The present disclosure relates generally to tray tables. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to tray tables to be utilized in proximity of furniture.
The embodiments disclosed herein will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings depict only typical embodiments, which embodiments will be described with additional specificity and detail in connection with the drawings in which:
It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.
The phrase “coupled to” is broad enough to refer to any suitable coupling or other form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical. Two components may be coupled to each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other.
The table surface 102 may be a substantially planar surface on which the user may place various items, such as foods, drinks, electronic devices, and the like. A surface area of the table surface 102 may be such that the user has sufficient space to place the various items, but not sufficiently large to be cumbersome. For example, the surface area of the table surface 102 may be less than a surface area of a standard dining table or office desk. The table surface 102 may generally be configured to be horizontal and parallel to the ground, such that the various items placed on it are stable. However, in some embodiments, the table surface 102 may be configured to be tilted such that certain various items (e.g., some electronic devices, books, etc.) may be angled towards the user without the user needing to support the certain various items manually.
In some embodiments, the table surface 102 may include features, such as grooves, bevels, borders, ridges, cup holders, drawers, etc. that may be included depending on needs and requirements of the user. Furthermore, the surface of the table surface 102 may be smooth or rough (e.g., to provide friction with the various items).
The table surface 102 is mechanically coupled to a first end of the horizontal support arm 104, which may also be referred to as an upper horizontal support arm 104. The mechanical coupling between the table surface 102 and the horizontal support arm 104 may allow for rotation of the table surface 102 about the mechanical coupling and within its own plane, as indicated by arrow 101. Specifically, the table surface 102 is rotatable about a transverse axis 199 of the horizontal support arm 104, the transverse axis 199 being parallel to the vertical support beam 106 and a longitudinal axis 198 of the vertical support beam 106.
A second end of the horizontal support arm 104 is mechanically coupled to the vertical support beam 106. The horizontal support arm 104 may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis 197 of the vertical support beam 106 to allow the table surface 102 to be moved between a first position (as depicted
In some embodiments, the horizontal support arm 104 is a horizontal curved support arm. In certain embodiments, the horizontal support arm 104 can be described as comprising an arcuate shaped portion. The horizontal support arm 104 may be curved or have a curved profile within a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the vertical support beam 106 (or in other words, in a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the table surface 102). The curve may include one or more of an arc of a circular curve, an arc of an elliptical curve, or one or more arcs of a compound curve. In some embodiments, the curve may include a combination of one or more of arcs of a circle, an ellipse, or an arbitrary compound curve. In some embodiments, rather than being curved, the horizontal support arm 104 may be angled within the plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical support beam 106.
The curved profile of the horizontal support arm 104 may allow the table surface 102 to be moved between the first position and the second position while preventing the horizontal support arm 104 from colliding with features, such as armrests and the like, of the unit of furniture (as compared to a horizontal support arm having a straight profile). In general, the curvature of the horizontal support arm 104 is convex with respect to its direction of rotation required to move the table surface 102 about the vertical support beam 106 from the first position to the second position, and thus is opposite depending on whether the tray table 100 is positioned to the left or to the right of the unit of furniture.
As depicted in
In some embodiments, the horizontal support arm 104 may include two or more sections that are mechanically coupled together to allow a distance between the vertical support beam 106 and a center of the table surface 102 to be adjusted, for example, to accommodate a various different types of furniture (such as couches, sofas, armchairs, office chairs, etc.), as indicated by arrow 103.
The vertical support beam 106 is coupled between the horizontal support arm 104 and the base 108. In other words, a first end 107a of the vertical support beam 106 is mechanically couplable to the base 108 and a second end 107b of the vertical support beam 106 is couplable to the second end of the horizontal support arm 104. A length (or height) of the vertical support beam 106 may be adjustable in order to adjust a height of the tray table 100, as indicated by arrow 105.
The base 108 of the tray table 100 is coupled to the first end 107a of the vertical support beam 106 and assists to maintain the tray table 100 in an upright and stable position. The base 108 includes a first platform 110a and a second platform 110b which are coupled by a lower horizontal support beam 112, which may also be referred to as a floor horizontal support beam 112. In particular, the first platform 110a may be coupled to a first end 109a of the lower horizontal support beam 112 and the second platform 110b may be coupled to a second end 109b of the lower horizontal support beam 112. The first and second platforms 110a-b protrude or extend perpendicularly away from the lower horizontal support beam 112 and are configured to be disposed below the unit of furniture in order to secure the tray table 100 in the upright and stable position. For example, each of the first and second platforms 110a-b may be secured underneath a respective leg of a chair or stool with three or more legs. Alternatively, each of the platforms 110a-b may be secured underneath a continuous base of the unit of furniture.
A length of the lower horizontal support beam 112 may be adjustable to adjust a distance between the first and second platforms 110a and 110b, as indicated by arrow 107. The distance between the first and second platforms 110a and 110b may be adjusted to accommodate the unit of furniture (e.g., to adjust for varying distances between furniture legs for different units of furniture).
In some embodiments, the first and second platforms 110a-b have a flat profile such that when disposed beneath furniture, only a negligible height is added. In some embodiments, the distance by which the first and second platforms 110a-b extend from the lower horizontal support beam 112 is adjustable to accommodate various types of furniture (for example, the legs of some units of furniture are disposed further from the edge than for others). As such, at least one dimension of the base 108 is adjustable.
In some embodiments, the base 108 further includes an opposing bar 114. The opposing bar 114 may be coupled to the first end 109a of the lower horizontal support beam 112, the first platform 110a, and the first end 107a of the vertical support beam 106. In some embodiments, each of the opposing bar 114, the lower horizontal support beam 112, and the vertical support beam 106 are mutually perpendicular. The opposing bar 114 may provide an additional counterbalance to stabilize the tray table 100. In some embodiments, the opposing bar 114 allows the tray table 100 to stand upright even when the first and second platforms 110a-b are not disposed below furniture. For example, the platform 110a, the platform 110b, and the opposing bar 114 may be configured as a triangular stand of the tray table 100, allowing it to stand upright without being supported by furniture.
The tray table 100 further includes the lower horizontal support beam 112 (also referred to as a third support beam). A first end of the lower horizontal support beam 112 is coupled to a second end (opposite the first end) of the vertical support beam 106. The lower horizontal support beam 112 is perpendicular to the vertical support beam 106 and lies in a plane which is parallel to a plane in which the horizontal support arm 104 lies. The tray table 100 includes the first and second platforms 110a-b (also referred to as protrusions, feet, extensions, or the like) and the opposing bar 114 (also referred to as a protrusion, foot, extension, or the like). The first platform 110a, the vertical support beam 106, and the lower horizontal support beam 112 are mutually perpendicular.
The first platform 110a and the opposing bar 114 are coupled to the first end 109a of the lower horizontal support beam 112 and the second platform 110b is coupled to a second end 109b of the lower horizontal support beam 112. The first and second platforms 110a-b extend away from the lower horizontal support beam 112 in a first direction which is towards the unit of furniture. The opposing bar 114 extends away from the lower horizontal support beam 112 in a second direction, opposite the first direction, that is away from the unit of furniture.
The first and second platforms 110a-b may be configured to be placed under the legs or base of the unit of furniture to stabilize the vertical support beam 106 in an upright position. In some embodiments, the first and second platforms 110a-b may be textured, covered in rubber, grit, include a border of lips or bevels, etc., to prevent the tray table 100 from sliding out from under the legs or base of the unit of furniture.
The length of the lower horizontal support beam 112 is adjustable to accommodate various units of furniture. In some embodiments, the lower horizontal support beam 112 may include a first section 112a, a second section 112b, and a third section 112c, allowing the length to be adjustable. For example, a portion of varying length of the third section 112c may be configured to be disposed within each of the first section 112a and the second section 112b to allow for a distance between the first section 112a and the second section 112b to be adjustable. In other embodiments, varying lengths of the first section 112a and the second section 112b may be disposed within the third section 112c. In other embodiments, there may be two or more portions that are telescoping. In some embodiments, the lower horizontal support beam 112 may include the first section 112a and the second section 112b with the second section 112b being disposed within the first section 112a and the second section 112b may be able to telescope relative to the first section 112a. The adjustable length of the lower horizontal support beam 112 may be set by one or more fasteners 116, which may be screws, pegs, spring-loaded fasteners, or any other suitable type of fastener.
The horizontal support arm 104 is coupled between the table surface 102 and the vertical support beam 106. Specifically, the first end 105a of the horizontal support arm 104 is coupled to the second end 107b of the vertical support beam 106 and a second end 105b of the horizontal support arm 104 is coupled to the table surface 102. In one embodiment, the second end 105b of the horizontal support arm 104 is coupled to the table surface 102 by a plate 122. The plate 122 may be extended such that a torque about the point of coupling between the table surface 102 and the horizontal support arm 104 is reduced, for example, when items are placed off-center on the table surface 102. The plate 122 may have an elliptical, rectangular, H-shaped, X-shaped, or other arbitrary profile. The tray table 100 may further include a spacer 124 (shown in
The horizontal support arm 104 forms a curve that extends from the vertical support beam 106 where the horizontal support arm 104 is coupled to the vertical support beam 106. In some embodiments, the horizontal support arm 104 includes a first section 104a and a second section 104b. The first section 104a may include the curve which may be an arc, such as an arc of an ellipse, circle, compound curve, or the like. The second section 104b may be straight or substantially linear. In the illustrated embodiment, the first section 104a, the curve of the first section 104a may transition into a substantially straight portion 104c. The length of the horizontal support arm 104 may be adjustable such that a distance between the vertical support beam 106 and the table surface 102 may be variable. The substantially straight portion 104c of the first section 104a may receive the second section 104b and the second section 104b may only extend the length of the substantially straight portion 104c. In some embodiments, the horizontal support arm is made of a rigid material, therefore, the second section 104b cannot extend into the curve of the first section 104a. Accordingly, the length adjustability of the horizontal support arm 104 is based on the length of the substantially straight portion 104c as the second section 104b may extend within the substantially straight portion 104c along the entire length of the substantially straight portion 104c. In other words, the change in length of the horizontal support arm 104 is based on the length of the substantially straight portion 104c of the first section 104a.
In some embodiments, a portion of either the first section 104a or the second section 104b may be disposed within the second section 104b or the first section 104a, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, a length of the second section 104b is adjustable. Additionally or alternatively, the first section 104a, the section 104b, or both may be telescoping. The adjustable length of the horizontal support arm 104 may be set by one or more fasteners 116, which may be screws, pegs, spring-loaded fasteners, or any other type of suitable fastener.
As discussed above, the height of the vertical support beam 806 is adjustable thereby enabling the height of the horizontal support arm 804 and the table surface 802 to be height adjustable. The adjustability of the vertical support beam 806 enables the height of the horizontal support arm 804 and the table surface 802 to be at a comfortable position for the user. Although armrests of the armchair 1711 may extend outwards (towards a front side of the armchair 1711) and may be taller than armrests of the sofa 1511, the curved profile of the horizontal support arm 804 enables the horizontal support arm 804 to curve around the armrest of the armchair 1711 so that the table surface 802 is disposed above a seating surface of the armchair 1711 and above the lap or legs of the user. This is not an issue when the height of the horizontal support arm 804 and the table surface 802 are above the height of the armrest because the horizontal support arm 804 does not interact with the armrests. However, in the case when the height of the vertical support beam 806 is less than a height of the armrests, the table surface 802 may still be disposed in a comfortable position for the user, due, at least in part, to the curved profile of the horizontal support arm 804 curving around the armrest. Alternatively, if the horizontal support arm 804 did not have a curved profile and was simply straight, the horizontal support arm 804 would be hindered by the armrest preventing the table surface 802 from being disposed above the seating surface of the armchair 1711 and/or the lap of the user sitting in the armchair 1711.
As discussed above, the height of the vertical support beam 106 is adjustable thereby enabling the height of the horizontal support arm 104 and the table surface 102 to be height adjustable. The adjustability of the vertical support beam 106 enables the height of the horizontal support arm 104 and the table surface 102 to be at a comfortable position for the user. Although armrests of the armchair 1711 may extend outwards (towards a front side of the armchair 1711) and may be taller than armrests of the sofa 1511, the curved profile of the horizontal support arm 104 enables the horizontal support arm 104 to curve around the armrest of the armchair 1711 so that the table surface 102 is disposed above a seating surface of the armchair 1711 and above the lap or legs of the user. This is not an issue when the height of the horizontal support arm 104 and the table surface 102 are above the height of the armrest because the horizontal support arm 104 does not interact with the armrest. However, in the case when the height of the vertical support beam 106 is less than a height of the armrest, the table surface 102 may still be disposed in a comfortable position for the user, due, at least in part, to the curved profile of the horizontal support arm 104 curving around the armrest. Alternatively, if the horizontal support arm 104 did not have a curved profile and was simply straight, the horizontal support arm 104 would be hindered by the armrest preventing that table surface 102 from being disposed above the seating surface of the armchair 1711 and/or the lap of the user sitting in the armchair 1711.
In some embodiments, the tray table may come packaged in a kit enabling a user to assemble the tray table into the left-position configuration tray table 100 or the right-position configuration tray table 800. In other words, a kit may include all of the components needed to assembly the tray table 100 in the left-position configuration or the tray table 800 in the right-position configuration. Specifically, the components of the tray table may be assembled so that the platforms 110a-b, 810a-b may be assembled in the left-position configuration or the right-position configuration and be disposed under a unit of furniture. Further, the components of the tray table may be assembled so that that the horizontal support arm 104 is disposed in the first configuration so that the horizontal support arm 104 curves in a first direction toward the unit of furniture in the left-position configuration or in a second configuration so that the horizontal support arm 804 curves in a second direction opposite the first direction but still toward the unit of furniture in the right-position configuration. Accordingly, the tray table kit enables the tray table to be assembled to accommodate the needs of the user. Instructions for assembling the table tray may be in a booklet packaged with the table tray or instructions may direct a user a website with directions and/or video instructions for assembling the tray table.
While specific embodiments of tray tables have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosure provided is not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed. Various modifications, changes, and variations apparent to those of skill in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems disclosed, with the aid of the present disclosure.
References to approximations are made throughout this specification, such as by use of the term “substantially.” For each such reference, it is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the value, feature, or characteristic may be specified without approximation. For example, where qualifiers such as “about” and “substantially” are used, these terms include within their scope the qualified words in the absence of their qualifiers. For example, where the term “substantially parallel” is recited with respect to a feature, it is understood that in further embodiments, the feature can have a precisely parallel configuration.
Similarly, in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment.
The claims following this written disclosure are hereby expressly incorporated into the present written disclosure, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims. Moreover, additional embodiments capable of derivation from the independent and dependent claims that follow are also expressly incorporated into the present written description.
Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can use the preceding description to utilize the invention to its fullest extent. The claims and embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and exemplary, and not a limitation of the scope of the present disclosure in any way. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, with the aid of the present disclosure, that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the disclosure herein. In other words, various modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed in the description above are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the order of the steps or actions of the methods disclosed herein may be changed by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order or use of specific steps or actions may be modified. The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the following claims and their equivalents.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/491,906, filed on Mar. 23, 2023 and titled “FURNITURE TRAY TABLE,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63491906 | Mar 2023 | US |