Barrier assembly for table

Abstract

A barrier assembly (50) for attaching to at least a portion of a circumferential edge of a table (10) for catching one or more items dislodged from the table top in use and related method. The barrier assembly (50) may include at least two brackets (60) arranged to be attached to the table at circumferentially spaced apart positions adjacent to the table edge (12). Each bracket may comprise a peripheral support surface (74) extending beyond the edge. A flexible sheet material (80) is extended around the brackets such that it conforms to the support surfaces and forms a barrier to prevent items dislodged from the table top from falling to the floor.

Description

[0001] BARRIER ASSEMBLY FOR TABLE

[0002] The present invention relates to a barrier assembly for a table, and related methods. In embodiments, the barrier assembly reversibly attaches to at least a portion of the edge of the table to prevent an item dislodged from the table top from falling to the ground.

[0003] There are various scenarios where tables are used with items that are prone to fall off the surface of the table, either accidentally or by design. This may lead to breakage or at least the inconvenience of a user having to bend down to pick the item off the floor.

[0004] Possible scenarios are tables used for game playing where there is some movable item involved with gameplay, i.e. that slide or roll on the table top of a board placed on the table top, tables on moving vehicles, tables for toddlers or for children for crafting and the like where they may be prone to knocking items off the table top. Some known table designs may be provided with a peripheral "lip" to help prevent this problem, e.g. a card table. However, in many applications a lip is limited in its effectiveness unless very high, which is often undesirable. Furthermore, a table permanently configured is this way is not always convenient for general use.

[0005] What is needed is a way to address these problems.

[0006] Summary

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a barrier assembly for attaching to at least a portion of a circumferential edge of a table for catching one or more items dislodged from the table top in use, comprising: at least two brackets arranged to be attached to the table at circumferentially spaced apart positions adjacent to the table edge, each bracket comprising a peripheral support surface extending beyond the edge; a flexible sheet material to be extended around the brackets such that it conforms to the support surfaces and forms a barrier to prevent items dislodged from the table top from falling to the floor.

[0008] Thus, the barrier assembly can be attached to a table, e.g. with a flat planar surface, such that a barrier is formed around some or all of the edge of the table to prevent items dislodged from the table top from dropping to the floor. The brackets may for instance be positioned at each corner of the table to extend the sheet material around the entire periphery of the table. The flexible sheet material is tautly wound around the support surfaces such that the sheet material conforms to the support surfaces, imposing a shape on the sheet material which is maintained for stretches between brackets thus forming a continuous barrier at the edge of the table of the desired cross section according to the task. The sheet material is typically elongate, i.e. relatively long in one direction compared with its width in which direction it is stretched around the brackets. The barrier assembly is preferably configured to be reversible attached to the table, so that it can be removed when not needed.

[0009] In an embodiment, plural individual pieces of sheet material may be provided, e.g. to extend around different portions of the table periphery, and in some examples to completely surround the table in combination. Each piece may be identical, e.g. each having hook and loop strips at one end for fastening an end to a respective bracket and having a drawstring. A floating bracket may be provided for each piece of material to fasten the free end to a piece of the other sheet material where it overlaps.

[0010] In an embodiment, the sheet material forms a gutter around the table. For instance, the gutter may be a generally upward facing part open shell structure running alongside the edge of the table. Thus, items may drop into the gutter and be prevented from dropping whilst still being easily retrieved. The barrier may extend between 5cm and 20 cm from the edge of the table. The gutter may extend around all of the table or only some of the table. For instance, the brackets may extend outwards from each corner bisecting the angle, e.g. at 135 degrees from the respective edges making a 90 degree corner, such that an equally sized gutter extends from the corner. Alternatively, the bracket may be positioned to extend from the corner inline with one of the edges such that a gutter is formed at one edge extending from the corner and no gutter is formed at the other edge extending from the corner, i.e. the sheet material is flush to the side of the table. Thus, for instance, if the brackets are arranged at the corners in line with opposed sides of the table, a barrier is formed at the sides where there is no gutter and a gutter is formed at the end between the corners. Thus, a game play area can be formed where the barrier prevents playing pieces leaving the table at the sides and a "goal" area if formed at one or both ends of the table where pieces fall into the gutter to "score". Different orientations and positions of the brackets are possible to allow the assembly to achieve a number of functions suitable for various applications. The brackets may be configured so the material also extends below the table top, i.e. inboard of the table top beneath the level of the table top and or may wrap around the legs of the table.

[0011] In an embodiment, the brackets have features to retain the sheet material in position on the support surface. In an embodiment at least one feature comprises a resilient arm that forms a clip for receiving a respective longitudinal edge of the sheet material. Alternatively, recesses or hooks in the bracket or the like may be provided to engage with and retain the edge of the sheet material. Thus, the sheet material can be kept in place and relatively taut along the support surface, which further helps to keep the desired shape of the barrier / gutter along the side of the table.

[0012] In an embodiment, the brackets attach to the table top via suction pads and / or to the table via a clamp. Suction pads may be relatively cheap and only require a smooth table top to adhere to. Clamps may also be used, in addition or alternative to suction pads, e.g. where there is no skirt to the table and the underside is accessible. Clamps to provide more secure attachment of the brackets may be useful for instance where the assembly is used to provide a net for use with toddlers, where there is a risk of the net being grabbed and / or becoming a risk if detached.

[0013] In embodiments, the bracket may be arranged such that the bottom of the sheet material may extend underneath the table top. For instance, the angle of the bottom clip may need to be changed to the opposite direction, so the material folds back on itself lower down and / or an addition clip is added under the bottom clip to extend and I or allow material to go around the table legs. This may be useful when the assembly is used for toddlers sitting at a table.

[0014] In an embodiment, a portion of the bracket bears against the side of the table. This may help stabilise the bracket and resist the tension in the sheet material which may tend to bear on the brackets in an inwards direction.

[0015] The innermost edge of the sheet material may be positioned by the support surface to be adjacent to the side of the table to minimise any gap. In other examples, the support surface and thus sheet material may extend inboard of the table edge under the table. In an embodiment, the sheet material comprises a net or fabric material. The sheet material is generally elongate, e.g. to fit a standard domestic table the sheet may be between 5 and 10 meters long and between 10 and 30 cm wide. However, other dimensions are possible according to the application and table dimensions.

[0016] In an embodiment, at least four brackets are provided for respective corners of the table. Thus, for instance, four brackets may be provided as standard for the respective corners of a square or rectangular table, with optionally more for fixing at mid points, or for tables with more corners, e.g. 8 for octagonal tables, etc.

[0017] In an embodiment, the sheet material extends around the entire circumference of the table and a further bracket is provided to attach together the ends of the sheet material.

[0018] In an embodiment, the further bracket is not attached to the table. Thus, the further bracket may float free of the table and simply be used to attach the ends of the sheet material. Furthermore, the bracket may comprise two opposed support surfaces for respectively receiving the ends of the sheet material. The bracket may be generally J-shape, with J-shape support surfaces each side about which the sheet is wound. Each support surface may have features to retain the sheet material in position in a similar manner to the corner brackets.

[0019] In an embodiment, the support surfaces have generally the same profile. Thus, the gutter formed around the table has a regular cross section.

[0020] In an embodiment, one or both longitudinal edges of the sheet material encloses a drawstring by which the sheet material can be tensioned, wherein the drawstring is optionally elasticated.

[0021] In an embodiment, the sheet material comprises a fixing at a first end configured so that end is attachable to a bracket. For instance, hook and loop fasteners, ties, push snaps, or button fasteners may be used. This may be used to fix the end directly to the bracket, e.g. via ties, or by doubling the end of the sheet material around a part of the bracket and fastening it to itself. In an embodiment, the support surface curves through at least 90 degrees, or more preferably at least 120 degrees, or more. In some embodiments, the angle may be over 150 degrees, e.g. 180 degrees. Thus, a gutter with a larger curvature may be formed that is more adept to catch items dislodged from the table top.

[0022] In an embodiment, a first longitudinal edge of the sheet material is adjacent to the table edge and no higher than the level of the table top and / or a second longitudinal edge of the sheet material is spaced from the table edge and extends higher than the level of the table top. Thus, this may form a gutter structure whereby the innermost edge is lower than the table top and the outermost edge is above the table top such that the gutter helps gather in items dislodged from the table, i.e. does not prevent them sliding off the table top into the gutter, but does prevent them flying over the far edge of the gutter and dropping to the floor.

[0023] In an embodiment, the bracket comprises a light for lighting the table top. This may be useful for illuminating the table top, e.g. when used for a gaming surface, etc.

[0024] In an embodiment, the barrier assembly is for use with one or more of: a table top game, which optionally comprises rollable or slidable game play element or elements; a table in a movable vehicle, such as a train, road vehicle or boat; and a user with under developed physical coordination.

[0025] In another aspect, there is provided a table equipped with the barrier assembly of any preceding claim.

[0026] In another aspect, there is provided a method of equipping a table, comprising: attaching at least two elements at circumferentially spaced apart positions adjacent to the table edge; winding a flexible sheet material around the at least two elements; wherein the elements have features to clip the sheet material in place, and wherein the elements cause the sheet material to assume a form in which at least an upper portion extends above the table top and a lower portion extends below the table top so as to form a pocket to catch one or more items dislodged from the table top. In an embodiment, the method comprises one or more of: drawing at least one drawstring associated with a longitudinal edge of the sheet material to tension it; providing a bracket assembly for at least each corner of the table such that the pocket extends circumferentially around the table top; and providing a floating bracket for attaching the ends of the sheet material together.

[0027] It will be appreciated that any features expressed herein as being provided “in one example” or “in an embodiment” or as being “preferable” may be provided in combination with any one or more other such features together with any one or more of the aspects of the present invention.

[0028] Description of Drawings

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a table fitted with a barrier assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 2 shows the barrier assembly at a corner of the table;

[0032] Figure 2B shows in cross section a detail from the barrier assembly of Figure 2I

[0033] Figure 3 shows in cross section the barrier assembly at another point;

[0034] Figure 4 shows in detail the flexible sheet of the barrier assembly;

[0035] Figure 5 shows an exploded drawing of the components of the barrier assembly; and

[0036] Figure 6 shows a toggle of the flexible sheet in more detail.

[0037] Detailed Description

[0038] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a table 10 fitted with a barrier assembly 50. The barrier assembly comprises bracket assemblies 60 fixed at each corner 15 of the table, flexible sheet material 80 extending around the elements 60 and a J-piece 100 to attach the ends of the sheet material. In this example, the table 10 is being used to play a game in which game play items 5 are slid across the tabletop.

[0039] Figure 5 shows an exploded diagram of the elements of the assembly 50.

[0040] Figure 2 shows the bracket assembly 60 fixed at a single corner 15 of the table 10, with Figure 2B showing in cross section the suction cup 61 ,62 and bracket mount 64 of the bracket assembly. Each bracket assembly 60 comprises a suction cup 61 ,62 for attaching to the table top 14. This comprises a flexible suction cup 61 attached to a rigid cup 62. A bracket mount 64 is attached to the suction cup, e.g. a boss 63 of the rigid cup 62 fits into a receiving hole in the bracket mount 64. Optionally, a light 66 is provided, attached to the bracket mount 64 for illuminating the table. For instance, the light 66 may comprise a post that screws into a hole 67 in the upper portion of the bracket mount 64. A corner bracket 68 is also attached the bracket mount 63. A boss 69 of the bracket mount 63 may fit into a hole in the bracket mount 64.

[0041] At least part of the corner bracket 68 extends beyond the side 12 of the table where its periphery generally forms a J-shape, i.e. its surface comprising a bottom portion 74b extending away from the table and below the level of the table top, a shorter extending portion 74a slanting upwards to meet the table edge 12 and a longer upwardly extending portion 74c further away from the table edge that extends above the level of the table top. It will be appreciated that this surface can be curved or have straight portions as required.

[0042] To save material and weight, the corner bracket 68 is preferably relatively flat, here being formed by plastic I-beam elements in a J-shape to match the J-shape surface with a bracing element 68 extending across the top. This may also help with attaching the end of the sheet material to the first bracket, as described below. In other embodiments, the corner bracket may be a solid element.

[0043] When positioned, an inner portion of the corner bracket 74 may bear against the table edge 12 to help stabilize the bracket in position.

[0044] The corner bracket 74 has first and second clips 76 and 78 adjacent the respective ends of the J-shape surface for clipping to the respective longitudinal edges 84,85 of the net 80 with the net extending around the J-shape surface. In this example, the clips are resilient arms extending part way along the J-shape surface such that the sheet material is pinched between the arm and surface. Thus, with similar bracket assemblies 60 at each corner of the table 10, the sheet material forms a "gutter" adjacent to the table edge such that items 5 that drop 6 off the table top are caught in the sheet material and can be simply retrieved.

[0045] The kit may also comprise at least one floating bracket 100 used to attach together the loose ends of the sheet material at an arbitrary point. This has a generally similar J shape body 101 as the bracket 70, except in this case the top bracing member 68 is omitted. Thus, like the corner bracket, the periphery of the floating bracelet 100 has a J-shape surface 105 and clips 106,108 on the outside. Thus, the outside surface can clip to two parts of the net where they overlap thus clipping them together. This also helps maintain the gutter shape of the sheet material at this point. In other examples, a floating bracket may only have a J-shape surface and clips on the outside surface to which both ends of the sheet material clip.

[0046] Additional floating brackets 100 and / or additional corner brackets 80 may be provided for maintaining the gutter shape of the net along long stretches of the table, i.e. away from the corners.

[0047] Figure 4 shows a schematic of the sheet material 80 (not to scale). The sheet material 80 here comprises netting 81 , e.g. to catch relatively large items that will not fit through the holes, which has a seam 82 sewn into the top and bottom longitudinal edges 84,85 and extending between them along a first end 86 to form a continuous C-shape channel. A drawstring 88 extends in this channel, both ends of which are attached to the net at the second end 87. At one or more points along the length of the net 80, preferably at the top and the bottom, the drawstring 88 emerges from the seam 82 through a slit or other aperture 90 and is fed through a toggle 89, such as shown in Figure 6. In this example, there are 3 spaced toggles at the top seam and 3 spaced toggles at the bottom seam. The toggle 89 allows the net to be tensioned once in place by pulling the drawstring through the toggle 89. The sheet material 80 and or the drawstring 88 may be elastic to help tension the net.

[0048] In the present example, the sheet material is 5600 mm long and 180 mm wide, having a toggle every 1392.5 mm along its length. The hook and loop strips are 20 mm wide and separated by 15 mm.

[0049] In the present example, the drawstring 88 is continuous, e.g. running along a C-shape seam as described. Alternatively, separate drawstrings can be provided for the top and bottom edges. Strips of hook and loop materials 91 ,93 are attached at one end of the net 80. The strip of hook material 91 is slightly offset along the length of the net from the strip of loop material 93 and on the other side of the net, such that the end portion 87 of the net can be doubled back and fastened to itself creating a pocket. This allows the end of the net to be securely fastened around the J-portion elements of the bracket to fix it in place. In other examples, snaps, buttons, or other suitable fasteners may be used to form the end of the net around the J part of the bracket to fix the end of the net in position, or to attach the end of the sheet material directly to the bracket, e.g. via ties.

[0050] Thus, as shown by Figure 5, a typical barrier assembly will comprise:

[0051] - 1x or more Net or fabric flexible sheet material (e.g. 5.6 meters total length with elastic, 4 toggles to tighten and Velcro strips at one end to attach to the first corner bracket);

[0052] - 4x Bracket Assemblies comprising:

[0053] - 4x Bracket Mounts to fix between sucker & the corner brackets.

[0054] - 4x Suction Cups (The deform disk (3) and the sucker (4) can be listed as suckers)

[0055] - 4x Comer brackets to fix the net around

[0056] - 1x or more J Brackets to attach the end of the material and help keep the ‘gutter’ shape on a larger table.

[0057] It will be appreciated that more bracket assemblies can be provided for tables with more than 4 corners or for tables with curved edges or for maintaining the shape of the gutter along long lengths of the table. Similarly more floating brackets can be provided to help maintain the shape. Similarly the net can be provided in one or more lengths. The bracket assemblies may be formed from more or less individual pieces and require more or less assembling, e.g. any of the bracket mount suction cup and corner bracket may be integral with each other.

[0058] The assembly 50 is fixed to the table 10 by a method 500 comprising attaching the hook and loop materials 91 ,93 at the end 87 of the sheet material 80 around one bracket assembly 60 (with mount and sucker), which is then then attached to one corner of the table 10. The other three bracket assemblies 60 are added to the table 10 the same way and then the edge / drawstring at the top of the sheet material is fed through the bracket clips 76 of each corner such that the sheet material is wound around the table with its free end 86 overlapping itself. The end 86 of the sheet material is attached to a floating bracket 100 at the top and underneath, which is then also attached to the edge / drawstring of the sheet material at the top and underneath where it overlaps. The edge / drawstring on the underneath of the sheet material is then fed through the clips 78 underneath of all the brackets creating a basket or gutter effect. The toggles 89 on the top and underneath are then pulled tight to gather loose material and remove gaps between it and the table. Thus, preferably, the assembly can be fitted to the table by a single person without difficulty. It will be appreciated that some of these steps can be performed in a different order whilst achieving the same end result.

[0059] The assembly is removed from the table by reversing these steps.

[0060] The shorter upwardly extending portion 74a adjacent the table edge 12 may extend no higher than the level of the table top surface, such that items are not prevented from falling into the gutter and be positioned adjacent the table edge so as to leave no gap. In other embodiments, the J-surface net can be made to extend underneath the table top for some distance where there is access to the underside of the table top. The tall upwardly extending portion 74c of the J-surface, i.e. the one outboard of the table edge, may extend above the table top surface height to catch items that are ejected from the table top with some momentum. However, in some examples where this is not an important consideration, the height of this portion may be similar to the other upwardly extending portion. It will be appreciated that many configurations are possible. Other shapes of barrier are possible according to the particular use case.

[0061] While the sheet material shown comprises a net, any fabric or woven or knitted material may be used.

[0062] In the depicted example, a single piece of sheet material is used. However, plural individual pieces of sheet material may be provided, preferably each with its own drawstring, e.g. to extend around different and / or extended portions of the table periphery, and in some examples to completely surround the table in combination. Thus, for example, the two pieces may be attached to each other at one end, e.g. via hook and loop fasteners, to extend the overall length of the combined sheet material to make it suitable for extending around larger tables. The combined sheet material may then be attached to the table via method 500 described above. Thus, at least a first end of the combined sheet material may have the hook and loop strips 91 ,93 for attaching to a bracket assembly 60 and the free end attached to the overlapping portions of the sheet material via a floating bracket 100. Alternatively, each piece of sheet material may be individual attached to the table via the method 500 above. Thus, each individual piece of sheet material may be attached to a respective bracket assembly 60, e.g. via hook and loop strips 91 ,92 at one end, and wound around the bracket assemblies 60 until they overlap at each end, and each end attached to the overlapping portion via a respective floating bracket 100.

[0063] Whilst suckers 61 ,62 are shown for fixing the bracket assemblies 60 at the corners, it will be appreciated that other fixing methods could be used. For instance, a clamp, e.g. screw clamp or sprung clamp, may be used to clamp the top and bottom edges of the table at the corners where there is access to the underside of the table top.

[0064] Thus, the assembly 509 can be temporarily fitted to a table 10 having a flat table top to equip if for playing a game with moving pieces, e.g. that roll or slide, or other scenarios where items are deemed at risk of falling off the table. Once finished, the assembly can be removed, and the table can resume its normal function.

[0065] The barrier assembly 50 is shown extending around the entire circumferential edge of the table 10. It will be appreciated that the assembly 50 may extend around a portion of the edge only if the application demands it. A gutter may be formed at one side of the table but not an adjacent side of the table by orientating the brackets to extend from the corner between the sides inline with one of the sides (i.e. rather than bisecting the angle between the edges to form gutters at both sides extending from the corner).

[0066] In embodiments, compared with Figure 2, it may be useful for the bottom of the material to extend more underneath the table, so either a) the angle of the bottom clip may need to be changed to the opposite direction, so the material folds back on itself lower down or b) an extra clip is added under the bottom clip to extend and I or allow material to go around the table legs. This may be useful when the assembly is used for toddlers sitting at a table.

[0067] Embodiments of the present invention have been described with particular reference to the examples illustrated. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the examples described within the scope of the present claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A barrier assembly for attaching to at least a portion of a circumferential edge of a table for catching one or more items dislodged from the table top in use, comprising: at least two brackets arranged to be attached to the table at circumferentially spaced apart positions adjacent to the table edge, each bracket comprising a peripheral support surface extending beyond the edge; a flexible sheet material to be extended around the brackets such that it conforms to the support surfaces and forms a barrier to prevent items dislodged from the table top from falling to the floor.

2. The barrier assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sheet material forms a gutter around the table.

3. The barrier assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the brackets have features to retain the sheet material in position on the support surface.

4. The barrier assembly of claim 3, wherein at least one feature comprises a resilient arm that forms a clip for receiving a respective longitudinal edge of the sheet material.

5. The barrier assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the brackets attach to the table top via suction pads and / or to the table via a clamp.

6. The barrier assembly of any preceding claim, wherein a portion of the bracket bears against the side of the table.

7. The barrier assembly of any preceding claims, wherein the sheet material comprises a net or fabric material.

8. The barrier assembly of any preceding claim, wherein at least four brackets are provided for respective comers of the table.

9. The barrier assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the sheet material extends around the entire circumference of the table and a further bracket is provided to attach together the ends of the sheet material.

10. The barrier assembly of claim 9, wherein the further bracket is not attached to the table and comprises two opposed support surfaces for respectively receiving the ends of the sheet material.11 . The barrier assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the support surfaces have generally the same profile.

12. The barrier assembly of any preceding claim, wherein one or both longitudinal edges of the sheet material encloses a drawstring by which the sheet material can be tensioned, wherein the drawstring is optionally elasticated.

13. The barrier assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the sheet material comprises a fixing at a first end configured so that end is attachable to a bracket.

14. The barrier assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the support surface curves through at least 90 degrees, or more preferably at least 120 degrees.1415. The barrier assembly of claim 12, wherein a first longitudinal edge of the sheet material is adjacent to the table edge and no higher than the level of the table top and / or a second longitudinal edge of the sheet material is spaced from the table edge and extends higher than the level of the table top.

16. The barrier assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the bracket comprises a light for lighting the table top.

17. The barrier assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the barrier assembly is for use with one or more of: a table top game, which optionally comprises rollable or slidable game play element or elements; a table in a movable vehicle, such as a train, road vehicle or boat; and a user with under developed physical coordination.

18. A barrier assembly configured to reversibly attach to a table to create a barrier outside the edge of the table to catch items falling off.

19. A table equipped with the barrier assembly of any preceding claim.

20. A method of equipping a table, comprising reversibly attaching a barrier assembly to a table to create a barrier outside the edge of the table to catch items falling off, optionally comprising: attaching at least two brackets to the table at circumferentially spaced apart positions adjacent to the table edge, each bracket comprising a peripheral support surface extending beyond the edge;extending a flexible sheet material around the brackets such that it conforms to the support surfaces and forms a barrier to prevent items dislodged from the table top from falling to the floor.

21. The method of claim 20, comprising one or more of: drawing at least one drawstring associated with a longitudinal edge of the sheet material to tension it; providing a bracket assembly for at least each corner of the table such that the pocket extends circumferentially around the table top; and providing a floating bracket for attaching the ends of the sheet material together.

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