Deployable video conference table

US5261735A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Marc M. Cohen · Palo Alto, US
• Peter Lissol · Redwood City, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 3, 1992
• Grant date: Nov 16, 1993
• Expiry date: Feb 3, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A47B2200/0069
• WIPO field: Furniture, games
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

A deployable table stowable in and deployable from a storage compartment based upon a non-self rigidizing 4-hinge arch support structure that collapses or folds upon itself to stow and that expands to deploy. The work surfaces bypass each other above and below each other to allow the deployment mechanism to operate. This assembly includes first and second primary pivot hinges disposed respectively at the opposite ends of the storage compartment, first and second lateral frame members having proximal ends connected respectively to the first and second pivot hinges, a medial frame member offset from and pivotally connected to distal ends of the first and second members through third and fourth medial pivot hinges, left-side, right-side and middle trays connected respectively to the first, second and third frame members and being foldable into and out of the storage compartment by articulation of the first, second, third and fourth joints. At least one of the third an fourth joints are locked to set the first, second and third frame members in a desired angular orientation with respect to each other.