Retractable table structure

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12364326-B2
Application number	US-202318178302-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Mar 3, 2023
Priority date	Mar 3, 2023
Publication date	Jul 22, 2025
Grant date	Jul 22, 2025

Abstract

A table structure includes a table top structured to be configurable to a retracted configuration and to a fully deployed configuration for use. At least one shape memory material (SMM) member is operably connected to the table top such that energization of the SMM member configures the table top to the fully deployed configuration and de-energization of the at least one SMM member enables configuration of the table top the retracted configuration. The table structure may be incorporated into a wall of a vehicle as an optional, retractable accessory.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A table structure comprising:
a table top structured to be configurable to a retracted configuration and to a fully deployed configuration, the table top having a lattice structure including:
a first base member rotatably connected to a mounting structure; and
a second base member rotatably connected to the mounting structure so as to enable the second base member to move in a direction toward the first base member during configuration of the table top to the retracted configuration, the second base member also extending parallel to the first base member;
and

at least one shape memory material (SMM) member operably connected to the table top such that energization of the at least one SMM member configures the table top to the fully deployed configuration and de-energization of the at least one SMM member enables configuration of the table top the retracted configuration.

2. The table structure of claim 1 , wherein the lattice structure further comprises:
a first connecting member rotatably connected to both of the first and second base members; and
a second connecting member rotatably connected to both of the first and second base members and extending parallel to the first connecting member.

3. The table structure of claim 2 wherein the lattice structure is structured so that each of the first and second base members extends orthogonally with respect to each of the first and second connecting members when the lattice structure is in the fully deployed configuration.

4. The table structure of claim 2 wherein a portion of the SMM member is operably connected to an exterior connecting member of the lattice structure.

5. The table structure of claim 1 wherein a portion of the SMM member is operably connected to an exterior base member of the lattice structure.

6. The table structure of claim 1 wherein the SMM member-is operably connected to an exterior intersection of the lattice structure.

7. The table structure of claim 6 wherein the SMM member is operably connected to a remote exterior intersection of the lattice structure.

8. The table structure of claim 1 wherein the mounting structure comprises an interior surface of a vehicle occupant compartment.

9. The table structure of claim 1 wherein the mounting structure comprises a housing structured for mounting to a surface separate from the housing, the housing defining an enclosure.

10. The table structure of claim 9 wherein the housing defines a table top support surface structured to support at least a portion of the table top.

11. The table structure of claim 1 wherein the at least one SMM member comprises at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) wire.

12. The table structure of claim 1 further comprising a lock structured to releasably maintain the table top in the fully deployed configuration.

13. The table structure of claim 1 further comprising a lock structured to releasably maintain the table top in the fully deployed configuration, wherein the lock comprises at least one latch attached to the table top.

14. The table structure of claim 1 further comprising a lock structured to releasably maintain the table top in the fully deployed configuration, wherein the lock comprises a clip structured to receive therein a portion of a connecting member and a portion of a base member intersecting the connecting member.

15. The table structure of claim 1 , further comprising a retractable cover structured to cover the table top when the table top is in the fully deployed configuration.

16. A vehicle including a table structure in accordance with claim 1 mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle occupant compartment.

17. A table structure comprising:
a table top structured to be configurable to a retracted configuration and to a fully deployed configuration;
at least one shape memory material (SMM) member operably connected to the table top such that energization of the at least one SMM member configures the table top to the fully deployed configuration and de-energization of the at least one SMM member enables configuration of the table top the retracted configuration, the table top including a lattice structure having at least:
a first base member rotatably connected to a mounting structure;
a second base member rotatably connected to the mounting structure and structured to extend parallel to the first base member;
a first connecting member rotatably connected to both of the first and second base members; and
a second connecting member rotatably connected to both of the first and second base members and extending parallel to the first connecting member,
wherein the SMM member is operably connected to a remote exterior intersection of the lattice structure spaced farthest from an opening formed in the mounting structure through which the SMM member passes.

18. A table structure comprising:
a table top structured to be configurable to a retracted configuration and to a fully deployed configuration; and
at least one shape memory material (SMM) member operably connected to the table top such that energization of the at least one SMM member configures the table top to the fully deployed configuration and de-energization of the at least one SMM member enables configuration of the table top the retracted configuration; and

a rotatable roller structured to contact and support a portion of the SMM member during operation of the table structure.

19. The table structure of claim 18 comprising a pair of spaced-apart rotatable rollers structured and positioned to enable a portion of the SMM member to extend between, and be supported by, the pair of rollers.

Assignees

• Toyota Eng & Mfg North America
• Toyota Motor Co Ltd

Inventors

• Rowe Michael Paul
• Prokhorov Danil V

Classifications

• F03G7/06143 Primary

  Wires · CPC title

• B60P3/36

  Auxiliary arrangements; Arrangements of living accommodation (toilet or washing arrangements B60R15/00); Details · CPC title

• A47B2200/0035

  Tables or desks with features relating to adjustability or folding · CPC title

• A47B3/04 Primary

  with flexible roll-tops · CPC title