US20080197087A1

US20080197087A1 - Swivel Cactus Table

Info

Publication number: US20080197087A1
Application number: US11/677,124
Authority: US
Inventors: Lloyd Lee Hunter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-02-21
Filing date: 2007-02-21
Publication date: 2008-08-21

Abstract

The invention is an apparatus and method for distributing a surface to facilitate the display of objects. By utilizing an aesthetically pleasing multifunctional swivel device, with various detachable extensions and surfaces, which are also interchangeable and may be rearranged in order to distribute a flat functional surface within a more condensed vertical space, food items and beverages may be organized and displayed buffet-style at social gatherings.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for distributing a surface to facilitate the display of objects, and in particular, an aesthetically pleasing multifunctional swivel device with various detachable extensions and surfaces, which are also interchangeable and may be rearranged, in order to distribute a flat functional surface within a more condensed vertical space.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Generally, a flat surface area is required when displaying a single or multiple items, for example: displaying artifacts at an art gallery; demonstrating decorative pieces inside a shop; displaying wedding cakes and baked goods; or providing food items at a buffet-style gathering where tables, stands, or similar furniture, is traditionally utilized to adequately provide a flat surface area on which to place different foods and beverages one may desire to offer customers or guests.
The different types of display devices commonly used today naturally vary depending on the type of venue and type of items displayed. For example, pedestal stands are commonly used at art galleries to display sculptures or artifacts. Cabinets are typically used to place ornaments or decorative pieces in a store display or in a home's living room. And long narrow tables are typically used inside restaurants or at social gatherings to display items such as food and beverages that may be offered in buffet-style dinning.
The devices disclosed in the prior art pose different problems in each setting either because they waste space or are impractical in that their use is limited. Pedestal displays may be utilized only to display one large object or a few very small objects, therefore taking up otherwise useful space. Furthermore, only the very top, flat surface portion of the pedestal provides a useful surface. Cabinets pose a problem when interchanging or exchanging the objects on display.
For example, a store owner may desire to seasonally change the objects he or she displays in their store. Due to the different shapes, sizes, or other variables that may affect the store owner's decision on how to display his merchandise, a different distribution, location, or space may be desired every time a new display of merchandise is needed—bulky cabinets or similar furniture do not easily accommodate a variety of spaces.
Finally, tables, whether long, narrow or round, offer little flexibility. For example, projects that involve serving surfaces are often limited in flexibility; serving surfaces are typically stationary, forcing guests to walk down a long line to reach the next food item. Furthermore, when large gatherings are held, even portable serving tables can be inadequate because although they are often unable to be folded down or disassembled into compact forms for ease of transport or storage.
For example, at many catering services long buffet-style set ups require more than one long table. This type of set up requires more space and effort to set up. Additionally, transporting multiple tables to achieve a certain surface are where food items may be served can be time consuming and undesirable. Thus, the prior art lacks a device and method of displaying a variety of items that is suitable for a variety of occasions.
Therefore, it can be seen that there is a need in the art for a device that can properly make use of available space by distributing a large surface into a compact, easily maneuverable, surface which provides a proper display of objects or items and facilitates access to the items displayed. It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations found in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon the reading of the specification, the present invention provides an apparatus and method for distributing a surface to facilitate the display of objects, and in particular, an aesthetically pleasing multifunctional swivel device with various detachable extensions and surfaces, which are also interchangeable and may be rearranged, in order to distribute a flat functional surface within a more condensed vertical space.
A display apparatus, in accordance with the present invention comprises a base at the bottom of said apparatus to provide horizontal stability, a central supporting member vertically connected to said base providing vertical stability, and a plurality of lateral supporting members coupled to said central supporting member wherein each lateral supporting member further comprises a horizontal portion extending from said central supporting member, and a curve portion coupled to said horizontal portion, further comprising a first end coupled to said horizontal portion, and a second end adapted to receive a display plate.
A method of displaying one or more products using a display apparatus, in accordance with the present invention including a base at a bottom of said display apparatus to provide horizontal stability, a central supporting member vertically connected to said base providing vertical stability, and a plurality of lateral supporting members coupled to said central supporting member wherein each lateral supporting member further comprises: a horizontal portion extending from said central supporting member, and a curve portion coupled to said horizontal portion, further comprising a first end coupled to said horizontal portion, and a second end adapted to receive: a display plate; the method comprising selecting a particular plate style, connecting said display plate to said second end of said vertical portion of said plurality of lateral supporting members; and placing a display object onto said display plate.
Another method in accordance with the present invention, comprises attaching a central supporting member to a base of a display apparatus, attaching a plurality of lateral supporting members to said central supporting member, and attaching a display plate to said plurality of lateral supporting members.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide an aesthetically appealing display apparatus that contains curved branches to display objects in a more condensed and practical vertical space.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a method for distributing a flat surface to facilitate the display of objects in a more condensed, and practical vertical space.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a large amount of rotating surface for displaying items, or for example, serving food and beverages.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a table with rotating platforms that are readily detachable for individual use as turntables, or serving trays.
It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a compact portable table where food and beverages can be served buffet-style.
It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a platform or framework for wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and the like that can be showcased.
It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a device that is portable, easy to assemble and disassemble, and compact enough to fit into a small storage space, for example the trunk of a car, making the device easily transportable.
It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a portable table which is simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, and convenient to use.
These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. The drawings are generalized in form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1( a) illustrates one embodiment of an apparatus utilized to distribute a surface, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1( b) illustrates the various components used to put together a display apparatus that can be easily assembled and disassembled in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration comparing one device existing in the prior art with an apparatus utilized to distribute a surface, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of a display plate with a swivel, wherein said display plates can rotate on the lateral supporting members to allow ease of access to any object being displayed on the display plates.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of another embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Turning first to FIG. 1( a), an illustration shows display apparatus 100, one embodiment of an apparatus utilized to distribute a surface, in accordance with the present invention. Display apparatus 100 contains base 101, central supporting member 102, a plurality of lateral supporting members 103, each comprising of a horizontal portion 104, and curve portion 105. Additionally, FIG. 1( a) shows display apparatus 100 with display plates 107, 108, and 109 attached to their respective curve portion 105 of lateral supporting members 103. Lastly, FIG. 1( a) shows display plate 110 attached to the top of central supporting member 102, to create more surface area for display purposes.
In the current exemplary embodiment, display apparatus 100 is assembled by attaching central supporting member 102 vertically to base 101 to provide vertical stability. A plurality of lateral supporting members 103 are subsequently attached by attaching the horizontal portion 103 directly onto vertical supporting member 102. Additionally, display plates 107, 108, and 109 are connected to the curved portion 105 of the plurality of display members 103 to provide a display surface. Finally, top display plate 110 is also attached to the top of central supporting member 102 adding additional display surface if desired.
Base 101 as shown here in the exemplary embodiment is a large circular plate to provide for horizontal stability of display apparatus 100. However, base 101, can be square, rectangular, triangular, octagonal, or any shape that is capable of providing horizontal stability without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Base 101 can be made out of any materials suitable for a creating a sturdy horizontal surface. In an exemplary embodiment base 101 is made out wood for creating an aesthetically pleasing effect, however, base 101 can also be made out of steel, plastic, aluminum, or any other material capable of providing structural rigidity without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In the current exemplary embodiment, central supporting member 102 is attached to base plate 101 using half inch hex bolts. However, central supporting member 102 can be connected using nails, screws, glue, or any other method of attachment without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Central supporting member 102 can be, and in the current embodiment is, made out of steel piping; however, central supporting member 102 can be made out of wood, plastic, aluminum, or any other material capable of providing structural rigidity without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In the current embodiment, plurality of lateral supporting members 103 consists of three individually attached lateral support members 103. However, lateral support members are not limited to three, display apparatus 100 can have more or less display members 103 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Lateral supporting members 103, in the exemplary embodiment, consists of a horizontal portion 104, and a curve portion 105. Although both components are desirable in the current embodiment, lateral supporting members 103 need not contain both components; elimination of either the horizontal portion 104, or the curve portion 105, will not depart from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, despite having two different components in the exemplary embodiment, lateral support member 103 can be made out of a unitary piece of material without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In the current exemplary embodiment, display plates 107, 108, and 109 are designed to be attachable from curved portion 105 of lateral supporting member 103. However, display plates 107, 108, and 109 can attach directly to any portion of lateral supporting member 103 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Display plates 107, 108, and 109, in the current embodiment can be in a circular shape as shown; however, display plates 107, 108, and 109, can be square, rectangular, triangular, or any other shape that provides a display surface area without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally, display plates 107, 108, and 109, can be made out of a wooden material; however, display plates 107, 108, 109 can also be made out of metal, plastic, aluminum, or any other material that is capable of providing a solid surface without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Although not required, an additional display plate 110 can be added to the top of central supporting member 102 to provide additional display surface. Display plate 110, like display plate 107, 108, and 109 can be circular in shape, however, display plate 110 can also be square, rectangular, triangular, or any other shape that provides a display surface without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Naturally, while display apparatus 100 may be utilized to display or serve a number of different items, display apparatus 100 may also be utilized for a number of different purposes without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In an exemplary embodiment display apparatus 100 is used to serve food and beverages at events catering buffet-style. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, display apparatus 100 provides a large amount of rotating surface for serving food and beverages on display plates that double as rotating lazy susans that are readily detachable for individual use as turntables, serving trays, etc.
In another embodiment of the present invention, display apparatus 100 may provide a platform or framework for wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and the like that can be showcased.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, display apparatus 100 is utilized in a store to display decorative pieces for sale.
As discussed above, display apparatus 100 may be constructed in a number of ways utilizing a variety of materials. In an exemplary embodiment, a display apparatus, in accordance with the present invention, is constructed so that it may be easily assembled and disassembled to facilitate transportation and compact storage. Such embodiment is discussed in turn.
FIG. 1( b) illustrates the various components used to put together a display apparatus that can be easily assembled and disassembled in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1( b) illustrates display apparatus 150 comprising central support member (post) 122 that is connected to a screw flange 125 with bolts 124, attaching post 122 to base 123 for stability. Post 122 supports three lateral supporting members (branches) 121. Branches 121 are connected to post 122 via threaded outlets 117 which are welded to post 122.
Lateral supporting member plates (branch plates) 116 are connected to the upward rise of branches 121 with screw caps 118. Each of the display plates 127, 128, 129 and 130, comprise a large disc 111 which is attached to a smaller disc 115. Each smaller disc 115 (in each of the corresponding display plates 127, 128, 129 and 130) is also connected to a swivel 112 which allows display plates 127, 128, 129 and 130 to rotate whether positioned on branch plates 116 or some other surface for use at another location, for example, a dinner table. Post 122 also supports a large screw cap 114 on the top portion of post 122. From each screw cap 118 (attached to branches 121) and from screw cap 114 (attached to post 122), a corresponding screw extends upwards creating an axel 120 (on branches 121) and an axel 113 (on post 122) respectively.
Inlets or holes may be bored to a certain depth in the center of the underside of each smaller disc 115. Display plates 127, 128, 129 and 130 may slide onto each of the axels 120 and 113 to settle on branch plates 116.
Because such display apparatus may be easily disassembled, tool 126 may be utilized to properly adjust branches 12land display plates 127, 128, 129 and 130 every time display apparatus 150 is put back together. For example, tool 126 may placed into opening 119 to tighten branches 121 and level display plates 127, 128, 129 and 130.
FIG. 2 is an illustration comparing one device existing in the prior art with a display apparatus utilized to distribute a surface, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Subject 201 is representative of an individual that may be a server, customer, or otherwise interested party to an event where, for example, food is being served buffet-style. Subject 201 is standing adjacent to apparatus 200, a device in accordance with the present invention. Behind subject 201, table 202, a traditional table used to set up traditional buffet-style catering.
On top of table 202, round plates 203, for example lazy susan's or turntables, are lined up so that subject 201 may have access to items that may be displayed on them, for example food items. In order for subject 201 to approach every item that may be displayed on table 202, subject 201 would have to travel from one end and to the other of table 202.
The procedure for accessing any items displayed on apparatus 200 is visibly more efficient; subject 201 would need only to approach apparatus 200 to immediately have access to all items being displayed by apparatus 200. In one embodiment display plates 204, on display apparatus 200, can rotate; this allows subject 201 to stand in a single position yet reach potentially every single item displayed, regardless of the size of each display plate 204, because as each display plate 204 turns, every item becomes accessible to subject 201.
This is beneficial as an added commodity where subject 201 is a guest at some event, but may also be particularly efficient if for example, subject 201 is an employee at a catering service where subject 201 is required to continuously reach for several items when going back and forth between the set-up tables, for example apparatus 200, and other tables where customers are being served.
For purposes of illustration, and in no way limiting the scope of the present invention, display plates 203, laying on table 202, and display plates 204 positioned on apparatus 200, are exactly the same size. Noticeably, apparatus 200 conserves space, making catering events or similar buffet-style events more manageable since less space is taken by apparatus 200 than by table 202. Another example of the facilitated accessibility and practicality created by distributing a display surface in accordance with the present invention is discussed below in reference to FIG. 5.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of a display plate with a swivel, wherein said display plates can rotate on the lateral supporting members to allow ease of access to any object being displayed on the display plates.
Display plate 300 is illustrated showing display plate 300's underside. Attached to the underside of display plate 300 is disc 301. Naturally, disc 301 may be attached in any suitable way so as to be sturdy and secured. Swivel 302 is connected to disc 301 to make display plate 300 turn when placed right side up. Swivel 302 has protective pads 303 which help stabilize display plate 300 in particular when being utilized as a turntable. When set against a surface, protective pads 303 maintain a stationary state against the surface, while allowing display plate 300 to rotate freely.
Now turning to FIG. 4, an illustration of another embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is shown. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention suitable for displaying items that may require lighting whether for a heat source or aesthetic purposes. Display apparatus 400 comprises display plates 401, 402, 403, and 404. While display plate 401 is attached to a central support member (post) 405, the remaining display plates 402, 403, and 404 are attached to lateral supporting members (branches) 406, 407, and 408 respectively. Each branch is attached in turn to post 405. Post 405 is anchored to base 409. Wiring 410 is installed inside base 409, post 405 and the various branches 406, 407, and 408 which are hollow. Although wiring 410 need not be instilled within the structure of display apparatus 400, it may be desirable to have the interior wiring design for aesthetic purposes and to keep from interfering with the items displayed. Wiring 410 provides electrical power to motors 414, 415, and 416. Additionally, wiring 410 provides power to lamps 411, 412, and 413. Although in the current embodiment no motor exists to rotate display plate 401, display plate 401 may still rotate using a swivel, may be stationary, or may actually include a motor, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In one embodiment, display plate 401 is stationary and is constructed of a clear material, for example glass, to allow a light source from lamp 413 which is pointed upwards to illuminate display plate 401. Similarly, lamps 411 and 412 may be pointed towards the other display plates to illuminate or create a heat source. Naturally, it is desirable to utilize consistent types of lamps depending on the needs of the items displayed.
For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, different hot foods may be displayed and served using the various display plates 401-404. While food that is desired to be kept warmer may be displayed under heat lamps, it may not be practical to utilize heat lamp 413 since it is located underneath display plate 401; however, in one embodiment display apparatus 400 may comprise of heat lamps 411 and 413 and substitute lamp 413 for an internal heat source, for example a hot plate that can provide a heat source to display plate 401.
FIG. 5 is a top view of an apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention illustrating a top view of a display apparatus with rotating capabilities, comprising of four display plates 501, 502, 503, and 504, that can be detached and used as turntable or serving trays. As mentioned above, in alternative embodiments display plates 501, 502, 503, and 504 may be of different shapes for aesthetic purposes or for any other purpose, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
An apparatus and method for distributing a surface to facilitate the display of items has been described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims.

Claims

1. A display apparatus comprising:

a base at the bottom of said apparatus to provide horizontal stability,

a central supporting member vertically connected to said base providing vertical stability, and

a plurality of lateral supporting members coupled to said central supporting member wherein each lateral supporting member further comprising:

a horizontal portion extending from said central supporting member, and

a curve portion coupled to said horizontal portion, further comprising:

a first end coupled to said horizontal portion, and

a second end adapted to receive a display plate.

2. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein said display plate is attached to said second end of said curve portion of said plurality of lateral supporting members.

3. The display apparatus of claim 2, wherein the top of said central supporting member is adapted to receive said display plate.

4. The display apparatus of claim 3, wherein said display plate is removable from said second end of said curve portion of said plurality of lateral supporting members.

5. The display apparatus of claim 4, wherein said plurality of lateral supporting members are removable from said central supporting member.

6. The display apparatus of claim 5, wherein a swivel is attached to the bottom of said display plate to allow said display plate to turn.

7. The display apparatus of claim 6, wherein said swivel is fixed to said curve portion of said plurality of lateral supporting members to allow said display plates to turn about the center of said swivel.

8. The display apparatus of claim 6, wherein a motor is connected to said plurality of lateral supporting members to rotate said display plate.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said display apparatus contain a light fixture to illuminate said display plate.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said display apparatus contains three lateral supporting members coupled to said central supporting member.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a radial angle between a lateral supporting member and an adjacent lateral supporting member are constant.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a vertical distance between said lateral supporting member and said adjacent lateral supporting member are constant.

13. A method of displaying one or more products using a display apparatus including

a base at a bottom of said display apparatus to provide horizontal stability,

a horizontal portion extending from said central supporting member, and

a curve portion coupled to said horizontal portion, further comprising:

a first end coupled to said horizontal portion, and

a second end is adapted to receive a display plate; the method comprising:

selecting a particular plate style,

connecting said display plate to said second end of said curve portion of said plurality of lateral supporting members, and

placing a display object onto said display plate.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising of rotating said display plates using a swivel attached to the bottom of said display plate.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the rotating of said display plates utilizes a motor connected to said plurality of lateral supporting members.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising of illuminating said display plates using a light fixture.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising of changing said display plates to accommodate said display objects of various sizes.

18. A method comprising:

attaching a central supporting member to a base of a display apparatus,

attaching a plurality of lateral supporting members to said central supporting member, and

attaching a display plate to said plurality of lateral supporting members.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising of connecting a swivel to the bottom of said display plate to allow said display plate to rotate on said plurality of lateral supporting members.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising of connecting a motor to said plurality of lateral supporting member to rotate said display plate.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising of connecting a light fixture to illuminate said display plate.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising of changing said display plates to accommodate a display object of various sizes.