Display table for ornamental objects

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a display table designed for simultaneously displaying different kinds of tableware, silverware, glassware and other ornamental objects intended to decorate a table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a table for displaying articles, comprising a central panel, an outer panel concentric with and mounted for rotation about the central panel and a storage space situated underneath the outer panel.

In an embodiment of the display table according to the invention, the central panel is supported by a cylindrical column equipped with storage shelves.

The outer, rotary panel may if desired be made of glass or another transparent material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a view, partly in section, of the table shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view, partly in section, of a modified embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a view, partly in section, of a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The table illustrated comprises a pedestal 1 in the form of a cylindrical column which supports a fixed, central panel 2. A movable panel 3 made of glass or another transparent material is mounted for rotation about the fixed central panel 2.

The panel 3 may be integral with an identical panel 4, a plurality of vertical walls or partitions 5 being arranged between the panels 3 and 4 to define storage compartments 6.

Alternatively, as illustrated, a cylindrical ring 7 can be arranged between the panels 3 and 4 to close the compartments 6, the ring 7 comprising an opening 8 for each storage compartment 6.

In a modified form of the invention, the vertical partitions 5 are omitted and the space between the upper panel 3, the lower panel 4 and the ring 7 defines a storage space completely encircling the table under the panel 3.

The movable panel 3 and the storage compartments 6 are rotatably mounted on the pedestal 1.

In the embodiment illustrated, the panel 3 is transparent although the panel 3 may instead be opaque.

In the view shown in FIG. 2, the pedestal 1 comprises a base 10 which, at its centre, carries a shaft 11. On the shaft 11 there is rotatably mounted a disc 12 to whose periphery is fixed a cylindrical ring 13 to which the panels 3 and 4 are connected, the panel 4 supporting the cylindrical ring 7.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 the pedestal 1 comprises a plurality of shelves 14 defining storage compartments 15. At the top of the pedestal 1 there is a cylindrical framework 16 whose upper wall forms the fixed central panel 2, this framework being slightly smaller in diameter than the pedestal 1, resulting in the formation of a shoulder 17 between the pedestal 1 and the framework 16.

The outer panel 3 is of transparent material and rest on an annular framework 18 which may be divided up into several storage compartments by partitions similar to the partitions 5, openings 8 being provided.

The framework 18 is fitted on to the framework 16 and rests on a ball bearing track 19 accommodated in the shoulder 15. The framework 18 is centered by a ring 20 of needle bearings.

The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 are purely illustrative and are by no means intended to limit the invention. For instance, the outer panel may be rotatably mounted on the inner panel by any other suitable means.

This table is particularly advantageous for showing sets of tableware, glassware, silverware or the like to customers.

Glasses of different kinds can be displayed on the central panel 2, whilst an equal number of plates of different kinds can be arranged on the movable outer panel. The cutlery is accommodated in the storage compartment or compartments 6. By turning the outer panel 3, the retailer is able successively to show each plate before each set of glasses, and the customer is able to see the various possible combinations without having to handle the glassware, cutlery and plates.

In another modified embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the panel 4a is rotatable as well as the panel 3a, independently thereof on respective discs 12a and 12b about shaft 11a. This arrangement is similar to that of FIG. 2. Thus, it is possible by turning either the panel 3a or the panel 4a and hence the compartments 5, or both, to go through all the various possible combinations very quickly without any need for handling, thus enabling the customer to see the particular combination he or she is seeking.

The present invention is particularly intended to serve as a display facility for articles of glass and crystal, although obviously it may be used for showing other articles.