Multi-Work Surface End Table

Abstract

An end table suitable for providing supplementary working surfaces is described. The novel end table may have a principal horizontal work surface and a smaller additional horizontal work surface, both fixed permanently in place. Additionally, an extensible and retractable table top may be concealed in a stowed position beneath the principal work surface. A drawer may be located beneath the extensible table top. In addition to the named work surfaces, the end table may include a shelf located near a floor of the room in which the end table is used. The extensible and retractable supplementary surface may be pivotal relative to the principal work surface, such that its longitudinal axis may be oriented perpendicularly from its retracted orientation. The end table may be provided with switched power receptacles accessible from the user's position and also, at a rear side of the end table.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to furniture, and more particularly, to an end table adapted to provide extensible supplementary working surfaces enabling a user to work from a sofa or the like beside the end table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention contemplates an end table suitable for providing a work surface conveniently located in front of a sofa or other seating furniture adjacent to the end table. The work surface is accessible without obliging the user to move either the end table or the sofa and seating furniture. This is advantageous in a home office environment, where it is desirable that the end table be compact and unobtrusive in a non-use configuration, but able to expand horizontal surfaces for bearing objects and performing office type work. To this end, the novel end table may have a principal horizontal work surface and a smaller additional horizontal work surface, both fixed permanently in place. Utility of the permanent surfaces is enhanced by providing two extensible and retractable surfaces, one being for example a rectangular surface supplementing the fixed surfaces, and the other being a drawer. In addition to these surfaces, the end table may include a shelf located near a floor of the room in which the end table is used.

A unique feature is that the extensible and retractable supplementary surface may, in addition to extending and retracting, be pivotal relative to the principal work surface, such that its longitudinal axis may be oriented perpendicularly from its retracted orientation. This extends lateral reach of the supplementary surface, thereby enabling the end table to achieve its ultimate horizontal capacity without obliging a user to reposition the end table in the room, or move his or her chair to accommodate the maximum surface capacity. pull-out third horizontal work surface 122 pivot about pivot pin 148. Rather, pull-out third horizontal work surface 122 pivots about an axis 156. Provision of pivot pin 148 is merely one way to achieve the desired result.

Guide pin 152 may be solid, or alternatively, may comprise a rotatable bearing member.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 7, open floor compartment 158 is defined between opposed side frame members 102 (FIGS. 2, 4, and 6), and between horizontal floor shelf 124 and drawer 130 (FIG. 6). Floor compartment 158 is open at the proximal or front side of end table 100, and may be open or closed at the distal or rear side of end table 100. Where it is desired to be closed, backboard 144 (FIG. 7) may extend in vertical reach to close floor compartment 158.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.

The end table may be provided with integral electrical circuitry providing a switched power receptacle accessible from the user's position and also, at a rear side of the end table. The first power receptacle may be concealed within and accessible within a cubby hole defined between the large principal work surface and the relatively smaller additional work surface. The cubby hole may be utilized to store small personal articles such as electronic remote controllers, battery chargers and docking stations, cell phones, writing tools, glasses, and the like in a concealed yet readily accessible location. The first power receptacle may accommodate items such as battery chargers for electronics and other personal devices and desk situated appliances. The second power receptacle may accommodate a desk lamp which may for example have a long power cord, which power cord might otherwise objectionably occupy desk space if not for the rear located second power receptacle.

Various other advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features and attendant advantages of the novel end table will become more fully appreciated when considered in view of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts and/or features throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan environmental view of a multi-work surface endtable, showing a person seated beside the novel end table, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a multi-work surface end table, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of FIG. 2, with a movable work surface extended to a deployed position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of FIG. 2, with a different movable work surface extended to a deployed position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. 2, with a drawer extended to an open position; and

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of FIG. 2, with concealed internal components shown in dashed lines.

Drawings 1-7 are drawn to internal and external scale. By internal scale it is meant that the parts, components, and proportions thereof in the illustrated inventive example are drawn to scale relative to one another. External scale refers to scale of the illustrated example relative to scale of environmental elements or objects shown in the drawings, wherein inventive and environmental elements are drawn to scale relative to one another.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 a multi-work surface end table 100, comprising a frame 102 and at least two opposed legs 104 fixed to frame 102. A first horizontal work surface 106 is fixed to and spans at least two legs 104. First horizontal work surface 106 has a proximal end 108, and an opposed distal end 112.

A second horizontal work surface 114 is fixed to frame 102 above and spaced apart from first horizontal work surface 106, leaving at least one cubby hole 116 defined between first horizontal work surface 106 and second horizontal work surface 114. Cubby hole 116 is open toward proximal end 108 of first horizontal work surface 106. Second horizontal work surface 114 has a distal end 118 (coincident with distal end 112 in the embodiment of FIG. 27) proximate distal end 112 of first horizontal work surface 106, and an opposed proximal end 120 located and configured such that a majority of first horizontal work surface 106 may be exposed to view from above and for access from above first horizontal work surface 106. While cubby hole 116 is depicted as defining one space or opening, it will be appreciated that cubby hole 116 may be subdivided (this is not shown) so as to define more than one space or opening, or, alternatively described, plural cubby holes 116.

A pull-out third horizontal work surface 122 (FIG. 4) is supported on frame 102 below first horizontal work surface 106. Pull-out third horizontal work surface 122 may be supported on slides 132 ultimately anchored to frame 102, and may be movable between a stowed position (FIG. 7) beneath first horizontal work surface 106 and not extending horizontally beyond first horizontal work surface 106, and a deployed position (seen in FIG. 4). In the deployed position, a majority of pull-out third horizontal work surface 122 is exposed to view from above, and exposed for access from above, on a proximal side of first horizontal work surface 106. The proximal or front side of first horizontal work surface 106 is that containing proximal end 108.

In FIG. 1, user 110 is shown seated on a sofa 111. Sofa 111 and multi-work surface end table 100 are shown positioned against a wall or interior partition 113 of a room of a building (not shown in its entirety). Distal end 112 faces away from person 110 (shown in a work position seated near multi-work surface end table 100. Opposed distal end 112 located opposite proximal end 108.

The term “surface” will be understood to encompass a three dimensional member comprising the referenced surface, as well as structural substance providing structural support to the referenced surface, so that the referenced member may bear the weight of objects placed thereon (not shown), and forces arising from use of the referenced surface, and may further provide sufficient depth and other characteristics to accommodate grasping and maneuvering of the referenced surface. For example, first horizontal work surface 106 may comprise at least one wooden board (as shown), metallic stiffeners (not shown) if used, and other structural components (not shown) to enable first horizontal work surface to perform as an uppermost surface of a desk.

Frame 102 refers to structural components securing or supporting functional components, such as first horizontal works surface 106, second horizontal work surface 114, third horizontal work surface 122, and drawer 130 in their respective operative locations. Frame 102 does not necessarily refer to a single member or assembly. That is, frame 102 may comprise members isolated from one another.

Legs 104 are structural members supporting the balance of end table 100 above a floor or other horizontal environmental surface. Legs 104 may be integrated with frame 102 such that legs 104 are not visually distinct from frame 102.

First horizontal work surface 106 may extend into cubby hole 116, thereby providing a floor for cubby hole 116.

Description of slides 132 as being ultimately anchored to frame 102 means that slides 132 may be directly fixed to frame 102 or alternatively, there may be intervening elements between and fixed to at least one of frame 102 and slides 132.

It should be noted at this point that orientational terms such as horizontal and its variants, above, below, and beneath refer to the subject drawing as viewed by an observer. The drawing figures depict their subject matter in orientations of normal use, which could obviously change with changes in posture and position of the novel end table 100. Therefore, orientational terms must be understood to provide semantic basis for purposes of description, and do not limit the invention or its component parts in any particular way.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first”, “second”, etc., are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not either require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

Best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4-6, multi-work surface end table 100 may further comprise a horizontal floor shelf 124 fixed to frame 102 and spanning at least two of legs 104. Horizontal floor shelf 124 is located above a bottom surface 126 of the at least two legs 104 by a distance between one inch and twelve inches, and below a bottom surface 128 of pull-out third work surface 122 by a distance between twelve inches and twenty-four inches.

Multi-work surface end table 100 may further comprise a drawer 130 slidable between a deployed position (FIG. 6) and a stowed position (e.g., FIG. 2) beneath the first horizontal work surface 106 (and not extending horizontally beyond first horizontal work surface 106). In the deployed position, a majority of drawer 130 is exposed to view from above and for access from above on a proximal side of first horizontal work surface 106. The proximal side of first horizontal work surface 106 is that bearing proximal end 108. Drawer 130 may be supported on slides (not seen in FIG. 6) similar to slides 132 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and employed to extend and retract third horizontal working surface 122. Relative locations of drawer 130 and third horizontal work surface 122 may be reversed if desired, although it is contemplated that the latter is more easily concealed from view in the stowed position if located above drawer 130.

Referring now to FIG. 7, multi-work surface end table 100 of claim 1, further comprising electrical circuitry 134 including a first power receptacle 136 within at least one of the at least one cubby hole 116 and accessible to person 110 (FIG. 1) seated at multi-work surface end table 100, a switch 138 controlling power to first power receptacle 136, first insulated conductors (forming a portion of electrical circuitry 134) operably connecting switch 138 to first power receptacle 136, and second insulated conductors (forming another portion of electrical circuitry 134) providing a plug and cord assembly 140 connecting electrical power to switch 138 and extending outside bounds of the multi-work surface end table 100. Plug and cord assembly 140 is configured to be matingly compatible with a general power receptacle of a residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional building (not shown).

An optional backboard 144 may be provided to close multi-work surface end table 100 to view from the rear or distal side (that bearing distal end 118, FIGS. 2-6), and as a structural support for electrical components described herein. Backboard 144 may be truncated as desired to open floor compartment 158 (to be described hereinafter) to access and view from the rear.

Still referring to FIG. 7, multi-work surface end table 100 may further comprise a second power receptacle 142 accessible from a rear surface of multi-work surface end table 100, switch 138 controlling power to second power receptacle 142, electrical circuitry 134 operably connecting switch 138 to second power receptacle 142. Electrical circuitry 134 may include a plug and cord assembly connecting electrical power to switch 138 and extending outside bounds of multi-work surface end table 100, and configured to be matingly compatible with a general power receptacle of a residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional building (not shown). First and second power receptacles 136 and 142 may be separately switched if desired.

Referring specifically to FIG. 5, pull-out third horizontal work surface 122 is pivotal relative to first work surface 106, is elongated, and further comprises a carriage 146 borne on slides 132. Pull-out third horizontal work surface 122 is coupled to carriage 146 by a pivot pin 148 and can pivot about pivot pin 148. Carriage has an arcuate groove 150. Pull-out third horizontal work surface 122 has a guide pin 152 that occupies arcuate groove 150 and constrains pull-out third horizontal work surface 122 to pivot about pivot pin 148 to a final work position. Pull-out third horizontal work surface 122 may for example, be enabled to swing ninety degrees, as indicated by arrow 154.

Of course, a different arrangement (not shown) may be utilized to effect pivot of pull-out third horizontal work surface 122. It is not important that

Claims

1. A multi-work surface end table, comprising: a frame and at least two opposed legs fixed to the frame;a first horizontal work surface fixed to and spanning at least two of the at least two legs, the first horizontal work surface having a proximal end, and an opposed distal end;a second horizontal work surface fixed to the frame above and spaced apart from the first horizontal work surface, leaving at least one cubby hole defined between the first horizontal work surface and the second horizontal work surface, the at least one cubby hole open toward the proximal end of the first horizontal work surface, the second horizontal work surface having a distal end proximate the distal end of the first horizontal work surface, and an opposed proximal end located and configured such that a majority of the first horizontal work surface is exposed to view from above and for access from above the first horizontal work surface;a pull-out third horizontal work surface supported on the frame below the first horizontal work surface, the pull-out third horizontal work surface supported on slides ultimately anchored to the frame, and movable between a stowed position beneath the first horizontal work surface and not extending horizontally beyond the first horizontal work surface, anda deployed position wherein a majority of the pull-out third horizontal work surface is exposed to view from above and exposed for access from above, on a proximal side of the first horizontal work surface.

2. The multi-work surface end table of claim 1, further comprising a horizontal floor shelf fixed to the frame and spanning at least two of the at least two legs, the horizontal floor shelf located above a bottom surface of the at least two legs by a distance between one inch and twelve inches, and below a bottom surface of the pull-out third work surface by a distance between twelve inches and twenty-four inches.

3. The multi-work surface end table of claim 1, further comprising a drawer slidable between a stowed position beneath the first horizontal work surface and not extending horizontally beyond the first horizontal work surface, anda deployed position wherein a majority of the drawer is exposed to view from above and for access from above on a proximal side of the first horizontal work surface.

4. The multi-work surface end table of claim 1, further comprising electrical circuitry including a first power receptacle within at least one of the at least one cubby hole and accessible to a person seated at the multi-work surface end table, a switch controlling power to the power receptacle, first insulated conductors operably connecting the switch to the first power receptacle, and second insulated conductors providing a plug and cord assembly connecting electrical power to the switch and extending outside bounds of the multi-work surface end table, and configured to be matingly compatible with a general power receptacle of a residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional building.

5. The multi-work surface end table of claim 4, further comprising a second power receptacle accessible from a rear surface of the multi-work surface end table, the switch controlling power to the second power receptacle, the electrical circuitry operably connecting the switch to the second power receptacle, the electrical circuitry including a plug and cord assembly connecting electrical power to the switch and extending outside bounds of the multi-work surface end table, and configured to be matingly compatible with a general power receptacle of a residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional building.

6. The multi-work surface end table of claim 1, wherein the pull-out third horizontal work surface is pivotal relative to the first work surface, elongated, and further comprises a carriage borne on the slides, wherein the pull-out third horizontal work surface is coupled to the carriage by a pivot pin and can pivot about the pivot pin,the carriage has an arcuate groove, andthe pull-out third horizontal work surface has a guide pin that occupies the arcuate groove and constrains the pull-out third horizontal work surface to pivot about the pivot pin to a final work position.