CA2280215A1 - Multi-functional surface delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

The Multi-functional Surface Delivery System as described within this submission is an invention providing a bi-directional work surface encapsulated within a piece of fine furniture, that can be deployed for a myriad of tasks such as laptop use or meal consumption. Work surface movement is bi-directional providing the user with both an end table or tray system, which can be positioned internally over seats (as a tray) or externally (forming an end table). The Multi-functional Surface Delivery System is comprised of a work surface, with two-associated guide slots, placed within two dowels, all securely fastened to the associated furniture. Dowel and guide slots provide smooth movement of the work surface during both deployment and storage of the Multi-functional Surface Delivery System. Additional features include work surface extraction slits, located within the guide slots permitting removal of the subsystem from the fine furniture facilitating both cleaning and / or replacement.

Description

Backgiround of the Invention Preferred Embodiment This invention relates a multi-functional work surface to a variety of furniture seating products wherein this work surface may be positioned in varying horizontal alignments, thus permitting functionality for performing tasks while in the seated position, such as meal consumption, or as an end table, capable of supporting lamp fixtures, telephones, books or the like.
Previous Patents to The Multi-functional Surface Delivery System is a continuation of Concordian Chesterfield's efforts to increase functionality within fine furniture enhancing aesthetics, style and design. Concordian Chesterfield's Tray Delivery System (Canadian Patent application number 2,275,453; U.S. Patent application number 29/106,973; and U.S. Patent application number 09/338,592) involves the deployment of a tray system from varying positions within the frame base of fine furniture, thereby permitting placement of the tray subsystem within a multitude of furniture styles. Previously patented tray systems typically present tray placements within a variety of possible positions on various styles of furniture. Typical to these patents is the placement of a tray on either the outside edge of the furniture piece, hence 2o forming an end table type armature, or placed centrally forming a tray system or similar device. An example of central placement can be found within U.S.
Patent 2,160,513, which is referred to as a "sofa bridge". This "sofa bridge" forms a utility surface capable of supporting various objects within comfortable reach that a seated individual could use such as, drinking glasses, magazines, etc. The utility surface in U.S. Patent 2,160,513 can be rotated backward revealing another seating position within the furniture piece. As such, the furniture piece exhibits no visible signs that the "sofa bridge" is concealed within. Concealment as well as a stable utility surface are both clear advantages of U.S. Patent 2,160,513; however, central placement inherent to this invention is essentially limited to wider body furniture pieces such as sofas and loveseats, therefore restricting furniture placement.
1o Other patented inventions typically focus on the implementation of tray surfaces within or attached to the arm of a piece of fine furniture as this provides a stable platform and convenient storage area. Furniture arms use reinforced construction and are typically hollow thus accommodating the foregoing. U.S. Patent 4,834,449 utilizes the internal space within the furniture arm as storage for the "Collapsible table assembly." Extraction of the table assembly is obtained through a forward pull followed by a series of folding motions thereby forming the table surface. In U.S.
Patent 4,834,449 the forward position of the table is limited to use over an individuals lap requiring the individual to sit forward during activities such as meal consumption.
As well the forward position also inhibits traffic flow within the area as is consumes 2o space directly in front of the associated piece of furniture.
A similar assembly can be found within U.S. Patent 4,372,604 which also entails a forward pull of the tray system followed by a single rotation motion forming a table /

arm rest surface. This "stowable armrest table assembly" is designed for implementation within transportation vehicles such as trains. While U.S.
Patent 4,372,604 results in a functional surface, the overall width of the "stowable armrest table assembly" is limited to the concealment space provided within the associated arm, which can limit the range of useful functionality.
Another patent which implements tray storage within the arm of associated furniture is U.S. Patent 5,050,929. Similar to previously mentioned patents, storage of this "auxiliary furniture tray system" is achieved within the arm cavity of the associated 1o piece of furniture. The "auxiliary furniture tray system" is extracted from the storage cavity through an upward pull of the tray until it meets its maximum allowable vertical height, at which point, the tray is rotated over the seating area.
Tray positioning within this patent is an improvement over previously mentioned patents as the tray contains greater utility area and sits directly over the seated individual's lap. The advantage of the "auxiliary furniture tray system" is that the tray is also capable of depth adjustment, permitting positioning according to individual body size and/or preference. The tray is also capable of being removed from the storage area for cleaning or replacement purposes. Movement of the tray is achieved through guide tracks contained within the arm cavity, which borders the tray. While this 2o invention utilizes guides to assist the vertical movement of the tray, in both extraction and retraction, the physical contact made between the guide track and the tray's surface will tend to result in surface scaring under repetitive use.
Additional limitations surrounding U.S. Patent 5,050,929 stem from the use of a "corner strut" as the main support for the tray, which tends to limit the amount of vertical loading the individual may place at any given time on its uppermost surface. Furthermore, U.S.
Patent 5,050,929 suffers from a loss of arm functionality in the extracted position as the "arm rest covers" transverse the horizontal axis of the arm revealing an unusable arm rest or support for the seated individual or an individual exiting from the seating position. The possibility of tray malfunctioning exists in the event the tray is struck in an upward motion as in the case of a seated individual crossing or uncrossing his /
her leg(s). Such motions can result in unintentional tray detachment.
1o Inventions depicting arm functionality also include tray systems and the like, positioned or attached to the outside edge of the associated piece of furniture.
Circumlocution of the arm in such inventions typically result in the manifestation of end table functionality to support placement of objects such as drinking glasses, books and TV remotes. U.S. Patent 4,508,038 presents one method of attaching an end table surface within fine furniture. In the open position the end table is actually positioned forward of the arm and supported via leg assemblies. U.S. Patent 4,508,038 like others so mentioned, also store related components and subsystems within the arm. The main deficiency is that the assembly and storage of the end table is time intensive, mainly due to the complexity of the required operations in performing these functions, which limits its ability to be stored and extracted on a regular basis. Therefore, once assembled the end table occupies significant space within the surrounding area thus inhibiting traffic flow. In this light, no significant feature or direct benefit can be achieved over a conventional end table or ottoman.

Discussion Improvements on Previous Desigins / Patents A common concept so discussed in many of the previously noted patents is the attempt to fully utilize the arm of the associated furniture as the primary storage vehicle and support mechanism for tray attachment. Inherent difficulties surround some of these patents in that they are cumbersome to assemble and disassemble thereby preventing quick extraction and subsequent storage. Fluid motion of the related subassemblies and / or components can be at best rather difficult to accomplish. In general, these inventions are successful in accomplishing their 1o designed tasks as either a tray or end table surface; however, combining these two levels of functionality into a single delivery system has not yet been accomplished.
This is no longer the case with the introduction of the "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System" which integrates both tray and end table functionality within a piece of fine furniture. The "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System" is an improvement on previously noted patents for the following reasons.
Tray surface scratching does not occur within the "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System" as dowels interact as the main contact points for the tray permitting smooth movement during extraction and storage of the tray subsystem. Friction is localized 2o within the "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System" as dowels provide the only point of contact with both Guide-rails and guide-slots. Dowels act as the main pivot axis for the tray within the "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System" making rotation motions for the seated individual both "smooth" and "simple" to perform. A

previously noted patent utilized a "single block" to create the pivot motions required in placing the tray over an individuals lap thereby creating the possibility of unintentional tray extraction.
Previously noted patents do allow for tray extraction via "arm slots" as does the "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System" through an "extraction slot;"
however, in the former, arm functionality is compromised as the "arm rest covers" are no longer available for use to the seated individual.
1o Significant concerns surround the maximum load and vertical displacement of previously noted patents in the area of tray use. Reinforcement methods, which enforce level placement of the tray subsystem, may fatigue under typical modes of operation. In comparison the "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System"
utilizes reinforced beams that maintain horizontal level placement even when considerable loading is applied.
Summary of the Invention This invention involves the adaptation of a tray delivery system to fine furniture thereby creating a suitable tray surface with mufti positional qualities that can 2o function both as a tray surface for coverage of an individuals lap, and also function as an end table for supporting a multitude of items such as lamps and / or other accessory items. Multiple positioning is achieved through dual slots contained in the inner and outer arm. Storage of the tray is within the arm cavity and concealed through both an "inner" and "outer" cap. As such, the "Multi-functional Surface Delivery System's" variability in positioning can result in a multitude of uses while not detracting from any of the aesthetics or styling concerns within the associated furniture.

Brief Overview of Drawings The following drawings graphically represents specifications as listed within this submission and employ numerical references to all presented components whenever possible.
Figure 1 - is a front perspective view of the associated furniture containing the to "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System" shown with an outer tray slot and with tray in the fully extended open position. Also shown is an inner arm cap and an outer arm cap contained within the right arm, thereby concealing the "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System" within the arm cavity.
Figure 2 - is an identical perspective of an associated furniture piece containing the "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System" shown with inner tray extraction option - only.
Figure 3 - is an isolated view of the associated furniture arm from the associated furniture frame providing a clear internal perspective of both the arm's basic structure and components necessary for internal tray extraction only.
2o Figure 4 - is a focused perspective on the associated furniture arm depicting the initial movements necessary for deployment of "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System." The arrow indicates the initial direction of movement.
-II-Figure 4a - is an identical perspective of figure 4 showing the final stage of inner deployment of the tray as it rotates over the associated furniture-seating cushion. The arrow indicates the direction of rotation of the tray.
Figure 5 - depicts the tray fully deployed on the inside edge of the associated furniture. The arm and seating cushion have been cut away to give a clear view of the arm cavity infrastructure, which is where the tray is stored when not in use.
The tray is outlined transparent in order to provide a clear view of important internal components such as the tray support bar and support dowel.
Figure 6 - is a front face-on perspective on the left arm of the associated furniture 1o with the front of the arm partially cut away, clearly showing the internal arm structure. The associated furniture arm contains the "Multi-functional Surface Delivery System," which is shown with the tray in the extracted internal position.
The outer slot is also visible as well as the motions required to extract the tray from the internal slot.
Figure 7 - consists of four sub figures each providing a similar perspective of the "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System" within the associated piece of furniture.
Each subsequent sub figure shows the motion of the tray as it is positioned into the external end table configuration.
Description of Drawings 2o The "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System" presented within this patent application is embodied within two related configuration sets, of which both consist of a similar manner of operation. The similarity in operation permits easy interchangeability between configurations requiring little modification to the associated furniture piece. Henceforth, with reference to all figures presented within this submission, the "Multi-functional Surface Delivery System" has been designated by the reference number 10 except where specific mention is made regarding a particular configuration, at which point the "Multi-functional Surface Delivery System" with inner tray extraction only will be referenced by the abbreviation MFSD-V and the numeral S; whereas the "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System"
with inner and outer extraction capabilities will be referenced by the abbreviation MFSD-B and the numeral 6 respectively.
1o As shown within Figure 1, the "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System" 10 is encapsulated within a typical piece of fine furniture which includes two arms 13, two seating cushions 2, two seating backs l, four legs 9, and other common internal/external attachments such as the front facing 12. The associated furniture 14, can be covered using a variety of materials including but not limited to wood, fabric, and / or leather. Placement of the "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System"

under both configurations of MFSD-V 5 and MFSD-B 6 within the furniture arm 13 is as presented in Figures 1 and 2 respectively. The furniture arm 13, performs two important functions as (i) main support structure providing strength and stability in the open positions, and (ii) as a storage facility the furniture arm cavity 16 when not in use.
All components of the associated piece of furniture 14 can be altered significantly except for the furniture arm 13, as all other components do not directly inhibit the normal operation of the "Multi-functional Surface Delivery System" 10. The aesthetics surrounding the furniture arm 13 is constrained to size limitations dependent on the "Multi-functional Surface Delivery System" 10. First the arm must be of sufficient size to permit the encapsulation of the tray 15 and related components and subsystems during storage. This includes both height and width of the arm 13 as the tray 15 is vertically positioned during storage, as shown within Figure 4. The arm 13 also requires sufficient internal support structures in addition to those implemented through the "Mufti-functional Surface Delivery System" 10 in order to maintain durability of the associated furniture piece 14. Aesthetics of the 1o arm 13 also dictate the design and style of the related inner caps) 7 and outer caps) 8 which cover the inner slots) 7 and outer slots) 8 respectively.
The MFSD-V 5 embodies a single position tray system that opens internally over a single seating area within the associated furniture 14 as shown within Figure 2.
Under this configuration, the MFSD-V 5 operates through the placement of two individual guide rails 21 within the arm cavity 16 clearly as clearly shown within Figure 3. Two guide dowels 22 are attached to the edges of the tray 15 and secured within guide rails 21. Total range of motion for the tray 15 is confined to the space contained within the guide rails 21.
The MFSD-B 6 differentiates from the MFSD-V 5 as the placement of the dowels and rails are reversed in position. Two support dowels 26 are secured to two vertical support rails 25 within the arm cavity 16. The tray 15 for the MFSD-B 6 contains two guide slots 11 along the tray's 15 length. The tray 15 is inserted within the arm cavity 16 with the support dowels 26 sitting within the tray's guide slots 11.
Tray 15 motions are achieved by directing the guide slots 11 movement in both vertical and horizontal directions via the support dowels 26. Containing the guide slots 11 within the tray 15 permits the additional benefit of repositioning the tray 15, externally in relation to the associated arm 13 resulting in a mufti-functional end table surface. In addition, this configuration also includes a method of removing the tray 15 from the MFSD-B 6 for purposes of cleaning or replacement through the inclusion of two extraction slits 24 within the tray's 15 contained guide slots 11.
to Modifications to a furniture arm 13, or similar feature, include the reinforcement of several important areas through the use of horizontal support beams 17, tray stabilizer beam 27, and vertical struts 18 as shown within Figure 3. Additional modification are accomplished through the creation of cuts within the top and side of the arm forming the inner tray slot 3 and the outer tray slot 4. The inclusion of inner tray slots) 3 and outer tray slots) 4 is subject to whether the individual wishes the functionality of both inner and outer tray 15 placements. Under the MFSD-B 6 both inner slots) 3 and outer slots) 4 are created within one or both arms 13.
While under the MFSD-V 5, only the inner slots) 3 is created within one or both arms 13, since 2o the MFSD-V 5 is limited to inner placement of the tray 15. The existence of both inner slots) 3 and outer slots) 4 results in modifications to the chosen arm's upholstery 23 whether fabric or otherwise.

As so noted, arm 13 modifications include the attachment of a horizontal support beam 17 located on the inner portion of the arm 13. A tray stabilizer beam 27 which is placed within the top center of the arm 13. As such, the tray stabilizer beam 27 and horizontal support beam 17 provide main contact support during inner tray 15 placements. The inner edge of the tray 1 S rests against the tray stabilizer beam 27, while the horizontal support beam 17 provides underpinning for the tray 15 from beneath. Support beams 19 typically found in the associated furniture arm 13 or similar feature, are augmented through the attachment of vertical struts 18 connecting the horizontal support beam 17 to the existing support beams 19.
Outer tray placement requires the further addition of an outer horizontal support beam that supports the tray 15 when positioned for end table use. Placement of this horizontal support beam 20 is clearly shown in Figure 6. In addition, an outer arm board 28 is also secured to the arm 13, which contains the outer tray slot 4.
These 15 two components combined, provide the same support and stability in outer tray placement that the horizontal support beam 17 provides for the tray 15 during inner tray placement.
Inner tray 15 deployment is accomplished when a seated individual pulls the tray 15 2o vertically upwards until reaching maximum height. At maximum height, the position of the tray 15 is shown in Figure 4 with an arrow indicating the direction of movement. At this point, the tray 15 is rotated downwards over the seating cushion 2 stopping as the tray 15 makes contact with the horizontal support beam 17 and the tray stabilizer beam 27 as shown in Figure 5. To this end, the direction of motion (indicated with an arrow) is fully depicted in Figure 4a.
Outer tray 15 placement is accomplished following inner tray deployment.
Subsequently, a seated individual horizontally pushes the tray 15 towards the arm 13 causing the tray 1 S to protrude from the exterior of the arm 13 through the outer tray slot 4. The tray 15 is fully extended once the support dowels make contact with the end of the guide slots 11. The MFSD-B 6 is capable of having the tray 15 placed in any position between these two continuums. Therefore, the tray 15 functionality as 1o both an inner tray and outer end table is simultaneously possible through various depth settings.
Tray 15 can be removed from related subassemblies in order to perform cleaning, maintenance or exchange. Individuals may wish to exchange trays 15 for reasons of aesthetics or functionality. Tray 15 removal is depicted in Figure 6 and is accomplished through a tilting of the tray 1 S upwards followed by a corresponding diagonal pull towards the seated individual. These motions permit the extraction slits 24 to disengage the tray 15 from the support dowels 26.

Claims (6)

1. A "Multi-functional Surface Delivery System" comprising of the following components:
- A planar tray with guide slots and extraction slits contained on both sides, with an overall length of said tray no greater than the height of the cavity found within the associated furniture arm.
- A furniture frame with at least one said arm or similar feature with sufficient height, width, and depth to allow containment of said cavity and associated said tray component, with inside opening to permit inner deployment of said tray, and outer slot opening for end table configuration where said arm is further composed of:
- a front arm facing, an identical back arm facing, top and bottom beams connecting said front arm facing with said back arm facing, multiple beams of smaller size extending from front to back for improving said arm stability, and corner blocks and wedges in both bottom corners front and back within said arm.

- two vertical support beams spaced apart a distance greater than said tray width, and containing support dowels near the top edge of said vertical support beams, which guide said tray through all ranges of motion.
- a first horizontal bar of perfect level placed within the inner side of said arm providing main contact support for said tray during the inner open position and with sufficient height to permit clearance for a seated individual.
- a second horizontal bar of perfect level placed on the outer side of said arm at an equal vertical height to first said horizontal bar providing support for said tray during outer placement of said tray.
- a third and higher horizontal bar of perfect level placed front and center in said arm and higher than said first horizontal bar within said arm, providing support for the inside edge location of said tray.
- An inner slot cut in the inner top of said arm of said frame of greater width than said tray permitting the smooth and easy movement of said tray during inner deployment and storage within said arm cavity.
- An outer slot cut on the outer side of said arm allowing for easy passage of said tray to said end table configuration.

2. The "Multi-functional Surface Delivery System" as defined in claim 1 wherein:
- said tray extraction involves a vertical movement which is achieved through a manual pull by the individual, seated or otherwise, wherein this vertical movement continues until said support dowel makes contact with the inner edge of said guide slot within said tray, which results in said tray being tilted downwards until perpendicular resting position is achieved.

3. The said components of the "Multi-functional Surface Delivery System" as defined in claim 1 wherein:
- said guide slots and said extraction slits on said tray are replaced with two guide dowels placed on both sides of said tray.
- said vertical support beams contain said guide slots instead of said support dowels providing smooth and easy movement of said tray with said guide dowels.

4. The "Multi-functional Surface Delivery System" as defined in claims 1 and 3, wherein:
- either "Multi-functional Surface Delivery Systems" can be adapted to various types of seating furniture, including but not limited to: sofas, loveseats, chesterfields, couches, chaises, chairs and other pieces of furniture including those with at least one arm rest.

5. The "Multi-functional Surface Delivery System" as defined in claim 4 wherein:
- said outer slot opening is removed permitting only inward positioning of said tray

6. The "Multi-functional Surface Delivery System" as defined in claim 4 wherein:
- said inner slot(s) and said outer slot(s) are covered through an inner cap(s) and outer cap(s) which completes the full concealment of the "Multi-functional Surface Delivery System" during storage.