Patent ID: 8528996

Claim:
An expandable surface apparatus for use in a confined area, comprising: a movable portion, a housing with an opening for receiving at least part of the movable portion as the movable portion is retracted into or withdrawn out of the housing, a surface area on the movable portion formed from a plurality of panels movably connected to each other, a guide within the housing for defining the movement of the panels within the housing, that guide causing the panels to change direction of motion as the panels are moved within at least a portion of the housing, and biasing means connected to the movable portion for urging the panels toward motion out of the housing, wherein the movable portion includes a substantially horizontal guide means underlaying the surface area and that guide means is retractable into the housing when the movable portion is moved into the housing at least in part, and wherein the guide means is a pair of telescopically slideable roller bearing rails underlaying the surface area adjacent the sides of the surface area.