MXPA06003976A - Laptop computer bin assembly for a worksurface - Google Patents

Abstract

A bin assembly capable of being secured to a work surface such as a table top includes an enclosure secured to the work surface. A platform and an elevating mechanism, which is capable of moving the platform vertically, are contained within the enclosure. The assembly also includes a cover pivotally secured over the enclosure and connected to the elevating mechanism for selectively operating the elevating mechanism, to elevate and lower the platform within the enclosure simultaneously with the movement of the cover to retract and expose an item, such as a laptop computer, positioned on the platform. The cover can be locked in the closed position by a locking mechanism engaged between the cover and the enclosure to secure the itemwithin the assembly. The cover can also be locked in the open position by a lock bracket releasably engaged with the cover in the open position to prevent inadvertent closing of the cover.

Description

ASSEMBLY OF LAPTOP COMPUTER FOR A WORKING SURFACE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to working surfaces, and more specifically to a tray assembly for use with a work surface that is capable of selectively enclosing and exposing articles, such as a computing device, from within of the work surface. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The tables, desks and work stations have been modified in their construction, in order to more easily accommodate computer devices such as desktops and laptops (laptop). While advances in computer technology have resulted in the reduction in the size of computers, such devices still occupy significant space on a desktop or tabletop when they are used. Frequently, it is necessary to remove a computer from the desk or table top in order to make it possible for an individual to effectively use the area of the desk or table top. To avoid this problem, a number of desks and tables of the prior art have been developed, in Ref: 172253 which the various portions of a computer can be selectively raised above or descended below the surface of the desk or table. Examples of such desks and tables are illustrated in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,242,217, 5,797,666, 6,012,788 and 6,733,094, which are incorporated by reference herein. These patents of the prior art illustrate various desks and tables in which one or multiple parts of the desk or table can be moved generally vertically relative to the rest of the work surface, in order to selectively expose a compartment containing a component from the computer, for example, a monitor. When the compartment is exposed, the computer can be used in a conventional manner. In addition, when the compartment is in the retracted or stored position, the entire work surface area of the desk or table can be used for any desired purpose, since the compartment and the computer component contained in it are completely placed by under the surface of the desk or table. However, each of these tables or desks involve a relatively complex construction in order to accommodate the particular lifting mechanism and / or the object holding structure. Therefore, the costs and time required for the production of such tables or desks are very high. Also, due to the significant number of components required, maintenance and repair costs for such desks and tables are also significantly higher than the costs associated with conventional desks and tables that are used to support computers. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a structure for use with a desk or table top, which is capable of concealing a computing device within the structure of the desk or table, and which does not require that the desk or table be constructed of a significantly different way of conventional furniture articles of this type. In addition, the structure used with the desk or table must be completely self-contained, such that the structure can be incorporated into existing desks or tables in a way that makes it possible for the desk or table to function normally, while also allowing that the desk or table provide a compartment for selectively storing and deploying the computing device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention, a tray assembly for selectively displaying or displaying and storing an article or articles, such as a portable or pocket computer, from within a work surface, includes a base or housing formed of a generally rigid material, which is insurable directly below an aperture formed in a work surface, which may be a desk or table top cover, among other suitable surfaces. The base supports a lifting mechanism on a lower wall, which in turn movably supports a platform. The platform is movable with respect to the base by the lifting mechanism from an elevated position in which the platform is placed adjacent an upper end of the work surface, towards a retracted position in which the platform is placed below the platform. the work surface adjacent to the bottom wall. In this way, when a laptop or other similar device is placed on the platform, the mechanism can be operated either to raise the computer to an exposed position, in which the computer can be used by an individual sitting on the computer. the desk or table, or to lower the computer completely inside the housing for containment in it. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, in order to retain and enclose the computer within the housing when the platform is in the retracted position, the tray assembly further includes a lid pivotably secured to and on the housing. The lid or cover is formed of a single panel or multiple interconnected panels, which can be moved between an open position, in which the panel is placed away from the housing, and a closed position, in which the panel is placed directly on the accommodation. In the closed position, the panel is placed level with the work surface, for example, the cover of the table or desk, such that the cover forms a virtually unattached extension of the work surface, making it possible for an individual to use the entire work surface of the table or desk, as desired. Also, the lid includes a separate lifting mechanism connected between the lid and the platform, to help move the platform between the raised and retracted positions. The lid may further include a movement control mechanism for controlling the speed at which the platform is raised and lowered, and in which the lid is opened and closed. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the lid also includes a latch that is releasably engageable with a handle placed on the outside of the housing, in order to secure the lid in the closed position on the housing. The bolt and the handle can also be coupled with a securing mechanism that prevents uncoupling of the bolt from the handle, without first operating the securing mechanism, to ensure that a portable computer or other device placed within the housing is only accessible by a individual who has a key or other appropriate means to operate the assurance mechanism. Alternatively, the securing mechanism can be placed on the housing without a handle, such as in a position that can only be accessed using a particular device or signal. According to a further aspect of the present invention, the lid can be secured or locked in the open position by an securing member that is pivotably interconnected with the lid, for example, to a hinge bracket to which the lid is mounted. . When the lid is moved to the open position, the securing member pivots together with the lid and the hinge bracket. The securing member includes a notch or channel, and a stationary pin travels in the notch or channel when the lid is being opened. The notch or channel includes a retention area that is configured to prevent movement of the spike within the notch or channel, when the lid is completely open, to prevent the lid from being pivoted to the closed position, until the securing bracket has been manually moved to disengage the pin from the retaining area of the notch or channel. After decoupling, the cover and the securing bracket can both be moved towards the closed position on the tray assembly housing. According to another aspect of the present invention, the tray assembly is capable of being formed with or secured to a work surface, such as during the additional construction of the desk or table, or after the initial construction of a retrofit manner. . According to a further objective of the present invention, the tray assembly has a simple construction that reduces the total cost and the time necessary to construct the assembly, and to install the assembly on the work surface. Numerous additional aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The figures illustrate the best modality currently contemplated to carry out the present invention. In the figures: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a portion of the work surface, incorporating a tray assembly of the present invention; Figure 2 is an isometric view of the tray assembly of Figure 1, showing the tray assembly in a closed configuration; Figure 3 is an isometric view of the tray assembly similar to Figure 2, showing the tray assembly in an open configuration; Figure 4 is an isometric view similar to Figure 2, showing the tray assembly in the open configuration, and the mounting platform member pivoted to a raised position; Figure 5 is a top plan view of the tray assembly of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line 6-6 of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line 7-7 of Figure 5; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line 8-8 of Figure 5; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along line 9-9 of Figure 5; Figure 9A is an enlarged partial sectional view of a portion of the tray assembly as shown in Figure 9; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along line 10-10 of Figure 2; Figure 11 is an isometric, partially exploded view of a speed control mechanism incorporated in the tray assembly of Figure 10; and Figure 12 is a partially exploded isometric view of a bolt mechanism incorporated within the tray assembly of Figure 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the figures in which similar reference numbers designate similar parts throughout the description, a tray assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention is generally indicated at 28 in Figures 1-10. The tray assembly 28 includes a housing 30 formed of a generally rigid material, such as a metal or hard plastic, and having an open interior 31, a bottom wall 32, a front wall 34 attached to the bottom wall 32, and a pair of side walls 36, 38 attached to the bottom wall 32 and each extending in a backward direction from the front wall 34. The housing 30 can be formed in any satisfactory manner such that each of the respective walls 32-38 is connected with each other. Representatively, the lower wall 32 and the side walls 36 and 38 can be formed together, and the front wall 34 can be formed separately and then assembled to the inferred wall 32 and the side walls 36, 38 to form the housing 30. In addition, the housing 30 defines an open rear end 40 opposite the front wall 34, and between the side walls 36, 38 to reduce the weight of the housing 30 and to provide access for ropes, wires and cables (not shown) towards the interior 31 of the housing 30. The trailing end 40 also allows fluids that are accidentally spilled into the housing 30 to be easily and rapidly drained from the housing 30 without causing significant damage to the components of the assembly 28 or to any equipment comprised within the housing 30. Now observing the Figures 1, 2 and 5-8, a support is shown, such as a table or desk 10 that includes a base (not shown) that is col ocable on a support surface such as a floor (not shown), and a desk or work surface cover 14 secured to the base. The work surface 14 can have any desired shape according to the requirements of the user, and can be generally rectangular in shape having an upper surface 16, a pair of side surfaces 18 and a lower surface 20, defining a front end 22 and a rear end 24. The work surface 14 can be formed of any desired material, as long as the material forming the work surface 14 is sufficiently rigid to withstand the environment in which the desk is used. Work 14 can be formed of a relatively rigid material such as a hard plastic, or a metal, wood or composite material, in a way that is well known. These types of materials allow the work surface 14 to be painted, laminated, coated or otherwise modified in appearance to provide a table or desk that has a desired appearance. It is also understood that the reference numeral 14 can simply denote a section of a larger table top or desk cover, within which the tray assembly 28 can be secured, and that any number of tray assemblies 28 can be incorporated in such a desk cover or table cover. The work surface 14 defines an internal opening 16 which is located in any desired position, for example towards the front end 22. The opening 26 can be generally rectangular in shape. However, it should be understood that the opening 26 can also be placed in any desired location on the work surface 14, and can have any desired shape compatible with the tray assembly 28. The housing 30 is secured around the opening 26 of the work surface 14, by a number of fasteners 42 inserted through the holes 43 formed within the flanges 134, 136, 138 extending outwardly, placed on each housing wall 34-38, respectively, " and which are positioned opposite the bottom wall 32. The flanges 134, 136, 138 are placed against the lower surface 20 of the work surface 14 around the periphery of the opening 26, such that the holes 43 face the inferred surface 20. The fasteners 42 inserted through the holes 43 can be screws or any other suitable fasteners, and extend toward the work surface 14 or at a distance sufficient to securely hold the housing 30 in place below the opening 26. Referring now to Figures 3-10, a platform 44 is placed within the interior 31 of the housing 30. The platform 44 is formed of a generally rigid material, such as a metal or a hard plastic, and has a shape generally similar to the shape of the housing 30 when viewed in plan. The platform 44 includes a central support surface 45 and a peripheral edge 145 turned downward, extending around the platform 44. A pair of cut-out sections 146 are also formed on the support surface 45 adjacent the open rear end 40 of the housing 30. A lifting mechanism 46 is positioned within the interior of the housing together with the platform 44. The lifting mechanism 46 includes a pair of brackets 48, 49 of the base member, positioned adjacent to each side wall 36, 38 of the housing 30. Each bracket 48 of the base member is fixed to the lower wall 32 near the open rear end 40, and includes an opening 50, while each base member 49 is secured to the lower wall 32 near the front wall 34, and includes a slot 52. The first and second lifting arms 56 and 57, respectively, are secured to brackets 48, 49 of the base member. As best seen in Figures 4, 5 and 8, the first lifting arm 56 is pivotably secured to the bracket 48 of the base member by a pivot rod 58 extending between the lift arm 56 and the opening 50. , and the second lifting arm 57 is pivotably and slidably secured to the slot 52 in the bracket 49 of the base member by a pivot pin 59 that extends between the second arm 57 and the slot 52. Opposite the brackets 48, 49 of the base member, each of the lifting arms 56 and 57 is also pivotably secured to the platform 4. The first lifting arm 56 is pivotably and slidably secured to the platform 44 via a pivot rod 60 that is slidable and pivotably connected to the platform 44 in a corresponding slot 62 formed in a slot bracket 162 secured to the underside of the platform 44. The slot 62 includes an open end 63 which allows the pivot rod 60 to be detached from the slot 62., as best seen in Figure 4. The second lifting arm 57 is also pivotably secured to the platform 44 by a pivot rod 61 mounted within an opening 64 in the peripheral edge 145 of the platform 44. In this way, the lifting arms 56, 57 which are connected between each of the brackets 48, 49 of the base member, and each side of the platform 44 and each other via. the rods 200, form scissor connections 65 capable of raising and lowering the platform 44 with respect to the bottom wall 32. The pivot rods 58, 60 and 61 are preferably formed as elongated rods extending through the platform 44 for connecting the connections 65 to each other and to the housing 30 and the platform 44, as seen in the figures, but can also be formed as pairs of pins similar to the pins 59, with each pair located on opposite sides of the housing, to ensure a connection 65 to either the housing or the platform 44. With reference to Figure 4, the platform 44 can be pivoted to an elevated position, to provide access to the area below the platform 44 for cleaning or any other desired purpose. A movement control system 66 is interconnected with the housing 30 of the platform and the platform 44, to control the movement of the platform 44 between the open and closed positions. The motion control system 66 includes a number of springs 68 positioned between the bottom wall 32 and the central support surface 45 of the platform 44, between the cutout sections 146 adjacent the open rear end 40 of the housing 30. The springs 68 deflect the platform 44 and the scissor connections 65 to an extended or raised position, to automatically raise the platform 44 in conjunction with the movement of the assembly 28 to the open position. However, other suitable and well-known mechanisms (not shown) can be replaced by the springs 68. To facilitate the opening of the assembly 28, and to assist the movement of the platform 44 between the raised and retracted positions, the assembly 28 includes a cover 74 for housing 30, which can be moved between an open position (Figure 8) and a closed position (Figure 9). The cover 74 is pivotably coupled to the housing 30 and can be formed of any suitable rigid material, and is preferably formed of a material similar or identical to the material used to form the work surface 14, such that the exterior appearance of the cover 74 is It engages the work surface 14. In this way, the lid 74 can provide the appearance of a generally continuous upper surface 16 for the work surface 14, when the lid 74 is in the open position.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the lid 74 is pivotably connected to the housing 30 by a rod 76 secured between a pair of tabs 78 extending in an upward direction, integrally formed with each side wall 36, 38 generally opposite the front wall. 34. Between the tabs 78, the rod 76 is positioned within a pair of notches 77 positioned adjacent a rear end 174 of the lid 74, which can rotate with respect to the rod 76. With reference to Figures 3-10, to help control the movement of the lid 74 between the open and closed positions, a pair of hinge brackets 80 are fixed to an inferred surface 176 of the lid 74, near the rear end 174. Each hinge bracket 80 includes a portion coupling 82 fixedly connected to the lower surface 176 of the lid 74 by the fasteners 84, and a guide portion 86 extending perpendicularly from the coupling portion 82. As shown in Figure 9A, the engaging portion 82 of the bracket 80 includes a flange 89 that can be pivotably connected to the rod 76 adjacent the tabs 78 on the side walls 36 and 38 of the housing 30. The portion coupling 82 of each bracket 80 also includes a small flange 88 spaced apart, generally opposite flange 89, and inwardly from rear end 174.

The motion control system 66 also includes a pair of gas spring mounts 92, each of which has a cylindrical portion 90 that is pivotably connected to the flange 88 of one of the hinge brackets 80. Each gas spring assembly 92 also includes a rod portion 94 slidably connected to the cylindrical portion 90 and pivotally connected to one end of the pivot rod 61, which extends through the platform 44 adjacent the open rear end 40. The gas spring mounts 92 are preferably formed to be biased towards the extended position, in which each rod portion 94 is fully extended from within the cylindrical portion 90. In this way, when the cover 74 is moved from the position closed to the open position, the gas spring mounts 92 operate to help push the cover 74 away from the platform 44. This also pulls the pivot rod 61 and the platform 44 towards the raised position, by virtue of the connection of the gas spring mounts 92 between the cover 74 and the platform 44 via the pivot rod 61. The arcuate guide portion 86 of each hinge bracket 80 extends over the and within the cut-out sections 146 formed in the rear section of the platform 44. Thus, when the lid 74 is pivoted between the open and closed configurations, the guide portions 86 of each hinge bracket 80 move freely with respect to to the platform 44 within the cut-out sections 146 formed in the platform 44. As best seen in Figures 7, 10 and 11, the motion control system 66 also includes a cushion gear 98 secured to one of the hinge brackets 80 at the outermost end of the guide portion 86. The shock-absorbing gear 98 is rotatably coupled with an arcuate gear band 100, secured to the housing 30 and extending in a backward direction through the open rear end 40. The gear belt 100 includes a number of teeth 102 spaced apart along the latter which are engageable with the cushion gear 98, to guide the gear 98 and the hinge bracket 80 along a predetermined travel path, to control the movement of the cover 74. The cushion gear 98 is preferably a gear filled with oil, such that the rotation of the gear 98 is opposed or damped in a manner that restricts the speed of movement of the gear 98 along the gear band 100. This, in turn, causes the lid 74 to pivot in a controlled manner in both directions, and prevent the lid 74 and the platform 44 from being quickly moved either to the open or closed configuration by the deviation of the springs. of gas 92 and the coil springs 68, thereby preventing damage to the tray assembly 28.

Now looking at Figures 6 and 8-9A, opposite the shock-absorbing gear 98, the guide portion 86 of the hinge bracket 80 includes an opening 104 therein that is alignable with an assurance mechanism 106 coupled to the side wall 36, when the cover 74 is in the closed configuration. The securing mechanism 106 includes a selectively extensible pin 108 which can be selectively extended through the opening 104 in order to prevent the bracket 80 and the cover 74 from being moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration, until the mechanism securing 106 is detached to retract the spike 108. Preferably, the securing mechanism 106 takes the form of an electronically driven solenoid, such that the securing mechanism 106 can be electronically activated from a remote location via a wire 109 (Figure 2) . Alternatively, the securing mechanism 106 can be activated remotely via a wireless signal. In an arrangement such as this, a simple user can secure all tray assemblies 28 in an area against movement. This feature is especially advantageous in a classroom or other instructional environment, when an instructor wishes to ensure that students do not have access to the computers contained within the tray assemblies 28.

The tray assembly 28 also includes a gravity lock bracket 110, positioned within the housing 30 between the guide portion 86 of the hinge bracket 80 and the gas spring 92 located adjacent to the lock mechanism 106. The lock bracket 110 is pivotably secured to the guide portion 86 by a pin or bolt 111, such that the bracket 110 moves in conjunction with, but is pivotable with respect to, the bracket 80. The securing bracket 110 includes a thickened or loaded end 112. and a securing channel 114 opposite the loaded end 112. The channel 114 is slidably positioned around a short axis 116 connected to and extending in an inward direction from the side wall 36, along which the securing channel 114 and the The securing bracket 110 moves as the cover 74 is moved between the closed position towards the open position. The channel 114 includes a securing end 118 within which the short shaft 116 is positioned when the cover 74 is in the fully open position. In the fully open position, the notch 120 formed in the securing bracket 110 provides clearance for the cover 74, such that the securing bracket 110 can be positioned such that the shaft 116 is received within the securing end 118, to prevent the movement of the lid 74 from the open position to the closed position. The gravity deflection exerted by the loaded end 112 maintains the shaft 116 within the securing end 118 of the channel 114, until the securing bracket 110 is manually released. To uncouple the securing bracket 110, the loaded end 112 of the securing bracket 110 is pushed towards the cover 74, which pivots the securing bracket 110 and releases the short axis 116 from the securing end 118 of the channel 114. The axis 116 can then travel along the channel 114, while the cover 74 moves to the closed position in a normal manner. With reference to Figures 3, 10 and 12, the lid 74 includes a latch 122 opposite the rear end 174, which is secured to the lower surface 176 of the lid 74. The latch 122 includes an assurance end 124 having holes 125 and coupled to the lid 74 by fasteners 126, and an assurance end 127 extending downwardly from the securing end 124. The securing end 127 includes a notch 128 opposite the securing end 124, which is engageable. with a handle 130 pivotably secured to the front wall 34 of the housing 30. The handle 130 includes a coupling end 132 that can be pivoted on the securing end 127, when the lid 74 is in the closed position, and a clamping end 133 positioned opposite the coupling end 132. The clamping end 133 can be urged towards the housing 30 to pivot the coupling end 132 away from the securing end 127. of the bolt 122, such that the lid 74 can be moved from the closed position to the open position. The coupling end 132 can be biased towards the securing position by a spring 140 or other deflection member positioned on an axis 142, to which the handle 130 is pivotably secured. The handle 130 can also include a conventional securing mechanism, for example, operated by key (not shown) that prevents the pivoting movement of handle 130 until the locking mechanism is engaged. The lid 74 is preferably formed as a one-piece member. Alternatively, the lid 74 can be formed with a first section 274 and a second section 276 that are joined by a hinge 278, placed on the lower surface 176 of the lid 74. The first section 274 is secured to the brackets 80 and is engageable by the securing bracket 110, while the second section 276 includes a lock 122. When the cover 74 is in the open position, the second section 276 can be pivoted about the hinge 278 to place the second section 276 against the first section 274. In this position, the height of the lid 74 is significantly diminished, to provide improved sight lines for the user, for example for an instructor in front of a room. Sections 274 and 276 include a releasable rigid clamp 280 which selectively prevents the hinge 278 from operating, and secures the sections 274 and 276 to move as a single piece to form the lid 74. In operation, when the bolt 122 is released, the mounts 92 of gas spring operate to move the lid 74 to a partially raised position above the work surface 10. The user then attaches the lid 74 to move the lid 74 to the open position. During such movement of the lid 74, the gas spring assemblies 92 extend and function as a connection to assist in raising the platform 44. When the lid 74 closes, the gas spring assemblies 92 compress and function as a connection in the descent of the platform 44. The springs 68 counterbalance the weight of a portable computer or other device supported on the platform 44. In combination with the shock absorber gear 98, the springs 68 provide smooth and controlled movement of the cover 74 towards the position closed, and synchronous descent of the platform 44. Various alternatives are contemplated within the scope of the following claims, particularly pointing and claiming distinctly the subject of interest considered as the invention. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best known method for carrying out the aforementioned invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A tray assembly adapted to be secured to a work surface, the tray assembly is characterized in that it comprises: a) a housing that defines an interior, wherein the housing is adapted to be secured around an opening in the work surface; b) a platform placed inside the housing; c) a lid configured to enclose the interior of the housing, which is movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lid in the closed position forms an upper wall for the housing, and wherein the lid in the open position exposes the interior of the accommodation; and d) a lifting mechanism connected between the housing, the platform and the lid, wherein the lifting mechanism is operable to raise and lower the platform within the housing.
2. 2. The tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a damping mechanism operably connected between the lid and the housing, to control the movement of the lifting mechanism in response to the movement of the lid between the open and closed positions. closed.
3. The tray assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the damping mechanism comprises: a) a cushioned gear placed on one of the cover or the housing; and b) a gear belt placed on the other of the cover or housing, and engageable with the gear.
4. The tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a securing mechanism placed on the housing, and releasably engageable with the lid, to releasably maintain the lid in the closed position.
5. 5. The tray assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the securing mechanism is manually actuated.
6. 6. The tray assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the securing mechanism is electronically driven.
7. The tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the lifting mechanism comprises: a) a first lifting mechanism coupled between the platform and the housing; and b) a second lifting mechanism coupled between the platform and the lid.
8. 8. The tray assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the second lifting mechanism comprises a gas spring.
9. 9. The tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a position securing member, engageable with the lid to secure the lid in an open position.
10. The tray assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the position securing member is pivotably secured to the lid at a first site, and releasably engageable with the lid at a second site spaced from the first site.
11. The tray assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the position securing member includes a securing channel that slidably receives therein a guide member positioned on the housing.
12. 12. The tray assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the position securing member is manually uncoupled from the lid.
13. 13. The tray assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the position securing member is loaded at one end.
14. A work surface, characterized in that it comprises: a) a work support member having an upper surface, a lower surface and an opening extending from the upper surface towards the lower surface; and b) a tray assembly secured around the opening, the tray assembly includes a housing having a bottom wall and one or more walls extending in an upward direction, cooperating to define an interior, and secured to the member of the tray. work support; a platform placed inside the housing; a lid pivotably secured to the housing, and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lid is coplanar with the upper surface of the work support member in the closed position; and a lifting mechanism connected between the lid and the platform.
15. The work surface according to claim 14, further characterized in that it comprises a position securement member pivotably secured to the lid at one end, and releasably engageable with the lid at a second point spaced from the first point, the member The position securing means includes a securing channel that slidably receives therein a guide axis placed on the housing.
16. 16. The work surface according to claim 14, characterized in that the lifting mechanism is connected between the lid, the platform and the housing.
17. 17. A method for selectively hiding an object with a work surface, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) the provision of a work support surface having an opening; a tray assembly including a housing defining an interior, and secured around the opening, a platform positioned within the interior of the housing; a lid pivotably secured to and above the housing, the lid is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the lid is coplanar with the work support surface in the closed position; and a lifting mechanism connected between the housing, the lid and the platform, wherein the object is placed on the platform; b) selectively moving the lid away from the housing to expose the interior of the housing and elevate the platform; and c) selectively replacing the cover on the housing to lower the platform and enclose the object on the platform within the housing.
18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the tray assembly further includes a position securing member releasably engageable with the lid in the open position, and further comprising the step of uncoupling the securing member from the position from the lid, before selectively replacing the lid on the housing.
19. 19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the tray assembly further includes a securing mechanism placed on the housing, and releasably engageable with the cover in the closed position, and further comprising the step of decoupling the mechanism from securing before selectively removing the lid away from the housing. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the step of uncoupling the securing mechanism comprises manually uncoupling the securing mechanism.