Hexagonal table transformable to an alternate shape

Abstract

A hexagonal table transformable to square or other shape by upwardly or downwardly rotating triangular or rounded shaped flap segments to optimize use of available square footage in a restaurant establishment for varieties of room layouts including ells, alcoves, walkways and doors.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS NONE STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0001] Research and development of this invention and Application have not been federally sponsored, and no rights are given under any Federal program. REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX [0002] NOT APPLICABLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of the Invention [0004] This invention relates to restaurant establishments, in general, and to an optimization of the available square foot area for dining tables employed therein, in particular. [0005] 2. Description of the Related Art [0006] As will be appreciated, restaurant establishments are primarily set up with dining tables of substantially square shape. Able to accommodate up to 4 patrons simultaneously, two of these tables are usually pushed together to serve parties of 5 or 6. Analysis has revealed, however, that aligning such tables together takes up a greater square foot area than if a hexagonally shaped table wer...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] As will become clear from the following description, a dining table constructed in accordance with the invention includes a top and a stand for supporting the top on a floor in conventional manner—but with the top being transformable from one of hexagonal shape of six straight edge surfaces to one of alternate shape and / or numbers of edge surfaces via the folding upwardly or downwardly of individual ones of preselected segments thereof. As will be understood, such construction serves to fit the table to a size and configuration accommodating the area where the dining table is to be located. With the individual preselected segments being foldable along locking hinge couplings joining the segments (as by magnetically locking hinges, for example), the hexagonal table can be transformed quite easily to one of square shape for serving parties of up to 4 patrons. Alternatively, and according to the invention, the dining table could similarly and easily be transformed to a dining table of circular shape, to seat 6 or more patrons. Depending upon the room configurations, other embodiments of the invention allow eight-sided tables with straight edges to be set up, or other configurations accommodating different numbers of patrons depending upon table size and positioning. With such choices available, according to the invention, dining tables embodying the invention can be located comfortably in an open area, or pushed-up against a wall, or fitted within corners of a room. With such choices available, maximum usage of a room's square foot area can be utilized, while continuing to seat the individual customers comfortably.

Problems solved by technology

Besides also determining that it is more comfortable for the party of 5 or 6 to sit at a hexagonal table, and that it is easier for a wait-staff to serve them from behind (as contrasted with serving them from in front, as with the resulting formed longer table of two pushed together), this analysis also revealed that hexagonally shaped tables are not the best set-up for serving parties of 2, 3 or 4—and, because of the unutilized space taken up.

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