GB2465155A

GB2465155A - Table device for use with an item of furniture

Info

Publication number: GB2465155A
Application number: GB0820248A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Denis O'neill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-11-05
Filing date: 2008-11-05
Publication date: 2010-05-12
Anticipated expiration: 2028-11-05
Also published as: US20100107932A1; GB0820248D0; GB2465155B; EP2183995A1

Abstract

A table device 10 comprises vertical support member 20 and table platform 30, which is movable from first position 32 in which platform 30 is parallel and adjacent to a vertical side portion such as first side 102 of item of furniture 100 to second position 36 in which platform 30 extends horizontally over furniture 100. A second support member 20 may be provided and support member/s 20 may comprise a structural component of furniture 100. Horizontal strut (24, Fig 3) may extend from first side 102 to second side 108 of furniture 100 and may form a frame with support members 20. Fastening means, which may comprise a clamp, may be used to attach support members 20 to furniture 100, and may be adjustable to accommodate different sizes of furniture 100. Platform 30 maybe movably coupled to support 20 in a cantilever or pivot arrangement. The device 10 may have locking means to secure platform 30 in position. The platform 30 may include an arm (38, Fig 13) terminating in a ball bearing (50, Fig 13) that is movably connected to support member 20. Slots (60, Fig 13) may be provided to maintain platform 30 in a number of positions about a vertical axis. The height of the platform 30 may be adjusted and a plurality of platforms 30 may be provided. The device 10 may include a light source and a screen to limit the light emitted.

Description

Table Device

The present invention relates to table devices which are attachable to an item of furniture.

S It is known to provide table devices which can be used by a user who is sitting in a chair or sitting or lying on a bed. Such a table device can be convenient for many reasons. These include supporting food and/or drinks, or books, or electronic devices such as laptops, DVD players and the like, or as a platform to allow writing. In particular, the weight and the heat emitted from a laptop can be uncomfortable when the laptop is in direct contact with the user.

Known table devices are typically freely movable as a complete unit, for instance the complete device is mounted on castors and is rollable along the floor. The table device often comprises a table platform which is attached to, and immovable relative to, a support member in a cantilever arrangement. This is intended to allow the table device to be brought close to the item of furniture without the vertical leg of the support member interfering with a portion of the item of furniture.

However, to maintain stability, particularly when the table device is supporting a load, the support member requires horizontal struts which extend in the same direction and substantially as far as the table platform. Therefore, the device is only really suitable for * : *: :* items of furniture which include a substantial gap at floor level to accommodate the . horizontal struts. However, many beds, armchairs and the like have a base which is close to S...

the floor. Even if the item of furniture has such a gap, the table device can often not be * zs brought close enough to the user due to the presence of adjacent furniture, such as bedside * S....

* cabinets and the like. Furthermore, the device, when not in use, takes up a considerable volume of space due to the permanent presence of the horizontal struts and the horizontally orientated table platform.

An example of a table device which has a table platform which is movable relative to its support member is a device, such as found in hospitals, where a horizontal table platform can slide along a guide rail provided at each side of the bed from the foot of the bed to a suitable position for the user. The table device is always in a horizontal orientation.

However, the table platform (in whichever position) and the guide rails are obtrusive and can be an inconvenience for the user when in bed or when getting in or out of bed.

Furthermore, the bed is specially adapted for the table device and the table device is not attachable to a standard item of furniture without substantial modification.

According to the present invention there is provided a table device comprising: a substantially vertical support member adapted to be positionable adjacent to an item of furniture; and a table platform movably coupled to the support member such that the table device is movable from a first position in which the table platform is substantially parallel and adjacent to a vertical portion of the item of furniture to a second deployed position in which the table platform is substantially horizontal and extends over a horizontal portion of the item of furniture.

The table device may be adapted to take up a low horizontal space when the table platform is at the first position. Such a table device allows the placement of other items, such as a bedside table, close to the item of furniture. The table device may be adapted to take up a low volume when the table platform is at the first position.

The table platform may extend laterally over the horizontal portion of the item of furniture when at the second deployed position. * * S...

The support member may be provided at a first side of the item of furniture and a second

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S... * * 2. support member may be provided at a second opposing side of the item of furniture.

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The support member may be a structural component of the item of furniture.

The support member may include a horizontal strut adapted to extend from the first side to the second opposing side of the item of furniture. The horizontal strut may have a low vertical height, such as 0.5 to 3 mm. The horizontal strut may extend between the first and second support members.

The table device comprising at least two support members and at least one horizontal strut may form a frame adjacent to the item of furniture. Such a table device can be inherently stable and requires no further supporting means.

The table device may include fastening means for fastening the support member to an item of furniture. The fastening means may be adapted to attach to the first side of the item of furniture. Alternatively or in addition, the fastening means may be adapted to attach to the second opposing side of the item of furniture. Alternatively or in addition, the fastening means may be adapted to attach to a third portion of the item of furniture.

The fastening means may be adjustable in one or both of height and width to accommodate different sizes of the item of furniture. The fastening means may comprise a clamp fixing or a screwed fixing or any other suitable known means. The horizontal strut may extend between the first and second clamps.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the table platform may be movably coupled to the support member in a cantilever arrangement. The table platform may be pivotably coupled to the support member from a first position in which the table platform is substantially parallel and adjacent to the first side of the item of furniture. The table platform may be pivotable from the first position to a first intermediary position. The table *:*::* platform may be horizontally oriented at the first intermediary position and the table . platform is further pivotable to a deployed position. Alternatively, the table platform may be vertically oriented at the first intermediary position and the table platform is further * S. .* * 25 pivotable to a second intermediary position in which the table platform is horizontally * S...

* oriented and the table platform is further pivotable to a deployed position. ** * S * S..

The table device may include releasable locking means for locking the table platform at one or both of the first and second positions. The locking means may be further adapted to lock the table platform at one or both of the first and second intermediary positions.

The table platform may extend away from the item of furniture when at the first intermediary position. The table platform may be freely pivotable from the first position to a first intermediary position. This allows a user on the item of furniture to easily move the table platform away from and towards the deployed position.

The table platform may include a table arm which is movably connected to the support member. The table arm may terminate in a ball bearing which is rollably housed within a housing provided at the support member. The housing may include one or more slots adapted to receive the table arm when it is moved from the first position to maintain the table platform at a horizontal orientation.

A plurality of slots may be provided such that the table platform can be maintained at a horizontal orientation at a number of positions about a vertical axis. One of the plurality of slots may correspond to the second deployed position. Alternatively, the housing may be rotatable about a vertical axis of, and relative to, the support member.

The table device may be adapted such that the height of the table platform from the floor is adjustable when the table platform is at the second position.

A plurality of table platforms may be movably coupled to the support member. Each table platform may be independently movably coupled to the support member. * S. * . .

*.... According to a second embodiment of the invention, the item of furniture may comprise a S...

bed and the table platform may be pivotably coupled to the support member from a first * .S.I * 25: position in which the table platform is substantially parallel and adjacent to a head or a foot * S portionofthebed. S. S.

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The table platform may be substantially parallel and adjacent to a headboard member of the bed. The fastening means may be adapted to attach to the headboard member of the bed.

The surface of the table platform which opposes the load bearing surface may be adapted to substantially match the headboard member. The surface may be padded. The headboard member may include a recess for receiving the table platform.

The table device may be adapted to support one or more of food and/or a drink, a tray, a book, an electronic device, and medical equipment.

The table device may include holding means for releasably holding an item supported on the table platform. The table device may include an angular support for supported an item at an angle relative to the horizontal table platform. The angular support may be adjustable to provide a number of angular positions. The angular support may comprise a triangular member.

The table device may include a light source. The light source may be provided at the table platform. The table device may include a screen to limit the light that is emitted in one or more directions.

Alternatively the table platform may be substantially parallel and adjacent to the foot of the bed. The table platform may be adapted to support a television, DVD player, CD player or the like.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: *: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a table device attached to a bed, the :": table platform shown at a first, intermediary and second position; * S * *** Figure 2 is a detailed perspective view of the fastening means of the table device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a table device attached to a bed, the table platform omitted for clarity; Figure 4 is a detailed perspective view of the fastening means of the table device of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a table device attached to a bed; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a table device which includes a frame; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a table device attached to a bed; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a table device attached to an bed; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a table device which includes a frame; Figure 10 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a table device attached to a bed; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a table device attached to a sofa; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of a table device attached to an armchair; Figure 13 is a detailed exploded perspective view of locking means for any of the previous embodiments of the table device; and S* * . *S..

Figure 14 is another detailed perspective view of the locking means of Figure 13.

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* Figure 1 shows a table device 10 which comprises a vertical support member 20 and a table platform 30. The support member 20 is provided at a first side 102 of a bed 100. The table platform 30 is movable from a first position 32, in which the table platform 30 is vertical and is parallel and adjacent to the first side 102, to an intermediary position 34, in which the table platform 30 is horizontal and extends away from the bed 102. This is achieved by pivoting the table platform 30 upwards until the table platform 30 and associated table arm 38 is horizontal. The table device 10 is further movable from this intermediary position 34 to a second deployed position 36, in which the table platform 30 is horizontal and extends laterally over a horizontal portion of the bed 100. The height of the table platform 30 from the floor is adjustable when the table platform 30 is at the second position.

In an alternative embodiment, the table platform 30 is pivotable about a lateral horizontal axis (with respect to the bed) from the first position 32 to an intermediary position in which the table platform 30 is still vertical and parallel and adjacent to the first side 102 but a table arm 38 of the table platform 30 is now horizontal. The table platform 30 is adapted so that it can be rotated about the axis of the arm 38 until the table platform 30 is horizontal. The table device 10 is further pivotable about the vertical axis of the support member 20 from this intermediary position 34 to the second deployed position 36.

The support member 20 includes a stand 22 which is relatively narrow in all horizontal directions. Indeed, the stand 22 extends only in the longitudinal direction with respect to the bed 100 and not in a lateral direction. Stability in the lateral direction is achieved in other ways, as explained below. Therefore, the table device 10 is adapted to take up a low horizontal space and a low volume when the table platform 30 is at the first position.

Indeed, the table device 10 can be positioned between the bed 100 and a bedside cabinet (not shown).

To maintain stability, the support member 20 includes fastening means for fastening the support member 20 to the bed. This eliminates the need for a stand which has long :.:: horizontally extending portions. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the fastening means **..

comprises two thin horizontal plates 40, one provided on a screwed rod 41 so that the : plates 40 can be moved towards each other and so provide a clamp. The plates 40 can be :! positioned onthe upperand Iowersurfacesofthe base l04ofthe bed lootoclampthe base 104. Since the plates 40 are thin, they will not be felt by a user once the mattress 106 is placed on top of the base 104. The vertical height of each plate 40 is adjustable to suit any dimensions of the bed 100. The clamping arrangement is shown in more detail in Figure 2.

In an alternative embodiment, the clamp plates 40 could have an I shaped profile to match with edges of the bed 100. Also, the support member could be a structural component of the item of furniture, such as the bed post of a bed.

S Figure 3 shows a similar embodiment with like features given like reference numerals (the table platform 30 has been omitted for clarity). In this embodiment, the support member includes a horizontal strut 24 which is adapted to extend from the first side 102 to the second opposing side 108 of the bed 100. The fastening means comprises the two thin horizontal plates 40 as before but also includes two vertical plates 42 with one at the first side 102 and one at the second side 108 at the end of the strut 24. Again, one plate 42 is provided on a screwed rod 41 so that the plates 42 can be moved towards each other and so clamp the base 104. The vertical height of the strut 24 is adjustable to suit any dimensions of the bed 100. Also, the strut 24 includes a spacer portion 25 to accommodate any bulging of the bed, bed clothes and the like. The clamping arrangement is shown in more detail in Figure 4.

Although this embodiment includes a long horizontally extending member (the strut 24), this is adapted to be unobtrusive and does not interfere with the bed 100. The horizontal strut 24 could be placed either above or below the base 104. If above the base 104, the strut 24 can have a low vertical height, such as 0.5 to 3 mm, so that it will not be felt by a user once the mattress 106 is placed on top of the base 104. * *. * * * * *.

s... In this embodiment, the fastening means also includes a third clamp 44 for attachment to * *..

the headboard 110. This improves stability without exerting a substantial load on the :"25 headboard (which is typically not capable of withstanding a substantial load).

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Figure 5 shows an embodiment (again, like features are given like reference numerals) which includes a second support member 20 provided at the second opposing side 104 of the bed 100. The two support members 20 share a common horizontal strut 24.

The second support member 20 has its own table platform 30. This allows the bed to have two occupants and each occupant to have their own table platform 30. Two table platforms could be provided at each support member 20, one at a greater height than the other.

This would allow each occupant to have two table platforms 30. One may be used, for example, for supporting a book while the other may, for example, support food or drink.

Each table platform 30 is independently movable.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment in which the table device 10 forms a frame 28 adjacent to the bed. The frame includes two support members 20 and a horizontal strut 24 but can include further structural members. Such a table device 10 is inherently stable and the fastening means of previous embodiments can be eliminated.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which one of the support members 20 has three table platforms 30. This could be especially useful in a hospital environment, where one or more of the table platforms 30 could be used to support medical equipment such as monitors, drips and the like. Also, in this embodiment, the stand 22 of the support member 20 is mounted on castors 26. This allows the table device 10 to be moved to another bed once the clamps have been released. This also allows movement of the hospital bed from one location to another in the hospital.

The table device 10 can be adapted such that it is fixed in position relative to the bed so that it remains at a constant position for the user as the bed is moved up or down. For example, this could be achieved by fixing the vertical distance between the table platforms 30 and the clamps. * ** * * **S.

Figure 8 shows an embodiment in which the table platform 30 is pivotably coupled to two I: ij support members 20 from a first position in which the table platform is substantially parallel and adjacent to the headboard 110 of the bed 100. The under-surface of the table platform (when deployed) can be adapted to match the headboard member by being the same colour and padded. The headboard 110 includes a recess 112 for receiving the table platform 30 when it is at the first position. Figure 9 shows a similar embodiment except that the table device 10 is provided as a frame.

Figure 10 shows an embodiment in which the table device 10 is provided at the foot of the bed 100. The table platform 30 could be used to support a television of the like.

Figures 11 and 12 shows a similar embodiment except that the table device 10 is for use with a sofa 120 and an armchair 130 respectively. As in some previous embodiments, a horizontal strut 24 extends under the base and two plates 42 provide a clamp. Tiered table platforms 30 provide various options such as to support remote controls, beverages and many other items.

As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the table arm 38 of the table platform 30 is movably connected to the support member 20. The table arm 38 terminates in a ball bearing 50 which is movably housed within a housing 28 of the support member 20. The housing 28 includes a number of slots 60 which can receive the table arm 38 to maintain the table platform 30 at a horizontal orientation.

The slots 60 allow the table platform 30 to be maintained at a horizontal orientation at various positions about the vertical axis of the support member 20. One of these slots 60 corresponds to the deployed position. Therefore, the slots provide releasable locking means at the second and various intermediary positions. Other slots 60 correspond to a position in which the table platform 30 extends away from the bed 100. This is practically useful as it allows the user to move the table platform 30 away without returning the table platform 30 to the first position (and the table platform 30 may still be supporting one or * ** more items). * e.,

::2s The table device can support various items such as food and drink, a book, a laptop and so on. Particularly for a book, elastic bands (not shown) can be provided for releasably holding the book when it is supported on the table platform 30. Also, an adjustable triangular support (not shown) can be provided so that the book (or a laptop, DVD player or the like) can be positioned at an angle to make reading easier. A lamp (not shown) can be provided at the table platform 30 to assist reading or writing. A screen (not shown) can be provided to limit the light that is emitted from the lamp which could disturb other occupants of the bed.

Various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. * ** * S S * S. S... * S S.-.

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Claims

Claims 1. A table device comprising: a substantially vertical support member adapted to be positionable adjacent to an item of furniture; and a table platform movably coupled to the support member such that the table device is movable from a first position in which the table platform is substantially parallel and adjacent to a vertical portion of the item of furniture to a second deployed position in which the table platform is substantially horizontal and extends over a horizontal portion of the item of furniture.
2. A table device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the table device is adapted to take up a low horizontal space when the table platform is at the first position.
3. A table device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the table device is adapted to take up a low volume when the table platform is at the first position.
4. A table device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the table platform extends laterally over the horizontal portion of the item of furniture when at the second deployed position.
5. A table device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support member is provided at a first side of the item of furniture and a second support member is provided at a second opposing side of the item of furniture. * :

::
6. A table device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support member comprises a structural component of the item of furniture.
7. A table device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support member includes a horizontal strut adapted to extend from the first side to the second opposing side of the item of furniture.
8. A table device as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the horizontal strut has a low vertical height.
9. A table device as claimed in Claim 7 or 8, comprising at least two support members and at least one horizontal strut which form a frame adjacent to the item of furniture.
10. A table device as claimed in any preceding claim, including fastening means for fastening the support member to an item of furniture.
11. A table device as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the fastening means is attachable to the first side of the item of furniture.
12. A table device as claimed in Claim 10 or 11, wherein the fastening means is attachable to the second opposing side of the item of furniture.
13. A table device as claimed in any of Claims 10 to 12, wherein the fastening means is adjustable in one or both of height and width to accommodate different sizes of the item of furniture.
14. A table device as claimed in any of Claims 10 to 13, wherein the fastening means comprises a clamp fixing. * I. * .**I 1*..
15. A table device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the table platform is ::25 movably coupled to the support member in a cantilever arrangement. *PS....
16. A table device as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the table platform is pivotably coupled to the support member from a first position in which the table platform is substantially parallel and adjacent to the first side of the item of furniture.
17. A table device as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the table platform is pivotable from the first position to a first intermediary position, and wherein the table platform is horizontally oriented at the first intermediary position.
18. A table device as claimed in any preceding claim, including releasable locking means for locking the table platform at one or both of the first and second positions.
19. A table device as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the table platform extends away from the item of furniture when at the first intermediary position.
20. A table device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the table platform includes a table arm which is movably connected to the support member.
21. A table device as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the table arm terminates in a ball bearing which is rollably housed within a housing provided at the support member.
22. A table device as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the housing includes one or more slots adapted to receive the table arm when it is moved from the first position to maintain the table platform at a horizontal orientation.
23. A table device as claimed in Claim 22, wherein a plurality of slots are provided such that the table platform can be maintained at a horizontal orientation at a number of * *s positions about a vertical axis. S... * .r'.25
24. A table device as claimed in Claim 23, wherein one of the plurality of slots corresponds to the second deployed position. I. 5*25. A table device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the height of the table platform from the floor is adjustable when the table platform is at the second position.26. A table device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of table platforms are movably coupled to the support member.27. A table device as claimed in any of Claims ito 15, wherein the item of furniture comprises a bed and wherein the table platform is pivotably coupled to the support member from a first position in which the table platform is substantially parallel and adjacent to a head or a foot portion of the bed.28. A table device as claimed in Claim 27, wherein the table platform is substantially parallel and adjacent to a headboard member of the bed.29. A table device as claimed in Claim 28, wherein the surface of the table platform which opposes the load bearing surface is adapted to substantially match the headboard member.30. A table device as claimed in Claim 28 or 29, wherein the headboard member includes a recess for receiving the table platform.31. A table device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the table device includes holding means for releasably holding an item supported on the table platform.32. A table device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the table device * includes an angular support for supporting an item at an angle relative to the horizontaltable platform. S... * S S...33. A table device as claimed in Claim 32, wherein the angular support is adjustable to provide a number of angular positions.34. A table device as claimed in any preceding claim, including a light source.35. A table device as claimed in Claim 34, including a screen to limit the light that is emitted in one or more directions.36. A table device as claimed in Claim 27, wherein the table platform is substantially parallel and adjacent to the foot of the bed.37. A table device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. * ** * * * * ** **** * * S...S *. * . * *..* * . S. * . *.