US3645597A

US3645597A - Table with self-contained cover

Info

Publication number: US3645597A
Application number: US5249A
Authority: US
Inventors: Toshihiko Sakow
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-01-23
Filing date: 1970-01-23
Publication date: 1972-02-29
Anticipated expiration: 1989-02-28

Abstract

A flat-tabletop-type of work surface can be enclosed with a tambour or rolltop-type of member, which slidably engages upwardly swingable sides or end members, the side edges of the tambour being resistant to being displaced laterally. When the table is in its open position, the tambour extends downward on a track between two legs of the table. When the table is in its closed position, the sides or end members are folded upwardly about the tabletop to a vertical position and the tambour is pulled up, around and over the top of the table, the sides having tracks which slidably engage the sides of the tambour.

Description

a Feb. 29, 1972 United States Patent Sakow .312/297 X ...160/23l R .......l08/90 .248/206 R .m m mu k 5k 6 .m aw DmBD 0279 3666 9999 1111 62 2 [54] TABLE WITH SELF-CONTAINED COVER I [72] inventor: Toshihiko Sakow, 3 Horizon Road, Fort Lee, NJ. 07024 Jan. 23, 1970 211 Appl.No.: 5,249

Primary Examiner-James T. McCall Attorney-Howard C. Miskin [22] Filed;

ABSTRACT A flat-tabletop-type of work surface can be enclosed with a 160/231 A tambour or rolltop-type of member, which slidably engages upwardly swingable sides or end members, the side edges of the tambour being resistant to being displaced laterally. When the table is in its open position, the tambour extends downward on a track between two legs of the table. When the table is in its closed position, the sides or end members are [58] Field of Search ....................312/297, 237, 282; 108/90; 160/201, 231

[56] References Cited folded upwardly about the tabletop to a vertical position and UNITED STATES PATENTS the tambour is pulled up, around and over the top of the table,

the sides having tracks which slidably engage the sides of the 312/297 X tarnbour. v....312/297 X .312/297 X 12 Claims,

e "m fen aw Kow ll OGH 60 022 999 HHH 677 454 320 475 248 l1 6 Drawing Figures Patented Feb. 29, 1972 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 29, 1972 4 Sheets-$119M 3 Patented Feb. 29, 1972 3 67 4 sheets shew 4 TABLE WITH SELF-CONTAINED COVER This invention relates generally to a table for use as a support for a typewriter, a sewing machine, or the like,and more particularly to a rolltop type of table which can function both as a work area having a relatively large flat surface, or a storage area having a protective cover.

Presently, tables which are portable in natureand which are intendedfor use as supports for typewriters,sewing machines or the like are "generally formed of lightweight, vertically extending leg elements secured to a relatively large flattop surface, the flattop surface functioning both as a support forthe article of use, i.e., the typewriter or the sewing machine, and

as a'work area.

sewingmachine, the work area of the table functions also as a support for the material that is being sewn together.

Therelativelylarge flat work surface of the table, which is so necessary while the table is being used, suddenly becomes awkward and possibly undesirable when the table is not in use. Additionally, when the table and the typewriter or sewing machine supported by the table is not in use, a cover should be provided to 'both hidethe typewriter or sewing machine from direct and obvious view, and to also help protect the typewriter and sewing machine from air-laden dust and dirt. If possible, a rigid type of cover would be more desirable than a softplastic or woven cloth cover sewn to shape, as the cloth cover will not provide protection from heavy or hard articles accidentally dropped onto the cover.

It is an object of this invention to provide a support table for a typewriter or sewing machine which has a cover that is an integral part of the table to provide protection for the typewriter or sewing machine from dust, dirt or falling objects.

It is another object of this invention to provide a support tablefora typewriter or sewing machine having a roll type of cover and which forms a self-locking construction in its rolled up condition.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a support table for a typewriter or a sewing machine which is of open, lightweight design, and still forms a relatively rigid and sturdy structure.

' It is still another object of this invention to provide a support table for a typewriter or sewing machine having side work surfaces that fold up out of the way to form side support members for a rolltop type of cover.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a support table fora typewriter or a sewing machine which is economical to makeand reliable and sturdy when in use.

According to one of its features, the present invention makes possible the structure of a flat-tabletop type'of work surface which can be enclosed with a tambour or rolltop type of member which slidably engages upwardly swingable sides or end members, the side edges of the tambour or rolltop type of member being resistant to being displaced laterally and which lock the end members in their upward condition; In its illustrative embodiment, the present invention makes use of a rigid track member positioned between the two rear legs of the table, and which extends upwardly above the top surface of the top of the table. When the tableis in its open position, the tambour extends substantially the full lengthof the rigid track to'forrr: a back panel which hides from view the feet and legs of a user, such as a typist.

When the table isin its closed'position, the sides or end members are folded upward to a vertical position and the tarnbour is-pulled up,'around and over the top of the table, the sides-having tracks which are aligned with the rigid track member and are slidably engaged by the side ends of the tambour.

Thus there has been outlined rather broadly the more important features of the invention in order that the-detailed description thereof that follows maybe better understood, and in order that the present contributions to'the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of the other structures for carrying'out theseveral purposesof the invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions as do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Specific embodiments of the invention have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description,and are shown in theaccompanying drawings, forming a part of the specification, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a table in its open condition, in accordance with theprinciples of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a back perspective .view of the table of FIG. I when i in its closed condition;

FIG. 3 is a view in perspective of a portion of one form of the tambour;

FIG. 3A is a fragmentary end view of a side edge of the tambour;

FIG. 4 is. a fragmentary view partially in section, of an end panel member in slidable engagement with a tambour; and

FIGS is a rear perspective view of another embodiment showing a sewing machine table in it open condition.

Similar reference characters refer to similar throughout the various views of the drawing.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a table, advantageously used with a typewriter, in its open condition, in accordance with the principles of this invention.

A flat relatively rigid center panel or member 10 which can be composed of a plastic material such as polypropylene or the like, or of wood or metal, contains a tumed-down front edge 12, which provides structural rigidity to the member 10. A pair of upwardly swingableend or

side panel members

14, 16 are pivotally coupled to opposite side edges of member 10; the end panel member 14 being coupled torigid member 16) along a hinge I8, and end panel member 16 being coupled to rigid member 10 along a-hinge 20. In those instances where the-center panel 10 and endpanelmembers 14, I6 are composed of plastic, then hinges i8 and 20 can also be composed of plastic, making essentially a unitary top surface, which can be molded to shape.

Positioned at and embracing the back edge of center member-10 is a guide and brace member 22 having two

arms

24, 26, at opposite ends. Arm 24 projects inwardly from the back edge of the center member it) along a notch interposed between member 10 and the upwardly swingabie end panel member l4; and arm 26 projects inwardly from the back edge of center'member 10 along a notch interposed between the center member 10 and the upwardly swingable end panel member-:16.

End-panel member 14 supports a recess 28 shaped to accommodate thearm 24 of the guide and brace member 22, withthe edge 30 of recess 28 overlapping the top. edge 32 of thearm 24, and the side surface 34 of the recess 28engaging the outward facing side of the arm24 when the swingable end panel member 14 is disposed to its upward or vertical position. Magnetic locking means is provided within the side surface 34 and the outward facing side of the arm 24 to releasably magnetically lock-end panel member: 14, when in its vertical position, to the guide and brace member 22.

In a similar manner, end panel member 16 supports a recess 36 shaped to accommodate the arm 26 of the guide and brace member 22, pith the edge 38 of the recess 36 overlapping the top edge 40 of the'arm26, and the side surface 42 of the recess 36 engaging the outward facing side of the arm 26'when the swingable end panel member 16 is disposed to its upward or --vertical position. Magnetic locking means is provided parts norm: :vvm

within the side surface42 and the outward facing side of the arm 26 to releasably magnetically lock end panel member 16 when in its vertical position, to guide and brace member 22.

The guide and brace member 22 supports a passageway 44 which passes from the top edge down through the bottom edge and extends across from arm 24 to arm 26. A tambour 58 is positioned within and passes through the passageway 44. The side ends of passageway 44 are formed in a manner to provide a track or guideway for the side edges of tambour 58, as will be discussed below. Additionally,

end panel members

14 and 16 are shaped in a manner to provide tracks or guideways for the side edges of tambour 58, the tracks or guideways in the end panel members being aligned with the tracks or guideways at the ends of the passageway 44 to form a continuous track or guideway when the end panel members are in their vertical position, as shown in FIG. 2, and which is discussed below.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a back perspective view of the typewriter table of FIG. 1 in its closed condition. The flat, relatively rigid member 10, not seen, is coupled securelyalong its two side edges to the base 46 of each of the two inverted U-shaped

members having legs

48, 50. The legs 48 function as the rear legs of the table, and the legs 50 func tion as the front legs of the table. If desired, the very bottom ends of the

legs

48, 50 can be coupled to casters or rollers 51 to permit the table to be rolled from one position to another. A panel 52 interposed between and embraced by the base 46 and the two

legs

48, 50 provides rigidity to the

legs

48, 50.

A tambour guide 54, shaped to provide a track or guideway for the side edges of tambour 58, is securely rigidly to the side surface of each of the rear legs 48 and is aligned with the track or guideway at the ends of passageway 44 to form a continuous track or guideway for the tambour. Positioned between the very bottom ends of the tambour guides 54 is a tambour stop bar 56. Stop bar 56 functions both as a stop for the tambour when the table is in use and the tambour is in its fully opened condition, and additionally provides rigidity to the rear legs 48.

FIG. 3 shows a view in perspective of a cutaway portion of one embodiment of a tambour. The tambour 58, which can be composed of plastic such as polypropylene or the like, consists of a plurality of generally parallel sections, flexibly coupled to each other. Starting at any convenient part of the tambour, section 60 is flexibly coupled to a next adjacent section 62; section 62 is flexibly coupled to a next adjacent section 64; section 64 is flexibly coupled to a next adjacent section 66; section 66 is flexibly coupled to a next adjacent section 68, and so on to the last section. Advantageously, tambour 58 is made of plastic, such as polypropylene, and molded in one piece. Referring specifically to section 62, a generally V- shaped cutout 70 is centrally positioned along the top surface, and a rib member 72 projects outwardly from the bottom surface. Rib member 72 extends across the width of the section 62 terminating a short predetermined distance from each end of the section 62.. Each section is separated from its adjacent sections by a generally V-shaped-groove, which enables adjacent sections to bend or flex relative to each other. Thus, section 62 is separated from section 60 by a groove 74 and section 62 is separated from section 64 by a groove 76. Each section of tambour 58 contains two locking tabs, one at each end. Referring specifically to section 64, there is illustrated a locking tab 78 which extends or projects outwardly from the top surface of the tambour. The other end of the section 64 supports a similar locking tab which also extends or projects outwardly from the top surface of the tambour, and could extend upwardly or downwardly. Section 66, positioned adjacent to section 64, supports a locking tab at each end, which is similar to locking tab 78 of section 64, but which extends or projects outwardly in the opposite direction, which as shown is from the bottom surface of the tambour. As mentioned previously, and as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the rib member 72 of each corresponding section terminates a predetermined distance from each end of the section. It is to be noted that the distance between the end of the rib member and the end of the tambour is greater than the thickness of the locking tab to provide clearance for the tambour track.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated, partially in section, an end panel member in slidable engagement with tambour 58, showing the tracks or guideways for slidably receiving the side edges of tambour 58. The track of the end panel is illustrated with end panel 16 and has an inner tambour retainer and top fold leaf 80 positioned in parallel relationship with and spaced from a bottom fold leaf 82. Advantageously, top fold leaf 80 may be made of plastic joined to center panel 10, and bottom fold leaf 82 may be made of various materials and painted to a desired color.

Leaves

80, and 82 may be joined in spaced arrangement by various means, such as screws, glue or the like. A stepped projection 84 extends around the outer perimeter area of the top fold leaf 80 to maintain the top fold leaf 80 spaced from the bottom fold leaf 82. Positioned around the outer perimeter of the end panel 16 and secured rigidly to the top fold leaf 80 and the bottom fold leaf 82 is an outer tambour retainer track or guideway member 86. The member 86 supports three spaced-apart

projections

88, 90 and 92. Projection 92 engages and is secured rigidly to the bottom fold leaf 82. Projection 90 engages a shoulder in the stepped projection 84 and, additionally, func tions as a stop to limit the lateral displacement of the tambour. As seen best in FIG. 3A, projection 88 is spaced from and aligned with a projection 94 in the top fold leaf 80 to form a passageway for sections of the tambour,

projections

88 and 94 being of a width less than the distance between the ends of tabs 72 and tabs 78. The volume defined by

projections

88, 94 and 90 and member 86 and top leaf 80 form a track or guideway for the locking tabs 78 of the tambour. When end panel 16 is in the vertical position an end of its corresponding track or guideway aligns with a side end of passageway 44 to provide a continuous track or guideway for the side edges or locking tabs 78 of the tambour.

In a similar manner end panel 14 has a similar track for its mating tambour edge.

To support

end panels

14 and 16 when in their open position, a pair of arms 95 are slidably mounted beneath center panel 10. Arms 95 can be supported in any convenient manner, such as by tracks of a bottom panel. The outward movement of arms 95 is preferably limited, such as by stops mounted on the sides of the arms, adjacent the rear.

To aid in handling tambour 58, a handle 97 is provided on the forward edge of tambour 58. Handle 97 has a flared surface terminating in a lip 98 which is received within a slot 99 along the forward edge of center panel 10 for locking the tambour in its closed position. Lip 98 is sprung past slot 99 to return tambour 58 to its open position. Other latching constructions may be used.

In the explanation of the operation of this invention, it shall be assumed that the table is in its open condition as illustrated in FIG. 1. In this condition,

end panel members

14 and 16 are positioned horizontally, being supported by extendable arms 95, which are slid out from beneath the member 10, and tambour 58 is stored in a vertical position between the tambour guide 54 to form a modesty panel. To close the table, the

end panel members

14, 16 are folded upward and are initially retained in position by the magnetic hold means within side surfaces 34 and 42, and the extendable arms 95 are urged into their retracted position. Tambour 58, the front end of which is positioned at the top edge of the guide and brace member 22 is now pulled up, around and down, the locking tabs 78 of the tambour being engaged by the track or guideway formed by the

projections

88, 94 and 90 in members 88 along the edges of the

end panel members

14, 16, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Tabs 78 on the tambour prevent

end panels

14 and 16 from return ing to their downward position, and they are locked in their upward position forming a covered portion over panel 10.

It is to be noted that a unitary relatively rigid structure is formed when the tambour locking tabs 78 are in engagement with the tracks or guideways in the guide and brace member 22 and the end panel members l4, 16. The guide and brace Int/M: Ivmn member 22 is affixed to center panel 10, and thus provides a rigid stop and support for the

end panel members

14, 16; and the locking tabs of the tambour, when in engagement with the tracks or guideways in the edge of the end panel members 14,

16, so as to prevent the

end panel members

14 and 16 from.

swinging, tilting or attempting to swing downwardly about their

hinges

18 and 20.

Since the tracks in

end members

14 and 16 are ad-' vantageously made wider than the width of tabs 78 to allow easy sliding, the

end members

14 and 16 in their raised position would sag or tilt without brace member 22 or an equivalent rigid vertically extending member.

Thetypewriter table illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 show a table having a slight projection along its back edge, the projection being the guide and brace member 22, which extends up beyond the top surface of the table to'provide rigidity to the structure. In some instances it is desirable to have a flat surface such as would be the case with a sewing machine table. In this instance, the guide and brace member 22 would be repositioned such that its top surface would flush with the top surface of the table.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a back perspective view of a sewing machine table in its open condition. In the sewing machine table, it is to be noted that the guide and brace member 22 does not function as a stop against which the

end panel member

102, 104 can abut. Additionally, in the sewing machine table, the track or guideway 105 for the tambour edges can be positioned to terminate at the very front edge of the table or at some point back from the very front edge of the table, as illustrated.

To provide the stability from tilting of the

end members

102 and 104, a portion 109 of center member 10, adjacent the front edge is pivoted upwardly along a hinge line 107.

In use,

side panels

102 and 104 are pivoted upwardly and the tambour edges are received within their corresponding tracks 105 for locking the side panels in their upward position. Tambour 58 is slid around and portion 100 is pivoted upwardly and removably engages the forward end of tambour 58.

In some instances it may be desired to utilize a track and guideway and tambour slidable locking arrangement that differs from that illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Referring to FIG. 5, there is illustrated another form of slidably engageable tambour and track arrangements. In this embodiment, the track or guideway can be a U-shaped cutout that extends around the edge of the

end panels

102, 104. However, positioned at each comer of the end panels and within each panel is a freely

rotatable pinwheel

106 and 108, in a sprocket. The tambour is fabricated to support cutouts 110 uniformly spread and 'positioned along each side edge 11 to be engaged by the pins or sprockets of the wheel. In this embodiment, it is to be noted that the tambour does not contain locking tabs. in operation, as the tambour is moved along the tracks, the cutouts 110 in the tambour are engaged by the pins or sprockets on the

rotatable wheels

106 and 108 in each of the end panels, which prevents the end panels from being swingingly displaced to their horizontal position.

It is seen that the interactions of the tabs 73 on the tambour and the guides in

side panels

14 and 16 prevent the panels from separating from center panel while the side panels are in their raised position. Similarly, the apertures 110 and sprockets on the sprocket wheels automatically lock the side panels in their upward position. No separate latching equipment is necessary. While the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 was indicated as being a typewriter table, it could be any kind of table. Also, while tabs 78 were shown extending from opposite surfaces of tambour 53, they could extend from only one surface.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above tracking. It is, therefore, to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

What I claim is:

1. A table comprising a center panel having a front edge, a back edge and two side edges, a first member swingable coupled to one side of said center panel, a second member swingably coupled to the other side edge of said center panel, a guide member coupled to the back edge ofsaid center panel, a passageway having two'sides coupled to the guide member, a first track coupled to a side edge portion of the first member, one end of which is in alignment with one side of the passageway whenthe first member is positioned vertically, a second track coupled to aside edge portion of the second member, one end of which is in alignment with the other side of the passageway when the second member is positioned vertically, a tambour coupled to be in slidable engagement with the passageway of said guide member and said first and second tracks of said first and second members, and means coupled to the tambour and slidably engageable with the first and second tracks along a first direction and nonreleasably retaining-the first and second tracks along a second direction, transverse to the first direction for locking said first and second members in the vertical position.

2 A table comprising a center panel having a front edge, back edge and two side edges, first and second end members pivotably coupled to opposite side edges respectively of the center panel, said first and second members pivoting at least from a position substantially coplanar with the upper surface of said center panel to a generally vertical position, a passageway having two sides coupled to the back edge of the center panel, a first track coupled to a side edge portion of the first member, a second track coupled to a side edge portion of the second member, each of said first and second tracks communicating with a corresponding side of said passageway when said members are in their vertical position, a tambour coupled to be in slidable engagement with the passageway and said first and second tracks of said first and second members, and means on said tambour cooperating with said first and second end members for retaining said members in their vertical position while in engagement with said first and second tracks.

3. A table as in claim 2 wherein said end member retaining means includes a plurality of tabs projecting outward from one longitudinal surface along the edge portion of said tambour.

4. A table as in claim 3 wherein said first and second tracks have a projection defining a slot for allowing movement of said tambour in one direction and engaging said tabs for preventing said corresponding end member pivoting from said vertical position.

5. The combination of claim 1, wherein said guide member extends beyond the top surface of said center panel.

6. The combination of claim 2, comprising a third track aligned with and positioned below a side of the passageway coupled to the guide member, and a fourth track aligned with and positioned below another side of the passageway coupled to the guide member wherein third and fourth tracks received the tambour as the tambour is slidably disengaged from the first and second tracks of said first and second members.

7. The combination of claim 1, wherein said means coupled to the tambour comprises tabs projecting outward from one longitudinal surface along the edge portion of said tambour.

8. The combination of claim 1 wherein said means coupled to the tambour comprise tabs projecting outward from the top and bottom edge portion of said tambour.

9. The combination of claim 7, including means to releasably lock said first and second members to said passageway by magnetic catches.

10. The combination of claim 9, including means coupled to said first and second track to restrict the lateral displacement of said tambour.

11. The combination of claim 1, wherein said means comprises cutouts positioned along the edge portions of said tambour coupled to engage projections movable relative to and positioned within said tracks. I

12. The combination of claim 11, wherein said projections are coupled to the periphery of a rotatably retained wheel.

- A A a

Claims

1. A table comprising a center panel having a front edge, a back edge and two side edges, a first member swingable coupled to one side of said center panel, a second member swingably coupled to the other side edge of said center panel, a guide member coupled to the back edge of said center panel, a passageway having two sides coupled to the guide member, a first track coupled to a side edge portion of the first member, one end of which is in alignment with one side of the passageway when the first member is positioned vertically, a second track coupled to a side edge portion of the second member, one end of which is in alignment with the other side of the passageway when the second member is positioned vertically, a tambour coupled to be in slidable engagement with the passageway of said guide member and said first and second tracks of said first and second members, and means coupled to the tambour and slidably engageable with the first and second tracks along a first direction and nonreleasably retaining the first and second tracks along a second direction, transverse to the first direction for locking said first and second members in the vertical position. CM,2Le comprising a center panel having a front edge, back edge and two side edges, first and second end members pivotably coupled to opposite side edges respectively of the center panel, said first and second members pivoting at least from a position substantially coplanar with the upper surface of said center panel to a generally vertical position, a passageway having two sides coupled to the back edge of the center panel, a first track coupled to a side edge portion of the first member, a second track coupled to a side edge portion of the second member, each of said first and seCond tracks communicating with a corresponding side of said passageway when said members are in their vertical position, a tambour coupled to be in slidable engagement with the passageway and said first and second tracks of said first and second members, and means on said tambour cooperating with said first and second end members for retaining said members in their vertical position while in engagement with said first and second tracks.

11. The combination of claim 1, wherein said means comprises cutouts positioned along the edge portions of said tambour coupled to engage projections movable relative to and positioned within said tracks.