Convertible, variable height table with a multi-function top

Abstract

A variable height table with a convertible multi-function top is described which provides a table which may be used for dining, gaming or other use. The height of the table may be adjusted to a level above the floor. The variable height table has a base which may include casters or other means for facilitating moving the table on the floor. Alternatively, the base may include more permanent means of fastening it to the floor, such as anchors or hold-downs, used alone or in combination with casters. A pedestal connects the base to the table top. The height adjustment mechanism is contained in the pedestal of the table, and can be locked at the selected height setting. The table top of the table is convertible to allow the table to be used for different functions, such an ordinary table, a card table or a pool table. The table top is convertible to its different functions by removing its cover to expose the pool gaming surface, or by installing the cover to expose either its plain surface or its gaming surface.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A variable height, convertible table comprising: 
 a base for connecting the table to the floor and having means of facilitating moving the table on a floor and for locking the table in place;    a pedestal having at least two sleeves nested in a vertically telescoping arrangement, with the lowest sleeve integrated with the base and the highest sleeve fixed to a table top;    a height adjustment mechanism contained within the pedestal with its top end communicating with the table top and its bottom end communicating with the base to adjust the height of the table top from the base;    a table top configured as a pool gaming table, such as bumper pool or snooker, and having means for receiving a removable table cover; and    a removable table cover having a substantially planar configuration and two surfaces, one surface being plain and useful as an ordinary table top, and the other surface being configured as a card gaming surface and useful for that purpose, and the table cover being receivable by the table top with either surface upward.    
     
     
         2 . The table of  claim 1 , wherein casters are attached to the bottom of the base for facilitating movement of the table.  
     
     
         3 . The table of  claim 1 , wherein wheels are attached to the bottom of the base for facilitating movement of the table.  
     
     
         4 . The table of  claim 1 , wherein the casters have a reversible locking mechanism.  
     
     
         5 . The table of  claim 1 , wherein the wheels have a reversible locking mechanism.  
     
     
         6 . The table of  claim 1 , wherein the base has anchors for mounting the table to a floor.  
     
     
         7 . The table of  claim 1 , wherein the pedestal has at least two telescoping parts, the upper attached to the table top and the lower attached to the base and containing a height adjusting mechanism for vertically adjusting the height of the table top.  
     
     
         8 . The table of  claim 1 , wherein the height adjusting mechanism comprises a pneumatic system for raising and lowering the table top.  
     
     
         9 . The table of  claim 1 , wherein the height adjusting mechanism comprises a rachet and pawl mechanism for raising and lower the table top.  
     
     
         10 . The table of  claim 1 , wherein the height adjusting mechanism comprises a mechanical lift mechanism for raising and lowering the table top.  
     
     
         11 . The table of  claim 1 , wherein the table top is circular, oval, oblong or multisided in configuration.  
     
     
         12 . The table of  claim 1 , wherein the table top comprises a rim and a playing surface, the rim defining the playing surface and for receiving the table cover.  
     
     
         13 . The table top of  claim 12 , wherein the rim receives the table cover with either surface upward.  
     
     
         14 . The table top of  claim 12 , wherein the rim has a means for securing the table cover in place.  
     
     
         15 . The table top of  claim 12 , wherein the playing surface is configured as a pool gaming surface.  
     
     
         16 . The table cover of  claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises a two-sided structure, one side plain for use as a dining or coffee table, the other side marked as a gaming table.  
     
     
         17 . The table of  claim 1 , wherein the height adjustment mechanism further comprises a plurality of height adjustment mechanisms contained within the pedestal in a vertical series, with the top end of the vertical series communicating with the table top and the bottom end of the vertical series communicating with the base.