Table with movable top surface and mechanism for same

Abstract

A table with a moveable table surface includes: a base; a substantially planar table surface having an uppermost visible surface; and a lifting mechanism mounted to the base and to the table surface. The lifting mechanism is configured to move the table between a closed position, in which the table surface is horizontally disposed adjacent to and above the base, and an open position, in which the table surface is horizontally disposed above and forwardly of its position in the closed position. The lifting mechanism comprises: a front pivot link pivotally interconnected with the base and with the table surface, the front pivot link having a spring extension finger; a rear pivot link pivotally interconnected with the base and with the table surface; and a spring having opposite ends, one of the ends of the spring being attached to the spring extension finger of the front pivot link and the other end of the spring being fixed relative to the table surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates generally to tables, such as coffee tables and end tables, which are placed near a seating unit to provide a support surface for the occupants of the seating unit, and more particularly relates to tables which have a table surface which moves from its conventional position atop the base of the table to a position more convenient to the occupants of the seating unit.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The great majority of residences today include a seating unit, such as a sofa or chair, near which is placed a table, such as a coffee table or end table. Coffee tables can provide a surface for supporting food and drink and displaying decorative items and reading materials, and can also by themselves improve the appearance of the room. Likewise, end tables can provide a support surface for these items as well as reading lamps, telephones, and the like.[0003]One of the drawbacks of the support surfaces provided by coffee tables and end tab...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]As a third aspect, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a table, comprising: a base; a substantially planar table surface having an uppermost visible surface; and first and second lifting mechanisms mounted to the base and to the table surface. The lifting mechanisms are configured to move the table between a closed position, in which the table surface is horizontally disposed adjacent to and above the base, and an open position, in which the table surface is horizontally disposed above and forwardly of its position in the closed position. Each of the lifting mechanisms comprises: a front pivot link pivotally interconnected with the base and with the table surface, the front pivot link having a transversely-extending flange; and a rear pivot link pivotally interconnected with the base and with the table surface. The table further comprises a cross-member extending between and fixed to the flanges. In this configuration, the mechanism can be particularly stable.

Problems solved by technology

One of the drawbacks of the support surfaces provided by coffee tables and end tables is the inconvenient location of the table surface relative to an occupant of the seating unit.

For example, if the occupant rests a plate of food or a drinking glass on the coffee table, he must lean forward from a seated position to retrieve it; this is somewhat awkward, particularly with seating units that employ deep, soft cushions.

First, he can lean over the table while eating or drinking, which is even more awkward than simply leaning over the table to retrieve the plate.

Either of these options is unsatisfactory, as the risk of the occupant spilling food or drink onto the table, the underlying floor (which is often carpeted), or the seating unit itself, is significant.

The situation is typically no better with an end table; the occupant must twist to retrieve the plate or glass from the end table and either consume in this awkward twisted position or balance the plate or glass as it travels and resides over the seating unit.

Often the difficulty is exacerbated by the presence of an armrest on the end of the seating unit that the occupant must negotiate.

Further, the typical coffee table provides no surface between occupants seated on either end of a sofa that can serve as a card or game table.

The underlying cause of these difficulties is the position of the table surface relative to the seating unit.

On coffee tables, the table surface is too low and too far forward for easy access to the occupant of a seating unit.

Each of these tabletops is moved to the extended position by a bulky mechanism that is unsuitable for many modern table styles, such as “off-the-floor” tables and tables having a base that is relatively narrow in comparison to the tabletop.

For these and other examples, the mechanism would be visually exposed and thus render the table unacceptably unsightly.

In addition, the table top for many tables can be quite heavy.

As a result, raising the table top can be difficult, particularly for a weak or feeble operator.

Further, due to its weight, during lowering the table top can slip from the grip of the operator and slam violently into the closed position.

However, as above, this configuration is limited to table styles in which the cylinder is not exposed.

Images