Nesting Table Top Structure for Compact Banquet Table Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional banquet tables require large storage and transportation spaces due to their size, even when legs are folded, which is problematic for businesses and manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A table design that allows for nesting with adjacent tables, featuring a molded plastic top with a lip and engaging portion for secure stacking, reducing the overall height and storage space required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional banquet tables with large table tops are used, then the tables can accommodate large groups of people, but the storage area required becomes quite large even with legs folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by providing a receiving portion on one table that receives an engaging portion of an adjacent table. The engaging portion extends downwardly from the lower portion of the adjacent table's table top and fits into the receiving portion, allowing tables to be stacked vertically with overlapping table tops. This nesting arrangement significantly reduces the storage area required while maintaining the ability to store multiple tables.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional banquet tables with large table tops are used, then the tables can accommodate large groups of people, but the transportation space required becomes quite large
Solution Approach 1:
The nesting mechanism allows multiple tables to be stacked vertically during transportation. The engaging portion of one table fits into the receiving portion of another table, creating a compact vertical arrangement. This significantly reduces the transportation volume required compared to transporting tables separately or horizontally stacked.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional banquet tables are stacked for storage, then space is reduced, but the tables may not be securely held together
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving portion and engaging portion are specifically designed to provide secure mechanical interlocking. The engaging portion extends downwardly and fits into the receiving portion, creating a positive engagement that prevents lateral movement and maintains stacking stability. This mechanical interlocking ensures reliable storage while maximizing space efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A table may be sized and configured to nest with another table to reduce a height of a plurality of stacked tables in a nested configuration. The table (10) may include a table top (12) with a receiving portion disposed at least proximate an intersection of an upper surface (14) and a sidewall (26). The table top may also include a lip (30) and a lower portion (36) of the lip may include a contact surface that is sized and configured to contact an upper surface of an adjacent, nested table. The lower portion of the lip may also include an engaging portion that is sized and configured to be disposed in a receiving portion of an adjacent, nested table. The contact surface and the engaging portion may be directly adjacent to each other in the lower portion of the lip.