Audio amplification system

Abstract

A table that incorporates a pivoting one-way audio amplification apparatus is provided. An opening in the tabletop is configured to pivotally accommodate a one-way audio amplification system. The table includes at least one supporting member or leg, and a tabletop supported by the leg. The tabletop defines a substantially horizontal surface. The one-way audio amplification system includes a support and a one-way audio amplification apparatus mounted to the support, where the amplification apparatus includes a microphone. The support is pivotally connected to the tabletop and pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis between an open position and a closed position. The support includes a surface that is at least substantially co-planar with the horizontal surface of the tabletop when the audio amplification system is in the closed position. In the open position, the one-way audio amplification apparatus extends from the surface of the tabletop.

1 . An audio amplification system comprising:
 a frame having at least one sidewall, the frame being mountable to a portion of a tabletop;   a support pivotally connected to the frame by at least one split bearing each defining an interior bore, the support pivotable about a central axis between a working position and a storage position, the support having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface at least partially exposed when the support is in the storage position, and the second surface at least partially exposed when the support is in the working position; and   an audio amplification apparatus mounted to the support.   
     
     
         2 . The audio amplification system according to  claim 1 , wherein when the support is in the storage position, the first surface is substantially parallel with a surface of the tabletop. 
     
     
         3 . The audio amplification system according to  claim 1 , wherein when the support is in the working position, audio amplification apparatus extends above a surface of the tabletop. 
     
     
         4 . The audio amplification system according to  claim 1 , wherein the audio amplification apparatus includes at least one wiring that is routed through an interior space of the support. 
     
     
         5 . The audio amplification system according to  claim 1 , wherein the audio amplification apparatus includes at least one wiring that is routed through an interior space of the support, and through the interior bore of at least one of the split bearings. 
     
     
         6 . The audio amplification system according to  claim 5 , wherein the audio amplification apparatus includes a plurality of wirings routed through the bearing. 
     
     
         7 . The audio amplification system according to  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes at least one detent that resists pivoting of the support when the support is in either of the working position or the storage position. 
     
     
         8 . The audio amplification system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a rotation obstructer extending from a side of the support and that is contactable with plural portions of the frame, wherein the rotation obstructer limits the pivotal range of the support with respect to the frame to about 180 degrees. 
     
     
         9 . The audio amplification system according to  claim 8 , wherein when the support is pivoted to the working position, the rotation obstructer contacts a first portion of the frame, and wherein when the support is pivoted to the storage position, the rotation obstructer contacts a second portion of the frame. 
     
     
         10 . The audio amplification system of  claim 1 , wherein the audio amplification apparatus comprises a microphone. 
     
     
         11 . A table comprising:
 at least one leg;   a tabletop supported by the legs, the tabletop defining a substantially horizontal surface and having at least one opening; and   an audio amplification system accommodated within the opening, the audio amplification system comprising a support and a one-way communication apparatus mounted to the support,   the support being pivotally connected to the tabletop and pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis between an open position and a closed position, and   the support comprising a melamine based substrate, a buffer layer adhered to the substrate, and a surface veneer adhered to the buffer layer.   
     
     
         12 . The table of  claim 11 , wherein the buffer layer comprises a substantially oil free wood based veneer. 
     
     
         13 . The table of  claim 12 , wherein the wood based veneer is prepared by a process including bleaching the wood, and boiling the wood based veneer. 
     
     
         14 . The table of  claim 11 , wherein the buffer layer is adhered to the substrate with an adhesive comprising a urethane prepolymer in a weight percent ranging from about 60% to about 70%, and polymeric MDI in a weight percent ranging from about 30% to about 40%. 
     
     
         15 . The table of  claim 11 , wherein the audio amplification system has a substantially symmetrical cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of: square; ovular; circular; and rectangular. 
     
     
         16 . An audio amplification system comprising:
 a table having at least one leg and a tabletop supported by the leg, the tabletop including at least one opening and at least one vertical mounting surface defined by the opening;   a square frame having at least one vertical sidewall, the frame mountable to the tabletop by attaching the vertical sidewall of the frame to the vertical mounting surface of the tabletop;   a support pivotally connected to the frame about a central axis between a working position and a storage position, the support including a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface at least partially exposed when the support is in the storage position, and the bottom surface at least partially exposed when the support is in the working position; and   a one-way communication apparatus mounted to the bottom surface of the support.   
     
     
         17 . The audio amplification system of  claim 16 , wherein the square frame is adjustably mounted to the tabletop with a plurality of securing members, the securing members selected from the group consisting of: screws, bolts, nails, and pins. 
     
     
         18 . A table comprising:
 at least one leg;   a tabletop supported by the leg, the tabletop defining a substantially horizontal surface and having at least one opening; and   an audio amplification system accommodated within the opening, the audio amplification system comprising a support and a microphone mounted to the support,   the support being pivotally connected to the tabletop and pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis between an open position and a closed position, and   the support comprising a substrate, a buffer layer adhered to the substrate, and a veneer adhered to the buffer layer.   
     
     
         19 . The table of  claim 18 , wherein the substrate comprises melamine. 
     
     
         20 . The table of  claim 18 , wherein the buffer layer comprises a substantially oil free wood based veneer. 
     
     
         21 . The table of  claim 18 , wherein the buffer layer is adhered to the substrate with an adhesive comprising a urethane prepolymer in a weight percent ranging from about 60% to about 70%, and polymeric MDI in a weight percent ranging from about 30% to about 40%. 
     
     
         22 . The table of  claim 18 , wherein the support has a substantially symmetrical cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of: square; ovular; circular; and rectangular.