US20190053641A1

US20190053641A1 - Table or shelf with roll-top extender

Info

Publication number: US20190053641A1
Application number: US15/679,474
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Morad
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-08-17
Filing date: 2017-08-17
Publication date: 2019-02-21

Abstract

A table or shelf apparatus comprises a stationary section defining a support surface in a surface plane and a roll-top section coupled to the stationary section and configured to extend the support surface within the surface plane in an extension direction. The roll-top section includes a sliding mechanism configured to linearly travel with respect to the stationary section in the extension direction and a top section supported above the sliding mechanism, the top section defining an extendable top surface of the roll top section. The apparatus can include one or more biasing element coupled between the stationary section and the roll-top section and a locking mechanism configured to secure the roll-top section in position relative to the stationary section.

Description

FIELD OF INTEREST

The present inventive concepts relate to the field of furniture and, more particularly, to the field of tables, shelves, and similar structures having horizontal surfaces useful for supporting other objects.

BACKGROUND

In various situations and contexts, horizontal support surfaces can be desirable, if not necessary. This may be true, for example, in social settings and/or work settings were horizontal support surfaces, such as those provided by counters, tables, carts, shelves, and the like, can be limited. Furthermore, limitations on floor space can make it inconvenient, if not impossible, to add horizontal support surfaces beyond a certain point.
As one example, when hosting a party, horizontal support surfaces can be critical for presenting food, beverages, dishes, utensils, decorations, displays, and so on. Sometimes, even just a small amount of extra space to place items such as cups and plates can be extremely useful. When one needs to create more serving area, that usually requires taking up more floor space, e.g., for an extra table. This may not be desirable, or even feasible, in many situations.
Also, surface area needs can change throughout an event, which could require interruptions of the event to add and remove tables and/or shelves to accommodate changing needs. Furthermore, a table or shelf only covers a certain amount of area and most are rigid in their structure. While some dining tables have leaf inserts or pull-out leaves, these tend to be fixed in size. While they offer an ability to increase the surface area of the table, they do so in a defined, fixed-length manner. Additionally, such tables tend to be large, heavy, and impractical to move, making them only useful in place.
It would be beneficial to have a shelf, table, or other form of horizontal support surface that can take an initial configuration having a first surface area, but also be expandable to take a plurality of other sizes and horizontal surface areas to accommodate a variety of surface area needs. It would also be advantageous if such an apparatus were easily transportable, so that it could be moved and used in a variety of different social or work settings, e.g., backyard, picnic, job site, and so on. It would be further advantageous if the apparatus was foldable to at least some degree, e.g., folding legs, to reduce the overall profile of the apparatus for easy transport.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, provided is a table or shelf apparatus comprising a stationary section defining a support surface in a surface plane; and a roll-top section coupled to the stationary section and configured to extend the support surface within the surface plane along an extension axis. The roll-top section comprises a sliding mechanism configured to linearly translate with respect to the stationary section along the extension axis and a top surface responsive to the linear translation to roll in and out of the surface plane.
In various embodiments, the roll-top section comprises a plurality of slats.
In various embodiments, at least one slat is coupled to the stationary section and is disposed within the surface plane.
In various embodiments, the plurality of slats is coupled between the roll-top section and the stationary section.
In various embodiments, the plurality of slats transition from beneath the support surface to the surface plane as the sliding mechanism is linearly translated in an extension direction along the extension axis.
In various embodiments, the plurality of slats transition from the surface plane to beneath the support surface as the sliding mechanism is linearly translated opposite the extension direction along the extension axis.
In various embodiments, the slats from the plurality of slats beneath the support surface are maintained in a plane parallel to the surface plane.
In various embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more biasing element coupled between the stationary section and the roll-top section.
In various embodiments, the one more biasing element applies a force to the roll-top section opposite an extension direction.
In various embodiments, the one more biasing element is at least one spring coupled between the stationary section and the roll-top section.
In various embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a locking mechanism configured to secure the roll-top section in position relative to the stationary section.
In various embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises one or more stops and one or more locking pins configured to engage the one or more stops.
In various embodiments, the stationary section comprises the one or more stops; and the roll-top section comprises the one or more locking pins.
In various embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more legs coupled to the stationary section and one or more legs coupled to the roll-top section.
In accordance with another aspect of the inventive concepts, provided is a table or shelf apparatus, comprising a stationary section defining a support surface in a surface plane and a roll-top section coupled to the stationary section and configured to extend the support surface within the surface plane along an extension axis. The roll-top section comprises a sliding mechanism configured to linearly translate with respect to the stationary section along the extension axis and a top surface responsive to the linear translation of the sliding mechanism to roll in and out of the surface plane. The roll-top section comprises a plurality of slats including at least one slat coupled to the stationary section and disposed within the surface plane. And the plurality of slats transition from beneath the support surface to the surface plane as the sliding mechanism is linearly translated in an extension direction along the extension axis.
In various embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more biasing element coupled between the stationary section and the roll-top section. The one or more biasing element applies a force to the roll-top section opposite the extension direction. And the one or more biasing element is at least one spring coupled between the stationary section and the roll-top section.
In various embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a locking mechanism configured to secure the roll-top section in position relative to the stationary section, the locking mechanism comprising one or more stops and one or more locking pins configured to engage the one or more stops.
In various embodiments, the stationary section comprises the one or more stops and the roll-top section comprises the one or more locking pins.
In various embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more legs coupled to the stationary section and one or more legs coupled to the roll-top section.
In accordance with another aspect of the inventive concepts, provided is a table or shelf apparatus, comprising a stationary section defining a support surface in a surface plane and a roll-top section coupled to the stationary section and configured to extend the support surface within the surface plane along an extension axis. The roll-top section comprises a sliding mechanism configured to linearly translate with respect to the stationary section along the extension axis and a top surface responsive to the sliding mechanism to roll in and out of the surface plane. The apparatus further comprises one or more biasing element coupled between the stationary section and the roll-top section and a locking mechanism configured to secure the roll-top section in position relative to the stationary section.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, provided is a shelf and/or table apparatus as shown and described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more apparent in view of the attached drawings and accompanying detailed description. The embodiments depicted therein are provided by way of example, not by way of limitation, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating aspects of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus having a planar horizontal support surface having a roll-top section in a closed position, consistent with the inventive concepts;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with the roll-top extender in an extended position, consistent with the inventive concepts;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5A is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a bottom of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with its legs opened, consistent with the inventive concepts;

FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 with its legs closed, consistent with the inventive concepts; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the bottom of the apparatus of FIG. 1, consistent with the inventive concepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Various aspects of the inventive concepts will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some exemplary embodiments are shown. The present inventive concepts may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another, but not to imply a required sequence of elements. For example, a first element can be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element can be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” or “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly on or connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like may be used to describe an element and/or feature's relationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use and/or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” and/or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
In accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts, there is provided an apparatus that has a horizontal surface that is adjustable in size (and surface area). The apparatus can have a fixed-size stationary section and an extendable section. The apparatus can be used to support any number of different types of social or work related items, such as cups, plates, food, tools, work pieces, and/or other items. In some embodiments, the apparatus could take the form of a standing desk where the extendable section provides an adjustable length desk top.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus having a planar horizontal support surface 2 that can take a variety of sizes and surface areas, in accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts. The apparatus 10 can include a fixed-size, stationary section 30 defining a top support surface (or top surface) 32 having a first surface area and an extendable section 20 that has an adjustable top support surface (or top surface) 22, having an adjustable second surface area. The support surface 2 of the apparatus 10 includes top surface 32 of the stationary section 30 and the top surface 22 of the extendable section 20, which both lie in a surface plane. Therefore, the extendable section 20 is configured to extend the support surface 2 in the surface plane. The extendable section 20 can be extended and retracted along an extension axis “X.” The extendable section 20 can be extended in an extension direction along the extension axis and retracted in a direction that is opposite the extension direction also along the extension axis. In a preferred embodiment, the extendable section 20 can take the form of an extendable roll-top section (or “roll-top section”). The roll-top section 20 can take an unextended state, a partially extended state, or a fully extended state, consistent with the present inventive concepts.
In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 takes the form of a table or a shelf 10 having the roll-top section 20 coupled to the stationary section 30, with the roll-top section 20 shown in an unextended state. In various embodiments, the table or shelf 10 is easily transportable by a single person, e.g., has folding and/or removable legs and weighs less than 50 pounds, and in some embodiments less than 25 pounds, and preferably less than 10 pounds in some embodiments.
The roll-top section 20 has a first end opposite a second end, with left and right sides between. Similarly, the stationary section 30 has a first end opposite a second end, with left and rights sides between. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first end of the roll-top section 20 is coupled to the second end of the stationary section 30. At the first end of the stationary section 30 there are two legs 50 and on the second end of the roll-top section 20 there are two legs 52. The legs 52 move along with the roll-top section 20 of the apparatus 10, as the roll-top section 20 is transitioned back and forth between the unextended state and the various extended states.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 showing the planar horizontal support surface 2 with the roll-top section 20 in a closed position. As shown in FIG. 2, the stationary section 30 of the apparatus 10 has a top surface 32 that is flat, or substantially flat. In this embodiment, the stationary section 30 and its top surface 32 are rectangular. In other embodiments, the shape of the support surface 32 of apparatus 10 need not be rectangular, e.g., it could be round, square, oval, oblong, or some shape. In some embodiments, the top surface 32 is smooth and substantially horizontal, allowing items to be placed onto the apparatus 10. The top surface is primarily smooth in this embodiment, but it may be textured, contoured, and/or patterned in other embodiments. The top surface 32 is shown as a member having a solid top surface, but it could have holes or openings in some embodiments and/or could comprise a plurality of pieces joined together to form the top surface 32.
In this embodiment, the roll-top section 20 has a top surface 22 that is flat, or substantially flat. In this embodiment, the top surface 22 is configured to roll out and in as the roll-top section 20 is extended and retracted back toward the stationary section 30 (toward the unextended state). The top surface 22 can be made of and/or comprise a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid pieces pliably coupled together to permit a rolling transition between the unextended state and the various extended states of the roll-top section 20, and back.
In this embodiment, the top surface 22 comprises a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid pieces in the form of slats, boards, segments, and/or pieces 23 (referred to as “slats” herein) pliably coupled together. The slats 23 may be coupled together by one or more pliable members or substrates comprising, as examples, one or more strings, straps, ropes, wires, cables, ribbons, belts, or the like. The slats 23 preferably, but not essentially, have a width that is the same or substantially similar to the width of the top surface 32 of the stationary section 30. In various embodiments, the slats 23 may take the form of elongate, rectangular pieces of rigid materials, such as wood, plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), resin, metal, and the like, or semi-rigid materials, such as rubber, silicone and the like.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the apparatus 10 comprises a handle 60. The handle 60 is attached the roll-top section 20 at or near its second end, distal from the stationary section 30. Handle 60 is useful for pulling the roll-top section 20 away from the stationary section 30 to extend the roll-top section 20, and to push or pull the roll-top section 20 back to or toward the, stationary section 30. In this embodiment, the handle 60 takes the form of a U-shaped bar, where the upright sides or ends of the U-shaped bar attach to opposite sides of the roll-top section 20. Also in this embodiment, the two upright sides or ends of the U-shaped bar couple to the respective opposite sides by a bolt or pin shared by a corresponding leg coupled to the roll-top section 20. However, the handle 60 could take other forms and need not be coupled with the legs in other embodiments. The handle 60 could take other forms, such as a rope, strap, lever, or pull, as examples.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the roll-top section 20 in a partially extended state. Preferably, in the various extended states, the extended top surface 22 of the roll-top section 20 and the top surface 32 of the stationary section 30 are coplanar, as shown. At least some of the slats 23 are sustainably coplanar to the top of the stationary section 30 (in the surface plane), which allows for the flat support surface 2 initially provided by the top surface 32 of the stationary section 30 to be extended.
The stationary section 30 of apparatus 10 can include the frame 34 supporting the top surface 32, see FIGS. 1 and 3. The frame 34 can include two opposite side members that are spaced apart and extend from the first end to the second end of the stationary section 30. The frame 34 can include at least one cross member (not shown) extending between the two opposite side members.
Referring to FIG. 3, as an example, the roll-top section 20 can also comprise a frame 24 that provides support for its top surface 22. A sliding mechanism formed between the stationary section 30 and the roll-top section 20 is configured to linearly translate the roll-top section 20 with respect to the stationary section 30 along the extension axis, wherein the top surface 22 of the roll-top section 20 is responsive to the linear translation to roll in and out of the surface plane. In this embodiment, the frame 24 of the roll-top section 20 has a sliding relationship with respect to the frame 34 of the stationary section 30, while the top surface 22 has a rolling relationship with the roll-top frame 24 and the stationary section 30. As such, the frame 24 of the roll-top section 20 can slidably engage the frame 34 of the stationary section 30, to roll the slats 23 of the roll-top section 20 into the surface plane or to roll the slats 23 out of the surface plane. The sliding of the frame 24 of the roll-top section 20 with respect to the frame 34 of the stationary section 30 causes the extending in and out of the roll-top section 20. Having the first end of the roll-top section 20 coupled, secured, and/or anchored to the second end of the stationary section 30 enables the rolling out of the roll-top section 20 in response to the sliding out of the frame 24 of the roll-top section 20 with respect to the frame 34 of the stationary section 30.
As can be seen in FIGS. 3, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, when in the unextended state or a partially extended state, at least some of the slats 23 of the top surface 22 of the roll-top section 20 are disposed beneath the top surface 22 of the roll-top section 20 and, in some cases, the top surface 32 of the stationary section 30. In some embodiments, the slats 23 disposed beneath are maintained within a profile or footprint of the top surface 32 of the stationary section 30.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 3, and 5A, the legs 50, 52 are shown in an open position for use. The legs 50, 52 are shown having individual axes that allow each of the four shown legs to individually open and close. That is, each of the legs 50, 52 can be attached to its respective frame 24, 34 by a hinge pin defining an axis of rotation for the leg to open and close. In other embodiments, the two or more of the legs 50, 52 can be structured to open and close together. For example, legs 50 and/or legs 52 can be coupled together so that they open and close together. In still other embodiments, legs 50 and/or legs 52 can be removable and/or telescoping.
FIG. 4 is another top view of the apparatus 10 having the planar horizontal support surface 2 with the roll-top section, in a partially open position.
This embodiment, is the similar to FIG. 2 above however, it shows the extended planar horizontal support surface 2 resulting from the extended roll-top section. As shown, the width of the individual slats 23 are substantially similar to the width of the top surface 32 of the stationary section 30 creating a substantially larger rectangular shape as the table is extended to various different lengths.
FIG. 5A is a bottom perspective view of an apparatus having a planar horizontal support surface 2 with a roll-top extender, in a closed position, with the legs opened, consistent with the present inventive concepts. The legs 50, 52 are shown here on the exterior of the table frame 24, 34 and having rounded tops. The legs 50, 52 may be in a variety of other shapes and may also be disposed inside of frames 24, 34, or directly attached to the bottom of the frames 24, 34.
In this embodiment, there is at least one biasing element 80 connected between the roll-top section 20 and the stationary section 30. The biasing element 80 may be any form of mechanism, part, or component that can bias the roll-top section 20 toward the stationary section 30, such as a spring, a lever, an elastic band, a wire, or any other tensioning device known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In this embodiment, the biasing element takes to the form of at least one return spring 80.
A first end 81 of the return spring 80 is coupled to a hook 85 secured to a cross support 35 of the stationary frame 34. The hook 85 may be any securing device, such as a J hook, eye hook, or any other securing mechanism known to one skilled in the art. A second end 82 of the return spring 80 is coupled to a cross support 25 of the roll-top frame 24. The cross support 25 spans, and is secured to, the two side members 26 a, 26 b of the roll-top frame 24 in this embodiment. The return spring 80 can be coupled to the cross support 25 by any known means or mechanism. In this embodiment, cross support 25 includes a hole into which a hook at the second end 82 of the return spring 80 is disposed. The frame 24 of the roll-top section 20 slides within the frame 34 of the stationary section 30. As a result, the side members 26 a, 26 b of the frame 24 slide within the side members 36 of the frame 34, the frames 24, 34 collectively forming a sliding mechanism that allows the roll-top section 20 to slide with respect to the stationary section 30.
FIG. 5B is another bottom perspective view of the apparatus 10 having a planar horizontal support surface 2 with a roll-top section 20 in a closed position. This embodiment shows a view similar to FIG. 5A, but with the legs 50, 52 in closed positions. This allows the apparatus 10 to be easily stored, as it would take up much less room in a vehicle, closet, or other small space. In this embodiment, the legs, 50, 52 are on the exterior of the stationary frame 34 and the sliding roll-top frame 24, however the legs may be positioned otherwise on the frames 24, 34.
As is apparent from the views of FIGS. 5A and 5B, in this embodiment a majority of the slats 23 of the roll-top section 20 are disposed beneath the top surface 32 of the stationary section 30 and the top surface 22 of the roll-top section 20 when the roll-top section 20 is unextended. FIG. 3 shows how at least some of the slats 23 are disposed under the top surface 22 of the roll-top section 20 when the roll-top section 20 is at least partially extended. These figures also show how at least some of the slats 23 of the roll-top section 20 can be disposed in a plane parallel to the surface plane and beneath the support surface 2 when the roll-top section 20 is in an unextended or a partially extended state.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a bottom of the apparatus 10. From this view, a plurality of the slats 23 underneath the top surfaces 22, 32 of the stationary section 30 and the roll-top section 20 can be seen. Portions of the frames 24, 34 can also be seen. At an underneath side of the apparatus 10, there is provided a locking mechanism that enables the roll-top section 20 to be locked with respect the stationary section 30. This can be useful for maintaining the roll-top section 20 in an unextended state, a partially extended state, and/or a fully extended state.
In some embodiments, the frame 34 can include side members 36A, 36B running lengthwise. In this embodiment, a plurality of stops 37A, 37B are provided at a bottom surface of stationary section 30, and the stops 37A, 37B can be formed in or on the side members 36A, 36B or attached to the side members 36A, 36B. The stops 37A, 37B, therefore, are distributed lengthwise in the direction of extension of the roll-top section 20, in this embodiment. As an example, the stops 37A, 37B can take the form of indents, openings, and/or depressions formed in or on the side members 36A, 36B or attached to the side members 36A, 36B.
Also at an underneath side of the roll-top section 20, the locking mechanism can include one or more locking pins 82A, 82B configured to engage the stops 37A, 37B. The locking pins 82A, 82B extend crosswise with respect to the direction of extension of the roll-top section 20, e.g., orthogonal to distribution of the stops 37A, 37B. In a first (locked) position, each of the locking pins 82A, 82B can be seated in or otherwise engage corresponding stops 37A, 37B, so that the roll-top section 20 cannot slide with respect to the stationary section 30. In a second (unlocked) position, each of the locking pins is disengaged from the stops 37A, 37B, so that the roll-top section 20 can slide with respect to the stationary section 30.
In this embodiment, the locking mechanism also includes a release lever 84 coupled to the underneath side or bottom surface of the roll-top section 20. The release lever 84 is coupled to the locking pins 82A, 82B by bars 83A, 83B. Each of the bars 83A, 83B includes a biasing element 85A, 85B, e.g., a spring. As an example, each bar can pass through a central axis of a respective spring 85A, 85B, as biasing elements. Each spring 85A, 85B is retained in a fixed position with respect to the underneath side of the roll-top section 20. For example, each spring 85A, 85B can be retained in a respective spring seat 86A, 86B. In this embodiment, rotation of lever 84 causes the locking pins 82A, 82B to either engage or disengage from respective stops 37A, 37B, through the linkage created by bars 86A, 86B and springs 85A, 85B.
The springs 85A, 85B can be used to bias the locking pins 82A, 82B outward to engage the stops 37A, 37B, such that when the lever 84 is released, the springs 85A, 85B push the locking pins outward toward the side members 36A, 36B. As a result, the lever 84 can be used to disengage the locking pins 82A, 82B from the stops 37A, 37B so the roll-top section 20 can be slid to extend or retract, where the biasing from the springs 85A, 85B causes the locking pins 82A, 82B to extend into the next set of stops 37A, 37B as the roll-top section 20 linearly translates.
In the embodiment of FIG. 6, rather than a single return spring, a plurality of return springs are shown. More particularly, in FIG. 6, there are two returns springs 80A, 80B coupled between the cross support 35 of the stationary frame 34 and the cross support 25 of the roll-top frame 24. Similar to the single return spring 80 embodiment, the return springs bias the roll-top section 20 to the unextended state with respect to the stationary section 30. The locking mechanism, including the locking pins 82A, 82B and the stops 37A, 37B secure the roll-top section 20 in place with respect to the stationary section 30.
While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other preferred embodiments, it is understood that various modifications can be made therein and that the invention or inventions may be implemented in various forms and embodiments, and that they may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim that which is literally described and all equivalents thereto, including all modifications and variations that fall within the scope of each claim.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provide in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.
For example, it will be appreciated that all of the features set out in any of the claims (whether independent or dependent) can be combined in any given way.

Claims

1. A table or shelf apparatus, comprising:

a stationary section defining a support surface in a surface plane; and

a roll-top section coupled to the stationary section and configured to extend the support surface within the surface plane along an extension axis, the roll-top section comprising:

a sliding mechanism configured to linearly translate with respect to the stationary section along the extension axis; and

a top surface responsive to the linear translation to roll in and out of the surface plane.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the roll-top section comprises a plurality of slats.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least one slat is coupled to the stationary section and is disposed within the surface plane.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of slats is coupled between the roll-top section and the stationary section.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the plurality of slats transition from beneath the support surface to the surface plane as the sliding mechanism is linearly translated in an extension direction along the extension axis.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of slats transition from the surface plane to beneath the support surface as the sliding mechanism is linearly translated opposite the extension direction along the extension axis.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the slats from the plurality of slats beneath the support surface are maintained in a plane parallel to the surface plane.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more biasing element coupled between the stationary section and the roll-top section.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the one more biasing element applies a force to the roll-top section opposite an extension direction.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the one more biasing element is at least one spring coupled between the stationary section and the roll-top section.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a locking mechanism configured to secure the roll-top section in position relative to the stationary section.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism comprises one or more stops and one or more locking pins configured to engage the one or more stops.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein:

the stationary section comprises the one or more stops; and

the roll-top section comprises the one or more locking pins.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more legs coupled to the stationary section; and

one or more legs coupled to the roll-top section.

15. A table or shelf apparatus, comprising:

a stationary section defining a support surface in a surface plane; and

a top surface responsive to the linear translation of the sliding mechanism to roll in and out of the surface plane,

wherein the roll-top section comprises a plurality of slats including at least one slat coupled to the stationary section and disposed within the surface plane, and

wherein the plurality of slats transition from beneath the support surface to the surface plane as the sliding mechanism is linearly translated in an extension direction along the extension axis.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising one or more biasing element coupled between the stationary section and the roll-top section,

wherein the one or more biasing element applies a force to the roll-top section opposite the extension direction, and

wherein the one or more biasing element is at least one spring coupled between the stationary section and the roll-top section.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

a locking mechanism configured to secure the roll-top section in position relative to the stationary section, the locking mechanism comprising one or more stops and one or more locking pins configured to engage the one or more stops.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein:

the stationary section comprises the one or more stops; and

the roll-top section comprises the one or more locking pins.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

one or more legs coupled to the stationary section; and

one or more legs coupled to the roll-top section.

20. A table or shelf apparatus, comprising:

a stationary section defining a support surface in a surface plane; and

a top surface responsive to the sliding mechanism to roll in and out of the surface plane,

one or more biasing element coupled between the stationary section and the roll-top section; and