Abstract:
A wall mounted headboard capable of storing and deploying a spring loaded table. The apparatus is comprised of a headboard pivotally connected to a first table section and assisted by a plurality of gas springs. The first table section is pivotally hinged to a second table section. The hinges between the table sections are hidden thus the table surface is free from anything disturbing a smooth surface. The weight of the second table section is offset by a plurality of torsion spring assemblies. The torsion spring assemblies are comprised of a torsion spring slidingly engaged in brackets mounted to each table section. The torsion spring assemblies allow a single user to move the second table section easily with minimal effort whether deploying or storing the table. The operation of storing or deploying the table can be performed from either side of the bed without walking around to the opposite side.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/932,147, filed Feb. 18, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/305,661, filed Feb. 18, 2010, now expired. Each patent application identified above is incorporated here by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to convertible furniture. In particular, the invention relates to a wall mounted or free standing headboard having a spring loaded table apparatus which is easily lowered from a concealed position within the headboard to a functional position over a bed to utilize the space adjacent the bedding surface without disturbing the bedding. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0003]    As a result of today&#39;s economy, many people are looking to downsize the footprint of their living spaces. A reality of smaller sized houses and or apartments is that there is less room for furniture. Large tables are often one of the first pieces of furniture to be sacrificed to space saving efforts. Convertible furniture is an efficient way to save floor space and maintain functionality. The temporary need for the large surface that a table provides either for meal time or project time is one example of where space saving features of convertible furniture could be efficiently utilized. It is desirable to have a large table that does not require being stored in a closet. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,017,200 to Reppas, et al. discloses a convertible furniture assembly having a bed frame pivotally coupled to a frame assembly. The assembly contains as bed surface and a table surface and is counterweighted to enable operation by a single user. However, the bedding surface needs to be removed in order to function as a table and the table working surface is smaller than the bedding surface therefore not maximizing efficiency and losing functionality. 
         [0005]    U.S. Patent No. 6,691,342 to Sherman discloses a convertible furniture unit having a base and a pivotally connected bed platform. Once the bed platform moves to a stored position, a table panel pivotally connected to the underside of the bed platform is propped into place by a spring loaded or linear actuated extension. While the furniture piece may be operated by a single user, the bedding surface must be prepped for stowage and the resulting work surface of the table is significantly smaller than the bedding surface it replaces. Additionally, the bedding surface is custom to this particular piece of furniture and cannot be utilized elsewhere. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,566,256 to Snyder discloses a two section, folding cabinet table top. The resulting table top is capable being deployed by a single user, but the table top takes up more floor space that the cabinet alone and the table surface is hindered by hinges thus is limited in functionality. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 845,117 to Peters discloses a combination bed and table apparatus. The apparatus cannot accommodate a standard bed frame, the bedding material must be removed and stored separately, and the crank used to position the table surface in place does not significantly offset the weight of the table surface. 
         [0008]    There is a need for convertible furniture that can be easily operated by one user, does not require any prepping of the converted area, does not require any rearrangement of the current furniture, is compatible with existing furniture, provides a surface that maximizes the space where the furniture sits, is completely functional whatever formation is being utilized, and does not require extra storage space. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The preferred embodiment combines a bed headboard capable of accepting a standard bedframe and mattress that converts to a sturdy, completely unencumbered work surface that utilizes the entire space provided by the sleeping surface without the need for rearranging or removing bedding. The preferred embodiment is operable by a single user with minimal effort and is also aesthetically pleasing. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, an embodiment of the apparatus includes a headboard connected to a standard bed frame and mattress in a conventional manner. A folded table surface is pivotally connected to the headboard and, when not in use, completely stored therein out of sight behind a panel and a pair of wing doors. A pair of gas springs enables a single user to lower the folded table surface out of the stored position from within the headboard with minimal effort. The table surface is comprised of two table sections pivotally connected to each other. Each table section includes a pair of connected table legs. A torsion spring assembly connected to each table section allows a single user to separate the table sections and unfold to form the complete table surface on top of the existing bedding surface without disturbing the bedding surface. The table surface is unencumbered by connecting hardware and thus provides a completely smooth and uninterrupted work or eating surface. The table surface is also larger than the bedding surface and thus there is room to comfortably stand next to the table surface. The torsion springs offset the weight of the table section and therefore also assist in the stowing of the table surface. The complete setting up of the table surface and the stowing of the table surface can be performed by a single user and completely from one side of the bed. 
         [0011]    In alternate embodiments, the gas springs can be replaced by linear actuators for powered operation. 
         [0012]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-mentioned features and advantages of the invention together with other important aspects thereof upon reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings provided. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in the specification hereof by reference, wherein: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment where the table apparatus is stored. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment where the table apparatus is partially deployed. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment where the table apparatus is fully deployed. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4   a  is a partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of the table sections stored in the headboard showing the wing door open. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4   b  is a partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of the table sections stored in the headboard showing the wing door closed. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the torsion spring. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the torsion spring. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the torsion spring mounting bracket with leg extended. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a first plan view of a preferred embodiment of the torsion spring mounting bracket with leg extended. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a second plan view of a preferred embodiment of the torsion spring mounting bracket with leg extended. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of the torsion spring mounting bracket 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a first partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of the two table sections adjacent each other before deployment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a first partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of the two table sections during deployment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a first partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of the two table sections fully deployed. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a second partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of the two table sections adjacent each other before deployment 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is a second partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of the two table sections during deployment 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is a second partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of the two table sections fully deployed. 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  is a plan view of an alternate preferred embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an alternate preferred embodiment of a table section. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0033]    In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , headboard/table apparatus  100  is comprised of headboard  101  mounted to a wall and bed  102  secured to headboard  101  in a manner that is common in the art. Headboard/table apparatus is preferably made of decorative wood but could also be formed from injection molded plastic or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Headboard  101  is comprised of two columns configured with wing doors  108  and  110  connected by backboard  128 . Wing doors  108  and  110  each pivot about a vertical axis through the use of piano hinges or other hinges equivalent in the art. Headboard  101  further includes frame  106  which is fixed to backboard  128 . In an alternate embodiment, backboard  128  is not necessary and frame  196  connects wing doors  108  and  110 . Panel  104  is affixed to the underside of first table section  120  creating a torsion box. In addition to providing structural support for first table section  120 , when headboard/table apparatus  100  is in a stored position, panel  194  hides the table sections from sight. Panel  104  is slightly less wide than first table section  120  which allows access to supporting leas. Panel  104  includes lip  125  which extends through the full width of the upper edge of panel  104 . Frame  106  surrounds and frames panel  104  on all four sides. The face of panel  104  is decorative and can include any design, wood finish, or padding that is desirable. Wing doors  108  and  110  are releasably latched to frame  106  through the use of magnets or plastic catch pins or an equivalent method common in the art. 
         [0035]    In the stored position, sandwiched in between backboard  128  and panel  104  are first table section  120  and second table section  122 . First table section  120  is pivotally mounted to headboard  101  at mount points  120 A and  120 B using pivot bolts or equivalent pivoting hardware common in the art. Second table section  122  is hinged to first table section  120  with a plurality of hinges  132 . Gas spring  130  connects first table section  120  to headboard  101  and is located near pivot point  120 A. An identical gas spring connects first table section  120  to bead board  101  near pivot point  120 B. The gas springs help to offset the weight of the table sections during deployment. In the preferred embodiment, the gas springs are capable of providing approximately 100 to 140 lbs. of force with the preferred being 120 lbs. of force each when compressed. An example is part no. GGS24-120-K available from H.A. Guden Co., Inc. In an alternate embodiment, the gas springs could be replaced by coil springs or in an additional alternate embodiment linear actuators could be incorporated for a completely powered deployment. First table section  120  further includes legs  124  and  126 . Legs  124  and  126  are connected together by bar  138  so that moving one leg moves the other leg simultaneously. Bar  138  is rotationally mounted in mounting brackets at end  135 . Spring loaded pins  137  pass through each mounting bracket and each leg to secure each leg in the extended position. In an alternate embodiment, only one spring pin is used only through leg  124 . Second table section  122  further includes legs  144  and  146 . Legs  144  and  146  are also connected by a bar at end  136  so that moving one also moves the other simultaneously. Legs  144  and  146  are also secured in place by one or a pair of spring loaded pins in an identical fashion as legs  124  and  126 . Additionally, torsion spring assemblies  140  and  142  are mounted to both first table section  120  and second table section  122 . Torsion spring assemblies  140  and  142  are identical in shape and function. As depicted, torsion spring assemblies  140  and  142  are mirror images of each other but would perform equally well if both were oriented in identical manners. In alternate embodiments, the use of one torsion spring assembly would suffice as would the use of more than two. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5-9 , each torsion spring assembly is comprised of one torsion spring  500  and a pair of mounting brackets  520 . In the preferred embodiment, torsion spring  500  is comprised of spring wire between about 0.1 inch to 0.3 inch having a circular cross-section and a spring constant of about 1.0 lbs./degree to about 6.0 in. lbs./degree with the preferred diameter being about 0.25 inches with a preferred spring constant being about 3.8 in. lbs./degree. In alternate embodiments, the cross-section of torsion spring  500  could be any variant of polygonal shapes and could be smaller or larger depending on desired use and spring constant required. In the preferred embodiment each torsion spring provides force according to the following table: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Degrees of Deployment 
                 Torsion Force 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 −90° 
                 3.46 in. lbs./degree 
               
               
                   
                  0° 
                   0 in. lbs./degree 
               
               
                   
                 +90° 
                 3.46 in. lbs./degree 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0037]    Each torsion spring  500  is comprised of three sections. First end section  502  is generally perpendicular to middle section  504  forming a generally 90° angle in a first plane. Second end section  506  is also generally perpendicular to middle section  504  also forming a generally 90° angle but in a second plane. The first plane is generally perpendicular to the second plane. In the preferred embodiment, first and second end sections  502  and  506  are approximately five inches in length while middle section  504  should be at least twice as long as each end section. Dimensions of the torsion springs can be varied as will be apparent to those of skill in the art. In an alternate embodiment, the torsion spring could be replaced with a coil spring. 
         [0038]    Mounting bracket  520  is comprised of braces  522  and  524  integrally formed or welded together at a generally perpendicular orientation. Brace  522  includes integrally formed receiving cylinder  526  on one edge and in the preferred embodiment, has a length of approximately three to three and a half inches. Receiving cylinder  526  runs the full length of the edge of brace  522  and includes passage  528  so that receiving cylinder  526  is generally hollow along its length. Brace  522  further includes a circular opening  150  for receiving bar  138  to which bar  138  is rotationally seated within. A plurality of mounting holes  530  are located through both braces  522  and  524  in order to mount the braces to ribs  134  and ends  135  and  136 . In a preferred embodiment, mounting bracket  520  is constructed of 11-gauge steel and is attached by screws, bolts, or a suitable adhesive as known in the art. 
         [0039]      FIG. 10  shows a cross-section of receiving cylinder  526 . Receiving cylinder  526  and correspondingly passage  528  has an ellipsoidal cross sectional shape. Passage  528  has a height that corresponds with the diameter of torsion spring  500  and a width of approximately twice the height which allows torsion spring  500  to slide laterally during operation of headboard/table apparatus  100 . Torsion spring  500  is shown in shadow as it moves from position A (table sections folded adjacent to one another) to position B (table sections approximately perpendicular to each other during deployment) to position C (table sections fully deployed). 
         [0040]    In use, headboard/table apparatus  100  is most naturally found in two states, a table stored state or a table fully deployed state. In the table stored state, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the table is completely out of sight and stored in the headboard while the bed is available for use. Panel  104  is decorative and discreetly hides the folded away table sections. In the table fully deployed state, as depicted in  FIG. 4 , the table comfortably straddles the bed in the space directly above the bedding surface without an accommodation or need to move or store parts of the bed and provides a smooth table top free of hinges or connecting hardware. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 11-16  show the torsion spring assemblies mounted to the table sections and how torsion spring  500  operates during the deployment of the table. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 11 and 14  show two plan views of mounting bracket  520 A mounted to first table section  120  and mounting bracket  520 B mounted to second table section  122  where first table section  120  is adjacent to second table section  122 . This is the position of the table sections relative to each other when they are in the stored state as in  FIG. 1  and as depicted in  FIG. 2 . End section  502  is slidingly seated in the passage of mounting bracket  520 A. End section  506  is slidingly seated in the passage of mounting bracket  520 B. End sections  502  and  506  extend through mounting brackets  520 A and  520 B approximately ½ inch to an inch and self locking retaining rings  510  are affixed to each to prevent torsion spring  500  from backing out of the mounting brackets. Torsion spring  500  is under a torsional force which tends to separate the table sections and pivot second table section  122  away from first table section  120  about the pivoting axes of hinges  132 . This torsional force also helps a user to lift and separate second table section  122  from first table section  120 . In addition to self locking retaining rings  510 , the resultant friction between the inside surface of the receiving cylinders and the outer surface of end sections  502  and  506  prohibits torsion spring  500  from backing out of the respective torsion spring assemblies. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 12 and 15  show two plan views of mounting bracket  520 A mounted to first table section  120  and mounting bracket  520 B mounted to second table section  122  where first table section  120  is generally perpendicular to second table section  122 . In this position, torsion spring  500  has returned to a generally “at rest” state. Self locking retaining rings  510  prevent torsion spring  500  from backing out of the mounting brackets. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 13 and 16  show two plan views of mounting bracket  520 A mounted to first table section  120  and mounting bracket  520 B mounted to second table section  122 . This is the position of the table sections relative to each other when the are in the fully deployed state occupying the space adjacent the bedding surface as depicted in  FIG. 3 . Second table section  122  is lowered into place, pivoted about hinges  132  to a position where first table section  120  and second table section  122  are adjacent and on the same plane providing a smooth table top. The torsion spring both translates and rotates during this motion. The torsion spring translates through an angle of between about 15° and about 25° measured from the base of table section  120  as indicated by angle α. The torsion spring rotates about its long axis through an angle of about 180° as indicated by β. A torsional force builds in torsion spring  500  as second table section  122  is lowered into position. This torsional force helps offset the weight of second table section  122 . Additionally, self locking retaining rings  510  and the resultant friction between the receiving cylinders of mounting brackets  520 A and  520 B and end sections  502  and  506  respectively prevent torsion spring  500  from backing out of the mounting brackets. 
         [0045]    Changing headboard/table apparatus  100  between the stored state and the fully deployed state requires only one user. The weight of the table sections is always supported by either gas springs  130 , a plurality of torsion springs  500 , or a combination of both. In the preferred embodiment, second table section  122  weighs approximately 35 to 40 lbs. and with torsion spring  500  in place, the resultant lifting weight is approximately five lbs. or less. The first step in moving from the stored state to the fully deployed state is opening wing doors  108  and  110 . Once the wing doors are pivoted open about their respective piano hinges, first table section  120  and second table section  122  are lowered together from a vertical position to a generally horizontal position. Gas springs  130  help support the combined weight of the table sections as they are lowered. Once in the generally horizontal position, legs  124  and  126  are pivoted from underneath first table section  120  and locked into place via pins  127 . Legs  124  and  126  are positioned generally perpendicular to the floor and to first table section  120 . Since legs  124  and  126  are actuated together, this operation can take place on one side of the bed without having to switch sides mid-operation. Next, second table section  122  is lifted off of first table section  120  and pivoted about hinges  132 . Torsion spring assemblies  140  and  142  assist in the lifting of second table section  122  by offsetting the weight of the table section thereby requiring a minimal force to lift the table section. Once second table section  122  moves past a vertical position, torsion spring assemblies  140  and  142  assist in lowering second table section into place by once again offsetting the weight of second table section  122  so that a minimal force is required. When second table section  122  is in a generally horizontal position, legs  144  and  146  are pivoted from underneath second table section  122  and locked into place via spring loaded pins in an identical manner as legs  124  and  126 . Legs  144  and  146  are positioned generally perpendicular to the floor and to second table section  122 . Since legs  144  and  146  are also actuated together, this operation can take place on the same side of the bed as the lowering of legs  124  and  126 . The apparatus is now in the fully deployed state and the smooth table top is ready for use in the space adjacent the bedding surface. Neither the bed itself nor the bedding required movement or rearranging during the deployment of the apparatus. 
         [0046]    An alternate embodiment of headboard/table apparatus  100  is shown in  FIG. 17 . Headboard  101  is mounted to the bed frame of bed  102  instead of mounted directly to the wall. Braces  202  and  204  extend from the bottom edge of headboard  101  and are mounted to bed  102  via a pair of L-brackets  210  and  212 . 
         [0047]    An alternate embodiment of a table section is shown in  FIG. 18 . Table section  220  is comprised of injection molded plastic or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Table section  229  includes a plurality of generally parallel ribs  234  positioned generally perpendicular to ends  235  and  236 . End  235  includes squared corners and receives the mounting brackets. Spaced between ends  235  and  236  and the plurality of ribs  234  are depressions  238 . Depressions  238  are hollows formed in the underside of table section  220 . Depressions  238  reduce the overall weight of table section  220  without affecting strength. Depressions  238  do not continue to the topside of table section  220  thus the desired smooth table top is maintained. Depressions  238  can be any known shape such as round, oval, rectangular, etc. Further, depressions  238  can be deployed in any known pattern or in random positions and orientations. In an alternate embodiment, table section  220  is manufactured by blow molding. In this embodiment, the table section is largely hollow and extremely lightweight. 
         [0048]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.