Abstract:
A retractable table apparatus that includes a table portion, the table portion with a flat planar member having a first end and a second end that defines a tabletop; at least one support member secured to the tabletop proximate the second end of the flat planar member; and a base portion having a lateral body with an outwardly oriented surface and a lateral slot defined in the outwardly oriented surface and projecting into the lateral body, the slot dimensioned to receive the second end of the tabletop. The second end of the tabletop is insertable in the slot to place the apparatus in a first condition where a user has access to the tabletop, and wherein when the second end of the tabletop is removed from the slot, the apparatus is placed in a second storage condition.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The disclosure herein relates generally to furniture and fixtures, more particularly the present disclosure pertains to portable devices that can be used in rooms with limited area such as for use in a restroom, college dormitory, closet or the like, with particular application in bathrooms. 
     Restrooms are one of the most commonly used, yet smallest, rooms in a building. Restrooms are multi-use rooms. In some situations, a user may desire to take care of personal needs, such as using a toilet. In other situations, the user may desire to take care of other personal needs, such as cleaning and grooming. Further, restrooms may be used by multiple users, for example, to share a romantic bath, or to help each other with their hair and make-up styling. 
     A problem arises however, as restrooms often have a limited amount of available surfaces to organize and store items utilized by the user(s). Creation of additional surfaces for use by the user(s) may be difficult given the size constraints of areas such as are found in restrooms. This is further complicated by the presence of immovable fixtures such as toilets, bidets and the like. Accordingly, an apparatus for providing additional working surface area and organizational opportunities in a restroom or rooms with limited surface area is desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     As disclosed, the apparatus includes a table portion that includes a tabletop with a first end and a second end. A support member is secured to the tabletop proximate its first end. The second end is opposed to the first end and is configured to be secured to a location proximate to a structural wall member. 
     The apparatus may also include a base member that has a rear surface that can be mounted to the structural wall member and has a slot formed in a front surface of the base portion. The slot is dimensioned to releasably receive the second end of the tabletop. The second end of the tabletop is inserted in the slot to place the apparatus in a first condition where a user has access to the tabletop and the tabletop extends perpendicularly outward from the base portion and is oriented essentially parallel to the floor or other support surface. When employed in a restroom application, the table top can extend over an associated toilet or bidet to contain the restroom fixture underneath it. When the second end of the tabletop is removed from the slot to place the apparatus in a second condition, the user has access to the devices underneath such as the toilet or bidet. The base portion can have a second slot longitudinally oriented relative to the first slot. The second end of the table top can be slideably received in the second slot and can be positioned parallel to the associated support structure during storage. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment is an apparatus for use in a restroom with a toilet. The apparatus comprises a tabletop with a length, a width, a first end, and a second end. A support member with a length is secured to the tabletop proximate the first end. The length and width of the tabletop are dimensioned such that the tabletop extends to cover the toilet when the tabletop is positioned over the toilet. The length of the support member is dimensioned to be greater than a height of the toilet. The second end of the tabletop is free of support members. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment is an apparatus for use in a restroom with a toilet. The apparatus comprises a base portion with a slot formed in a front surface of the base portion. The base portion has a back surface having a pair of extruded portions positioned on either side of a recessed portion. The base portion has the form of an L-shape extending in a width direction at least as far as a width of the toilet. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an embodiment of the retractable table apparatus as disclosed herein in a first configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a second configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up perspective view showing of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in the second or stored configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is a close-up perspective view showing an embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a stored orientation; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a rear of the base portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the rear of the base portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing the retractable table apparatus of claim  1  cin the use position configured with a skirt; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing the apparatus for organizing the restroom with alternate supporting members; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device as disclosed herein in which the table portion is oriented in display mode relative to the base portion. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-8 , an apparatus for organizing a small space such as a restroom is shown. The apparatus as depicted includes a base portion  10  and a table portion  13 . The base portion  10  mounts to a support structure such as a wall. When used in a restroom, the base portion  13  can mount to the wall at a region proximate to a toilet in a relationship overlying the top of the tank portion of toilet T. In certain embodiments, the base portion  13  will be mounted to the associated support structure at a location that provides a spaced distance between the top of toilet T and the lowest portion of base portion  13 . The spaced distance will be that sufficient to provide access to any flush mechanisms position on the top of toilet T (not show) or permit access to the interior of the toilet tank where desired or required. 
     The table portion  13  includes a tabletop  15  having a first end  20  and an opposed second end  22  and at least one support member  18  that is connected to the table top at a location proximate to the second end  22 . In a first configuration, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the table portion  13  can extend over the associated toilet T, with the base portion  10  and one more support members  18  providing support to the tabletop  15 . In a second configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the base portion  10  may be used to store the table portion  13  so that the toilet T may be accessed for general use. 
     The tabletop  15  is dimensioned with a length L and width W such that the tabletop  15  is generally longer and wider than the toilet. In addition to the first end  20  and the second end  22 , the tabletop  15  includes a top surface  25  and bottom surface  27 . The first end  20  and second end  22  are located opposite each other in the length direction of the tabletop  15 . The tabletop  15  may be constructed of wood, plastic, metal, composites, or any other material sufficient to provide a rigid form capable of supporting a plurality of personal products such as restroom products, containers of liquid, books, laptops, candles, and other similar items. The tabletop  15  may be made from a combination of materials, and may include additional reinforcing structures such as extruded ribs or internal reinforcing rods as desired or required. 
     The support member(s)  18  are secured to the tabletop  15  at the second end  22 . In certain embodiments, attachment of the support member(s)  18  can include suitable devices such as at least one associated hinge device or the like that permits the support member(s) to move from a storage position to a use position. The use position for support member(s)  18  is generally perpendicular to the plane of the tabletop  15 . When tabletop  15  is in the use position, the support member(s)  18  extend from the tabletop  15  to the floor. In the first condition as shown in  FIG. 1 , the support member(s)  18  are generally perpendicular to a plane of an extending direction of the tabletop  15 . The storage position for support member(s)  18  is one where the respective member(s) are oriented in a position relatively parallel to the plan of the surface of the tabletop  15 . In the embodiment depicted, the hinge device is mounted to the bottom surface  27  of the tabletop  15  proximate to the outer edges of the tabletop and allows the respective support member(s)  18  to be pivoted from the use position to a position where the respective member abuts the tabletop  15  generally parallel to the tabletop  15  and extends in the width direction W when the apparatus  10  is in the second configuration shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     The support member(s)  18  can be adjustable in length where desired or required. Length adjustment can be accomplished by telescopic twisting of first and second sub members relative to one another. It can also be accomplished by peg and pin mechanisms as depicted in the drawing figures. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the support member  18  may include a top portion  30  and a bottom portion  32 . The top portion  30  and bottom portion  32  of the support member  18  engage with, and slide axially relative to, each other. The top portion  30  may have a series of holes  35  and the bottom portion  32  may have a spring-loaded peg  37 . The peg  37  is received in one of the holes  35 . The peg  37  and hole  35  combinations each secure the top portion  30  relative to the bottom portion  32 , giving the support member  18  a certain desired length. To adjust the length of the support member  18 , a user depresses the peg  37  so that it is no longer received by the hole  35 . The user then applies force in the axial direction to the top portion  30  and/or bottom portion  32  of the support member  18  to slide the top portion  30  relative to the bottom portion  32  until the peg  37  engages with another one of the holes  35 , thereby lengthening or shortening the support member  18 . 
     As an alternative to the hole  35  and peg  37  combination, the adjustable length of the support member  18  may be provided through the use of various tightening collars and clamps that secure the top portion  30  and the bottom portion  32  relative to each other through the use of friction and compression. These alternate securing means and methods allow a more precise adjustment of the length of the support members  18 . It is contemplated that the adjustment mechanisms permit the user to level the tabletop  15  in the first condition based on the specific use situation. Because the height of the second end  22  of the tabletop  15  from a floor of the associated room such as the restroom is determined, at least in part, by the mounting position of the base portion  10 . Adjustable support member(s)  18  as outlined in the disclosure permit use of the device as disclosed at various mounting height conditions. Assuming the floor of the restroom is level, providing the same height from the floor to the first end  20  and the second end  22  of the tabletop  15  helps to ensure the tabletop  15  is level. 
     The tabletop  15  may also include a suitable enclosure  40  positioned proximate to the second end  22 . In the embodiment depicted, the enclosure  40  can project outward from the lower face  27  of the tabletop  15  and can house the hinge device(s) that secure the support member(s)  18  to the tabletop  15 . It is contemplated that the enclosure  40  can house the support member(s)  18  when they are in the pivoted to the storage position parallel to the tabletop  15 . Where necessary, the storage member(s)  18  can include suitable retraction mechanisms such as those described previously. In the use position, enclosure  40  which at least partially surrounds the first end  20  of the tabletop  15  and extends in a downward direction. At least one handle  43  may be secured to the enclosure  40  to help manipulate the table portion  13  when a user desires to transition the apparatus between the first condition and the second condition. In the embodiment depicted, the handle is centrally located at the midpoint of the enclosure  40 . The handle  43  may be located in other locations as desired or required. It is also contemplated that the handle may be affixed directly to the tabletop  15  in some embodiments or configurations. 
     The enclosure can also conclude a suitable shroud  45  that is moveably connected to the enclosure  40 . In the embodiment depicted, the shroud  45  may be secured to the enclosure  40  with a hinge. The hinge is positioned an configured to allow the shroud  45  to be pivoted between an retracted position to cover the retracted support member(s)  18  and a non-retracted position in which the shroud  45  pivots outward from the enclosure  40  to permit the support members  18  to extend away from the tabletop  15  in the first or use position, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The shroud  45  generally covers the support member  18  from the sight of the user in the second condition, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The enclosure  40 , handle  43 , and shroud  45  may be made of metal, plastic, or other suitable materials, including various combinations thereof. The hinge connecting the shroud  45  and enclosure  45  may, for example, be provided as a multi-piece design formed of metal, as shown in the  FIG. 3 ; it may be provided and formed from a flexible material such as rubber, leather, or other suitable material; or it may be provided as a living hinge formed of the same material as the enclosure  40  and shroud  45 . 
     The first end  22  of the tabletop  15  may be free of any attached support members or other similar structures. Instead of having attached support members, the first end  22  may be held in position in the first condition by resting on another object. In certain embodiments, the tabletop  15  can rest directly on a suitable support such as the top of the toilet tank. In certain embodiments, the first end  22  of the tabletop  15 , may be received in a suitable location in the base portion  10 . 
     In the embodiment as disclosed herein, the base portion  10  includes a projecting member  50  having a front facing surface. The projecting member  50  can have a suitable width. IN certain embodiments, the width of the projecting member will be sufficient to extend to a value equal or greater than the any mechanism such as a toilet T that it is to overlay. In certain embodiments, the width of the projecting member  50  will be between 5% and 25% greater than the width W of tabletop  15 . The projecting member  50  will also have a suitable depth which will be discussed subsequently. 
     As depicted in the various drawing figures, a slot  52  is defined in the front facing surface of the projecting member  50  and extends inward from the front facing surface to a defined distance therein. The slot  52  is dimensioned to receive the first end  22  of the tabletop  15  when the apparatus is in the first condition. The slot  52  can have a height that is greater than or equal to a thickness of the tabletop  15  and a width that is greater than or equal to the width W of the tabletop  15 . The depth of the slot  50  will be that sufficient to receive the first end  22  of the tabletop  15  and maintain it therein. 
     The projecting member  50  can have a suitable depth to house slot  52 . Additionally, where desired or required, the slot  52  can have a suitable depth to define a shelf that has an upwardly oriented surface sufficient to receive various bottles, devices ornamentation or the like. 
     The base portion  10  also has a back member  55  that is connected to the projecting member  50  and extends upward form the device receiving surface. As depicted, the back member  55  has a first face and an opposed second face. In the embodiment depicted, the first face of the back member  55  is contiguously connected with the upper ace of the projection and defined a right angle therewith. 
     The opposed second face of back member  55  of the base portion  10  includes a recessed portion  57  and a pair of projecting portions  60 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The projecting portions  60  straddle the recessed portion  57  on either side in a width direction of the base portion  10 . The recessed portion  57  and pair of projecting portions  60  are offset from each other by an amount that is greater than or equal to the thickness of the tabletop  15 . 
     When the base portion  10  is mounted on a support surface such as an associated wall, the projecting portions  60  abut the wall and create a gap between the wall and the recessed portion  57 . In the second condition, the tabletop  15  may be aligned vertically and received in the gap created between the recessed portion  57  and the associated wall, thereby defining a slot into which the second end  22  can be inserted and the tabletop can be slidingly received there through. Alternately, were desired or required, the back member  55  can have a suitable slot defined therein. The slot in the back member  55  can provide a convenient storage location for the table portion  13  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The second surface of back member  55  of the base portion  10  can include attachment points  63  or suitable attachment mechanisms for securing the base portion  10  to the wall or other suitable support surface. The attachment points  63  can be configured to permit the base portion  10  to be removably secured to the wall, allowing access to the toilet. Non limiting examples of suitable attachment devices include toggle bolts hook and the like. Such attachment device can be ones that extend into the associated wall. Alternately, the attachment mechanism can be one that includes suitable adhesives such as cement and the like. 
     In certain embodiments, it is desired that the base member  10  be removably mountable to the wall. Removal of the base member can be desirable to facilitate access to the toilet for servicing and the like. For example, when a top of the toilet tank needs to be removed to service the toilet, the base portion  10  may be removed from its mounting on the associated wall without tools or the adjustment of hardware. To facilitate removal, the attachment points  63  may include a wide portion positioned below a narrow portion. To install the base portion  10 , a head of a fastener secured to the wall, such as the head of a drywall screw partially screwed into the wall, may be received in the wide portion. The base portion  10  may then be moved downward, and a shaft of the drywall screw received within the narrow portion of the attachment point  63 . To remove the base portion  10  from the wall, the base portion  10  is lifted to slide the shaft of the drywall screw to the wide portion, where the head of the drywall screw may be removed. 
     The base portion  10  may have an L-shape with a vertical portion  65  defining the back member  55  and a horizontal portion  68  defining the projecting member  50 . The L-shape of the base portion  10  may extend in a width direction, with the width of the base portion  10  being greater than that of the toilet. Depending on the restroom in which the device as disclosed is used, the width of the base portion  10  may extend substantially beyond the toilet, limited by the constraints of the restroom and any fixtures therein. 
     A lip  70  may be included along an outer perimeter of the horizontal portion  68 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The lip  70  extends away from the horizontal portion  68  in an upward direction. The lip  70  helps prevent any items placed on the horizontal portion  68  from falling off by creating a barrier along the outside perimeter. 
     The back member  55  can have any suitable height. In certain embodiments, the height of the projecting member can be equal to or greater than the extension of the projecting member  55 . In the use position, when mounted to a suitable support structure such as a wall, in certain embodiments, the back member  55  can have a height sufficient to accommodate various bottles and the like. This can be between 4 and 12 inches in certain embodiments. 
     When the tabletop  15  is positioned in slot  57  in the second or storage condition, the enclosure  40  can contact and overlay the uppermost edge of back member  55  as depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , providing an aesthetically pleasing accent to the projection member  50  and any associated bottles or devices placed on the projection member  50 . Where desired or required, the enclosure can be equipped with suitable illumination devices  75  such as LED lights or the like that can be placed at suitable locations in the enclosure to provide accent illumination and/or a suitable night light for use in the associated room. The illumination device  75  can be configured as a suitable lighting strip, a series of individual lights in spaced relationship in or on the enclosure, can be a pair of light units proximate to the respective sides of the enclosure. The illumination device(s)  75  can be located on the exterior of the enclosure, the interior of the enclosure or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the illumination device(s) will be positioned in a suitable manner to provide a continuous down lit region for the projection member  50 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , the illumination device  75  is centrally located on the shroud  45 . Other locations on the shroud  45  or the other regions of the enclosure  40  can be employed if desired. 
     It is contemplated that the illumination device(s)  75  can be powered by a suitable power source (not shown) for example either by a battery or batteries associated with or connected to the table portion  13  such as the enclosure  40  or with a suitable power source external to the enclosure  40  or the table portion  13 . The illumination device  75  and associated table portion  13  can also include suitable control devices. Non-limiting examples of suitable illumination control devices include user actuated on/off switched, light level sensors, motion sensors and combinations of the foregoing. 
     To provide a more pleasant environment in the restroom, the table portion  13  may include lights  75 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The lights  75 , such as battery-powered LED units, may be secured to the inside of the enclosure  40  behind the shroud  45 . The lights  75  may provide a pleasant lighting effect to the base portion  10  when the tabletop  15  is stored in the gap created by the recessed portion  57 , or to other structures or objects proximate a hanging location chosen by the user when the table portion  13  is hung by the attachment portions  73  as will be describe subsequently. The bottom surface  27  of the tabletop  15  may include artwork or other decoration, such as a painting or a print, spotlighted by the lights  75 . The lights  75  could also serve as a nightlight for the restroom. 
     As an alternative to storing the table portion  13  in the slot  57  defined in or by the back member  55 , the table portion  13  may be stored at a suitable location distinct from the base member  10 . In one embodiment, it is contemplated that the tabletop member  15  can be positioned such that the table top  15  is mounted to an associated wall by any suitable means. For example, the top surface  25  of the tabletop  15  may include one or more attachment mechanisms  73 , such as protruding hooks or eyelets secured to proximate to the first end  20  of the tabletop  15 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The attachment mechanisms  73  can be hooks, eyelets or other devices configured to engage suitable mating attachment structures in position on the wall structure  73  such as additional hooks or eyelets on the wall of the associated room such as the restroom (not shown), enabling the user to hang the table portion  13  vertically in the desired location. 
     While it is contemplated that the table portion  13  can be hung at any location desired, in certain embodiments, the table portion  13  can be hung at a location proximate to and above the base portion  15 , one non-limiting example of such orientation is depicted in  FIG. 9 . In such orientations, the table portion  13  is mounted to the support member such as the wall W at a location that vertically overlies the base portion  15 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9 , the edge of tabletop  15  that is proximate to the first region  20  is engaged in slot  57 , with the bottom face  27  of table top exposed to view. The bottom face  27  of table top  15  can be configured to receive a suitable artistic work as selected by the user or can be preconfigured as a decorative surface as desired or required that would be displayed when the device is positioned in the display position. It is also contemplated that the bottom surface  27  of table top  15  can be configured to include a suitable message board such as white board, cork board or the like (not shown) on which the user can affix reminders, inspirational messages etc. In certain configurations, the reminders messages, etc., can remain in place during movement between the first and second conditions. It is also contemplated that where the user does not wish private messages to be readily viewable by guests or other third parties, the table portion can be moved from the vertical overlying position as depicted in  FIG. 9  to the position where the enclosure  40  is on contact with the base portion  10  as depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
     The embodiment and configuration depicted in  FIG. 9  also provides one non-limiting example of a lighting pattern in which three lighting devices  75  are positioned in the enclosure  40  equidistant across its elongate axis. The lighting devices  75  cast light beam patterns that L that illuminate that bottom surface  27  and can provide auxiliary or night lighting as desired or required. 
     A skirt  70  may be secured to the base portion  10  and the table portion  13  when the apparatus is in the first condition, as shown in  FIG. 7 . The skirt  80  secures to the base portion  10  at one end, extends around and secures to a perimeter of the table portion  13 , until to it abuts an opposite end of the base portion  10 . The skirt  80  allows the toilet to be hidden from view, thereby helping to change the general atmosphere of the restroom. 
     In an alternate embodiment, support members  18   a  may be of fixed length, as shown in  FIG. 8 . To provide a level tabletop  15  when fixed length support members  18   a  are used, the base portion  10  should be mounted at a predetermined height from a floor of the restroom. The predetermined mounting height of the base portion  10  is based on the length of the support members  18   a . For example, when longer support members  18   a  are used, the base portion  10  should be mounted higher. When shorter support members  18   a  are used, the base portion  10  should be mounted lower. To provide an apparatus that can be mounted above the toilet with a level tabletop  15 , the support members  18   a  should be longer than a height of the toilet. 
     The relative directions discussed herein are understood as describing the apparatus when it is in use in the restroom as described herein and shown in the figures. 
     It is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.