An apparatus configurable between a stowed or collapsed position against a support surface (e.g., wall) and a deployed position extending from the support surface for support of objects thereon. The apparatus is configured to make simultaneous use of first and second perpendicular pivot axes to both rotate the apparatus about the first pivot axis through the support surface and pivot first and second pieces of the apparatus relative to each other about the second pivot axis as the furniture system moves between the stowed and deployed positions. This ergonomic and balanced arrangement advantageously allows users to move the apparatus between the stowed and deployed positions with reduced levels of effort.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to apparatuses such as furniture and, more particularly, to surface-mounted furniture that can be selectively deployed for use and collapsed for storage.

2. Relevant Background

In large, multi-purpose rooms that are utilized at various times (e.g., dining rooms, meeting halls, dance areas, training rooms, classrooms, etc.), it is often desirable to utilize furniture that is capable of being collapsed or folded away when not in use. For instance, numerous wall-mounted, folding tables exist that allow users to selectively deploy the tables for use and fold the same against the wall for storage when not in use. While such collapsible furniture exists, there continues to remain a need for collapsible furniture that is easy to operate; folds into small spaces and unfolds repeatedly and reliably; and which can be economically produced, installed, and maintained.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for use thereof that is configurable between a stowed or collapsed position against a support surface (e.g., wall) and a deployed position extending from the support surface. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the apparatus is configured to make simultaneous use of first and second perpendicular pivot axes to both rotate the apparatus about the first pivot axis through the support surface and pivot first and second pieces of the apparatus relative to each other about the second pivot axis as the apparatus moves between the stowed and deployed positions. This ergonomic and balanced arrangement advantageously allows users to move the apparatus between the stowed and deployed positions with reduced levels of effort.

In one aspect, an apparatus disclosed herein includes a mounting assembly securable to a support surface, a first section of an apparatus pivotally attached to the mounting assembly for rotation about a first pivot axis, a second section of the apparatus pivotally attached to the first section of the apparatus for rotation about a second pivot axis that is perpendicular to the first pivot axis, and a support mechanism pivotally interconnected between the mounting assembly and the second section of the apparatus, where rotation of the second section of the apparatus about the second pivot axis induces rotation of the first section of the apparatus about the first pivot axis.

In another aspect, a method of operating a wall-mounted piece of furniture includes rotating first and second sections of a furniture piece about a first pivot axis that extends through the first section of the furniture piece and into the wall, and pivoting, simultaneous with the rotating, the second section of the furniture piece relative to the first section of the furniture piece about a second pivot axis that is perpendicular to the first pivot axis from a stowed position against the wall into a deployed position extending from the wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1presents a succession of images illustrating movement of an apparatus such as a furniture system100between a stowed position against a support surface200(e.g., wall) and a deployed position extended from the support surface200. In the stowed position against the support surface200, the furniture system may be disposed substantially flat against the support surface200to occupy a reduced volume of space. To deploy the furniture system100, a user may grab one piece108of the system and pivot the piece108relative to an adjacent piece104while simultaneously rotating both pieces104,108until the one piece108extends from the support surface200and the adjacent piece104(e.g., extends perpendicularly from the support surface200and the adjacent piece). It is noted that pivoting of the one piece108relative to the adjacent piece104may induce the simultaneous rotation of both pieces104,108. The user may reverse the above steps to stow the furniture system.

FIGS. 2A-2G,FIGS. 3A-3F, andFIGS. 4A-4Gpresent respective successions of images illustrating movement of an apparatus such as a furniture system300(e.g., similar to the furniture system100ofFIG. 1) between a stowed position against a support surface400(e.g., wall) to a deployed position extended from the support surface400. Broadly, the furniture system300includes a mounting assembly302securable (e.g., rigidly or non-movably) to the support surface400, a first section304of furniture (e.g., panel, leaf, etc.) pivotally attached to the mounting assembly302for rotation about a first pivot axis500, a second section308of furniture (e.g., panel, leaf, etc.) pivotally attached to the first furniture section304for rotation about a second pivot axis600that is perpendicular to the first pivot axis500(e.g., where the first and second pivot axes500,600may be non-intersecting in some embodiments), and a support mechanism312pivotally interconnected between the mounting assembly302and the second furniture section308. While the first and second furniture pieces304,308are illustrated as respectively serving as a backsplash and main panel of a collapsible table, it is to be understood that the teachings presented herein can be incorporated into other types of furniture that are desired to be selectively movable between stowed and deployed positions relative to a support surface (e.g., wall, floor, etc.).

The mounting assembly302may broadly be in the form of one or more brackets or the like of any appropriate materials and dimensions rigidly and non-movably mountable to the support surface400in any appropriate manner for supporting the weight of the first and second furniture pieces304,308(e.g., as well as objects placed thereon, etc.) on the support surface400. As just one example, a number of fasteners (not shown) may be extended through apertures in the mounting assembly302and into anchoring members (e.g., studs) in the support surface400in any appropriate manner. As shown, the mounting assembly302may generally include a front surface318facing away from the support surface400and an opposite rear surface320facing towards the support surface400.

The first and second furniture pieces304,308may be pivotally interconnected along the second pivot axis600by a hinge assembly322in any appropriate manner. For instance, the hinge assembly322may include a first hinge member324(e.g., bracket, etc.) rigidly or non-movably attached to the first furniture piece304(e.g., via fasteners, rivets, etc.) along an edge thereof and a second hinge member326(e.g., bracket, etc.) rigidly or non-movably attached to the second furniture piece308(e.g., via fasteners, rivets, etc.) along an edge thereof. The first and second hinge members324,326may be pivotally connected along the second pivot axis600in any appropriate manner to thereby pivotally connect the first and second furniture pieces304,308.

A pivot assembly328may pivotally interconnect the first furniture piece304to the mounting assembly302about the first pivot axis500. For instance, the pivot assembly328may be directly connected between the first hinge member324and the mounting assembly302. The pivot assembly328may include any appropriate combination of pins, washers, etc. to allow for pivoting of the first furniture piece304about the first pivot axis500. As the second furniture piece308is pivotally attached to the first furniture piece304about the second pivot axis600, the second furniture piece308is also rotatable about the first pivot axis500simultaneous with rotation of the first furniture piece304about the first pivot axis500.

As discussed previously, the support mechanism312is pivotally interconnected between the mounting assembly302(and the support surface400) and the second furniture piece308and is broadly configured to urge the second furniture piece308away from the support surface400about the second pivot axis600(and support the second furniture piece308) as the first and second furniture pieces304,308are being pivoted about the first pivot axis500. As an example, the support mechanism312may be in the form of an elongated rod or post having a first end330that is pivotally connected to the mounting assembly302by a first pivot assembly332, an opposite second end334that is pivotally connected to the second furniture piece308by a second pivot assembly336, and a longitudinal axis337extending between the first and second ends330,334. More specifically, the first pivot assembly332may allow for pivoting of the support mechanism312relative to the mounting assembly302and support surface400about third and fourth perpendicular pivot axes700,800. Stated differently, the support mechanism312may essentially swing about the third pivot axis700and tilt relative to the mounting assembly302and the support surface400about the fourth pivot axis800. Furthermore, the third pivot axis700may be fixed on and relative to the mounting assembly302and support surface400while the fourth pivot axis800may swing and pivot with the support mechanism312about the third pivot axis700. The longitudinal axis337of the support mechanism312may also be perpendicular to the fourth pivot axis800.

FIG. 5illustrates a close-up, partially exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the first pivot assembly332. In this embodiment, the first pivot assembly332may include a first pivot member338that is rigidly attachable to the mounting assembly302(e.g., via one or more fasteners, not shown) and a second pivot member340that is pivotally attachable to the first pivot member338for rotation about the third pivot axis700. For instance, a pivot pin344may be inserted through aligned apertures in the first and second pivot members338,340along the third pivot axis700. Also in this embodiment, a third pivot member342may be pivotally attachable to the second pivot member340for rotation about the fourth pivot axis800, such as via inserting a pivot pin346through aligned apertures in the second and third pivot members340,342along the fourth pivot axis800. In this arrangement, the second pivot member340may serve as an intermediate member to the first and third pivot members338,342. The third pivot member342may include an aperture348for receipt of the first end330of the support mechanism312. For instance, one or more set screws349or the like may be threadably inserted through apertures in the third pivot member into contact with the first end330of the support mechanism312to secure the first end330against rotation about the longitudinal axis337within the aperture348.

The second pivot assembly336may allow for pivoting of the support mechanism312relative to the second furniture piece308about fifth and sixth perpendicular pivot axes900,1000. Stated differently, the support mechanism312may essentially swing about the fifth pivot axis900and tilt relative to the second furniture piece308about the sixth pivot axis1000. Furthermore, the fifth pivot axis900may be fixed on and relative to the second furniture piece308(e.g., via mounting bracket350) while the sixth pivot axis1000may swing and pivot with the support mechanism312about the fifth pivot axis900. The longitudinal axis337of the support mechanism312may also be perpendicular to the sixth pivot axis1000, where the second pivot assembly336may be configured to rotate relative to the support mechanism312about the longitudinal axis337. While not discussed in more detail in the interest of brevity, the second pivot assembly336may be similar to the embodiment of the first pivot assembly illustrated inFIG. 5.

Operation of the furniture system300will now be discussed.FIGS. 2A, 3A, and 4Aillustrate the furniture system300in a stowed or collapsed position against the support surface400. In this position, outer surfaces (not labeled) of the first and second furniture pieces304,308may generally reside in a common plane that is substantially parallel to the support surface400. Further observations of the stowed position are that the longitudinal axis337of the support mechanism is parallel to the common plane and the support surface400; and the second, third, and fifth pivot axes600,700,900are parallel (e.g., and substantially vertical in this embodiment).

To initiate movement or deployment of the furniture system300into its deployed position, a user may initially grab a portion of the second furniture piece308(e.g., about outer periphery of second furniture piece308opposite second pivot axis600) and rotate the second furniture piece308away from the support surface400in a first direction about the second pivot axis600(e.g., clockwise as shown, although the furniture system300could be arranged vice versa in other embodiments) relative to the first furniture piece304. SeeFIGS. 2B, 3B, and 4B. During this initial movement, the support mechanism312begins pivoting about the third pivot axis700. Thereafter, the user may continue the deployment process by rotating the second furniture piece308in a first direction about the first pivot axis500(e.g., clockwise, as shown, although the furniture system300could be arranged vice versa in other embodiments) which thereby also simultaneously rotates the first furniture piece304in the first direction about the first pivot axis500. Because the third pivot axis700is fixed on the mounting assembly302(e.g., due to the first pivot member338being rigidly fixed to the mounting assembly302), rotation of the first and second furniture pieces304,308about the first pivot axis500induces the mounting assembly302(and the support surface400) to apply a reaction force against the support mechanism312along the longitudinal axis337and thus the second furniture piece308that urges the second furniture piece308about the second pivot axis600in the same direction as the user had initially moved the second furniture piece308to begin the deployment process. SeeFIGS. 2C-2D, 3C-3D, and 4C-4D. During this movement, the support mechanism312pivots about the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth pivot axes700,800,900,1000while the second pivot assembly336(e.g., the fifth and sixth pivot axes900,1000) may rotate relative to the support mechanism312about the longitudinal axis337.

The user may continue rotating the first and second furniture pieces304,308about the first pivot axis500until the first and second furniture pieces304,308have reached a desired rotational position about the first pivot axis500(e.g., as just one example, 90° from that shown inFIGS. 2a, 3a, and 4a, or in other words such that the outer/upper surface of the second furniture piece308and the second pivot axis600are horizontal) and/or until the outer surfaces of the first and second furniture pieces304,308have reached a desired angle relative to each other (e.g., 90°) relative to the second pivot axis600. SeeFIGS. 2E-2G, 3E-3F, and 4E-4G. In one arrangement, the second furniture piece308may rotate about the second pivot axis600relative to the first furniture piece304at a rotational speed that varies as a function of a rotational position of the first and second furniture pieces304,308about the first pivot axis500. For instance, upon initial rotation of the first and second furniture pieces304,308about the first pivot axis500from the stowed position, the second furniture piece308may rotate about the second pivot axis600relative to the first furniture piece304at a first rotational speed. Upon further rotation of the first and second furniture pieces304,308about the first pivot axis500, the second furniture piece308may rotate about the second pivot axis600relative to the first furniture piece304at a second rotational speed greater than the first rotational speed. Upon even further rotation of the first and second furniture pieces304,308about the first pivot axis500(and into the fully deployed position), the second furniture piece308may rotate about the second pivot axis600relative to the first furniture piece304at a third rotational speed less than the second rotational speed (e.g., and in one arrangement the same as the first rotational speed).

In one arrangement, any appropriate rotation prevention system may be incorporated into the furniture system300to inhibit further rotation of the first and second furniture pieces304,308about the first pivot axis500when the first and second furniture pieces304,308have reached the desired rotational position about the first pivot axis500(e.g., the deployed position illustrated inFIGS. 2G, 3F, and 4G). As an example, a first engagement apparatus may be attached to the first furniture piece304and a corresponding second engagement apparatus may be attached to the mounting assembly302, where the first and second engagement apparatuses may selectively engage to inhibit further rotation of the first and second furniture pieces304,308about the first pivot axis500(e.g., in the clockwise direction, in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, etc.).

For instance, the first engagement apparatus may include a slot352in the first hinge member that is normally closed by a portion of a spring-loaded latch member354. The second engagement member may be in the form of a projection356(e.g., rod, pin, etc.) protruding from the front surface318of the mounting assembly302that is configured to be received in the slot352as the first and second furniture pieces304,308reach the desired position about the first pivot axis500. With reference toFIGS. 2E-2D and 3D-3E, the slot352can be seen approaching the projection356. Upon continued rotation of the first and second furniture pieces304,308about the first pivot axis500, the projection356contacts a catch358of the latch354that is intersecting the slot352and temporarily pushes the catch358out of the slot352to thereby displace the entire latch354against a biasing force of the latch (e.g., in a first direction parallel to the second pivot axis600in this example). Upon the further rotation of the first and second furniture pieces304,308about the first pivot axis500, the projection356eventually clears the catch358which allows the biasing force of the latch354to move the entire latch in an opposite second direction (e.g., parallel to the second pivot axis600) and the catch358to again intersect and block the slot352.

At this point, the projection356is contained in the slot352to inhibit rotation of the first and second furniture members304,308about the first pivot axis500and thus maintain the first and second furniture members304,308in the desired rotational position (e.g., in the position shown inFIGS. 2G, 3F, and 4Gfor instance). In one arrangement, the catch358may include a camming surface (e.g., tapered surface) such that contact of the camming surface by the projection356moving into the slot352urges the catch358out of the slot until the pin356has fully cleared the catch358. However, the surface of the catch358opposite the camming surface may be configured to inhibit passage of the projection356out of the slot352absent a user manually moving (e.g., pushing) the latch354in the first direction against the biasing force to move the catch358out of the slot352. The furniture system300is highly balanced and sturdy in the deployed position due to the pivot assembly328, rotation prevention system, and support mechanism312serving as independent anchoring members that collectively inhibit movement of the first and second furniture pieces304,308relative to the support surface400.

To move the furniture system back into the collapsed or stowed position illustrated inFIGS. 2A, 3A, and 4A, the user may generally reverse the above-discussed steps. For instance, the user may initially manipulate (e.g., push) the latch354against the biasing force to move the catch358out of the slot352and allow for passage of the projection356out of the slot352. The user may then rotate the first and second furniture pieces304,308in the opposite rotational direction about the first pivot axis500(e.g., counterclockwise in this example). At some point, such continued rotation rotates the second furniture piece308away from the first furniture piece304about the second pivot axis600until the outer surfaces of the first and second furniture pieces304,308again reside in a common plane in the stowed position ofFIGS. 2A, 3A, and 4A.

It will be readily appreciated that many deviations may be made from the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Initially, it is noted that one or more of a number of variables in the disclosed furniture systems may be adjusted in a variety of manners to allow the systems to be adapted for various applications, contexts, environments, and designs such as, but not limited to, a) the relative positioning between the first pivot axis500and the hinge322, the first pivot assembly332, and/or the second pivot assembly336, b) the relative positioning between the first pivot axis500and the top outer surface of the second furniture piece308, c) the amount of rotation about the first pivot axis500afforded to the first and second furniture pieces304,308, the length of the support mechanism312, d) the location of the first pivot assembly332on the mounting assembly302, e) the location of the second pivot assembly336on the second furniture piece308, and/or the like.

While the desired rotational angle about the first pivot axis500has been illustrated as being 90°, such rotational angle may be one or more of any other angles depending upon the particular environment in which the system is deployed. In one arrangement, the rotation prevention system may be configured to allow for selective locking of the first and second furniture pieces304,308at one of a plurality of desired rotational positions about the first pivot axis500depending upon the particular context in which the furniture system300is employed. While not illustrated, the furniture system may also incorporate a rotation prevention system to maintain the system in the stowed position ofFIGS. 2A, 3A, and 4A. For instance, such rotation prevention system may include any appropriate magnetic latching arrangement. Furthermore, while the second piece308is illustrated as being larger than the first piece304, the first and second pieces304,308may be the same size or the first piece304may be larger than the second piece308in other embodiments.

In one arrangement, the furniture system may be configured to conceal and selectively provide access to one or more storage compartments or cavities disposed through or within the support surface400. For instance, pivoting of the second piece308relative to the first piece304and/or rotation of the first and second pieces304,308may reveal such compartments. In one arrangement, each of the first and second pivot assemblies332,336may be in the form of a ball joint or the like to allow for simultaneous motion about three pivot axes (e.g., axes700,800,337in the case of the first pivot assembly332; and axes900,1000,337in the case of the second pivot assembly336). In one arrangement, the support mechanism312may incorporate more complicated arrangements of telescoping rods, pivot points, and the like based upon the degree of support necessary in the particular context. Furthermore, the furniture systems may be constructed of any appropriate materials, any appropriate dimensions, etc. Some components in various figures may be illustrated in dashed lines or the like to indicate that such components may be concealed by other components. Still further, while the present disclosure has been discussed in the context of furniture and been referred to as a “furniture system,” it is envisioned that the present teachings can be used in various other contexts such as, but not limited to, mounting and deployment of solar panels, protective awnings, decking, etc.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, methods discussed herein may be practiced with more, fewer, different steps than as specifically presented herein. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be separated from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.