US20090249982A1

US20090249982A1 - Multi-Position Table

Info

Publication number: US20090249982A1
Application number: US12/062,883
Authority: US
Inventors: G. Chandler Palethorpe
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-04-04
Filing date: 2008-04-04
Publication date: 2009-10-08

Abstract

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.

Description

BACKGROUND

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.

SUMMARY

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 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-position table in an upper position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is perspective view of a multi-position table in an upper position and configured as a half table according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a multi-position table in a lower position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a multi-position table in a lower position and configured as a chair according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a multi-position table according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a multi-position table according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a multi-position table and bracket assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a multi-position table and bracket assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a multi-position table and bracket assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support system on a lower surface of a multi-position table according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a multi-position table in a lower position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a multi-position table in a storage position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a multi-position table in storage position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a partial side view of a multi-position table and bracket assembly according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 FIG. 1, the table indicated generally by the numeral 10 may comprise a foldable table top including first and second table sections 12, 14, a bracket assembly 18 for securing the table top to a wall 52 so as to be movable between a storage position, a first deployed position, and a second deployed position, and support system 70 to provide support for the table top in the first and second deployed positions. The bracket assembly 18 fixes the first table section 12 to a wall 52 in a manner that allows the table top to move between the storage position, the first deployed position, and the second deployed position without disconnecting the table top from the wall. The second table section 14 is connected to the first table section 12 by a hinge 16 that allows the two sections 12, 14 to fold.
FIG. 1 illustrates the table 10 in the first deployed position. The table 10 is disposed between a pair of bench seats 22 as is typical in an RV, and is shown with the table 10 at a first height corresponding to a normal table height above the floor 54. The bracket assembly 18 is attached to the wall 52 and extends upward to a lower surface 58 of the first table section 12 such that the first table section 12 is above a point where the bracket assembly 18 is attached to the wall 52. While the bracket assembly 18 provides support for an end of the table 10 closest to the wall 52, a support system 70 provides support for an end of the table 10 positioned away from the wall 52. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, the support system 70 is in an extended position projecting under the second table section 14. In some embodiments, the table 10 may further include catch elements 40 mounted to the wall 52 may advantageously engage catch members 38 on back edge 56 of the first table section 12 (see FIG. 5). The engagement of the catch members 38 with the catch elements 40 prevents the table 10 from accidentally pulling away from the wall 52.
FIG. 2 illustrates a half-table configuration in which the second table section 14 is folded back on the first table section 12 so that a top surface 28 of the second table section 14 rests against a top surface 26 of the first table section 12. While the bracket assembly 18 is in the same position as illustrated in FIG. 1, the support system 70 may be moved to a retracted position such that it is positioned entirely under the first table section 12.
FIG. 3 illustrates the table top in a second deployed position, As illustrated in FIG. 2, a lip 30 on a front edge of each of the bench seats 22 supports the edges of the table top in the second deployed position. The table 10 spans a gap between the bench seats 22. The first table section 12 is now below the point where the bracket assembly 18 is attached to the wall 52. Because the second table section 14 is in the unfolded orientation, the support system 70 may be extended under the second table section 14. In this configuration with the second table section 14 in an unfolded orientation, the table 10 and bench seats 22 may form a platform for a bed.
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 FIG. 4. The support system 70 may be moved to the retracted position to provide access to the table 10 when used as a seat.
FIGS. 5-9 illustrate the bracket assembly 18 in more detail. The bracket assembly 18 performs a variety of functions. First, the bracket assembly 18 connects the first table section 12 to the wall 52 at each of the variety of positions in which the table 10 can be configured without disconnecting the first table section 12 from the bracket assembly 18. The bracket assembly 18 also pivots to allow the table 10 to move from the first higher height as a table to the second lower height as a bed platform or seat. While at the first height, the bracket assembly 18 provides support from underneath the table 10. At the second height, the bracket assembly 18 acts as a hanger supporting a back edge 56 of the first table section 12.
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 FIG. 5, and a lower height where the sides of the first and second table sections 12, 14 rest on the lips 30 of the benches 22. The support rod 34 includes two arms 62 that extend at an angle away from the wall 52 in proximity to the hinge clip 32 to a lower surface 58 of the first table section 12. Here, the arms 62 turn back toward the back edge 56 of the first table section 12, positioning a portion 64 of the arm 62 along the lower surface 58 to provide a support for the first table section 12 to rest upon when the table 10 is at the first height as illustrated in FIG. 5. An end of the arm 62 bends and passes through a hinge support 36 located on the lower surface 58 of the first table section 12. The support rod 34 may pivot in both the hinge clip 32 and the hinge support 36. These pivot points allow the first table section 12 to remain attached to the wall 52 via the bracket assembly 18 regardless of the position of the table 10 (e.g., table, bed platform).
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 FIG. 7. The catch member 38 extends a distance above the upper surface 26 of the first table section 12. A catch element 40 is fixedly attached to the wall 52 and is adapted to releasably accept the catch member 38 in a space formed between the catch element 40 and the wall 52. The catch element 40 is positioned on the wall 52 to align with the catch member 38 when the table 10 is positioned at the first height as illustrated in FIG. 1. When the catch element 40 and the catch member 38 are engaged, the table 10 is restricted from moving laterally away from the wall 52.
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 FIG. 8, the first table section 12 includes clearance openings, or slots 60, along the back edge 56 aligned with the support rod 34. As the first table section 12 is moved from one height to another, the slots 60 provide clearance for the support rod 34 as the support rod 34 pivots. When the table 10 is at the second height (i.e., bed support height), the slots 60 provide clearance for the support rod 34 to project upward from the lower surface 58 of the first table section 12. As the first table section 12 is angled upward, the slots 60 again provide clearance for the support rod 34 as illustrated in FIG. 9. The slots 60, then, are configured such that the support rod 34 may remain attached to the first table section 12 while the table 10 is in any position, and such that the back edge 56 of the first table section 12 may remain flush and in close proximity to the wall 52 at both the first and second table heights.
FIGS. 10-12 illustrate the support system 70. Whether the table 10 is at the first or second height, the first and second table sections 12, 14 may require support in addition to that provided by the bracket assembly 18. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the support system 70 may be attached to the lower surface 58 of the first table section 12. The support system 70 provides both horizontal and vertical support when the table 10 is in any of the deployed positions. The support system 70 comprises a support block 46, a support leg 20 pivotably connected to the support block 46 by connector 66, and a pair of slide rails 42 for slidably mounting the support block 46 to the lower surface 58 of the first table section 12. A handle 48 may be attached to an end of the support block 46 to facilitate moving the support system 70 between the retracted and extended positions. The support system 70 may also include a latching mechanism to maintain the support system 70 in either the retracted or extended position to prevent movement while the RV is moving.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, a pair of inner slide rails 44 may be attached directly to the support block 46 that slidably engage with the slide rails 42 as the support system 70 moves between the retracted and extended positions. The entire support system 70 may be contained within the length of the first table section 12 when the support system 70 is in the retracted position. Positioned in proximity to an end of the horizontal support block 46 farthest away from the wall 52 is the leg 20. The leg 20 may be pivotably attached to the horizontal support block 46 such that the leg 20 may be moved to a folded position when the table 10 is in the storage position. In one embodiment, the leg 20 has an adjustable length to accommodate the first and second table heights.
Referring back to FIG. 2, the horizontal support block 46 and the leg 20 may be in the fully retracted position when the second table section 14 is in the folded position (i.e., the half table or chair position). In this orientation, the floor space in front of the table 10 is readily accessible and is unencumbered by the table 10 or the support system 70. When the full length of the table 10 is desired, the horizontal support block 46 may be fully extended, and then the second table section 14 unfolded. The second table section 14 rests upon the horizontal support block 46, providing a stable structure.
Referring back to FIG. 1, an edge of the second table section 14 opposite the hinge 16 is illustrated with the corners 24 clipped. This design facilitates entry to the benches 22, and additionally eliminates the corners 24 protruding into a walkway adjacent to the table 10. However, the missing corners 24 may be problematic when the table 10 is at the second height and used as a bed platform because there would be no support for the bed at the corner positions. Rather than completely removing the corners 24, FIG. 1 illustrates the corners 24 hingedly attached to the second table section 14. When the table 10 is not being used as a bed platform, the corners 24 may be folded underneath the second table section 14 and secured in place. The corners 24 may then be unfolded when the table 10 is in the bed platform position as illustrated in FIG. 3 and rest on the lip 30. While the corners 24 are illustrated as being generally triangular in shape, any appropriate shape could be used. For example, the corners of the benches 22 opposite from the wall 52 may also be clipped for the same reasons stated above for clipping the corners 24 of the second table section 14. In this case, the triangle-shaped corners 24 would not reach to the lip 30 along the clipped edge of the benches 22 and would therefore have no horizontal support. The corners 24 in this case may require a different shape to bridge the gap between the corners 24 and the lip 30 of the benches 22.
FIG. 11 illustrates the movement of the table 10 from the first to the second height, and FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the table 10 in the stored position. With reference to these figures, the following describes the table 10 in the storage position and the procedure to take the table 10 from the storage position to the deployed positions.
As illustrated by the side view of the table 10 in the storage position in FIG. 13, the first and second table sections 12, 14 are adjacent to and essentially parallel with the wall 52. The ability of the table sections 12, 14 to fold essentially parallel with the wall 52 conserves floor space when the table 10 is not being used. The slots 60 in the back edge 56 of the first table section 12 provide clearance for the support rod 34 when the first table section 12 is pivoted about the hinge supports 36. FIG. 13 illustrates the support rod 34 passing through the slots 60. Additionally, the back edge 56 of the first table section 12 includes notches 68 at each corner. The notches 68 provide clearance at the lip 30 for the back edge 56 when the first table section 12 is pivoted to the storage position (i.e., upright against the wall 52).
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 FIG. 2) at the first height. Now, the support block 46 may be moved to its fully extended position, and the second table section 14 unfolded onto the support block 46 to utilize the full table 10 (see FIG. 1). The above procedure may be reversed to return the table 10 to the bed support position or the storage position.
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 FIG. 11. However, in one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 14, the arm portion 64 of the support rod 34 may be extended so that the support rod 34 is positioned outside of the slots 60 when the table 10 is in the lower deployed position. In this embodiment, the back edge 56 of the first table section is spaced slightly from the wall 52 when the table 10 is at the second height, and the support rod 34 is positioned between the back edge 56 and the wall 52. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the support rod 34 may still enter the slots 60 when the table 10 is moved between the storage position and either of the deployed positions.
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 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.