Multi-Position Table
The present application is directed to a multi-position table for use in confined spaces, particularly a multi-position table attached to a wall in a recreational vehicle. In one embodiment, the table comprises a table top and a bracket pivotably connected to the table top to the wall. The table top is movable between a storage position in which the table top is folded against the wall, a first deployed position, and a second deployed position without disconnecting the table top from the bracket. The table top may include clearance openings to allow the bracket to pass from a first side of the table top to a second side of the table top when the table top is moved from the first deployed position to the storage position.
The present application relates generally to multi-position tables, and more particularly to multi-position tables for use in confined spaces such as a camper.
Recreational vehicles (RVs) such as campers and trailers are typically designed to provide a level of comfort and convenience to persons desiring to live for a period of time on the road or in wilderness areas. RVs may take many forms, including self-contained vehicles and fixed or collapsible units that are towed behind a vehicle. In any case, the RVs are designed to fit into a somewhat small and compact overall package, which requires the use of space saving features whenever possible. For example, benches are typically designed with storage space underneath the seating surface so that the space is not wasted. Other furnishings may be similarly designed to perform multiple functions as a means to conserve space.
Because of the compact nature of RVs, floor space within the RV is at a premium. It is desirable to maintain as much open space within the RV as possible to allow ease of movement. Tables are one type of furnishing that consume a relatively large amount of space in an RV, limit use of seating, and limit access to bench and overhead storage. Tables typically require access from more than one side and typically must be large enough to comfortably accommodate people on two opposing sides. For these reasons, tables in RVs are generally not stationary. They may be adjusted to various heights to serve alternately as a table or a bed. They may also be removable when not in use.
A variety of table designs have been employed to enhance the functionality of RVs. However, these designs typically suffer from a number of deficiencies, such as inability to move completely out of the way when not in use, or having to find a storage area for the table top and legs when removed. Tables that are not moveable or removable often have a size that limits their utility.
SUMMARYThe present application is directed to a multi-position table for use in confined spaces, particularly a multi-position table attached to a wall in a recreational vehicle. In one embodiment, the table comprises a table top and a bracket pivotably connecting the table top to the wall. The table top is movable between a storage position in which the table top is folded against the wall, a first deployed position, and a second deployed position without disconnecting the table top from the bracket. The table top may include clearance openings to allow the bracket to pass from a first side of the table top to a second side of the table top when the table top is moved from the storage position to a deployed position or from the first deployed position to the second deployed position.
The table top may include first and second table sections that are foldably connected to one another, and are movable between a storage position and at least two deployed positions. The bracket may attach the first table section to the wall, which enables the table to be positioned between the storage position and the first and second deployed positions. The table may include a support system that is adjustable to support the table in the deployed positions.
The second table section may be oriented in a folded position in which the second table section overlaps the first table section, and an unfolded position in which the first and second table sections form a generally continuous surface. The table has a first length when the second table section is in the folded position and a second length greater than the first length when the second table section is in the unfolded position.
The first table section may be affixed to the bracket, and thus the wall, so that the first table section remains affixed to the wall when the table is adjusted between any of the first and second lengths, the first and second heights, and storage and deployed positions.
The present application is directed to a multi-position table, such as may be used in a recreational vehicle (RV). In an exemplary embodiment as illustrated in
Further, while the table 10 is positioned on the lips 30 of the bench seats 22, the second table section 14 may be folded back to form another seat as illustrated in
The bracket assembly 18 comprises a U-shaped support rod 34 that generally extends across a width of the table 10 parallel to the wall 52. A hinge clip 32 fixedly attaches the support rod 34 to the wall 52 and provides a pivot point for the support rod 34 as the table 10 is moved between a normal table height as illustrated in
When the table 10 is at the first height, the table 10 may be attached to the wall 52 for lateral stability. In one embodiment, a catch member 38 extends upward along a portion of the back edge 56 of the first table section 12 and is spaced slightly from the back edge 56 as illustrated in
In order to move the table 10 from the first height to the second height, not only may the support rod 34 pivot in the hinge clip 32 and the hinge support 36, but the first table section 12 may also angle upward. However, attempting either of these movements could result in interference between the back edge 56 of the first table section 12 and the support rod 34 preventing the movements from being completed. Thus, in one embodiment as illustrated in
As illustrated in
Referring back to
Referring back to
As illustrated by the side view of the table 10 in the storage position in
Beginning with the table 10 in the storage position, the table 10 is deployed by first pivoting the first table section 12 about the hinge supports 36, while simultaneously pivoting the leg 20 away from the lower surface 58 of the first table section 12. As the first table section 12 reaches a position parallel to the floor 54, the edges of the first table section 12 are seated in the lips 30 of the benches 22, and the leg 20 is in a vertical position. At this point, the table 10 is in the chair position at the second height. To now move to the bed support position, the support block 46 is extended out from within the slide rails 42 to an extended position. The leg 20 extends between the end of the horizontal support member 46 and the floor 54. The second table section 14 is then pivoted along hinge 16 and unfolded from on top of the first table section 12 to rest upon the horizontal support block 46. If present, the corners 24 are unfolded from under the second table section 14.
To now utilize the table 10 at the first height (normal table height), the second table section 14 is folded back on top of the first table section 12. The corners 24, if present, are folded onto the second table section 14 and secured. Next, the support block 46 is moved to the fully retracted position within the slide rails 42. The first table section 12 is then lifted such that the first table section 12 pivots about hinge clips 32 and the hinge supports 36. As the catch member 38 approaches the catch element 40, the front edge of the first table section 12 (i.e., the edge where the hinge 16 is attached) is rotated upwards to allow a top edge of the catch member 38 to engage the catch element 40. As the catch member 38 and the catch element 40 engage, the front edge of the first table section 12 is lowered until the first table section 12 is essentially parallel to the floor 54. The leg 20 may telescope to a length that reaches to the floor 54. The table 10 is now in the half table position (see
Based on the foregoing disclosure, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications and variations of the bracket assembly 18 and the support system 70 are possible, all of which fall within the scope of the present application. For example, a variety of designs of hinge clips 32, hinge supports 36, and support rods 34 may be utilized, and all such designs are intended to be encompassed herein. Additionally, the placement of one element relative to another may vary, and these variations are also intended to be within the scope of the present application. For example, the exact placement of the slots 60 may depend on, among other factors, the dimensions and placement of the support rod 34.
Variations of the bracket assembly 18 may also affect when the support rod 34 engages the slots 60. In the embodiments described above, the slots 60 provide clearance for the support rod 34 when the table 10 is at the second height as illustrated in
The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims
1. A multi-position table for attachment to a wall, comprising:
- a table top;
- a bracket pivotably connecting the table top to the wall such that the table top is movable between a storage position in which the table top is folded against the wall, a first deployed position, and a second deployed position without disconnecting the table top from the bracket; and
- a clearance opening in the table top to allow the bracket to pass from a first side of the table top to a second side of the table top when the table top is moved between the first deployed position and the storage position.
2. The table of claim 1 wherein the bracket comprises a support rod pivotably connected to the first side of the table top and pivotably connectable to the wall.
3. The table of claim 1 wherein the table top has a first height in the first deployed position and a second height less than the first height in the second deployed position.
4. The table of claim 1 wherein said clearance opening is a first clearance opening; wherein the table further comprises a second clearance opening in the table top disposed in spaced relation to said first clearance opening; wherein said bracket extends through said second clearance opening when the table top is in the storage position; wherein the bracket does not pass through said second clearance opening when said table top is in said first deployed position.
5. The table of claim 1 wherein the bracket is positioned below the clearance opening when the table top is in the first deployed position and extends through the clearance opening when the table top is in the storage position.
6. The table of claim 1 wherein the bracket at least partially enters the clearance opening when the table top is in the second deployed position.
7. The table of claim 1 wherein the table top comprises a first section and a second section foldably connected to the first section such that the table top has a first length when the second section is in a folded position and a longer second length when the second section is in an unfolded position;
- the second section connected to the bracket via said first section.
8. The table of claim 7 wherein the first section includes an edge positioned adjacent to the wall when the table top is in either the first or second deployed positions, the bracket pivotably connected to the first section in proximity to the edge.
9. The table of claim 8 wherein the clearance opening is disposed along the edge of the first section.
10. The table of claim 9 wherein the clearance opening extends generally perpendicular to the edge such that the bracket passes through the clearance opening as the table top is moved from the deployed position to the storage position.
11. The table of claim 7 wherein the first deployed position and the second deployed position are generally parallel to each other, and said storage position is generally perpendicular to said first and second positions.
12. The table of claim 7 comprising a support member positioned on a lower surface of the first section, the support member extendable at least partially under the second section when the second section is in the unfolded position.
13. The table of claim 7 wherein the first section remains attached to the wall when moving the table top between any of the following positions:
- the storage position;
- the first deployed position;
- the second deployed position;
- the first length; and
- the second length.
14. The table of claim 7 wherein the second table section includes corners hingedly attached to the second table section and movable between folded and unfolded positions.
15. The table of claim 7 wherein each of the first and second sections includes a length measured perpendicular to the wall, the length of the first section greater than the length of the second section.
16. A camper assembly, comprising:
- an interiorly facing wall;
- first and second seats disposed proximate said wall and disposed generally perpendicular thereto;
- a convertible table attached to said wall between said first and second seats;
- said convertible table comprising: a table top comprising a first section and a second section foldably connected to the first section such that the table top has a first length when the second section is in a folded position and a longer second length when the second section is in an unfolded position; a bracket pivotably connecting the table top to the wall such that the table top is movable between a storage position in which the table top is folded against the wall, a first deployed position, and a second deployed position without disconnecting the table top from the bracket; and a clearance opening in the table top to allow the bracket to pass from a first side of the table top to a second side of the table top when the table top is moved between the first deployed position and the storage position; wherein the table top has a first height in the first deployed position and a second height less than the first height in the second deployed position; wherein the bracket is positioned below the clearance opening when the table top is in the first deployed position and passes through the clearance opening when the table top is in the storage position; the second section connected to the bracket via said first section.
17. The camper assembly of claim 16 wherein the first section includes an edge positioned adjacent to the wall when the table top is in either the first or second deployed positions, the bracket pivotably connected to the first section in proximity to the edge.
18. The camper assembly of claim 16 wherein the first and second sections each have opposing outer edges oriented generally perpendicular to the wall when the table top is in the second deployed position, the first and second sections supported along the outer edges by said first and second seats when the table top is in the second deployed position.
19. The camper assembly of claim 16 wherein the clearance opening is positioned such that the bracket at least partially enters the clearance opening when the table top moves from the first to the second deployed position.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 4, 2008
Publication Date: Oct 8, 2009
Inventor: G. Chandler Palethorpe (Durham, NC)
Application Number: 12/062,883
International Classification: A47B 37/00 (20060101); A47B 5/00 (20060101);