Table extension for the handicapped
OwnerArthur B. Staffinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A table extension suitable for use by a person confined to a wheelchair which is mountable beneath an existing table, and also a table in combination with such a table extension. The Table extension includes a pair of opposed spaced side frame members forming a housing, means for securing the housing to the underside of a table top, a first planar member, support means in each side frame member for slidably supporting the first planar member, a second planar member disposed above and substantially parallel to the first planar member, and locking hinge means connecting the planar members and providing for movement of the planar members from a collapsed position within the housing to an extended position wherein the second planar member is raised to a position substantially at the same level as the table top.
Claims14
An extension adapted to be secured to the underside of a table top comprising:
- a. a pair of opposed spaced side frame members forming a housing;
- b. means for securing the housing to the underside of a table top;
- c. a first planar member which extends transversely substantially between said side frame members;
- d. support means in each side frame member for slidably supporting the first planar member;
- e. a second planar member disposed above and substantially parallel to the first planar member;
- and
- f. locking hinge means connecting the planar members along their respective edges, said locking hinge means providing for movement of the planar members from a collapsed position within the housing wherein said second planar member is disposed between said side frame members to an extended position wherein the second planar member can be raised to a position substantially at the same level as the table top to provide an extension to the table top.
An extension adapted to be secured to the underside of a table top comprising:
- a. a pair of opposed spaced side frame members forming a housing;
- b. an upper support member attached to the top of each side frame member for securing the housing to the underside of a table top;
- c. a first planar member which extends transversely substantially between said side frame members;
- d. a longitudinal channel in each side frame member which engages an edge of the first planar member for slidably supporting the first planar member within the housing;
- e. a second planar member disposed above and substantially parallel to the first planar member;
- f. a pair of opposed Z-hinges connected to the respective edges of and for moving the planar members from a collapsed position within the housing wherein said second planar member is disposed between said side frame members to an extended position wherein the second planar member can be raised to a position substantially at the same level as the table top to provide an extension to the table top.
- g. locking means on the first planar member for locking the Z-hinges in their open position whereby the planar members are held in the extended position;
- and
- h. a handle secured to the second planar member for grasping and moving the planar members from the collapsed position to the extended position and vice versa.
In combination with a table including a table top and supporting legs, a table extension secured to the underside of the table top, said table extension comprising:
- a. a pair of opposed spaced side frame members secured to the underside of the table top and forming a housing;
- b. a first planar member which extends transversely substantially between said side frame members;
- c. support means in each side frame member for slidably supporting the first planar member;
- d. a second planar member disposed above and substantially parallel to the first planar member;
- and
- e. locking hinge means connecting the planar members along their respective edges, said locking hinge means providing for movement of the planar members from a collapsed position within the housing wherein said second planar member is disposed between said side frame members to an extended position wherein the second planar member can be raised to a position substantially at the same level as the table top to provide an extension to the table top.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.