TABLE

Abstract

A table that can be used as a dining table with a storage section, and features that allow for conversion of the same for use as a desk.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/320,684, filed on Apr. 2, 2010, entitled TABLE-DESK, A FURNITURE ITEM WITH A HIDDEN STORAGE COMPARTMENT THAT CAN BE USED AS A TABLE OR CONVERTED INTO A DESK, to which a claim of priority is hereby made and the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a table, and more particularly a table with features for use as a dining table and a desk.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Many people live in small spaces but require the use of a dining table for personal use and a computer desk for business or personal use. Thus, many are required to devote precious living space to two furniture items.

A table according to the present invention can be configured to serve as a dining table (and used in the kitchen, the dining room or the living room), or as a computer desk.

Advantageously, a table according to the present invention can be transformed from a dining table (like those used in the kitchen, the dining room or the living room) to a desk through the movement of certain movable parts. The transition from one configuration to the other can happen in less than 30 seconds.

Specifically, a table according to the present invention includes a platform configured to include a surface for dining. The platform includes two moving panels which can allow or deny access to a storage space of a storage section. In one state, the upper surfaces of the moving panels are coplanar and deny access to the storage space. In this state, the table can be used as a dining table. In another state, the panels are moved to allow access to the storage space where at least a monitor of a computer may be stored. In this state, the table can be used as a desk.

A latching mechanism can be employed to keep at least one of the panels in its open state. The latch mechanism may include one or more shock absorbers or spring loaded latches. A latch free arrangement is also possible as disclosed below.

According to an aspect of the present invention a monitor support can be integrated with the storage section of the table allowing for the transition from one use to another.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective plan view of a table according to the present invention in a state usable for dining.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective plan view of a table according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a state usable for a desk.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective plan view of a table according to the second embodiment of the present invention in a state usable as a desk with a movable part thereof moved in a state to allow access to the storage space of the storage section of the table.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front plan view of a monitor support according to the present invention in a disassembled state.

FIG. 4B illustrates a front plan view of a monitor support integrated with the storage section of a table according to the present invention.

FIG. 4C illustrates side (right figure) and front (left figure) plan views of a monitor support according to the present invention in an upright state.

FIG. 4D illustrates side (right figure) and front (left figure) plan views of a monitor support according to the present invention in a stored state.

FIG. 4E illustrates side plan view of a computer monitor mounted to the free end of a support arm of a monitor support according to the present invention.

FIGS. 5A-5G illustrate a table according to the first embodiment of the present invention in various states showing the transition of a table according to the present invention from a dining table to a computer desk.

FIGS. 6A-6G illustrate a table according to the second embodiment of the present invention in various states showing the transition of a table according to the present invention from a dining table to a computer desk.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a table according to the present invention further including a feature to prevent fluid from entering the storage section through the gap between the top panels of the table.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a table according to the present invention includes a storage section 10 having a storage space. The storage space is defined by a first panel 12 having a first planar surface 12′ and a plurality of spacer panels 14 fixed around the planar surface 12′ of first panel 12, by being fixed either to the edges of the first panel 12 or at the edges of the first panel and over the planar surface 12′ thereof. Note that spacer panels 14 may be planar bodies extended vertically away from the first planar surface of first panel 12 to define a storage space.

A table according to the present invention further includes an access panel 16 arranged to move relative to spacer panels 14. Access panel 16 may move from a first state (see. FIG. 1) in which it denies access to the storage space to a second state (FIG. 2) in which it allows access to the storage space from a lateral side of storage section 10 (i.e. a side transverse to first panel 12). Note that in its second state access panel 16 includes a surface 16′ which may be coplanar with the first planar surface of first panel 12.

A table according to the present invention includes a support arrangement coupled to a storage section 10 to support the same above ground. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support arrangement includes a plurality of legs (four legs) 18. As illustrated, each spacer panel 14 is coupled at each end thereof to a respective end section of a leg 18. First panel 12 may be then coupled to the bottom edges (the edges facing the ground) of spacer panels 14. Preferably, a hinge 20 (or two hinges 20 as illustrated) or the like apparatus may be used for coupling access panel 16 to a portion of the storage section 10 whereby it may be moved from its first state to its second state, and from its second state to its first state. Access panel 16 may be coupled for movement to respective end sections of two legs and/or coupled for movement to an edge of first panel 12. In the example shown access panel 16 is coupled by hinges 20 to first panel 12.

A table according to the present invention further includes a platform 22. Platform 22 includes a second panel 24 and a third panel 26 each being movable relative to storage section 10 in order to provide access to the storage space. Second panel 24 includes a planar surface 24′ and third panel 26 includes a planar surface 26′. Planar surfaces 24′, 26′ are arranged above first planar surface 12′ and are coplanar with one another when panels 24, 26 are positioned to deny access to the storage space of storage section 10 (i.e. when the table is in a state for use as a dining table).

According to one aspect of the present invention a hinge 28 (or two hinges 28 as shown) or the like apparatus couples second panel 24 to storage section 10. Specifically, a hinge 28 couples second panel 24 to a spacer panel 14 that is preferably disposed directly opposite to access panel 16.

According to one aspect of the present invention, hinge 28 is coupled to a location on second panel 24 that is spaced from an edge of second panel 24 far enough so that second panel 24, upon rotation of more than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees relative to the planar surface 12′ and about the rotation axis of hinge 28, will abut the spacer panel 14 to which it is hingedly coupled as illustrated by FIG. 2. Thus, gravity will act to keep panel 24 stationary when it has been moved to allow access to the storage space of storage section 10 without a need for latch or stop. Alternatively, a latch 29 (or a pair of latches 29 as schematically illustrated in FIG. 3) or a stop may be used to keep second panel 24 in the state shown. Each latch 29 may be shock absorber or a spring loaded arm serving as a spring-loaded latch.

In the first embodiment, which is schematically illustrated by FIG. 2, a hinge 30 (or preferably two hinges 30) couples third panel 26 at one edge thereof to an edge of second panel 24 whereby third panel 26 can rotate about the axis of hinge 30 and fold over such that planar surfaces 24′, 26′ will be positioned directly opposite one another, as illustrated by FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, in which like numerals identify like features, in a table according to the second embodiment of the present invention, slider arrangements 32 couple third panel 26 to storage section 10, whereby third panel 26 is rendered movable relative to storage section 10 to allow access to the storage space. Note that in this embodiment, second panel 24 and third panel 26 are not connected to one another and can be moved independently from one another, unlike the first embodiment in which the movement of second panel 24 necessarily causes the movement of third panel 26. In the second embodiment, third panel 26 is preferably movable parallel to planar surface 12′.

According to one aspect of the present invention, first planar surface 12′ is spaced from ground between 25 to 26 inches to allow the use of the surface as a work desk, while surfaces 24′, 26′ are spaced from the ground 30 to 31 inches to allow the use of the surfaces as a dining table.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a monitor support 32 resides in the storage space of and is integrated with storage section 10.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4E, monitor support 31 includes a support arm 34 having a free end which can be fixed to the back of a computer monitor by fixing screws or the like. The opposite end of support arm 34 is connected to a rotatable arm 36. Preferably, support arm 34 is arranged transverse to the rotation axis of rotatable arm 36 and fixed to the same by screws or the like. Each end of rotatable arm 36 is rotatably received in a respective bushing 38. Each bushing 38 is readied to be coupled to an interior surface of storage section 10 by screws or the like. Preferably, each bushing 38 is readied for coupling by screws or the like to a surface of a respective spacer panel 14 that is facing the storage space, as illustrated by FIG. 4B. A blocking pin 40 may be used to fix each respective end of rotatable arm 36 to the body of a respective bushing 38, whereby when support arm 34 is rotated to an upright position (in a position outside of the storage space), support arm 34 can be fixed in place (see FIG. 4C) by inserting pin 40 into a hole in the bushing 38 that registers with a respective hole in the rotatable arm 36. Pins 40 can be removed so that support arm 34 can be rotated back to its down position where it resides entirely with the storage space of storage section 10 (see FIG. 4D). FIG. 4E schematically illustrates a support arm 34 coupled to a bracket 42 in the back of a conventional flat monitor 44.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5G, the operation of a table according to the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described. FIG. 5A illustrates a side plan view of the first embodiment in one state of use. In this state, first panel 24 and second panel 24 deny access to the storage space of storage section 10. In this state, planar surfaces 24′, 26′ are arranged coplanar with one another to realize a platform which can be used as a dining surface.

FIG. 5B illustrates third panel 26 rotating about a hinge axis 30′ of hinge 30.

FIG. 5C illustrates third panel 26 rotated to a state where planar surfaces 24′, 26′ face one another.

FIG. 5D illustrates third panel 26 rotated to a state where planar surfaces 24′, 26′ face and make contact with one another, allowing access to a portion of the storage space of storage section 10.

FIG. 5E illustrates second panel 24 in a state where it has rotated about hinge axis 28′ of hinge 28. In this state, a portion 24″ of the underside (side that would face the ground in the state illustrated by FIG. 5A) of second panel 24 that is between an edge of second panel 24 and hinge 28 is beginning to face an exterior surface of the spacer panel 14 to which second panel 24 is hingedly coupled.

FIG. 5F illustrates second panel 24 in a state where it has rotated about hinge axis 28′ more than 90 degrees relative to the planar surface 12′ of first panel 12 and region 24″ thereof directly faces and abuts the exterior surface of the spacer panel 14 to which panel 12 is hingedly coupled, whereby gravity will act to ensure second panel 24 will remain in this state without a need for a lock or a stop. FIG. 5F further illustrates access panel 16 in a state where it has partially rotated about hinge axis 22′ of hinge 22. In the state shown by FIG. 5F the entire top region of storage section 10 is exposed and rendered accessible.

FIG. 5G illustrates a monitor 44 coupled to a support arm 34 of a monitor support integrated with storage system 10. Support arm 34 is shown in an upright position. Also, access panel 16 is shown in a state where a surface thereof is coplanar with planar surface 12′, and allows access to the storage space of storage section 10 from a lateral side (i.e. a side transverse to planar surface 12′), whereby a user can access a keyboard or the like apparatus residing in the storage space.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6H, the operation of a table according to the second embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

FIG. 6A illustrates a side plan view of a table according to the second embodiment in a state where second panel 24 and third panel 26 are positioned to deny access to the storage space of storage section 10. In this state, planar surfaces 24′, 26′ are coplanar with one another and realize a platform that can be used for dining.

FIG. 6B illustrates third panel 26 in a state where it has been moved laterally relative to storage section 10 with the help of the slider arrangements 32.

FIG. 6C illustrates second panel 24 in a state where it has been rotated partially about hinge axis 28′ as described above (see FIG. 5E and related description).

FIG. 6D illustrates second panel 24 in a state where it has been rotated more than 90 degrees about hinge axis 28′ and abuts the exterior surface of spacer panel 14 to which it is coupled as described above (see FIG. 5F and related text).

FIG. 6E illustrates a monitor 44 supported by a monitor support residing inside the storage space of storage section 10 in a state where it has partially exited the storage space because of rotation of support arm 34 to which it is connected.

FIG. 6F illustrates monitor 44 that is supported on support arm 34 of the monitor support in a fully upright state.

FIG. 6G, illustrates second panel 24 rotating back about hinge axis 28′ toward its initial position shown in FIG. 6A. Also illustrated is third panel 26 sliding back toward its initial position shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6H illustrates second panel 24 in its initial state (FIG. 6A) allowing a portion of the table to be used for dining. Third panel 26 can be slid back far enough so that when access panel 16 is opened a user may find access to the keyboard or the like inside the storage space. Thus, a portion of the table may be used as a desk or a work station in this state.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, an elongated gasket 27 having a U-shaped cross-section can be attached along the length of the edge of second panel 24 that opposes and edge of third panel 26 in order to prevent fluid from entering storage space 10 in the event of fluid spillage when the table is used as a dining table.

Appropriate openings in storage section 10 would allow the connection of electrical cords to a wall outlet. The electrical cords can be stored in storage section 10 when the furniture item is utilized as a table.

A table according to the present invention can be used as a desk during a portion of the day, or as a kitchen, a dining or a living room table during another portion of the day. It offers the advantage of not having to move typical desk equipment (namely a computer monitor, docking station, laptop computer, keyboard and mouse) to a different location when the need arises to use the table for dining. A table according to the present invention advantageously allows transition from one configuration to the other very quickly (e.g. less than 30 seconds).

Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A table comprising:

at storage section that includes a storage space defined by a first panel having a first planar surface and a plurality of spacer panels fixed around said first planar surface;

at access panel being arranged to move relative to said spacer panels to allow access to said storage space;

at platform including a second panel and a third panel movable relative to said storage section in order to provide access to said storage space, said second panel and said third panel including respective second and third planar surfaces arranged above said first planar surface and coplanar with one another in at least one state;

at least one support arrangement coupled to said storage section to support said storage section above ground.

2. The table of claim 1, further comprising a hinge coupling said access panel to said storage section.

3. The table of claim 1, further comprising a hinge coupling said second panel to said storage section.

4. The table of claim 2, further comprising a hinge coupling said second panel to said storage section.

5. The table of claim 1, further comprising a hinge coupling said third panel to said second panel.

6. The table of claim 2, further comprising a hinge coupling said third panel to said second panel.

7. The table of claim 3, further comprising a hinge coupling said third panel to said second panel.

8. The table of claim 1, wherein said support arrangement includes a plurality of legs.

9. The table of claim 1, wherein said support arrangement spaces said first planar surface from ground between 25 to 26 inches and spaces said second and third planar surfaces from ground between 30 to 31 inches.

10. The table of claim 1, wherein said second panel and said third panel are discrete bodies separated from one another.

11. The table of claim 10, further comprising a hinge coupling said second panel to said storage section, and slider arrangements coupling said third panel to said storage section.

12. The table of claim 10, further comprising a hinge coupling said second panel to said storage section, and slider arrangements coupling said third panel to said storage section.

13. The table of claim 2, further comprising a hinge coupling said second panel to said storage section, said hinge being coupled to a location on said second panel spaced from an edge of said second panel far enough so that said second panel, upon rotation of more than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees about a rotation axis of said hinge, will abut at least one of said spacer panels.

14. The table of claim 13, further comprising a hinge coupling said third panel to said second panel.

15. The table of claim 13, further comprising sliders coupling said third panel to said storage section.

16. The table of claim 1, further comprising a monitor support residing in said storage space and coupled to oppositely positioned spacer panels.

17. The table of claim 16, wherein said monitor support includes an arm having a free end readied for connection to a monitor and an opposite end coupled to a rotatable arm having a rotation axis generally parallel to said first planar surface.