Cat scratching pad side table

Abstract

The scratchable side table is positioned adjacent to another piece of furniture and may include a base, a tabletop, a frame extending between the base and the tabletop, and a scratching pad removably attached to the frame. The side table may be formed in an L-shape that extends around the corners of the furniture and helps protect the corners from scratches by, for example, cats. Thus, the scratchable side table can function as both a cat scratching post and a piece of furniture side table, while simultaneously protecting, for example, a couch from scratches. The scratching pad is intended for use by pet animals.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 406,825, filed September 15, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The embodiments described herein relate generally to furniture, and more particularly to furniture with built-in scratching pads or boards for pets, such as cats. [Background technology]

[0003] Pet scratching pads, boards, and posts are particularly useful for cats because they have a scratching instinct. This helps pets express their emotions, mark objects with their scent, and keep their claws clean and sharp. Cats will always find a place to satisfy this instinct, regardless of whether a scratching post is available. Therefore, it is important for cat owners to provide their pets with ample scratching space, especially if they want to protect their furniture.

[0004] Scratching pads, boards, and posts are often stand-alone structures, usually intended to be placed alone in an open space for easy access by pets. As such, such structures are inconvenient in that they take up space in the home that could otherwise be used for everyday furniture, and can become unsightly if they become frayed or damaged after use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a pet scratching device that is configured to be placed directly adjacent to furniture so that the device can be seamlessly integrated into the furniture to provide a useful scratching surface for pet animals while still looking good.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a side table that includes a scratching board or pad, which is configured to be placed 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 furniture. Another object of the present invention is to make the scratching board or pad easily replaceable.

[0007] A side table according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a base, a top surface, and a scratching pad portion extending between the base and the top surface, the scratching pad portion including a scratching pad configured for a pet animal to scratch its claws.

[0008] In some embodiments, the scratching pad comprises a type of material selected from the group consisting of sisal, jute, cardboard, wood, and combinations thereof.

[0009] In some embodiments, the scratching pad is comprised of carpet, rope, board, fabric or a combination thereof.

[0010] In some embodiments, the scratching pad portion further comprises a panel that supports the scratching pad.

[0011] In some embodiments, the panel includes at least one hook fastener configured to retain the scratching pad to the front portion of the panel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the panel includes at least one clip configured to attach to a corresponding end of the scratching pad.

[0013] In some embodiments, the side table further includes at least two posts extending between the base and the top, and each end 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.

[0014] In some embodiments, the base includes at least one extending support member.

[0015] In some embodiments, the top surface comprises a tabletop.

[0016] In some embodiments, the table top extends laterally beyond the scratching pad portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the side table is L-shaped.

[0018] In some embodiments, the side table is configured to be placed directly adjacent to another piece of furniture for a harmonious fit.

[0019] In some embodiments, the side table is a scratchable side table and includes a base, a scratching pad including a material with 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 and the top. The posts are attached to the panel and the scratching pad. The panel includes at least one mounting fixture configured to hold the scratching pad to the panel, such that the scratching pad can be removed from the panel. The table can be positioned adjacent to another piece of furniture such that the side table forms a combined unit with the adjacent piece of furniture.

[0020] In some embodiments, the rough surface is formed by at least one of a corrugated material, a rope material, or a pile material.

[0021] In some embodiments, the scratching pad is made from carpet, rope, board, fabric or a combination thereof.

[0022] In some embodiments, the panels are made from sisal, jute, wood, cardboard, or combinations thereof.

[0023] In some embodiments, the base includes at least one extending support leg.

[0024] In some embodiments, the roughened surface may be attached to the panel by hook fasteners or hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0025] In some embodiments, the table is L-shaped.

[0026] In some embodiments, the table is rectangular.

[0027] In some embodiments, the height of the side table can be adjusted using one or more risers.

[0028] In some embodiments, the scratchable side table includes a base, a tabletop having a flat, horizontal upper surface, a rigid frame extending vertically from the base to the tabletop, a flexible scratching pad removably coupled to and wrapped around 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, the scratching pad having a roughened outer surface, and the tabletop cantilevered onto the roughened outer surface.

[0029] In some embodiments, the base, tabletop, and scratching pad have an L-shaped horizontal cross section such that the side table forms an L-shape.

[0030] In some embodiments, the scratchable side table is configured to mount around the corner of a couch or another piece of furniture.

[0031] In some embodiments, the rough surface is formed by at least one of a corrugated material, a rope material, or a pile material.

[0032] In some embodiments, the scratchable side table further includes a stability extension coupled to the base and projecting laterally from the base.

[0033] In some embodiments, the furniture protection system includes a scratchable side table as described in any of the previous embodiments and a piece of furniture positioned adjacent to the scratchable side table.

[0034] In some embodiments, the furniture protection system is a couch and the tabletop surface is positioned above the armrests of the couch.

[0035] In some embodiments, the height of the scratchable side table in the furniture protection system can be adjusted using risers, and further, the height of the scratchable side table is aligned adjacent to the armrest of the couch.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are perspective views of the top, front, and side of a scratching pad side table according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded top, front, and side perspective view of a scratching pad side table according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded bottom, front, and side perspective view of a scratching pad side table according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is an exploded top, front, and side perspective view of the scratching pad side table according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an exploded top, front, and side perspective view of a scratching pad side table with the scratching pad surface partially removed, according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 is an exploded rear and side perspective view of the scratching pad side table according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a replacement scratching pad according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is an image of a scratching pad side table, according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 1A-1C are top, front, and side perspective views illustrating an embodiment of a scratching pad side table configured to be placed adjacent to the back of a couch or sofa. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are perspective views of the top, front, and side of a scratching pad side table according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is an exploded top, front, and side perspective view of the scratching pad side table of FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a rear, side perspective view of the scratching pad side table of FIG. 10 with the scratching pad removed. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a front, side perspective view of the scratching pad side table of FIG. 10 with the scratching pad removed. [Figure 14] 11 is a top perspective view of a furniture protection system including the scratching pad side table of FIG. 10. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will also 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 those skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In some instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure.

[0039] References herein to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," "some embodiments," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments may necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases may not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, this disclosure is written so that when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to apply such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly stated.

[0040] The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the present disclosure. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally recognized in the art and obvious to those skilled in the art are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 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 an embodiment described herein. Scratching pad side table 1 includes a base 10, a top 20, and a scratching pad portion 30 extending between base 10 and top 20. Scratching pad side table 1 is shown in FIG. 1 and has a generally L-shaped configuration to fit around and closely abut a piece of furniture (e.g., around a corner of the furniture), thereby making scratching pad table 1 appear to be integrated with the furniture. For example, if the furniture is a couch, scratching pad side table 1 may be positioned directly adjacent to the arm of the couch, extending to the side of the arm and around the front of the arm. Of course, while an L-shape may offer certain advantages, the scratching pad side table 1 is not limited to an L-shape or any other particular shape, and in exemplary embodiments may be generally rectangular or square in shape (see FIGS. 4-6), or any other shape as desired to harmoniously fit with adjacent furniture. It should also be understood that the scratching pad side table 1 is not limited to being positioned adjacent to the arm of a couch, but may also be positioned adjacent to the back of the couch (see, for example, FIG. 9). Thus, the term "side table" as used herein is not limited to tables positioned on the right or left side of a couch (i.e., near the armrest), but encompasses tables configured to fit around and / or closely abut against furniture.

[0042] In some embodiments, the scratching pad side table 1 may have a length L between 20 inches and 60 inches, a height H between 10 inches and 40 inches, and a width W between 5 inches and 30 inches. In a particular exemplary 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 and are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0043] The scratching pad portion 30 is comprised of a scratching pad 32 and one or more panels (panel 34 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) that support the scratching pad 30. In some embodiments, the scratching pad 30 may be made from scratching pad materials such as sisal, jute, hemp, cardboard, synthetic materials, wood, or combinations thereof. The scratching pad 32 may also be carpet, rope, board, fabric, or combinations thereof.

[0044] The base 10 may be configured to rest directly on a floor and therefore may have a substantially flat bottom surface. The base 10 may include a support structure, such as, for example, an extending support member 12.

[0045] The top portion 20 may include a tabletop 22 configured to hold items such as, for example, lamps, ashtrays, decorative items, and the like.

[0046] 2 and 3, the base 10 may be attached to the scratching pad portion 30 by a series of bottom brackets 42A, 42B, 42C, and the top portion 20 may be attached to the scratching pad portion 30 by a series of top brackets 44A, 44B, 44C. While three top brackets and three bottom brackets are shown, it should be understood that any number and arrangement of brackets may 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 10, top portion 20, and scratching pad portion 30. In some embodiments, other fastening elements may be used to attach the top and bottom brackets to the base 10, top portion 20, and scratching pad portion 30, such as, for example, clamps, nails, screws, adhesives, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the base portion 10 and top portion 20 may be attached to the scratching pad portion 30 using fastening elements other than brackets, such as, for example, clamps, nails, screws, adhesives, and combinations thereof.

[0047] As described, side table 1 may have any suitable contour to closely abut adjacent furniture for a harmonious fit. Accordingly, base portion 10, top portion 20, and scratching pad portion 30 may each be made from any number of separate elements joined together to form an integral panel. For example, base portion 10, top portion 20, and scratching pad portion 30 may each include a body panel and one or more side panels as needed to conform to the shape of adjacent furniture.

[0048] In some embodiments, posts 36A, 36B may be located at opposite ends of scratching pad portion 30. Posts 36A, 36B may extend vertically between base portion 10 and top portion 20. Opposite ends of scratching pad 32 may be wrapped around corresponding ones of posts 36A, 36B and may be held to the rear surface of panel 34 by fastening components, such as clips 39 as shown in FIG. 6. While some features (e.g., features for attaching scratching pad 30) are shown and described herein with reference to rectangular configurations (e.g., FIGS. 4-6, 9), it should be understood that they are equally applicable to L-shaped configurations (e.g., FIGS. 1-3, 8, 10-14).

[0049] The posts 36A, 36B may have rounded profiles (e.g., cylindrical) to facilitate a smooth, tight wrapping around the posts 36A, 36B. The posts 36A, 36B may be removable from the top and bottom portions 10, 20 so that the scratching pad 32 can be replaced after it wears with use. In this regard, FIG. 7 illustrates a replacement scratching pad 132 that is made available with replacement posts 136A, 136B as a replacement kit. A worn scratching pad 32 and associated posts 36A, 36B may be removed from the side table 1 and replaced with a new scratching pad 132 and posts 136A, 136B. As shown most clearly in FIG. 2, the posts 36A, 36B may be inserted into corresponding openings 14A, 14B in the base 10 and held in place on the top surface of the side table by fastening clips 24. The old scratching pad 32 and posts 36A, 36B may be removed by pulling the posts 36A, 36B out of the openings 14A, 14B and fastening clips 24, and a new replacement scratching pad 132 and posts 136A, 136B may be installed by pressing the bottom portions of the posts 136A, 136B into the openings 14A, 14B and the top portions of the posts 136A, 136B into the fastening clips 24.

[0050] 5, the scratching pad 32 may be held in tension against the front surface of the panel 34 by an additional fastening element, such as, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener 38. In this regard, the front surface of the panel 34 may include one of the hook-and-loop components of the hook-and-loop fastener 38, and the back surface of the scratching pad 32 may include another of the hook-and-loop components of the hook-and-loop fastener 38. Alternatively, the scratching pad 32 may be fastened directly to a hook component located on the front surface of the panel 34 in a loopless fastener configuration.

[0051] 8 shows a pet cat 1000 interacting with a scratching pad side table 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The side table 1 is shown abutting against a side arm of a couch 100, with a drinking glass placed on the tabletop of the side table 1 while the pet cat 1000 scratches on the scratching pad portion of the side table 1. Thus, the side table 1 can protect the couch 100 from damage while providing a scratching surface for the pet. In this way, with the couch 100 and side table 1 combined into a furniture protection system, the side table 1 protects the surface of the couch 100 from cat 1000 scratching and provides a safe and healthy opportunity for the cat 1000 to scratch the scratching pad 30 of the side table 1.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 8 , side table 1 extends vertically to cover most of the couch underside side that is easily reachable by cat 1000. It also wraps around the front corner of couch 100, continuously extending that same protection down to at least a portion of the couch underside front when the couch underside front is perpendicular to the couch underside side. This essentially covers and protects the armrest area of ​​couch 100, but does not interfere with access for use of the couch seat, and further provides tabletop surface 22 in a convenient location for the couch user. The L-shape of side table 1 allows its inner corner 60 to fit closely around the outer corner of a piece of furniture such as couch 100, thereby providing full protection for the corner of the furniture in addition to the adjacent side.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 9, the side table 1 of the present invention is not limited to side tables, but also includes other tables such as sofa tables that are configured to be placed adjacent to the back of a sofa or other large furniture.

[0054] Further features and advantages of the scratchable side table are illustrated and described below with reference to the scratchable side table 2, as shown in FIGS. 10-14 . It should be understood that features such as those of the side table 2 may be applicable to the side table 1 described above, and vice versa. The side table 2 includes a base 11, a scratching pad 31, a tabletop 21 extending laterally beyond the scratching pad 31, and a frame 46 extending between the base 11 and the tabletop. The frame 46 may be formed from panels. For example, the frame may be formed from a first panel 47 and a second panel 48. To form and support the L-shape of the side table 2, the first panel 47 and the second panel 48 may be positioned vertically relative to one another. They may meet along adjacent vertical edges to form corners (e.g., an inner corner 61 and an outer corner 62). The panels 47 and 48 may have the same height but different widths. For example, first panel 47 may have a width greater than second panel 48 so that first panel 47 can protect the sides of the couch, and second panel 48 can protect the front of the armrests of the couch without interfering with use of the couch. For example, first panel 47 may have a width greater than three times the width of second panel 48 (e.g., between three and ten times the width of second panel 48).

[0055] The scratching pad 31 may be removably attached to the frame 46 such that the frame 46 not only structurally supports the tabletop 21 above the base 11, but also provides a base upon which the scratching pad 31 is affixed. The frame 46 includes at least one mounting fixture 50 configured to removably hold the scratching pad 31 to the frame 46. The side table 2 can be L-shaped as depicted in FIG. 10 (similar to the side table 1 shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 8), or alternatively can be rectangular in shape (similar to the side table 1 shown in FIGS. 4-6 and 9). These different shapes of the side table 2 can be utilized to fit various types of furniture.

[0056] FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of side table 2. As noted above, side table 2 may have any of the features previously described with respect to side table 1, and therefore, the description of such features will generally not be repeated in full. As shown, base 11 may be attached to frame 46 by one or more bottom brackets 43A and 43B, and tabletop 21 may be attached to frame 46 by one or more top brackets 45A and 45B. While 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 mounting fasteners are used to attach base 11, tabletop 21, and frame 46.

[0057] 11 further illustrates how the scratching pad 31 can be removably attached to the frame 46 using hook-and-loop fastener strips 50. One example of a suitable hook-and-loop fastener is a VELCRO® fastener. Exemplary arrangements of such hook-and-loop fasteners 50 are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, which show hook-and-loop fastener strip 50A on the inner surface of the first panel 47 of the frame 46, hook-and-loop fastener strip 50B on the inner surface of the second panel 48 of the frame 46, hook-and-loop fastener strip 50C on the outer surface of the first panel 47 of the frame 46, and hook-and-loop fastener strip 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 tensioned against the panel 48 and held in place for use as a cat scratching post.

[0058] Because cats scratch on the outside of the frame 46 (see, e.g., FIG. 8 ), strips 50C and 50D extend vertically along the edges of panels 47, 48 at the corners formed thereby to facilitate secure attachment of the scratching pad 31 to the frame 46 even while the cat is scratching. On the larger panel (first panel 47), strips 50C extend between the vertical edge strips 50C to maintain a strong attachment across the entire outside of the frame 46. To facilitate this, as shown, some strips 50C extend horizontally between the vertical strips 50C and extend over more than 50% of the width of the first panel 47 (e.g., more than 80% of the width of the first panel 47). On the inside of the frame 46, strips 50A and 50B securely secure the scratching pad 31 to the frame 46 by extending along the edges of the first panel 47 and second panel 48 where the scratching pad 31 wraps around the frame 46. The scratching pad 31 may extend only partially onto the inner surface of the frame 46, sufficient to secure the scratching pad 31 to the rear edge of the frame 46. In some embodiments, the scratching pad does not extend across the entire rear width of the frame 46.

[0059] Strips 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D may be the hook or loop side of a hook-and-loop type fastener. One of the hook or loop sides may be attached to the back of scratching pad 31 (or over a large area of ​​the back of scratching pad 31, e.g., over all of it) at a corresponding location so that the hook and loop sides cooperate to releasably attach scratching pad 31 to frame 46. In some embodiments, scratching pad 31 may be formed from a material that naturally forms loops onto which the hook side of a hook-and-loop fastener can be attached. In such a case, strips 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D may all be hook sides and may be attached anywhere on the back of scratching pad 31, allowing for greater flexibility in placement and manufacturing.

[0060] The scratching pad 31 may be flexible so as to be tightly wrapped around the frame 46, and the frame 46 may be rigid to support the general structure of the side table 2 as well as to hold the scratching pad 31 firmly in place for the cat's scratching activity. The frame 46 may extend behind the entire scratching pad 31, thereby providing continuous support and backing against forces exerted by the cat while scratching.

[0061] FIG. 11 also illustrates how the height of table 2 can be adjusted using risers 52. Risers 52 can be, for example, one or more panels that function as spacers to elevate frame 46, yet still present a completely closed appearance. One may wish to use risers to raise the height of side table 2 to position tabletop surface 23 of tabletop 21 at a more convenient height relative to the height of adjacent furniture. For example, so that tabletop surface 23 is aligned with or near the top of a couch armrest and within easy reach of a person sitting on the couch. Because side table 2 can be used with a variety of furniture or couch styles, which may have different heights, adjustability can help maximize its usefulness and flexibility in any home environment.

[0062] In some embodiments, the riser 52 can be attached between the frame 46 and the base 11. It can extend across the entire interface between the frame 46 and the base 11. The riser 52 has a height corresponding to the height to which the tabletop 21 will be raised when the riser 52 is used. For example, the riser 52 can 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 multiple risers 52 of different heights, which can be installed individually or in combination between the frame 46 and the base 11 to achieve a desired height for the side table 2 and a desired position for the tabletop 21. For example, such a side table system can include two risers 52 of different heights; for example, one riser can be 2 inches high and the other can be 4 inches high.

[0063] Riser 52 may project outward from frame 46, creating a recess above riser 52 within which scratching pad 31 may be positioned. This aids in positioning scratching pad 31 in an aligned position along frame 46, and may support scratching pad 31 in such position. The thickness of scratching pad 31 may be similar to the distance that frame 46 projects outward from frame 46, so that upon application, scratching pad 31 and the outer surface of riser 52 appear aligned.

[0064] Risers 52 may be incorporated between base 11 and frame 46 and may be secured by any suitable fastener or mechanism, including, for example, wooden pegs 54. Suitable materials for risers 52 include, but are not limited to, wood, metal, and combinations thereof. Risers may be used to adjust the height of any of the side tables described herein to match the height of the furniture to which the side table is coupled.

[0065] 14 shows a scratching pad 31 attached to the side table 2 described above. The scratching pad 31 is made of a rough material that can encourage cats to scratch and can be replaced if such scratching causes sufficient damage to the material (and in the process protects the couch from such damage). To this end, the scratching pad 31 can be formed of at least one of a corrugated material, a rope material, or a pile material. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, carpet, rope, board, fabric, sisal, jute, wood, cardboard, or combinations thereof.

[0066] Figure 14 shows a side table 2 together with a couch 100, thereby forming a furniture protection system similar to that described for the side table 1 of Figure 8. The purpose of this furniture protection system is to provide a scratching surface for pets while protecting the couch.

[0067] As shown, the width of the first side 33 of the scratching pad 31 of the side table 2 (in this case, the side corresponding to the first panel 47 of the frame 46) extends along and covers most (in this case, the entire) of the width of the side of the couch 100 below the armrests. This height covers most (in this case, almost the entire) of the height of the side of the couch 100 below the armrests. In this way, the side of the couch is protected from cat scratches, and the cat has an easy place to go to exercise its scratching instinct. Note that in FIG. 14 , the height of the tabletop surface 23 is slightly below the top surface of the armrests of the couch 100. This may be the most convenient position for a user of the side table 2. However, if desired, the user may add risers 52 to adjust the height upward and align it with the top surface of the armrests. This flexibility provides the user with many options.

[0068] 14, the width of the second side 35 of the scratching pad 31 of the side table 2 (in this case, the side corresponding to the second panel 48 of the frame 46) extends along and covers a portion of the front of the couch, and this portion corresponds to the front of the armrest and does not interfere with the front of the seat of the couch 100. In this way, the front of the armrest is protected from scratching, as are the sides, and the sides are further protected by restricting the cat from getting behind the side table 2 between the side table 2 and the couch 100.

[0069] The first side 33 and the second side 35 of the scratching pad 31 may be positioned perpendicular to each other and may seamlessly transition into each other around the corner of the side table 2, thereby forming an L-shape.

[0070] The table top 21, base 11, and riser 52 (if used) may also have an L-shape to form the overall L-shape of the side table 2.

[0071] As further shown in FIG. 14 , tabletop 21 may extend above scratching pad 31 such that it cantilevers over the rough outer surface of scratching pad 31. This allows for a larger surface area for tabletop surface 23, improving its usability as a table. It also allows for cats to use scratching pad 31 to protect items from inadvertently falling off tabletop 21 by providing a space for cats to scratch on scratching pad 31 directly underneath tabletop 21. Furthermore, by having tabletop 21 cantilevered over scratching pad 31, scratching pad 31 can be positioned substantially recessed relative to the outer edge of tabletop 21 and closer to couch 100, providing closer protection for the surface of couch 100.

[0072] To improve the stability of such a cantilevered tabletop 21, the side table 2 may include one or more support extensions 13 extending from the base 11 in the same direction that the tabletop 21 is cantilevered away from the scratching pad 31. This may improve the outward stability of the side table 2 while still maintaining a slim appearance and small footprint.

[0073] It is understood that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more, but not all, example embodiments of the invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0074] The foregoing description of specific embodiments will fully disclose the general features of the present invention such that others, by applying knowledge within the purview of those skilled in the art, may readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various applications without undue experimentation and without departing from the general concepts of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teaching and guidance.

[0075] 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, A base and a scratching pad comprising a material having a rough surface; a table top extending laterally beyond the scratching pad; a panel extending between the base and the table top, at least one mounting fixture configured to hold the scratching pad to the panel, wherein the scratching pad can be removed from the panel; and at least two posts extending between the base and the tabletop, the posts being attached to the panel and the scratching pad; Including, the panel is configured to protect adjacent furniture so that the side table forms a unit with the adjacent furniture; and The side table.

2. The side table of claim 1 , wherein the rough surface is formed by at least one of a corrugated material, a rope material, or a pile material.

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

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

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

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

9. The side table of 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, A base and a tabletop having a flat and horizontal upper surface; a rigid frame extending vertically from the base to the tabletop; a flexible scratching pad removably coupled to and wrapped around the frame, the flexible scratching pad extending from the table top to the base and defining at least two adjacent sides of the side table between the table top and the base; Including, the scratching pad has a rough outer surface; The scratchable side table, wherein the tabletop is cantilevered above the roughened exterior 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 mount around a corner of a couch or other furniture.

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

15. The scratchable side table of claim 11, further comprising a stability extension coupled to the base and projecting laterally from the base.

16. 12. 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 table top.

18. 1. A furniture protection system comprising: The scratchable side table according to claim 11; a piece of furniture positioned adjacent to the scratchable side table so that the scratchable side table covers a vertical surface of the furniture; The furniture protection system.

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

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

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