US20070039523A1

US20070039523A1 - Jigsaw puzzle table

Info

Publication number: US20070039523A1
Application number: US11/207,362
Authority: US
Inventors: Gary Helzer; Thomas Hetrick
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-08-18
Filing date: 2005-08-18
Publication date: 2007-02-22

Abstract

A jigsaw puzzle game table for the support and display of jigsaw puzzle game pieces which includes a generally square table top with a lip continuously projecting upwardly and substantially perpendicular from the table top around the entire periphery for the containment of jigsaw puzzle game pieces. The table top includes four legs that are hingly attached opposite the lip.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a jigsaw puzzle table and more specifically but not by way of limitation, a portable jigsaw puzzle table which allows for jigsaw puzzle pieces to be more easily retained thereon while assembling a jigsaw puzzle and further allows for easy display of a finished jigsaw puzzle.

BACKGROUND

Solving puzzles is a favorite form of relaxation among many people. Many individuals engage in jigsaw puzzles that have a plurality of pieces of different shapes each designed to be integrated with one another whereupon complete integration of all of the pieces forms a desired design or completes a picture. These jigsaw puzzles can range from relatively simple designs containing only a few pieces to highly complex designs containing thousands of pieces.
Finding a convenient place to assemble jigsaw puzzles has proven to be difficult. A flat surface of suitable size is needed to retain, sort and assemble a jigsaw puzzle. Many individuals temporarily use tables such as coffee tables or a dining table to engage in such an activity. Using these tables to assemble jigsaw puzzles can be problematic. Many times it is necessary to remove a partially completed jigsaw puzzle to use the table for its intended purpose. Jigsaw puzzle pieces can also easily fall off the chosen table and become easily lost resulting in an incomplete puzzle.
Individuals have also chosen remote space on the floor of their dwelling to assemble their jigsaw puzzles. Using spaces on floors makes it easy for an unwary person walking across the floor to accidentally step on an incomplete puzzle, resulting in damage to or loss of the jigsaw puzzle pieces.
Accordingly there is a need for a portable jigsaw puzzle table that could be assembled in a plurality of locations in an individuals residence that would facilitate the support and containment therein of jigsaw puzzle pieces and be designed for ease of storage when not in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a jigsaw puzzle table that provides support for jigsaw puzzle pieces during the puzzle assembly process.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a jigsaw puzzle table that provides support for jigsaw puzzle pieces and provides a peripheral wall around the table to facilitate the containment of the jigsaw puzzle pieces.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a jigsaw puzzle table that has foldable legs mounted thereon.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a jigsaw puzzle table that is lightweight, portable compact and easily stored when not in use.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a jigsaw puzzle table that provides support for jigsaw puzzle pieces and contains a translucent covering over the completed jigsaw puzzle for display.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a jigsaw puzzle table in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and
FIG. 2 illustrates a side partial view of the jigsaw puzzle table shown in FIG. 1 of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 2 and wherein like elements are designated with identical reference numerals throughout the views and figures and wherein various elements depicted are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in particular FIG. 1, there is illustrated a jigsaw puzzle table 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.
The jigsaw puzzle table 100 comprises a table top 105 rectangular in shape. The table top 105 has a planar working surface 107 on one side of the table top 105 and a mounting surface 109 disposed opposite the working surface 107 on the table top 105. A lip 110 is mounted on the periphery of table top 105 and perpendicular to the table top 105. The lip 110 defines an interior volume for the containment of jigsaw puzzle or other game pieces. Adjacent to the mounting surface 109 and hingly connected thereto are four legs 140. Each one of the legs 140 are positioned proximate to a corresponding corner of the table top 105 and are designed to provide support for the table top 105.
Referring now in particular to FIG. 1, the table top 105 as shown in the preferred illustrated embodiment is substantially planar and generally rectangular in shape. The table top 105 provides a horizontal support structure for the jigsaw puzzle game pieces during the assembly process of the jigsaw puzzle. Although good results have been shown with a table top 105 that is rectangular in shape, it is within the scope of the present invention that numerous other shapes of the table top 105 could be used to achieve the desired functionality as described herein. More specifically but not by way of limitation, the table top 105 could be circular in shape. The table top 105 is manufactured from a suitable durable material. More specifically but not by way of limitation, the table top 105 could be manufactured from wood, plastic or fiberglass. Although no specific size is required for the table top 105, good results have been achieved with a table top 105 that is 41 inches in length and 41 inches in width.
Mounted to the table top 105 and continuously disposed around its peripheral edge 150 is a lip 110. The lip 110 is perpendicularly adjacent to the working surface 107 of the table top 105. The lip 110 is secured to the table top by suitable chemical or mechanical methods such as but not limited to glue or wood screws. During the assembly process of a jigsaw puzzle, a plurality of jigsaw puzzle game pieces are horizontally placed onto the working surface 107 of table top 105. The lip 110 operates to contain the jigsaw puzzle games pieces on the working surface 107 of table top 105. The lip 110 is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to wood, plastic or fiberglass. Although it is not shown in the illustrated embodiment, it is within the scope of the present invention that a padded material could be substantially superposed, opposite the working surface 107, on the lip 110 to provide comfort for the users arms while using the table. Although no specific height is required for the lip 110, good results have been achieved with a lip 110 that extends three-quarters of an inch in height above table top 105.
It is contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention to provide a translucent covering that can be placed within the lip 110 and superposed on the table top 105. More specifically but not by way of limitation, a piece of glass or plastic could be of sufficient size to substantially cover the working surface 107 of the table top 105 internally located therein of the lip 105. The cover would provide easy display of a completed jigsaw puzzle and provide protection for the jigsaw puzzle game pieces thereon the table top 105.
Still referring to FIG. 1, attached adjacent to the mounting surface 109 of the table top 105 are four legs 140 are movable between a first position and a second position. The legs 140 are conventionally mounted to the table top 105 with a standard hinge 130 generally in each corner of the table top 105. In the first position, the legs 140 are substantially parallel to the table top 105. This position is desirable for storage and transportation of the jigsaw puzzle table 100. The first position of the legs 140 is the closed position. The second position of the legs 140 is the open position. In the second position the legs 140 are substantially perpendicular to the table top 105 and provide support thereof. The second position is the desired position for use of the jigsaw puzzle table 100 during the assembly process. The legs 140 are manufactured from a suitable durable material such as wood, plastic, fiberglass or metal. Although it is not shown in the illustrated embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous types of configuration of the legs 140 could be used. More specifically but not by way of limitation, the legs 140 could be manufactured of metal segments to form a telescoping leg. The telescoping legs on each corner could be independently adjusted of each other to achieve a desired height of the table top 105. Telescoping legs would also allow the user to place the table top 105 at and angle similar to that of a common drafting table to for assembly and display of a jigsaw puzzle game.
Another alternative to the legs 140 as shown in the illustrated embodiment would be to secure adjacent to the mounting surface 109 and generally perpendicular thereto, non-folding permanent legs. The non-folding legs could be attached by suitable chemical or mechanical methods.
Yet another alternative to the legs 140 as shown in the illustrated embodiment would be to legs that detached from the table top 105 completely for storage and/or transportation of the jigsaw puzzle table 100. Detachable legs could be secured to the mounting surface 109 of the table top 105 with conventional methods such as but not limited to a bolt embedded in the portion of the leg to be placed adjacent to the mounting surface 109 of the table top 105 that would mate with a threaded barrel insert internally mounted generally in the corners of the table top 105. Although the legs 140 are shown in the illustrated embodiment to be generally square in shape, those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous different shapes cold be used in place of and/or in conjunction with the legs 140 to achieve the desired function as described herein. More specifically but not by way of limitation the legs 140 could be cylindrical in shape. While no specific length for the legs 140 is required, good results have been achieved with legs 140 of a length of twenty-eight inches.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous different shapes and colors of the jigsaw puzzle table 100 could be used in place of and/or in conjunction with the shapes and colors suggested herein to achieve the desired function of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the jigsaw puzzle table 100 could be used for numerous other hand games that comprise small pieces where it is desirable to have a support surface with the ability to contain the pieces of the game thereon.
In an alternative embodiment the legs 140 do not have to be present for the jigsaw puzzle table 100 to achieve the desired function of providing a horizontal support structure with a lip 110 for the containment therein of the jigsaw puzzle game pieces. The table top 105 could be placed on a suitable support structure such as but not limited to a kitchen table.
Referring in particular to the drawings submitted herewith, more specifically FIGS. 1 and 2, a description of the operation of the jigsaw puzzle table 100 is as follows. The user will transport the jigsaw puzzle table 100 to a desired location. Upon reaching the desired location the user will rest the jigsaw puzzle table 100 generally perpendicular with the floor. While supporting the jigsaw puzzle table 100 generally perpendicular to the floor, the user will grab the legs 140 one at a time and extend each leg 140 to the second position as described herein. Once all four legs 140 are in the second position, the user will then place the jigsaw puzzle table 100 so that the table top 105 is substantially parallel with the floor and the table top 105 is supported equally by all four legs 140. The user will then place the desired jigsaw puzzle or other game pieces on the working surface 107 of the table top and engage in the activity of assembling the game pieces for the desired amount of time. Upon finishing, or when the user is ready to transport or store the jigsaw puzzle table, the user will remove the game pieces from the table top 105 and place the table top 105 in a generally perpendicular manner to the floor. While supporting the table top 105, the user will place each leg 140 in its first position as described herein. The user will then lift the jigsaw puzzle table 100 and transport to the desired storage location.
In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hand game support and playing table comprising:

a table top, said table top configured in a substantially horizontal manner and adapted for use as an assembly area for a hand game,

at least one lip projecting upwardly from said table top around the periphery of said table top for containing hand game pieces.

2. The hand game table as recited in claim 1, and further including at least one leg, having a first position and a second position, said leg for supporting said table top.

3. The hand game table as recited in claim 2, wherein said leg is hingly attached to a bottom side of said table top.

4. The hand game table as recited in claim 3, wherein said leg is substantially parallel to said table top in said first position.

5. The hand game as recited in claim 4, wherein said leg is substantially perpendicular to said table top in said second position.

6. The hand game table as recited in claim 5, wherein said table top is generally square in shape.

7. The hand game table as recited in claim 6, wherein said hand game table is manufactured from a group consisting of wood, plastic and fiberglass.

8. A jigsaw puzzle table for support of jigsaw puzzle pieces during the assembly process of the jigsaw puzzle, said jigsaw puzzle table comprising:

a table top generally rectangular in shape, said table top being generally planar, and further configured such that when in a substantially horizontal manner said table top for supporting said jigsaw puzzle pieces,

a lip projecting upwardly from said table top, said lip continuously mounted around the entire periphery of said table top, said lip for facilitating the containment of said jigsaw puzzle pieces on said table top.

9. The jigsaw puzzle table as recited in claim 8, and further including four legs, each of said four legs being hingly attached to the bottom side of said table top, said four legs providing support of said table top, each of said four legs movable between a first position and a second position.

10. The jigsaw puzzle table as recited in claim 9, wherein each of said legs are parallel to said table top when in said first position for ease of storage and transportation of the jigsaw puzzle table.

11. The jigsaw puzzle table as recited in claim 10, wherein each of said legs extend away from said table top when in said second position, each of said legs providing support said table top in a desired horizontal playing position when in said second position.

12. The jigsaw puzzle table as recited in claim 11, wherein said table top is approximately forty-one inches wide and forty-one inches in length.

13. The jigsaw puzzle table as recited in claim 12, wherein said legs are approximately twenty-eight inches in length.

14. The jigsaw puzzle table as recited in claim 13, wherein said lip extends perpendicularly from said table top approximately three-quarters of an inch.

15. The jigsaw puzzle table as recited in claim 14, wherein said table is manufactured from a group consisting of wood, fiberglass and plastic.

16. A jigsaw puzzle table for support of jigsaw puzzle pieces during the assembly process comprising:

a table top, generally square in shape, said table top configured in a substantially horizontal manner for support of said jigsaw puzzle pieces, said table top having a mounting surface and a working surface opposite thereto;

four legs each being hingly attached on said mounting surface of said table top, said four legs for supporting said table top, each of said four legs having a first position and a second position,

a lip, said lip projecting upwardly from said table top at approximately ninety degrees and connected continouously around the entire periphery of said table top, said lip to assist in the containment of said jigsaw puzzle pieces.

17. The jigsaw puzzle table as recited in claim 16, wherein when each of said legs are in said first position, each of said legs are parallel to said table top.

18. The jigsaw puzzle table as recited in claim 17, wherein when each of said legs are in said second position, each of said legs are generally perpendicular to said table top.

19. The jigsaw puzzle table as recited in claim 18, and further including a translucent cover of sufficient size to cover said table top within said lip.

20. The jigsaw puzzle table as recited in claim 19, wherein said table top is forty-one inches wide and forty-one inches in length, and said legs are twenty-eight inches long and said lip extends three-quarters of an inch perpendicular to said table top.