US3427667A

US3427667A - Convertible table

Info

Publication number: US3427667A
Application number: US705200A
Authority: US
Inventors: Rudy J Ratcliff
Original assignee: Ratcliff Industries Inc
Current assignee: Ratcliff Industries Inc
Priority date: 1968-02-13
Filing date: 1968-02-13
Publication date: 1969-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 1986-02-18

Description

Feb, 18, @969 R. J. RATCLIFF CONVERTIBLE TABLE Sheet Filed Feb. 15, 1968 471%)?! j @fcZ/ff 6 %/M% f W ammgys FeE. 18, 1969' R. J. RATCLIFF CONVERTIBLE TABLE Sheet Filed Feb. 13, 1968 United States Patent Claims Int. Cl. A47c 19/00; A47b 83/00; A47d 11/00 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The invention relates to a convertible table for use in a dwelling having limited floor space which can be utilized either as a dining table, an end table or, in combination with bench seats, as :a bed. The table comprises an inner table section which is supported from a wall of the dwelling by a dual-position link member, and an outer table section is hinged to the inner section. When the link member is in the upper position, the table sections are at table height and form a dining table, with the outer table section being supported by a folding leg. By pivoting the leg upwardly to a position beneath the outer table section, the outer table section can be swung downwardly to a beyond vertical position, in which position the inner table section functions as an end table and the floor area between the bench seats is exposed.

By moving the link member to the lower position, the table sections are supported substantially flush with the bench seats so that the table can be utilized with the bench seats to provide a bed.

Convertible tables are often utilized in dwellings having limited floor space, such as travel trailers, boats, campers, apartments and the like. The conventional convertible table is normally employed in combination with a pair of bench seats and when in an upper position is used as a dining table and when lowered to the height of the bench seats, it is utilized in combination with the bench seats as a bed.

With the conventional convertible table, the table, whether in the upper or lower position, is extended so that the floor area between the bench seats is not available for use. Not only does this reduce the over-all floor area of the trailer, but it also makes it more difiicult to get into storage areas or lockers located beneath the bench seats.

The present invention is directed to a convertible table for a travel trailer or other dwelling of limited floor space and can be utilized either as a dining table, an end table or, in combination with a pair of bench seats, as a bed. The table comprises an inner table section which is supported from a wall of the trailer by a link member, and an outer table section is hinged to the inner section. The link member is movable between an upper and lower position and when in the upper position, the table sections form a dining table with the outer section being supported by a foldable leg. By folding the leg beneath the outer table section and pivoting the outer table section downwardly to an over vertical position, the inner table section functions as an end table and the floor area between the bench seats 3,427,667 Patented Feb. 18, 1969 tions as an end table, substantially the entire area between the bench seats is exposed. This not only increases the overall floor space of the trailer, but also provides a more spacious appearance for the trailer which is a distinct advantage for marketability. By exposing substantially the entire floor area between the bench seats when the outer table section is folded downwardly, storage areas beneath the bench seats are more readily accessible.

As the inner table section remains in a horizontal position and functions as an end table when the outer section is folded down, articles such as ash trays, lamps, bowls and the like, can be retained on the inner table section rather than having to move these articles from the table when the outer table section is folded down.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the course of the following description.

The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the convertible table of the invention as associated with a pair of bench seats in a travel trailer;

BIG. 2 is a vertical section showing the outer table folded down and the inner table section functioning as an end table;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the outer table section extended and the table functioning as a 'dining table;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the table in the position shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an end view of the table supported flush with the bench seats and functioning as a bed; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section showing the inner table section and the link member when the table is in the bed-supporting position.

FIG. 1 shows a convertible table 1 located in the area between a pair of opposed bench seats 2 in a dwelling such as a travel trailer, boat, camper or the like. The bench seats 2 are supported on the floor 3 of the dwelling and the table 1 is mounted on the Wall 4 of the dwelling.

The convertible table 1 includes an inner table section 5 and an outer table section 6 which are joined together by a hinge 7. To mount the inner table section 5 on the wall 4, a pair of brackets 8 are secured to the undersurface of the inner table section 5, and each hinge bracket 8 includes an upwardly extending extension 9 which is received within a socket 10 mounted on the wall 4. In addition, the inner table section is supported by a generally U-s'haped wire link mernber -11. The end '12 of each leg of the link member 11 is journalled within a hinge bracket 8, and each leg also consists of a pair of sections '16 land '14, with the sections 14 being connected together by a cross section 15 which is mounted for rotation in a pair of binge brackets 16 mounted on wall 4. The link member 11 is adapted to be moved from an upper position, as shown in FIG. 2, to a lower position, as shown in FEIG. 5. When in the upper position, the upper talble section '5 is supported at table height. In this position, the extensions 9 are engaged with the sockets =10, the sections 13 of the link member 11 are disposed in supporting relation with the underside of the table section 5 and the cross sect-ion '15 is supported by the hinge brackets *16.

When the link member 11 is in its upper position, the table 1 can either function as an end table, as shown in FIG. 2, in which the outer section 6 is folded downwardly, or it can function as a dining table, as shown in FIG. 3, in which the outer table section 6 is extended and is supported by a leg 18 pivotally attached to bracket 19 mounted on the undersurface of the table section 6. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the leg 18 has a length just slightly less than the length of the table section 6 so that the leg can be folded up against the undersurface of the table section 6, as shown in FIG. 2.

To move the table from the dining position, as shown in FIG. 3, to the end table position, as shown in FIG. 2, the leg 18 is initially folded beneath the table section 6 and the table section 6 is then pivoted upwardly until the extensions 9 are removed from the sockets 10. With the extensions 9 disengaged from the sockets 10, the outer table section 6 can then be folded downwardly to a beyond vertical position, as shown in FIG. 2. With the table section 6 in the beyond vertical position, the extensions 9 can then be reinserted with the sockets 10 and the outer end of the table section 6 will rest on the floor 3 to maintain the table section 6 in the position shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the bench seats 2 includes a side wall 20 and an end wall 21. The area within the

side walls

20 and 21 is normally used as a storage space and is enclosed by a removable top 22. One or more storage drawers 23 can be located in the side wall 20 of the bench seat. A seat cushion 24 is supported on the top 22, and a back cushion 25 is supported against the wall 26 of the trailer.

The table 1 has a width approximately equal to the distance between the side walls 20 of the bench seats 2 so that when the link member 11 is moved to its lower position, as shown in FIG. 5, the table 1 will bridge the gap between the bench seats and, in combination with the bench seats, form a bed. To support the table 1 in this position, a pair of

supports

27 and 28 are mounted on each side wall 20, and the upper surface of the table 1 is substantially flush with the top member 22. The back cushions 26 can be placed on the table 1 to form a bed in combination with the seat cushions 25.

As the table 1 has a width substantially equal to the distance between the bench seats 2, it is necessary that there be a spacing between the

supports

27 and 28 to permit the outer table section to be pivoted downwardly to the position shown in FIG. 2. If the supports 27 and 28 were a continuous strip along the side wall 20, it would not be possible to pivot the outer table section 6 to the position shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates the table 1 in the dining position in which the link member 11 is in the upper position and the outer table section 6 is extended and is supported by the leg 18. To move the table 1 from the extended position to the folded position, as shown in FIG. 2, the leg 18 is initially folded under the table section 6 and the table 1 is then pivoted upwardly to release the extensions 9 from the sockets 10. The outer table section 6 is then pivoted downwardly and toward the wall 4 to a diagonal, over vertical position, as shown in FIG. 2, and the extensions 9 are then reinserted in the sockets 10. In this position, the table section is horizontal and functions as an end table and is supported by the link member 11. Due to the fact that the table section 6 has a greater length than the distance between the floor 3 and the inner table section 5, the outer end of table section 6 will engage the fioor and lock the outer table section 6 in the diagonal, over vertical position. Thus, the outer table section 6 is restrained against movement outwardly in a direction away from the wall 4 by engagement of the outer table section with the floor 3 and is restrained against movement inwardly towards the wall by engagement of the outer table section with the supports 28.

To return the outer table section 6 to the extended position, the table section 6 is lifted up to release the extensions 9 from the sockets and the table section 6 is then swung outwardly, clearing the support 27, to the extended position. When in the extended position, the extensions 9 are then reinserted in the sockets 10 and the leg 18 is folded downwardly so that the table will then be in the position shown in FIG. 3.

To move the table to the bed supporting position, as shown in FIG. 4, the leg 18 is swung upwardly beneath the outer table section and the table is then pivoted upwardly to release the extensions 9 from sockets 10. The entire table is then swung downwardly, moving the link member 11 to its lower position and the table sections will then be supported on the

supports

27 and 28, as shown in FIG. 4.

The convertible table of the invention can be used either as a dining table, an end table or, in combination with the bench seats, as a bed. The end table position has distinct advantages in that the table section 5 provides a surface on which articles such as lamps, ash trays, bowls and the like can be supported, and the over vertical, diagonal position of the outer table section 6 enables substantially the entire floor area between the bench seats to be exposed and utilized. The over Vertical diagonal position of the outer table section 6 also provides a lock for the table section so that it will not swing to any appreciable extent during travel of the trailer. By increasing the exposed floor area between the bench seats, the interior of the travel trailer or camper appears considerably more spacious and this increases the sales appeal of the trailer.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

I claim:

1. In a dwelling, a supporting structure including a wall and a floor, a pair of bench seats mounted on the floor in spaced relation to each other, a table located between the bench seats and including a first table section and a second table section pivotally connected to said first table section, mounting means connected to said first table section for mounting the first table section from said wall, said mounting means being movable between an upper and a lower position, said mounting means being arrangedso that when at said upper position said first table section is at dining table height, and said mounting means being arranged so that when at said lower position said first table section is supported at a height generally flush with said bench seats, support means for supporting said second table section in an extended position with respect to said first table section when said mounting means is at upper position, said second table section having a length greater than the distance between said first table section and said floor when said mounting means is in said upper position so that said second table section can be pivoted to an inclined position in which said second table section extends downwardly from said first table section and inwardly toward said wall with the outer end of said second table section engaging said fioor to maintain said second table section in said inclined position, the length of the second table section being related to said distance so that the first table section will be substantially horizontal when the second table section is in the inclined position.

2. The structure of claim 1, and including second support means for supporting said second table section in an extended position with respect to said first table section and generally flush with said bench seats when said mounting means is in said lower position.

3. The structure of claim 2, wherein said bench seats include vertical side members extending generally parallel to the longitudinal dimension of said table and said second support means comprises a stop connected to each side member and spaced from said wall.

4. In a dwelling, a supporting structure including a wall and a floor, a table extending outwardly in a first direction from the wall and including an inner table section and an outer table section pivoted to the inner table section along a line normal to said first direction, means for removably mounting said inner table section on said Wall, and removable support means for supporting the outer table section in an extended position with respect to said inner table section to form a dining table, said outer table section being pivotable downwardly with respect to said inner table section to a folded inclined position in which the outer table section extends downwardly and inwardly towards said wall, said outer table section having a length greater than the distance from the inner table section to'the floor so that the outer end of the outer table section will engage the floor when the outer table section is in the folded inclined position, said length being correlated with said distance so that when the outer table section is in the folded inclined position the inner table section is substantially horizontal.

5. The structure of claim 4, and including a pair of bench seats supported on the floor and located on either side of said table, and second support means for supporting the inner table section and the outer table section in a position substantially flush with the upper surface of said beneh seats so that the table sections in combination with the bench seats form a bed.

6. The structure of claim 5, wherein the width of the table in a direction normal to said first direction is substantially equal to the distance between said bench seats, and said second support means includes a first support member attached to each bench seat and disposed to support said inner table section, and said second support means includes a second support member attached to each bench seat and disposed to support said outer table section, the first and second support members associated with each bench seat being spaced apart to enable the outer table section to be pivoted downwardly to the folded inclined position.

7. The structure of claim 6, wherein said first support member is located between the wall and the outer table section when the outer table section is pivoted to the folded inclined position.

8. The structure of claim 1, wherein said mounting means includes a link member having one end pivotally connected to the inner t-able section and a second end pivotally connected to said wall, said link member being swingable about said second end to move the mounting means between the upper and lower positions.

9. The structure of claim 7, wherein said outer table section is engaged with said first support member when the outer table section is in the folded inclined position so that the outer table section is restrained against movement outwardly in said first direction by engagement of the outer end of said outer table section with the floor and is restrained against movement inwardly in said first direction by the engagement of the outer table section with said first support member.

10. In a dwelling, a supporting structure including a wall and a floor, a pair of bench seats mounted on the floor in spaced relation to each other, a table located between the bench seats and having a width substantially equal to the distance between said bench seats, said table including an inner table section and an outer table section pivoted to the inner table section along a line parallel to said wall, means for movably mounting said inner table section on said wall, removable support means for supporting the outer table section in an extended position with respect to the inner table section to form a dining table, said outer table section being pivotable downwardly with respect to said inner table section to a folded inclined position wherein the outer table section extends downwardly and inwardly toward said wall and the outer end of said outer table section is located at a level beneath the upper surface of said bench seats and the inner table section is substantially horizontal, second support means for supporting the inner table section and the outer table section in a position substantially flush with the upper surface of said bench seats so that the table sections in combination with the bench seats form a bed, and means engageable with the outer table section when the outer table section is in the folded inclined position for preventing pivotal movement of the outer table section in a direction towards and away from said wall.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,257,425 9/ 1941 Mezzetti 5-3 2,771,331 11/1956 Messman 10848 X 3,242,882 3/1966 Hoyt 10848 3,267,879 8/1966 Jackson 108-11 3,300,791 1/1967 Carmack 5-3 CASMIR A. NUNBERG, Primary Examiner.