GB2276313A - Table with integral ironing area - Google Patents

Abstract

A table incorporates and conceals an ironing board, surface or platform. In the embodiment illustrated, table top A folds backwards to reveal an ironing platform C, which is capable of elevation from a recessed position. The table may incorporate a compartment for the storage of an iron. Table height is capable of adjustment and may be effected either by manual or mechanical means of various forms. As illustrated, interlocking side panels B rise up on guides G, and may be secured by safety locks, In the instance given, shelving sections H/Hi/Hii attached to side panels B, space out as the height of the unit increases. <IMAGE>

Description

TABLE DITCH INTEGRATED IRONING AREA This invention relates to a table incorporating a concealed ironing board or ironing area, constituting a dual-purpose item of furniture /equipment0 Ironing boards are not aesthetically attractive. Most premises are faced with the storage problem of a cumbersome item which cannot always be conveniently located - a particular concern where space is at a premium0 Irons also require storage space. When required for use, time and effort are involved in setting-up a board then, subsequently, returning it to its storage location.This activity is a possible problem for the elderly or infirm This invention addresses these problems by providing for an ironing board and iron to be permanently sited in a preferred position, in an unobtrusive yet useful modem According to this present invention, there is provided a table which incorporates an ironing board, or ironing surface or ironing platform and, optionally, an iron storage compartment0 Provision is made for the transformation of a table for a secondary use, whereby re-arrangement of the table configuration reveals or brings into use the ironing area0 The height of the table and/or the ironing platform concealed within it may be adjusted, depending upon specific design or personal requirement0 Height adjustment may be obtained by any means, either manual or mechanical, including electronic or hydraulic methods, dependent upon the specific design format.

In such instances as design specifications require, a compartment for housing an iron can be incorporated within a table. Where electronics are an integral feature of a design, a built-in power supply for the iron may be facilitated.

Where design options allow, shelving may be incorporated as an integral feature of a table.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described.

In- each instance, references to drawings are by way of example only and features are not to be regarded as being mutually exclusive to any one version of the innovation. Further, drawings serve to illustrate technical features or principles only and are not to be regarded as singular design options of the invention.

Fig.l illustrates surface area of a table, with the lid completely removed or swung open, to reveal an ironing board or platform.

Fig. 2a illustrates a segmented table top.

Fig. 2b illustrates the pulling or sliding apart of the sections, to reveal an ironing board or platform.

Fig. 3 illustrates a table top moving in an arc of one hundred and eighty degrees, thereby providing an ironing surface, housed within the table top, ready for use.

Figs. 4a and 4c illustrate an ironing surface incorporated in a sliding "tray" format, the tray moving forwards or side ways from the body of the table. As an alternative, the board or platform could be retained on a framework which could slide or swing into place, (as positions in illustration), from a recessed location.

Fig. 4b illustrates a variation of Fig. 3, whereby the table top moves in an arc of one hundred and eighty degrees, to reveal an ironing surface within the main structure of the table. Design options would allow either, for the board.

to be in recessed position, as in this example or, for there to be a recess within the upper section of table.

Figs. 5a and 5b illustrate the principle of an ironing platform provided on the underside of a table. The whole table could be rotated through one hundred and eighty degrees to reveal the ironing area.

Fig. 6 illustrates the option of a compartment, within the table, for housing an iron. A standing plate or grid is also shown.

The iron could be powered from an internal socket or connection, in specific models where circuitry was installed.

Table height adjustment may be effected by various means and in relation to specific design aspects. The ironing board or platform may also be required to be elevated, proud of its surrounding area, and, by way of example: Fig. 7 illustrates a board on upright supports, being raised from or lowered into recesses within the surrounding base area.

Fig. 8 illustrates a board in fixed position. The board's housing is "box" style, the sides of the box being capable of folding or sliding down to position indicated, leaving the board standing proud of its surrounding area.

Fig. 9 illustrates a board with (traditional) cross-member method of support. Begs would collapse to facilitate board returning to a flush position.

Fig. 10 illustrates a linked spring or lever mechanism, whereby the ironing platform is raised in conjunction with and simultaneously with the opening of the lid or table top.

Fig. 11 illustrates an "extending arm" principle of elevation.

Fig. 12 illustrates telescopic supports as a means of elevation.

Fig. 13 illustrates a hydraulic ram as means of elevation.

By way of example and in order to demonstrate some of the functional aspects of the invention, as described previously, reference is now made to further illustrations, Figs. 14 - 17, in order to highlight combined application of such features.

With reference to Fig. 14, there is illustrated a table with top A, side panels B and a base shelf H. In the example shown, there is a layered arrangement, whereby a series of shelves with attached side panels are contained, one upon the other. Side panels are interlocking, facilitating an upward / downward sliding movement for the purpose of elevation.

Fig. 15 exemplifies a hinged construction for top A, which moves backwards in an arc of two hundred and seventy degrees, coming to rest at the rear of the table. The opened top reveals a recessed ironing board or ironing area C. Also illustrated is an optional iron storage compartment D and standing plate E. Integral circuitry would provide an in-built power connection.

Fig. 16 illustrates board C elevated from its recessed position.

In the instance given, the board is supported on struts -F which, when not required, can be collapsed, lowered or dismantled. tocking pins may be required, according to design, as a safety measure.

To facilitate ironing, all that may be necessary, dependent upon design and personal requirement, is to open, remove or re-arrange the table top, so as to expose the ironing surface. Additionally, the ironing area may be elevated, subject to need.

Fig. 17 illustrates the fully elevated table. In the example given, the inter-locking side panels B have risen up on guides or runners G. Elevation may be achieved either by manual or mechanical/electronic means, involving release catches or switches. Safety catches may be required, according to design, to secure the table in elevated mode.

Again, in the example shown, the layered shelves H, H/i, H/ii have separated during the course of elevation, thus providing temporary storage space.

To restore the unit to its original form, the table is lowered, the board re-located in its recess and the top re-positioned.

Claims (6)

CTAIMS

1. A table incorporating and concealing an ironing board or ironing surface or ironing platform.

2. A table incorporating an ironing area, as claimed in Claim 1, which may be adjusted in height.

3. A table, as claimed in Claims 1 or 2, which incorporates an ironing board or platform which may be adjusted in height.

4. A table, as claimed in Claim 3, which incorporates storage space for an iron.

5. A table as claimed in any preceding claim which yields shelving provision in its elevated mode.

6. A table / ironing board combination, as described herein, with reference to Figs. 1 - 17 of the accompanying drawings.