MOUNTABLE TABLE

Abstract

A mountable and multi-positionable, portable table assembly is provided for attachment to a table or cart. The table comprises a panel, a frame, and at least one locking hinge connecting the panel and the frame. The panel has a top surface and a bottom surface, and the frame has at least one flange extending therefrom. The locking hinge is secured to the bottom surface of the panel and to the at least one flange on the frame, and provides for movement of the panel in a variety of positions.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/237,841, filed Aug. 27, 2021, entitled “Mountable Table,” the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

A. Field

This disclosure relates generally to a mountable table, and more particularly to a table that can be moved to a variety of positions and that is configured to be mounted on a tabletop, storage box, chest, cart, or the like.

B. Description of Related Art

Large tabletops are generally used to view architectural or landscape design plans or other construction drawings. Particularly, large tables or surfaces are useful on jobsites and in construction settings, for viewing large format documents, and for drafting or revising large technical documents.

There exists a need for a table for use in a construction setting that allows the user to conveniently place the table on a stationary surface or a mobile surface, such as a storage box or utility cart, while also being adjustable and lockable in a plurality of angular positions.

SUMMARY

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope.

In one aspect, a mountable table includes a panel having a top surface and a bottom surface, a frame having a generally rectangular shape, and having at least two flanges extending upwardly from the frame, and at least two locking hinges securing the panel to the frame. The at least two locking hinges are secured to the bottom surface of the panel and to the at least two flanges on the frame. The mountable table is configured to adjust to a plurality of positions.

In another aspect, a mountable table is provided, which comprises a panel comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, a frame having at least one flange extending therefrom, and at least one locking hinge, wherein a first portion of the at least one locking hinge is affixed to the bottom surface of the panel and a second portion of the at least one locking hinge is affixed to the at least one flange, thereby securing the panel to the frame.

In yet another aspect, a portable multi-position table assembly for attachment to a table or cart is provided, the assembly comprising a panel comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, a frame having at least one flange extending therefrom, and at least one locking hinge, wherein a first portion of the at least one locking hinge is affixed to the bottom surface of the panel and a second portion of the at least one locking hinge is affixed to the at least one flange, thereby securing the panel to the frame.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example mountable table in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the mountable table shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a detailed view of an example locking hinge mechanism in a locked position in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a detailed view of the example locking hinge of FIG. 3A in an unlocked position in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a side view of an example angular position of the table in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a side view of an example angular position of the table in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4C is a side view of an example angular position of the table in accordance with an embodiment; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the table shown in FIG. 1 mounted on a utility cart in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A mountable, adjustable table configured for use on a utility cart, storage box, tabletop, or the like is disclosed. The adjustable table allows for mobile drawings/plans review, sign postings, or a mobile work station for construction and jobsites. The adjustable table is transitionable to a plurality of positions or angles to allow for optimal viewing by one or more people. In one embodiment, the adjustable table includes a plurality of locking hinges connecting the work surface of the table to a frame. The locking hinges serve to move, tilt, and then lock the work surface into place at a plurality of positions and angles.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example mountable table 100 and frame 200 connected by a plurality of locking hinges 300, 320 is disclosed. In some embodiments, the mountable table 100 includes a panel 101 having a top surface 102 and a bottom surface 104. The top surface 102 may comprise a generally flat surface to allow for large documents or objects, such as architectural plans or engineering drawings, for example, to be placed upon the surface and thus easily manipulated and viewed.

In some embodiments, the mountable table 100 may have an outwardly projecting edge 106 extending from the top surface 102 to prevent the plans or drawings from sliding off of the edge of the top surface 102. As shown in the Figures, the outwardly projecting edge 106 is secured to the panel 101 by a plurality of fasteners 107. In some embodiments, the fasteners 107 comprise a nut and bolt. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the outwardly projecting edge 106 may be secured to the panel 101 by any known fastening method, or may be integrally formed with the panel 101.

The bottom surface 104 of the panel 101 may include one or more brackets 108, 110 secured thereto. The brackets 108, 110 connect the panel 101 to locking hinges 300, 320, which are described in detail below. The brackets 108, 110 also provide additional support/stiffness for the panel 101. The brackets 108, 110 may be separated by horizontal support members, 112, 114. The brackets 108, 110 may secured to the bottom surface 104 of the panel 101 by any known fastening method. In alternate embodiments, the brackets 108, 110 may be integrally formed with the panel 101. The brackets 108, 110 may be made of metal, wood, a composite material, or any other material suitable for connecting the panel 101 to the locking hinges 300, 320. In alternate embodiments, it should be understood that any other known feature that can attach the panel 101 to the locking hinges 300, 320 may be substituted for the brackets 108, 110.

In some embodiments, the panel 101 may be a tabletop surface constructed of metal, such as 16 gauge metal, or other suitable material, such as a polymer or composite that has good strength/stiffness and that is easy to manufacture. The panel 101 may comprise a dry erase board, a bulletin board, or any other generally flat surface familiar to a person having skill in the art. The type of panel 101 may vary depending upon the needs of the contractor or tradesperson. The panel 101 may also be a digital surface, for example, a digital touchscreen, a Building Information Modeling (BIM) system, or a digital signage surface.

As shown in the Figures, the panel 101 is secured to a frame 200. The frame 200 may have a generally rectangular shape, and include a first side 202, a second side 203, a third side 204, and a fourth side 205. The sides 202, 203, 204, 205 may be separate members secured together by fasteners, or may be configured as one integral piece. In other embodiments, the frame 200 could have any other suitable shape so that the frame 200 could be mounted onto different sizes, types, and shapes of boxes, carts, or containers.

In some embodiments, the frame 200 may have a horizontal support beam 206 to provide stiffness/strength/stability to the frame 200. In other embodiments, the frame 200 may have more than one horizontal support beam, or the support beam 206 could be eliminated. Additionally, as shown in the Figures, the frame 200 may include a plurality of support members 208, 210, 212, 214. Support members 208 and 212 are shown to extend from the first side 202 of the frame 200. Similarly, support members 210 and 214 are shown to extend from the third side 204 of the frame 200. In other embodiments, the frame 200 may have more or less support members.

As shown, the plurality of support members 208, 210, 212, 214 are secured to the frame 200 by a plurality of fasteners. However, it should be understood that the support members 208, 210, 212, 214 may be secured to the frame 200 by any known fastening mechanism, or may be integral with the frame 200.

As shown in FIG. 4C, support members 208, 210 provide support to the brackets 108, 100 when the panel 101 is in the horizontal position. Support members 212 and 214 attach to the locking hinges 300, 320, as will be described in more detail below.

As mentioned above, the panel 101 is connected to the frame 200 by a plurality of locking hinges, 300, 320. The locking hinges 300, 320 allow for the panel 101 to be positioned or tilted at a plurality of angles with respect to the frame 200, depending upon the needs of the user. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first locking hinge 300 includes a pin 302, a first hinge plate 304, a plurality of notches 305 formed on the first hinge plate 304, a second hinge plate 306, a spring 307, a locking block 308, and a locking lever 310. The locking lever 310 is connected to the spring 307, and is configured to lock and unlock the first locking hinge 300, as described in more detail below. The first hinge plate 304 is secured to the support member 208, and the second hinge plate 306 is secured to the bracket 108, thereby connecting the panel 101 to the frame 200. The plurality of notches may in certain embodiments be positioned every 10 degrees on the first hinge plate 304, and the first hinge plate 304 maintains stability and structural integrity. Less notches, with greater degrees of separation therebetween, may be present on the first hinge plate 304 in alternative embodiments.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show the first locking hinge 300 in a locked position and an unlocked position, respectively. To unlock the first locking hinge 300, the locking lever 310 is moved in a downward direction, away from the second hinge plate 306, which moves the locking block 308 out of engagement with one of the plurality of notches 305 in the hinge plate 304, while compressing the spring 307 to allow the first hinge plate 304 to move relative to the second hinge plate 306. When the locking hinge mechanism is in the unlocked position (FIG. 3B), the panel 101 can be rotated about the pin 302 to allow the table 100 to move to a plurality of positions. To lock the first locking hinge 300 when the panel 101 is in the desired position, the locking lever 310 is allowed to move to the upward position by the force of the spring 307, which also moves the locking block 308 into engagement with the desired notch 305, thereby preventing movement of the first and second hinge plates 304, 306.

Similarly, the second locking hinge 320 includes a pin, a first hinge plate, a plurality of notches, a second hinge plate, a spring, a locking block, and a locking lever. The components and function of the second locking hinge 320 are identical to those described above with respect to the first locking hinge 300. The plurality of notches may in certain embodiments be positioned every 10 degrees on the second hinge plate 306, and the second hinge plate 306 maintains stability and structural integrity. Less notches, with greater degrees of separation therebetween, may be present on the second hinge plate 306 in alternative embodiments.

In alternate embodiments, it should be understood that any known locking hinge can be substituted for the locking hinges 300, 320. Additionally, in some embodiments, more or less locking hinges may be used.

In operation, the mountable table 100 may be mounted to a cart, storage box, cabinet, or the like. The user may then tilt and lock the panel 101 to the desired position using the locking hinges 300, 320 as described above.

In some embodiments, the table 100 may be positioned in a vertical configuration, as shown in FIG. 4A, in at least one tilted configuration, as shown in FIG. 4B, and in a horizontal configuration, as shown in FIG. 4C. In the vertical configuration, the table 100 may be at an angle α of about 90 degrees relative to the frame 200. In the tilted configuration, the table 100 may be at an angle α of about 15 degrees relative to the frame 200. Additionally, in the tilted configuration, the table 100 may have one or more locking positions with an angle or angles at any position between 0 degrees and 90 degrees. In the horizontal configuration, the table 100 may be parallel, or at about a 0 degree angle relative to the frame 200. It should be understood that in alternate embodiments, other configurations may be possible.

In some embodiments, when the table 100 is in a horizontal configuration as shown in FIG. 4C, the brackets 108, 110 are supported by the support members 208, 210. In other embodiments, when the table 100 is in a horizontal configuration, the horizontal support members 112, 114 may rest on the support members 208, 210.

As shown in FIG. 5, the mountable table 100 is placed on a utility cart 400, allowing the table 100 to be mobile and used in different settings. In some embodiments, the frame 200 may be placed or secured to the utility cart 400 by any means familiar to those having skill in the art. In other embodiments, the frame 200 may be placed on any convenient surface (not pictured), such as a table, a desk, or a jobsite work box. It should be understood that other embodiments are also possible. In other embodiments, the mountable table 100 may be secured to the utility cart 400 using a quick release ratcheting mechanism or other similar mechanism.

The present application provides a number of advantages, including providing a table that can be utilized in a construction setting on a stationary or mobile surface, and providing a range of movement and locking positions, thus providing a plurality of angular positions for the table, allowing a plurality of possible use cases.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize that still further modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof of the features of the disclosed embodiments are still possible. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.

Claims

1. A mountable table comprising:

a panel comprising a top surface and a bottom surface;

a frame having at least one flange extending therefrom; and

at least one locking hinge, wherein a first portion of the at least one locking hinge is affixed to the bottom surface of the panel and a second portion of the at least one locking hinge is affixed to the at least one flange, thereby securing the panel to the frame.

2. The mountable table of claim 1, wherein at least one bracket is affixed to the bottom surface of the panel, and the at least one locking hinge is affixed to the at least one bracket.

3. The mountable table of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking hinge comprises two locking hinges, with a first locking hinge of the two locking hinges comprising a pin, a first hinge plate, a plurality of notches on the first hinge plate, a second hinge plate, a spring, a locking block, and a locking lever.

4. The mountable table of claim 3, wherein the locking lever is connected to the spring, and is configured to lock and unlock the first locking hinge.

5. The mountable table of claim 4, wherein the notches are formed in the first hinge plate at 10 degree intervals.

6. The mountable table of claim 5, wherein to lock the first locking hinge when the panel is in a desired position, the locking lever moves to an upward position by the force of the spring, the spring also moving the locking block into engagement with a desired notch of a plurality of notches formed on the first hinge plate, thereby preventing movement of the first hinge plate.

7. The mountable table of claim 6, wherein to unlock the first locking hinge, the locking lever is moved in a downward direction away from the second hinge plate, which moves the locking block out of engagement with one of the plurality of notches in the hinge plate, while compressing the spring to allow the first hinge plate to move relative to the second hinge plate.

8. The mountable table of claim 7, wherein when the locking hinge is in the unlocked position, the panel is rotatable about the pin to allow for movement to a plurality of positions.

9. The mountable table of claim 8, wherein the plurality of positions comprises a horizontal position, a tilted position, and a vertical position.

10. The mountable table of claim 9, wherein the tilted position is formed by the panel being positioned at an angle relative to the frame.

11. The mountable table of claim 10, wherein the angle is adjustable up to about 90 degrees relative to the frame.

12. The mountable table of claim 3, wherein the at least one bracket comprises two brackets, the mountable table further comprising at least one support member affixed to the bottom surface of the panel and extending between the two brackets wherein the first hinge plate is secured to the support member, and the second hinge plate is secured to the bracket, thereby connecting the panel to the frame.

13. The mountable table of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises an outwardly projecting edge extending from the top surface.

14. The mountable table of claim 12, wherein the outwardly projecting edge is secured to the panel by a plurality of fasteners.

15. The mountable table of claim 1, wherein the mountable table is portable and attachable to a table or a cart.

16. A portable multi-position table assembly for attachment to a table or cart, the assembly comprising:

a panel comprising a top surface and a bottom surface;

a frame having at least one flange extending therefrom; and

at least one locking hinge, wherein a first portion of the at least one locking hinge is affixed to the bottom surface of the panel and a second portion of the at least one locking hinge is affixed to the at least one flange, thereby securing the panel to the frame.

17. The portable multi-position table assembly of claim 16, wherein at least one bracket is affixed to the bottom surface of the panel, and the at least one locking hinge is affixed to the at least one bracket.

18. The portable multi-position table assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one locking hinge comprises two locking hinges, with a first locking hinge of the two locking hinges comprising a pin, a first hinge plate, a plurality of notches on the first hinge plate, a second hinge plate, a spring, a locking block, and a locking lever.

19. The portable multi-position table assembly of claim 18, wherein the locking lever is connected to the spring, and is configured to lock and unlock the first locking hinge.

20. The portable multi-position table assembly of claim 19, wherein the notches are formed at 10 degree intervals in the first hinge plate.