GB2490544A - Table with surface comprising a track formation - Google Patents

Abstract

A table 30 comprises one or more legs 32 and a surface structure 44 which is both arranged to be supported by said one or more legs and comprising of a track formation. In a first embodiment the surface structure 44 may comprise of one or more tiles 10 which collectively form a surface of the table, each tile having a track formation (26, Fig. 4) therein, such that the collective tiles provide a track 46 for a vehicle within the table surface. In a second embodiment, the track formations may comprise a channel (12, Fig. 1) in the table surface and may have a plurality of track pieces (18, Fig. 2) therein for guiding passage of a vehicle there-over. In either embodiment, the track may form a continuous loop over the table surface which may be shaped to define one or more place settings on the table.

Description

Article of Furniture The present invention relates to articles of furniture and, more particularly, to tables, such as, for example, dining tables or the like.

It is generally acknowledged that table surfaces in domestic environments are used for a number of purposes in addition to dining, and may, for example, be used as a work surface or else a play surface. For example, a table provides a useful, generally planar, surface on which games, such as card games, board games or the like can be played.

Use of a conventional table for dining purposes typically requires unrelated items, such as games and playthings, to be removed in order to make way for cutlery and crockery.

Within restaurant environments, there have been proposed a number of different devices for improving the dining experience. One such device takes the form of a rotating table centrepiece, such that condiments or the like located on the centrepiece can be offered to, or reached by, diners at different locations around the table simply by rotating the centrepiece. In other examples, there have been proposed conveyor belt systems for transporting foodstuffs to and/or from a table.

Accordingly there is recognised a general desire or need to heighten the dining experience by way of functional or decorative articles.

However such devices are typically separate to the structure of the table itself.

Whether or not they are fixed to the table, such conventional devices are often bespoke to a particular dining experience and do not adequately accommodate more general uses of a table. Thus a distinction can be drawn between tables, for example within commercial premises, such as restaurants, which are used for a single purpose, and tables which may be required to accommodate a wider range of uses, such as within a domestic environment.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a table which can be used in a conventional manner, such as, for example, to facilitate dining, as well as one or more additional or concurrent uses.

The invention is directed in general to a table with a table surface that accommodates a track for a vehicle in a manner which does not inhibit conventional use of the table.

According to a first specific aspect of the present invention there is provided a table comprising one or more legs and a surface structure arranged to be supported by said one or more legs, the surface structure comprising a plurality of tiles which collectively form a surface of the table, each tile having a track formation therein, such that the collective tiles provide a track for a vehicle within

the table surface.

The present invention allows for passage of a motorised vehicle over the table surface, without the need for human or manual intervention. That is to say, the track provides a predetermined path for a vehicle such as a miniature, model or toy vehicle. Also the passage of the vehicle over the table is accommodated without inhibiting other uses of the table, such as for dining. The track formation is typically shaped to accommodate a model or toy vehicle.

According to a preferred embodiment, the table is a freestanding table. The table may comprise a dining table, drinks table, coffee table or the like.

The tiles may be shaped and arranged in an edge-abutting relationship. The tiles may tessellate so as to provide the table surface. The table surface may be substantially continuous or planar across the adjacent tiles. One or more tiles may be quadrilateral, for example, rectangular, in plan, although other suitable tessellating tile shapes could be used.

The table may comprise a support arranged to receive the tiles in use. The support may take the form of a generally planar support member. The support member may comprise a raised wall or lip about its periphery, which may take a form akin to a so-called table fiddle'. The support member may comprise one or more openings therein to allow access to the underside of the tiles supported thereby.

The support member be attached to the one or more legs and may take the form of a tray-like member.

The tiles may comprise one or more grooves or channels therein so as to define the direction of the track formation. The tiles may comprise a pair of generally parallel grooves which constitute the track. Such parallel grooves may be shaped and/or spaced to correspond to the spacing between wheels of a model or toy vehicle. The tiles may comprise a channel in which a track is located. The track may comprise one or more track pieces or sections which are located, typically in an end-to-end arrangement, within the channel.

The track formation may meet an edge of the tile at a predetermined location along said edge. The predetermined location may be a predetermined fraction of the distance along the edge. For example the track formation may meet the edge of the tile substantially half way along its length so as to bisect the edge. The track formation may meet any, any combination, or all edges of the tile at a corresponding location along each of said edges.

The track formation of one tile may align with a corresponding track formation of an adjacent tile in use. The combined tiles may form a continuous track over the table surface. The combined tiles may form a continuous track circuit or endless loop over the table surface. Individual tiles within the table surface may be rotated to form different track circuit arrangements.

Each tile may comprise major opposing faces and a peripheral edge there-between. The opposing faces may comprise first and second faces. Each tile may be reversible so as to select between the first and second faces. A first face may have the track formation therein. The second face may be shaped differently to the first face and may be substantially planar in form. The second face may be flat such that it has no track formation therein. Alternatively, the second face may have a different track configuration to that of the first face therein. For example, the second face may comprise a different track pattern or else a track for a different type of vehicle to track formation of the first face.

The table may allow for conversion between a first usage configuration, in which the track within the first faces of the tiles are exposed or upwardly-facing, and a second configuration, in which the second faces of the tiles are exposed or upwardly-facing. The table may be converted between a track configuration' and a non-track configuration' as required.

The track formations within the tiles may be arranged such that the combined track formations within the table surface form a repeating track pattern. The track pattern may be such that it defines place settings in the table surface. Accordingly the track may define areas of the table spaced regularly about the peripheral edge thereof by spaced track portions. Each spaced area between the track portions may be of a size and shape sufficient to receive a dining plate. For example, such areas may be generally circular, oval or oblong in shaped and may have a width and/or length dimension of greater than 25 cm (or 10 inches), or 30 cm (or 12 inches).

The tiles may be formed of wood or a wood-based derivative or laminate product such as particleboard (chipboard), fibreboard, plywood or similar. Alternatively, the tiles may be formed of a sheet metal material, such as aluminium, which is shaped as required, for example by pressing a groove or channel therein. Alternatively, the tiles may be formed of a plastic material, which may be shaped as required using a moulding process.

A range of table shapes and sizes may be formed from a combination of standard tile configurations such that various different table configurations can be accommodated by selection of suitable tiles from a standard tile range.

Accordingly another aspect of the invention may provide for a range of tables, each table being in accordance with the first aspect and accommodating a common tile design such that the range of tables comprises tables of different sizes, each different size having a different number of associated tiles.

A table according to the present invention may be offered for sale as a retail article comprising a plurality of tiles, which may include a number of spare or interchangeable tiles such that the end user can formulate different track configurations as desired.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a table comprising: one or more legs; a surface arranged to be supported by said one or more legs, the surface having one or more channels therein; and a plurality of track pieces arranged to be aligned within the channel so as to form a substantially continuous track formation within the table surface for guiding passage of a vehicle there-over.

The track pieces and/or track formation may be substantially flush with the table surface.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a dining table comprising one or more legs and a surface structure arranged to be supported by said one or more legs, the surface structure comprising a track formation arranged to define a pattern across the surface structure so as to delineate between a plurality of place setting regions on the table for diners in use.

The place setting regions may depend inwardly from a peripheral edge of the surface structure.

In one embodiment, the track formation takes the form of a continuous, or endless, loop or circuit in the table surface structure.

Each place setting region may be arranged and/or spaced in a regular and/or repeating pattern about the periphery of the table surface. Each place setting region may comprise a plain or planar region of the table surface which is bordered or enclosed by the track formation. The track formation pattern may take the form of a plurality of loop formations within a larger circuit across the table surface. The track formation pattern may comprise a peripheral loop around the table edge, from which smaller loop formations depend so as to define the place setting regions. Typically two or four or more place setting regions may be provided.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a table comprising: a support structure having one or more legs; and, a surface structure arranged to be supported by said one or more legs, the surface structure comprising a tile having first and second faces, wherein a track formation for a vehicle is formed in said first face, the tile being reconfigurable with respect to the support structure such that either the first or second face can selectively form a surface of the table in use.

Any preferable features defined in relation to the first and/or second aspect may also be applied to any other aspect of the invention.

Practicable embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a tile for use in a table according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of track sections for location within the tile of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows three-dimensional views of the opposing faces of the tile of Figure 1 with the track sections of Figure 2 located therein; Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of a tile having a different track formation therein; Figure 5 shows a table according to the present invention prior to assembly of the tiles; Figure 6 shows the table of Figure 5 with partially assembled tiles thereon; Figure 7 shows the table of Figure 5 in a first usage configuration; Figure 8 shows the table of Figure 5 in a second usage configuration; Figure 9 shows three-dimensional views of further types of tile which may be used with a table in accordance with the present invention; Figure 10 shows the table of Figure 7 in a further track configuration; Figure 11 shows examples of a range of different tile configurations which may be accommodated according to different embodiments of the invention; Figure 12 shows examples of a range of different tile designs which may be used within different embodiments of the present invention; Figure 13 shows three-dimensional views of a further table according to the invention in first and second usage configurations; Figure 14 shows a three-dimensional view of a further embodiment of a table according to the invention; Figure 15 shows a three-dimensional view of vehicle in use on a table tile according to the invention; Figure 16 shows a three-dimensional view of a dining table according to a further embodiment of the invention; and, Figure 17 shows a three-dimensional view of a dining table according to another embodiment of the invention.

The invention in its broadest sense aims at the provision of a table, the surface of which accommodates a track for passage of a vehicle there-over, whilst also allowing use as a table for supporting food and/or beverage, for example in the manner of a dining table. The table may allow this dual functionality in a concurrent fashion. As will be described below in further detail, the invention may be accommodated by a table having a unitary table surface or else a table surface formed from a plurality of abutting surface sections or tiles.

Turning firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a tile 10 which is generally rectangular, typically square, in plan. The tile 10 has a channel 12 formed in a first surface 14 of the tile. The channel is cut into the tile surface 14, for example by routing of the tile surface. The channel is approximately half the depth of the tile but may, in other embodiments, have a depth anywhere between, one tenth and two-thirds of the tile depth, dependent on the tile dimensions.

The channel comprises interconnecting channel sections 12A and 12B. In this embodiment, the channel comprises a generally straight channel section 12A running between the midpoint of a first edge 16A and the midpoint of an opposing edge 16B. There are also provided curved channel sections 12B which each have an end which coincides with an end of the straight channel section 1 2A, such that a first end of each curved channel section 12B is located at the midpoint of sides 16A and 16B respectively. The curved channel portions 12B curve about an angle of substantially 90° such that a second end of each of those curved sections is located substantially at a midpoint of the opposing sides 1 6C and 1 6D. Thus each of the pair of curved sections 1 2B are curved in an opposing sense from the other.

In Figure 2, there is shown an arrangement of model rail track pieces 18, which comprise a plurality of straight 18A, curved 18B and junction 18C pieces. The pieces are wooden and have a pair of parallel grooves 19 therein for guiding passage of a model vehicle there-over in use. Each track piece has a connector formation 20 at each end thereof for location with a correspondingly shaped connector formation on an adjacent track piece. Such formations may take the form of a projection and a corresponding recess, such that each piece may have a projection in one end and a recess in an opposing end. The projection may take the form of a neck-and-head, or pin, formation or similar.

Track pieces of a type suitable for use in accordance with the present invention are sold, for example, under the trade mark BRIO (RTM).

In Figure 3, there is shown the tile 10 with the track pieces 18 located in the channel 12 formed in the tile surface 14. The depth of the channel is approximately equal to the depth of the track pieces such that the track pieces are substantially flush with the surface 14 in use. The depth in this embodiment is typically in the region of 5-15mm and, more specifically, 8-12mm.

The track pieces may be fixed in place within the tile channel 12, for example by way of a friction-fit and/or by use of a suitable adhesive. However it is generally preferred that the track pieces are loosely or removably located in the channel such that the track pieces can be removed in use, for example for cleaning or repositioning thereof.

The tile 10 has opposing major faces 14 and 22, which are spaced by intermediate sides or edge faces 16A to 16D. As can be seen in Figure 3, the reverse side or face 22 of the tile 10 is generally planar in form, such that it is devoid of track formations akin to those in surface 14.

In Figure 4, there is shown a tile 24 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The tile 24 is similar in form and dimensions to the tile of Figures 1 and 3, save that the track formations in Figure 4 comprise grooves 26 formed within the surface 28 of the tile. The grooves 26 take the form of parallel grooves arranged in a pattern which follows that of the channel 12 in Figure 1. Accordingly the grooves 26 in Figure 3 follow substantially the same path as those of the track pieces 18 in Figure 3. In this regard, the differences between Figures 3 and 4 demonstrate that the track formation in accordance with the present invention may be formed in the tile surface directly or else by way of an insert member which has track formations therein and which is located in a corresponding channel in the tile surface.

Turning now to Figure 5, there is shown a table 30, which has four legs 32 and a support member 34 which is generally planar in form. One end of each leg 32 is attached to the support member 34 such that the legs depend from the support member 34 to a free end. The legs are spaced such that they can support the support member 34 in use, typically in a generally horizontal plane, above the ground, floor or other support surface on which the table 30 is located.

The support member 34 has an upstanding wall or lip 36 which extends around its perimeter, such that the support member can be considered to take the general form of a shallow tray. In plan, the support member is generally rectangular, having rounded corners and may be described as being generally oblong. A plurality of openings 37 are provided in the support member 34 at spaced locations. A total of eight openings are provided in this embodiment, three arranged generally down each side and one at each end. The openings 37 are preferably arranged to be located at the intersection between a plurality of tiles as will be described below, although different numbers and/or orientations of openings may be provided in different embodiments.

In Figures 6 and 7, there is shown an arrangement of tiles on the support member.

The tiles may be of the type shown in Figures 3 or 4. In Figure 6, a plurality of edge tiles 38, 40 are provided about the periphery of the support member 34.

Those edge tiles 38, 40 comprise tiles of two different shapes to conform to the shape of the perimeter of the table.

The configuration of the edge tiles is shown in further detail in Figure 9, in which the straight edge tiles 38 are generally rectangular in plan, whereas the rounded edge tiles 40 are shaped to conform to the rounded corners of the support member 34. In this regard, the rounded edge tiles have first 42A and second 42B straight edges which are perpendicularly arranged; a third straight edge 42C which is angled relative to the first edge 42A, typically at 45°; and, a fourth edge 42D which is curved, at least in part, such that it is perpendicular to edge 42B at one end thereof and perpendicular to edge 420 at the other end thereof.

Each of the edge tiles 38, 40 have a track formation of the type described above along one of its edges, typically the outer edge adjacent the table lip 36 when arranged for use as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The track formation is also arranged to depend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the outer edge, for example by way of a track junction, such that it meets the opposing (i.e. inner) tile edge substantially half way along that edge.

It will be appreciate that the edge tile types in this embodiment are specific to the shape of the support member 34 shown in Figure 5. However different shapes of support member are envisaged under different embodiments of the invention, which may require differently shaped edge tiles. For example, in a strict rectangular arrangement, the edge tiles may be similar to the other tiles, save that they may have a differently shaped or oriented track formation therein. In different embodiments, the table may be take the shape of a different polygon in plan, or else may be circular, oval or other curved shape. In any embodiment, it will be appreciated that the tiles could take the form of any shape sufficient to allow tessellation of the tiles over the table surface. For example, a triangular tile configuration is also envisaged as an alternative to the quadrilateral example shown in the figures.

Using the edge tile types shown in Figure 9 and the main tiles of the type shown in either Figure 3 or 4, a tessellating tile pattern can be assembled across the entire surface of the support member 34 SO as to provide a surface structure for the table as shown in Figure 7. The close abutment of tiles, each of which has substantially the same depth, provides for minimal discontinuities between adjacent tiles, such that a generally uniform or continuous table surface 44 is provided. That surface 44 is bounded by the lip 36, the upper edge of which is typically flush with the surface 44.

When the tiles are all oriented such that their track formations are facing away from the support member 34, the track formations of the individual tiles join up to form a continuous track 46 over the table surface 44. The track 46 forms a closed loop or circuit. The junctions between track formations, or parts thereof in the individual tiles, allow a plurality of sub-circuits or loops to be formed within the larger loop 48 formed around the periphery of the table surface 44 by the edge tiles 38 and 40.

When all the tiles are reconfigured and/or turned over, such that their track formations face towards the support member 34, the table can be converted such that it has a substantially smooth surface 44A as shown in Figure 8. In this regard the table is reversible. This reversible property may otherwise be defined as allowing for a table having first and second modes of operation or use, the first mode being when the track formations are exposed and the second mode being when an opposing surface of the tiles is presented.

Access to the underside of the tiles to allow the tiles to be flipped over, or otherwise reconfigured, is provided via the openings 37 in the support member 34.

Thus the tiles can be pushed upward and ejected from the table surface from beneath as necessary via the openings. It will be appreciated that a minimum of one such opening could be provided. Once one tile has been dislodged via the opening, the other tiles could be accessed from above as required.

In an alternative embodiment to that shown in Figures 3, 4 and 8, the tiles may have an alternative type or layout of track formation on their opposing side. For example, a substantially two-dimensional track may be printed or otherwise applied to the reverse side of the tiles.

It is noted that the tile arrangements described above allow for various track configurations to be assembled over the table surface simply by varying the orientation of the individual tiles. An alternative configuration, using the same tile as that of Figure 7 is shown in Figure 8.

The reconfigurable nature of the track can be, at least in part, attributed to the common tile design, or principles of design, used for the table. That is to say, in this embodiment, all tiles 10 or 24 are formed such that the track formations therein all meet the tile edges at a common location (i.e. at the midpoint thereof).

Thus when the tiles are placed in the table in a tessellating arrangement, the track formations will, by necessity, all join up. Accordingly a user can place the tiles down in any configuration as desired without needing to follow a strict assembly process.

In Figure 12, there is shown an array of different tile formats which can be devised according to the above design principles. Accordingly it can be seen that the track formations for such tiles may be curved, straight or else a combination thereof.

Each tile may have between two and six individual tracks or track portions therein.

Additionally or alternatively, the track formations may comprise any number of junctions, from zero to five, representative of respective arrangements in which none of the tracks meet in a give tile (as shown for tile 50A) or all of the tracks meet in a given tile (as shown in tile 50B).

Whilst the above embodiments are all based on the design restraint that the track formations must meet each/every edge of the tile at its midpoint, it is possible that, in alternative embodiments, the point, or points, at which the track portions must meet the edges may vary. For example, an alternative embodiment may allow for the track formations to meet the tile edges at locations which are one-third and/or two-thirds along the length of each edge. The advantages described above can thus be achieved provided that each tile is designed such that the track formation meets an edge of the tile at a common location along that edge. In such a definition, the tack formations for each tile can be considered to be aligned when arranged in a tessellating manner over the table surface.

Turning now to Figure 11, there is shown a plurality of different table sizes and designs 52 that can be accommodated using the tile design and principles described above. The smallest table configuration 52A comprises a single rectangular tile and four edge tiles. The largest configuration 52B shown comprises ten rectangular tiles in two rows and a corresponding number of edge tiles, fourteen in this example. However varying different sizes of table or tiles may be developed such that different number of tiles may be used in accordance with the present invention.

The different tile configurations may be suited to different table types, such as for example a smaller, generally square or rectangular coffee table 54, as shown in Figure 13, or else a table 56 as shown in Figure 14 having a single stem leg 58, instead of the multiple legs described above.

It will be appreciated that the design principles described above allow individual tiles to be rotated into different configurations so as to allow different track layouts to be achieved without causing a discontinuity in the track.

In Figure 15, there is shown an example of a model vehicle 60 with wheels 62 spaced to fit within the parallel grooves of the track formations (i.e. according to the track gauge). Thus the vehicle can ride along the track in the table surface.

The vehicle 60 is preferably motorised such that it can travel without manual propulsion, although a non-motorised vehicle could also be used. The vehicle may take the form of a model or toy train and may have a number of carriages.

Alternative conventional toy or model vehicles may be used dependent on their compatibility with the track. In other embodiments, the channel 12 shown in Figure 1 may be sufficient to provide the track formation, without the need for track parts to be inserted therein. Such a track may accommodate different types of vehicle.

When the embodiments of Figures 7, 10 and 11 are considered, it can be seen that the invention carries a surprising benefit that the sub-loops formed within the table surface are generally of sufficient size and shape to define a number of regions around the table edges between the track formations which are of sufficient and suitable size to serve as a place setting region. That is to say the sub-loops can define a plain region of the table surface therein, which is of sufficient shape and size to receive, for example, a dinner plate and/or associated cutlery therein without overhanging, crossing or otherwise interfering with the track formations. Also the track arrangement can allow for various seating arrangements at a table. For example, in Figure 7 a total of five place setting regions can be defined down each major side of the table, which can accommodate between one and five diners depending on the spacing between each place setting in use.

Figure 16 shows an alternative table 64 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. In this example, the table legs and support member is substantially as described above and the description of like features will not be repeated for conciseness. However the surface structure 65 of table 64 is formed of a single piece or tile instead of a plurality of individual tiles. Thus the track formation is formed using the methods described above as a single pattern rather than using a number of individual track sections. In such an embodiment, a more bespoke track pattern can be created over the table surface. In this example, the track pattern 66 defines sub-loops or circuits around individual place setting regions and associated bordering regions for positioning of a beverage or drinks mat.

Figure 17 shows a further table 68, in which the table surface is formed as a single piece or tile in the manner described above in relation to Figure 16. However in the table of Figure 17, the track formation is formed by providing a channel in the table surface in the manner of a track circuit and then positioning tack pieces within the channel in the manner described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3. Thus the table 68 of Figure 17 may take a form substantially as already described, save that it has a single, uniform table surface structure and thereby negates the need for individual tessellating tiles.

Different track formations or patterns are possible for the tables of Figures 16 and 17.

The surface structure of tables 64 and/or 68 may be reversed to expose the opposing side in the manner described above such that a plain table surface can be presented if desired. Alternatively, in a different embodiment, the surface structure could be fixed to the legs and/or support structure such that it is not reversible.

Whilst the use of the track formation to define place settings, as described above, is considered to provide a useful advantage of the present invention, it is not essential to the definition thereof and, accordingly, it is noted that different track patterns may be provided in the table surface which do not clearly delineate between place settings. Accordingly, the track may be arranged in a repeating or non-repeating (for example, regular or irregular) pattern for with a greater degree of freedom as required.

The table, including the legs, support member and tiles are formed substantially of wood in the embodiments described above. Whilst it is preferred in general that solid wood is used, it is possible to use other conventional wood-based derivative materials, and the terms wood' or wooden' should be construed accordingly. In other embodiments it may be possible to use alternative conventional table materials, for the entire table, or components thereof, dependent on the desired look and feel of the table. For example it may prove beneficial and/or cost effective to use plastics materials for the tiles or table as a whole, for example so that the tiles could be formed by a moulding process. Also, the tiles or table surface as a whole could be formed of sheet aluminium, which can be pressed to provide the necessary channels or grooves therein so as to provide track formations. Such variants may be particularly suited, for example, to outdoor use. Other conventional table materials, or combinations thereof, may be substituted to those described above for the table support structure and/or legs.

Claims (21)

1. Claims: 1. A table comprising: one or more legs and a surface structure arranged to be supported by said one or more legs, the surface structure comprising a plurality of tiles which collectively form a surface of the table, each tile having a track formation thereon, such that the collective tiles provide a track for a vehicle within the table surface.
2. 2. A table according to claim 1, wherein the track formation is shaped to guide passage of a vehicle over the table surface.
3. 3. A table according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tiles are shaped so as to tessellate in an edge-abutting relationship so as to provide table surface.
4. 4. A table according to any preceding claim, further comprising a support arranged to receive the tiles in use, the support being disposed between the legs and the tiles and being generally planar in shape, wherein the support has an upstanding peripheral wall within which the tiles are locatable.
5. 5. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein each tile comprises one or more grooves or channels therein so as to define the direction of the track formation.
6. 6. A table according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of track pieces are aligned within the channel so as to form said track formation within the table surface.
7. 7. A table according to claim 5, wherein the track formation of each tile comprises a pair of generally parallel grooves or channels.
8. 8. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of said tiles is rectangular in plan and the track formation of said tile meets every edge of the tile substantially half-way along its length.
9. 9. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein the track formation of each tile aligns with a corresponding track formation of an adjacent tile in use so as to form a continuous track circuit or endless loop over the table surface.
10. 10. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein each tile comprises first and second major faces and a peripheral edge there-between, wherein a track formation is provided in a first face only.
11. 11. A table according to claim 10, wherein the tiles are reversible between a first condition in which the first faces thereof provide the table surface and a second condition in which the second faces thereof provide the table surface.
12. 12. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein the tiles are reconfigurable to provide a plurality of different track arrangements over the table surface.
13. 13. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein the track formations within the tiles are arranged such that the combined track formations within the table surface form a repeating track pattern so as to define place setting regions in the table surface such that the table can be used as a dining table.
14. 14. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of tiles comprise tiles having different arrangements of track formations therein.
15. 15. A table comprising: one or more legs; a surface arranged to be supported by said one or more legs, the surface having one or more channels therein; and a plurality of track pieces arranged to be aligned within the channel so as to form a substantially continuous track formation within the table surface for guiding passage of a vehicle there-over.
16. 16. A table according claim 15, wherein the channel defines an endless circuit within the table surface.
17. 17. A table according to claim 15 or 16, comprising a plurality of tiles which collectively form the surface of the table, each tile having a channel therein.
18. 18. A table according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the table surface is reversible.
19. 19. A table according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the track pieces have first and second ends and a pair of parallel grooves therein extending between the first and second ends.
20. 20. A dining table comprising one or more legs and a surface structure arranged to be supported by said one or more legs, the surface structure comprising a track formation arranged to define a pattern across the surface structure so as to delineate between a plurality of place setting regions on the table for diners in use.
21. 21. A table substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.