Patent Publication Number: US-2010107932-A1

Title: Table device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to, and claims priority from, Great Britain Patent Application Serial Number GB 0820248.3, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to table devices which are attachable to, or positionable adjacent to, an item of furniture. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is known to provide table devices which can be used by a user who is sitting in a chair or sitting or lying on a bed. Such a table device can be convenient for many reasons. These include supporting food and/or drinks, or books, or electronic devices such as laptops, DVD players and the like, or as a platform to allow writing. In particular, the weight and the heat emitted from a laptop can be uncomfortable when the laptop is in direct contact with the user. 
     Known table devices are typically freely movable as a complete unit, for instance the complete device is mounted on castors and is rollable along the floor. The table device often comprises a table platform which is attached to, and immovable relative to, a support member in a cantilever arrangement. This is intended to allow the table device to be brought close to the item of furniture without the vertical leg of the support member interfering with a portion of the item of furniture. 
     However, to maintain stability, particularly when the table device is supporting a load, the support member requires horizontal struts which extend in the same direction and substantially as far as the table platform. Therefore, the device is only really suitable for items of furniture which include a substantial gap at floor level to accommodate the horizontal struts. However, many beds, armchairs and the like have a base which is close to the floor. Even if the item of furniture has such a gap, the table device can often not be brought close enough to the user due to the presence of adjacent furniture, such as bedside cabinets and the like. Furthermore, the device, when not in use, takes up a considerable volume of space due to the permanent presence of the horizontal struts and the horizontally orientated table platform. 
     An example of a table device which has a table platform which is movable relative to its support member is a device, such as found in hospitals, where a horizontal table platform can slide along a guide rail provided at each side of the bed from the foot of the bed to a suitable position for the user. The table device is always in a horizontal orientation. However, the table platform (in whichever position) and the guide rails are obtrusive and can be an inconvenience for the user when in bed or when getting in or out of bed. Furthermore, the bed is specially adapted for the table device and the table device is not attachable to a standard item of furniture without substantial modification. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to the present invention there is provided a table device comprising: 
     a substantially vertical support member adapted to be attachable to, or positionable adjacent to, an item of furniture; and 
     a table platform movably coupled to the support member such that the table device is movable from a first position in which the table platform is substantially parallel and adjacent to a vertical portion of the item of furniture to a second deployed position in which the table platform is substantially horizontal and extends over a horizontal portion of the item of furniture, 
     wherein the table platform is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the support member when the table platform is at the second deployed position. 
     The table device may be adapted to take up a low horizontal space when the table platform is at the first position. Such a table device allows the placement of other items, such as a bedside table, close to the item of furniture. The table device may be adapted to take up a low volume when the table platform is at the first position. 
     The table platform may extend laterally over the horizontal portion of the item of furniture when at the second deployed position. 
     The support member may be provided at a first side of the item of furniture and a second support member may be provided at a second opposing side of the item of furniture. 
     One or both of the first and second support members may be a structural component of the item of furniture. 
     The support member may include a horizontal strut adapted to extend from the first side to the second opposing side of the item of furniture. The horizontal strut may have a low vertical height, such as 0.5 to 3 mm. The horizontal strut may extend between the first and second support members. 
     The table device comprising at least two support members and at least one horizontal strut may form a frame adjacent to the item of furniture. Such a table device can be inherently stable and requires no further supporting means. 
     The table device may include fastening means for fastening the support member to an item of furniture. The fastening means may be adapted to attach to the first side of the item of furniture. Alternatively or in addition, the fastening means may be adapted to attach to the second opposing side of the item of furniture. Alternatively or in addition, the fastening means may be adapted to attach to a third portion of the item of furniture. 
     The fastening means may be adjustable in one or both of height and width to accommodate different sizes of the item of furniture. The fastening means may comprise a clamp fixing or a screwed fixing or any other suitable known means. The horizontal strut may extend between the first and second clamps. 
     According to a first embodiment of the invention, the table platform may be movably coupled to the support member in a cantilever arrangement. The table platform may be pivotably coupled to the support member from a first position in which the table platform is substantially parallel and adjacent to the first side of the item of furniture. The table platform may be pivotable from the first position to a first intermediary position. The table platform may be horizontally oriented at the first intermediary position and the table platform is further pivotable to a deployed position. Alternatively, the table platform may be vertically oriented at the first intermediary position and the table platform is further pivotable to a second intermediary position in which the table platform is horizontally oriented and the table platform is further pivotable to a deployed position. 
     The table device may include releasable locking means for locking the table platform at one or both of the first and second positions. The locking means may be further adapted to lock the table platform at one or both of the first and second intermediary positions. 
     The table platform may extend away from the item of furniture when at the first intermediary position. The table platform may be freely pivotable from the first position to a first intermediary position. This allows a user on the item of furniture to easily move the table platform away from and towards the deployed position. 
     The table platform may include a table arm which is movably connected to the support member. The table arm may terminate in a ball bearing which is rollably housed within a housing provided at the support member. The housing may include one or more slots adapted to receive the table arm when it is moved from the first position to maintain the table platform at a horizontal orientation. 
     Alternatively, the table arm may be coupled to the support member by a collar or sleeve attached to a height adjusting strut. The table device may include a hinge device to allow rotation of the table arm relative to the support member. The table arm may be connected to the collar or sleeve by one or more support struts provided at the table arm. The or each support strut may be detachable, such as a sprung locking pin or screw knob. The table platform and table arm may be lowerable to a position adjacent to or behind the item of furniture. When at the deployed position, the table platform may be rotatable about the vertical axis and may be lockable at the first intermediary position. A second locking pin or screw knob may be provided on the sleeve or support member for locking at the first intermediary position. 
     The table platform may be rotatable relative to the table arm. The table platform may be coupled to the table arm by a second sleeve or collar. This may be adapted to allow for storage alongside the support member in the first position. At the second deployed position, the table platform may be adapted to rotate vertically about the second sleeve or collar. The table platform may be adapted to allow further rotation about the axis from vertical to horizontal by means of a lockable device to allow the table and arm to be deployed in a horizontal orientation towards the user. 
     A plurality of slots may be provided such that the table platform can be maintained at a horizontal orientation at a number of positions about a vertical axis. One of the plurality of slots may correspond to the second deployed position. Alternatively, the housing may be rotatable about a vertical axis of, and relative to, the support member. 
     The table device may be adapted such that the height of the table platform from the floor is adjustable when the table platform is at the second position. 
     A plurality of table platforms may be movably coupled to the support member. Each table platform may be independently movably coupled to the support member. 
     According to a second embodiment of the invention, the item of furniture may comprise a bed and the table platform may be pivotably coupled to the support member from a first position in which the table platform is substantially parallel and adjacent to a head or a foot portion of the bed. 
     The table platform may be substantially parallel and adjacent to a headboard member of the bed. The fastening means may be adapted to attach to the headboard member of the bed. 
     The surface of the table platform which opposes the load bearing surface may be adapted to substantially match the headboard member. The surface may be padded. The headboard member may include a recess for receiving the table platform. 
     The table device may be adapted to support one or more of food and/or a drink, a tray, a book, an electronic device, and medical equipment. 
     The table device may include holding means for releasably holding an item supported on the table platform. The table device may include an angular support for supported an item at an angle relative to the horizontal table platform. The angular support may be adjustable to provide a number of angular positions. The angular support may comprise a triangular member. 
     The table device may include a light source. The light source may be provided at the table platform. The table device may include a screen to limit the light that is emitted in one or more directions. 
     Alternatively the table platform may be substantially parallel and adjacent to the foot of the bed. The table platform may be adapted to support a television, DVD player, CD player or the like. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a table device attached to a bed, the table platform shown at a first, intermediary and second position; 
         FIG. 2  is a detailed perspective view of the fastening means of the table device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a table device attached to a bed, the table platform omitted for clarity; 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed perspective view of the fastening means of the table device of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a table device attached to a bed; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a table device which includes a frame; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a table device attached to a bed; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a table device attached to an bed; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a table device which includes a frame; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a table device attached to a bed; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a table device attached to a sofa; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of a table device attached to an armchair; 
         FIG. 13   a  is a detailed exploded perspective view of locking means for any of the previous embodiments of the table device; 
         FIG. 13   b  is another detailed perspective view of the locking means of  FIG. 13   a;    
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of a table device attached to an armchair; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of a table device attached to an armchair; 
         FIGS. 16 to 19  are perspective views of a thirteenth embodiment of a table device attached to an armchair at various positions; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a fourteenth embodiment of a table device attached to an armchair; and 
         FIGS. 21 to 25  are perspective views of a fifteenth embodiment of a table device. 
     
    
    
     WRITTEN DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a table device  10  which comprises a vertical support member  20  and a table platform  30 . The support member  20  is provided at a first side  102  of a bed  100 . The table platform  30  is movable from a first position  32 , in which the table platform  30  is vertical and is parallel and adjacent to the first side  102 , to an intermediary position  34 , in which the table platform  30  is horizontal and extends away from the bed  102 . This is achieved by pivoting the table platform  30  upwards until the table platform  30  and associated table arm  38  is horizontal. The table device  10  is further movable from this intermediary position  34  to a second deployed position  36 , in which the table platform  30  is horizontal and extends laterally over a horizontal portion of the bed  100 . The height of the table platform  30  from the floor is adjustable when the table platform  30  is at the second position. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the table platform  30  is pivotable about a lateral horizontal axis (with respect to the bed) from the first position  32  to an intermediary position in which the table platform  30  is still vertical and parallel and adjacent to the first side  102  but a table arm  38  of the table platform  30  is now horizontal. The table platform  30  is adapted so that it can be rotated about the axis of the arm  38  until the table platform  30  is horizontal. The table device  10  is further pivotable about the vertical axis of the support member  20  from this intermediary position  34  to the second deployed position  36 . 
     The support member  20  includes a stand  22  which is relatively narrow in all horizontal directions. Indeed, the stand  22  extends only in the longitudinal direction with respect to the bed  100  and not in a lateral direction. Stability in the lateral direction is achieved in other ways, as explained below. Therefore, the table device  10  is adapted to take up a low horizontal space and a low volume when the table platform  30  is at the first position. Indeed, the table device  10  can be positioned between the bed  100  and a bedside cabinet (not shown). 
     To maintain stability, the support member  20  includes fastening means for fastening the support member  20  to the bed. This eliminates the need for a stand which has long horizontally extending portions. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the fastening means comprises two thin horizontal plates  40 , one provided on a screwed rod  41  so that the plates  40  can be moved towards each other and so provide a clamp. Alternately, an upper and lower clamp may be fixed on movable and lockable sleeves around the outside of the support strut, or internal to it, to fit to the top and bottom of, or horizontally across, the base of the bed. The plates  40  can be positioned on the upper and lower surfaces of the base  104  of the bed  100  to clamp the base  104 . Since the plates  40  are thin, they will not be felt by a user once the mattress  106  is placed on top of the base  104 . The vertical height of each plate  40  is adjustable to suit any dimensions of the bed  100 . The clamping arrangement is shown in more detail in  FIG. 2 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the clamp plates  40  could have an L shaped profile to match with edges of the bed  100 . Also, the support member could be a structural component of the item of furniture, such as the bed post of a bed. 
       FIG. 3  shows a similar embodiment with like features given like reference numerals (the table platform  30  has been omitted for clarity). In this embodiment, the support member  20  includes a horizontal strut  24  which is adapted to extend from the first side  102  to the second opposing side  108  of the bed  100 . The fastening means comprises the two thin horizontal plates  40  as before but also includes two vertical plates  42  with one at the first side  102  and one at the second side  108  at the end of the strut  24 . Again, one plate  42  is provided on a screwed rod  41  so that the plates  42  can be moved towards each other and so clamp the base  104 . The vertical height of the strut  24  is adjustable to suit any dimensions of the bed  100 . Also, the strut  24  includes a spacer portion  25  to accommodate any bulging of the bed, bed clothes and the like. The clamping arrangement is shown in more detail in  FIG. 4 . 
     Although this embodiment includes a long horizontally extending member (the strut  24 ), this is adapted to be unobtrusive and does not interfere with the bed  100 . The horizontal strut  24  could be placed either above or below the base  104 . If above the base  104 , the strut  24  can have a low vertical height, such as 0.5 to 3 mm, so that it will not be felt by a user once the mattress  106  is placed on top of the base  104 . 
     In this embodiment, the fastening means also includes a third clamp  44  for attachment to the headboard  110 . This improves stability without exerting a substantial load on the headboard (which is typically not capable of withstanding a substantial load). 
       FIG. 5  shows an embodiment (again, like features are given like reference numerals) which includes a second support member  20  provided at the second opposing side  104  of the bed  100 . The two support members  20  share a common horizontal strut  24 . 
     The second support member  20  has its own table platform  30 . This allows the bed to have two occupants and each occupant to have their own table platform  30 . Two table platforms  30  could be provided at each support member  20 , one at a greater height than the other. This would allow each occupant to have two table platforms  30 . One may be used, for example, for supporting a book while the other may, for example, support food or drink. Each table platform  30  is independently movable. 
       FIG. 6  shows an embodiment in which the table device  10  forms a frame  28  adjacent to the bed. The frame includes two support members  20  and a horizontal strut  24  but can include further structural members. Such a table device  10  is inherently stable and the fastening means of previous embodiments can be eliminated. 
       FIG. 7  shows an embodiment in which one of the support members  20  has three table platforms  30 . This could be especially useful in a hospital environment, where one or more of the table platforms  30  could be used to support medical equipment such as monitors, drips and the like. Also, in this embodiment, the stand  22  of the support member  20  is mounted on castors  26 . This allows the table device  10  to be moved to another bed once the clamps have been released. This also allows movement of the hospital bed from one location to another in the hospital. Castors, wheels, or rollers could be included in any of the embodiments described herein. 
     The table device  10  can be adapted such that it is fixed in position relative to the bed so that it remains at a constant position for the user as the bed is moved up or down. For example, this could be achieved by fixing the vertical distance between the table platforms  30  and the clamps. 
       FIG. 8  shows an embodiment in which the table platform  30  is pivotably coupled to two support members  20  from a first position in which the table platform is substantially parallel and adjacent to the headboard  110  of the bed  100 . The under-surface of the table platform  30  (when deployed) can be adapted to match the headboard member by being the same colour and padded. The headboard  110  includes a recess  112  for receiving the table platform  30  when it is at the first position.  FIG. 9  shows a similar embodiment except that the table device  10  is provided as a frame. 
       FIG. 10  shows an embodiment in which the table device  10  is provided at the foot of the bed  100 . The table platform  30  could be used to support a television of the like. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  shows a similar embodiment except that the table device  10  is for use with a sofa  120  and an armchair  130  respectively. As in some previous embodiments, a horizontal strut  24  extends under the base and two plates  42  provide a clamp. Tiered table platforms  30  provide various options such as to support remote controls, beverages and many other items. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b , the table arm  38  of the table platform  30  is movably connected to the support member  20 . The table arm  38  terminates in a ball bearing  50  which is movably housed within a housing  28  of the support member  20 . The housing  28  includes a number of slots  60  which can receive the table arm  38  to maintain the table platform  30  at a horizontal orientation. 
     The slots  60  allow the table platform  30  to be maintained at a horizontal orientation at various positions about the vertical axis of the support member  20 . One of these slots  60  corresponds to the deployed position. Therefore, the slots provide releasable locking means at the second and various intermediary positions. Other slots  60  correspond to a position in which the table platform  30  extends away from the bed  100 . This is practically useful as it allows the user to move the table platform  30  away without returning the table platform  30  to the first position (and the table platform  30  may still be supporting one or more items). 
     As previously mentioned, the device  10  can be incorporated into an item of furniture such as an armchair, settee, couch or bed. For example the table device  10  may be incorporated within a hollow space beneath the top of the armrest of an armchair  130 . This is shown in  FIG. 14 . Alternatively, the table device  10  may be stowable in a gap provided between the arm and the side of the cushion and base as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     When required, the user can lift the armrest, which may be hinged, to access the table device  10  beneath. The table platform  30  may be on one or more guide rails which, when the table is pulled vertically out of the hollow space, and when it reaches the top by means of a lockable hinge or other device, may extend slightly higher to a suitable position for using a laptop or eating. At the top position, the table platform  30  would descend 90 degrees by the hinge over the lap of the user. The table platform  30  may or may not rest on the opposite arm of the chair. 
     As with other embodiments, the table platform  30  can be rotatable relative to the support member  20  so that it can be rotated about a vertical axis when deployed. This allows quick and easy manipulation, without folding away the table device  10 , such as when the user wants to get out of the armchair  130 . 
     In another embodiment, the device  10  may be attached to a frame provided on the exterior or interior side of an armchair  130  or other item of furniture ( FIGS. 16 to 19 ), or on a frame behind the armchair  130  where it would be able to be raised and rotated over the lap of a user. This embodiment includes two support members  20 . However, the table platform  30  can be made rotatable about the vertical axis (to either side) by allowing detachment of the table platform  30  from one of the support members  20 . 
     In another embodiment, the table device  10  may be suitably fixed to either side and/or on a frame behind the chair such that it rotates over the top of the user&#39;s head to produce a table over the lap of the user at the appropriate height ( FIG. 20 ). Again, if supported by two support members  20 , one may be detachable. This would allow for example a laptop to remain on the table platform  30  when swiveled out of the way and easily returned to a usable position when required. 
     The table device  10  may unfold or fold in on itself similar to a concertina before being stored in the vertical position at the side of the item of furniture. This is shown in  FIGS. 21 to 25 . 
     In this embodiment, the support member  20  is attached to the base of the table support arm  38  by a hinge which, when the lower support strut is released, allows the whole support arm (when folded) with the folded table platform  30  at the end of the arm to swing down vertically at the side of the bed. 
     To use the folded table, the following procedure can be used:
         1. Raise the whole table arm up 90 degrees and affix the support strut at the base of the arm to the support stand;   2. Extend and unfold the support arm;   3. Rotate the table from a vertical to a horizontal position; and   4. Swing the arm with table over lap.
 
To fold the table, the reverse procedure can be used:
   1. Swing the table arm to the side;   2. Fold the table from the horizontal to the vertical position at the end of the table arm;   3. Fold the table arm in a concertina action to its smallest footprint towards the end/beginning of the arm where it is attached to the support stand by two struts, the upper of which is hinged; and   4. Release the lower support strut and allow the table and arm to fold down and hang by the hinge at the top strut of the support arm attached to the stand and fold down into a vertical position at the side of the item of furniture.       

     The table arm may comprise one or more support struts, any of which could be hinged to allow the arm with the table to fold alongside the support strut. In the version described it is the upper but could be the lower strut. The concertina folding of the device may be in a single or multiple versions with various ‘knuckles’ or ‘joints’ along the length of the table arm. 
     The height adjustment may consist of a support strut with an inner strut which raises inside the outer strut (or an outer strut which raises over the inner strut). The inner strut may be held at the required height by means of a simple knob with a clamp screw. Alternatively, the height adjustment may consist of an inner portion with holes regularly spaced at suitable intervals where a sprung prong inserts from the outer into the inner strut locking it in place. The end of the table arm is at the top of the inner support strut. Additional table devices  10  may still be attached in the same way beneath the top one to allow various tiers of table arms. 
     A table stand whether single or double can be used with other items of furniture or locations such as a portable lectern for public address, a music stand and many other uses as required. Since multiple tiered devices can swivel about the user, it could be used as a mini office to support the likes of laptops, printers, scanners, modems, routers, and a writing table. 
     The table device can support various items such as food and drink, a book, a laptop and so on. Particularly for a book, elastic bands (not shown) can be provided for releasably holding the book when it is supported on the table platform  30 . Also, an adjustable triangular support (not shown) can be provided so that the book (or a laptop, DVD player or the like) can be positioned at an angle to make reading easier. A lamp (not shown) can be provided at the table platform  30  to assist reading or writing. A screen (not shown) can be provided to limit the light that is emitted from the lamp which could disturb other occupants of the bed. 
     Various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.