48 can have the same height, but have different widths. For example, the first panel 47 can have a width larger than the second panel 48, so that the first panel 47 can protect the side of the couch, and the second panel 48 can protect the front of the couch armrest without interfering with the use of the couch. For example, the width of the first panel 47 may be greater than 3 times the width of the second panel 48 (eg, between 3 times and 10 times the width of the second panel 48 ).

[0069] The scratching pad 31 can be removably attached to the frame 46, so that the frame 46 both structurally supports the tabletop 21 above the base 11 and provides a base to which the scratching pad 31 is attached. The frame 46 includes at least one attachment fixture 50 configured to removably retain the scratching pad 31 to the frame 46. The side table 2 can be L-shaped, such as Fig.10 As shown (similar to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 8 side table 1), or alternatively may be rectangular (similar to Figures 4 to 6 and Fig. 9 Side table 1 shown). These different shapes of side table 2 can be used to fit different types of furniture.

[0070] Fig.11 An exploded view of side table 2 is shown. As described above, side table 2 may have any of the features described above for side table 1, so descriptions of such features are generally not repeated in full. As shown, base 11 may be attached to frame 46 via one or more bottom brackets 43A and 43B, and tabletop 21 may be attached to frame 46 via one or more top brackets 45A and 45B. Although two top brackets and two bottom brackets are shown, it should be understood that any number and arrangement of brackets may be used to attach the components of side table 1 together. In some embodiments, screws or other attachment fixtures are used to attach base 11, tabletop 21, and frame 46.

[0071] also, Fig.11 4 shows how the scratching pad 31 can be removably attached to the frame 46 via the use of hook and loop fastener strips 50. An example of a suitable hook and loop fastener is Fastener. An example of such a hook and loop fastener 50 is placed Fig.12 and Fig.13 4. These figures show hook and loop fastener strips 50A on the inner surface of the first panel 47 of the frame 46, hook and loop fastener strips 50B on the inner surface of the second panel 48 of the frame 46, hook and loop fastener strips 50C on the outer surface of the first panel 47 of the frame 46, and hook and loop fastener strips 50D on the outer surface of the second panel 48 of the frame 46. These hook and loop fasteners allow the scratching pad 31 to be placed tightly against the panel 48 and maintained in that position for use as a cat scratching material.

[0072] To facilitate secure attachment of the scratching pad 31 to the frame 46 even when being scratched by a cat, since cats tend to scratch on the outside of the frame 46 (see e.g. Figure 8 ), strips 50C and 50D extend vertically along the edges of panels 47, 48 and the corners formed thereby. On the larger panel (first panel 47), strips 50 extend at locations between the vertical edge strips 50C to maintain a secure attachment of the entire outside of the frame 46. To facilitate this, as shown, some strips 50C extend horizontally between the vertical strips 50C, extending over more than 50% of the width of the first panel 47 (e.g., over more than 80% of the width of the first panel 47). On the inside of the frame 46, strips 50A and 50B extend along the edges of the first panel 47 and the second panel 4, wherein the scratch pad 31 wraps around the frame 46, thereby tightening against the frame 46 to secure the scratch pad 31. The scratch pad 31 may only partially extend beyond the inside surface of the frame 46, sufficient to secure the scratch pad 31 at the edge of the rear portion of the frame 46. In some embodiments, the scratch pad does not extend across the entire width of the rear side of the frame 46.

[0073] The strips 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D can be the hook side or the loop side of a hook-and-loop type fastener. The other of the hook side or the loop side can be attached to the rear surface of the scratch pad 31 (or a large area of ​​the rear surface of the scratch pad 30, for example, all) at a corresponding location, so that the hook side and the loop side cooperate to releasably attach the scratch pad 31 to the frame 46. In some embodiments, the scratch pad 31 can be formed of a material that naturally forms a loop, and the hook side of the hook-and-loop fastener can be attached to the loop. In this case, all of the strips 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D can be hook sides and can be attached anywhere on the rear side of the scratch pad 31, thereby providing greater flexibility in placement and manufacturing.

[0074] The scratching pad 31 can be flexible so as to wrap tightly around the frame 46. And the frame 46 can be rigid so as to hold the scratching pad 31 tightly in place during the cat's scratching activities and to support the overall structure of the side table 2. The frame 46 can extend behind the entire scratching pad 31, thereby providing continuous support and resistance to the forces applied by the cat's scratching.

[0075] Fig.11 Also shown is how the height of the table 2 can be adjusted using the risers 52. The risers 52 can be, for example, one or more panels that act as spacers to raise the frame 46 while still presenting a complete, enclosed appearance. One may wish to use the risers to raise the height of the side table 2 so as to place the tabletop surface 23 of the tabletop 21 at a more convenient height relative to the height of adjacent furniture pieces. For example, so that the tabletop surface 23 is aligned with or near the top of a couch armrest and is easily accessible to a person sitting on the couch. Because the side table 2 can be used with a variety of furniture or couch styles having different heights, the adjustability helps maximize its practicality and flexibility in any home environment.

[0076] In some embodiments, a riser 52 may be attached between the frame 46 and the base 11. It may extend the entire interface between the frame 46 and the base 11. The riser 52 has a height corresponding to the height to which the table top 21 is raised when the riser 52 is used. For example, the riser 52 may have a height between 1 and 12 inches (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches). In some embodiments, the side table system includes a plurality of risers 52 of different heights, which may be incorporated between the frame 46 and the base 11 individually or in combination to achieve the desired height of the side table 2 and the desired positioning of the table top 21. For example, such a side table system may include two risers 52 of different heights, for example, one riser having a height of 2 inches and the other having a height of 4 inches.

[0077] Standpipe 52 may protrude outwardly from frame 46, thereby forming a recess above standpipe 52 in which scratch pad 31 may be positioned. This may help position and support scratch pad 31 in an aligned position along frame 46. The thickness of scratch pad 31 may be similar to the distance that frame 46 protrudes outwardly from frame 46, so that when applied, the outer surfaces of scratch pad 31 and standpipe 52 may appear aligned.

[0078] The riser 52 may be incorporated between the base 11 and the frame 46 and secured via any suitable securing device or mechanism including, for example, a dowel 54. Suitable materials for the riser 52 include, but are not limited to, wood, metal, and combinations thereof. The riser may be used to adjust the height of any side table described herein to match the height of the piece of furniture to which the side table is coupled.

[0079] Fig.14 A scratching pad 31 is shown attached to the side table 2 described above. The scratching pad 31 is made of a rough material that may encourage the cat to scratch, and may be replaced when such scratching has sufficiently damaged the material (and in the process protects the couch from such damage). To this end, the scratching pad 31 may be formed of at least one of a corrugated material, a rope-like material, or a suede material. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, carpet, rope, wood, fabric, sisal, jute, wood, cardboard, or combinations thereof.

[0080] Fig.14 The side table 2 is shown together with the sofa 100, thereby forming a furniture protection system, similar to Figure 8 The purpose of the furniture protection system is to protect the couch while providing a scratching surface for the pet.

[0081] As shown, the width of the first side 33 of the scratching pad 31 of the side table 2 (corresponding in this case to the first panel 47 of the frame 46) extends along and covers a majority (in this case all) of the width of the side below the armrest of the couch 100. The height covers a majority (in this case almost all) of the height of the side below the armrest of the couch 100. In this way, the sides of the couch are protected from scratching by the cat, and the cat also has an easily accessible place to exercise its scratching instinct. Note that in Fig.14 In the embodiment, the height of the tabletop surface 23 is slightly lower than the top of the armrest of the couch 100. This may be the most convenient positioning for the user of the side table 2. However, if desired, the user can add a riser 52 to adjust the height upward to align with the top of the armrest. This flexibility gives the user a variety of options.

[0082] like Fig.14As further shown, the width of the second side 35 of the scratching pad 31 of the side table 2 (corresponding in this case to the second panel 48 of the frame 46) extends along and covers a portion of the front of the couch, which corresponds to the front of the armrest, and does not interfere with the front of the seat of the couch 100. In this way, similar to the sides, the front of the armrest is protected from scratching, and the sides are further protected by limiting the access of a cat behind the side table 2 and between the side table 2 and the couch 100.

[0083] The first side 33 and the second side 35 of the scratching pad 31 may be positioned perpendicular to each other and seamlessly transition to each other around a corner of the side table 2, thereby forming an L-shape.

[0084] The tabletop 21 , base 11 , and riser 52 (if used) may similarly have an L-shape to form the overall L-shape of the side table 2 .

[0085] like Fig.14 As further shown, the tabletop 21 can extend outwardly above the scratching pad 31 so that it overhangs the rough outer surface of the scratching pad 31. This can provide the tabletop surface 23 with a larger surface area, which improves its practicality as a table. It can also allow a cat using the scratching pad 31 to be protected from objects accidentally falling from the tabletop 21 by providing space for the cat to scratch the pad 31 under the tabletop 21. Further, by overhanging the tabletop 21 above the scratching pad 31, the scratching pad 31 can be positioned substantially recessed relative to the outer edge of the tabletop 21, closer to the couch 100, thereby more closely protecting the surface of the couch 100.

[0086] To provide improved stability to such an overhanging tabletop 21, the side table 2 may include one or more support extensions 13 extending from the base 11 in the same direction as the tabletop 21 overhangs away from the scratching pad 31. This may improve the external stability of the side table 2 while still allowing it to maintain a slim appearance and a small footprint.

[0087] It should be understood that the detailed description section, rather than the summary and abstract sections, is intended to interpret the claims. The summary and abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventors, and therefore, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0088] The foregoing description of specific embodiments will fully reveal the general nature of the present invention, so that others can easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various applications by applying knowledge within the technical scope of the art without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, based on the teaching content and guidance content presented herein, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology herein is intended to illustrate rather than to limit, so the technical staff will interpret the terms or wording of this specification according to the teaching content and guidance content.

[0089] The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A scratchable side table, comprising: Base; a scratching pad comprising a material having a rough surface; a tabletop extending laterally beyond the scratching pad; A panel extending between the base and the tabletop, the panel comprising: at least one attachment fixture configured to retain the scratching pad to the panel, wherein the scratching pad is removable from the panel; as well as at least two posts extending between the base and the tabletop, wherein the posts are attached to the panel and the scratching pad, The table is configured to protect adjacent furniture pieces such that the side table forms a cohesive unit with the adjacent furniture pieces. 2 . The side table of claim 1 , wherein the rough surface is formed of at least one of a corrugated material, a rope-like material, or a suede material.

3. The side table of claim 1, wherein the scratching pad is made of carpet, rope, wood, fabric, or a combination thereof.

4. The side table of claim 1, wherein the panel is made of sisal, jute, wood, cardboard, or a combination thereof.

5. The side table of claim 1, wherein the base includes at least one extending support foot.

6. The side table of claim 1, wherein the side table is L-shaped.

7. The side table of claim 1, wherein the side table is rectangular.

8. The side table of claim 1, wherein the height of the side table is adjustable.

9. A side table as claimed in claim 8, wherein one or more risers are incorporated between the base and the table top.

10. The side table of claim 1, wherein the attachment fixture is a hook fastener or a hook and loop fastener.

11. A scratchable side table comprising: Base; a tabletop having a flat, horizontal top surface; a rigid frame extending vertically from the base to the tabletop; as well as a flexible scratching pad removably coupled to and surrounding the frame, the flexible scratching pad extending from the tabletop to the base and defining at least two adjacent sides of the side table between the tabletop and the base; wherein the scratching pad has a rough outer surface, and Wherein the tabletop overhangs the rough outer surface.

12. The scratchable side table of claim 11, wherein the base, the tabletop, and the scratching pad have an L-shaped horizontal cross-section such that the scratchable side table forms an L-shape.

13. The scratchable side table of claim 11, wherein the scratchable side table is configured to attach around the corner of a couch or other piece of furniture.

14. The scratchable side table of claim 11, wherein the rough surface is formed of at least one of a corrugated material, a rope-like material, or a suede material.

15. The scratchable side table of claim 11, further comprising: A stability extension is coupled to the base and projects laterally from the base.

16. The scratchable side table of claim 11, wherein the height of the scratchable side table is adjustable.

17. The scratchable side table of claim 16, wherein one or more risers are incorporated between the base and the tabletop.

18. A furniture protection system, comprising: The scratchable side table as claimed in claim 11; as well as A piece of furniture is positioned adjacent to the side table such that the scratchable side table covers a vertical surface of the piece of furniture.

19. The furniture protection system of claim 18, wherein the scratchable side table covers at least a portion of each of two perpendicular vertical surfaces of the furniture piece.

20. The furniture protection system of claim 18, wherein the piece of furniture is a couch, wherein the tabletop surface is positioned adjacent an armrest of the couch.

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