Tension Straps vs Tension Cable

Iteration is the secret to finding the best solution. 

One solution to locking the geometry of my TV Tray Table in both positions is a tension cable between the legs below the pivot bolt.  This cable is not ideal, being unorthodox and fussy to install in the design.  Using straps at the top as shown in the oak variation works well, and the straps are easy to make and install. This post is about the potential of using straps below the pivot bolt as an alternative to cable down there. 

I could visualize how straps might be used down there, but only a mock-up would prove or disprove that the idea works. 

Tension Strap in slots

Works in both positions of the table.

There are grommets in the ends of the strap.  They slide into slots and are then pinned in place by intersecting binding bolts. The slot is wider than the strap to allow for the approach angle into the legs. The binding pin acts as a pivot point for the strap so it can adjust/rotate as the legs invert then splay out. 

Straps are easy to install or remove.  Webbing is inexpensive and available in different colors. The heads of the binding pins can be black or bronze or chrome or brass or gold or likely found in different colors. Imagine if these were available at Target. The straps could be Target red, The bolt heads could be white. A version sold at Home Depot could have orange  straps and grey bolt heads. Change to blue and white for those sold at Lowes. 

The unique TV tray table design this detail could be used with is shown here:  Ash Version

A Version of the table with straps at the top is shown here: Oak Variation.

A version of the table with straps between the legs is shown here: Cherry Version

A version of the table with straps in a V configuration at the top is here: Maple Version

The design is patented. Contact info on licensing the design can be found at the bottom of both the above links. 

Question or comments are encouraged!

4D

Variations of a TV Tray Table

Iteration is the secret to the best solutions. A patent was granted for my folding tray table design. It was about the geometry that allows it to be horizontal in one position or slanted down in another.  This is a variation using the same geometry but with different details.

The top on this version has front rounded corners.  

Red Oak.  Slanted top.

The side legs have a slight curve rather than a jog in them to reach the offset bolt connection required so the design folds flat.

Flipped over. Top flat.

This table was my initial crude prototype, and suffered through 3 iterations before appearing here in its best form. Ball chain was what I initially used as the tension member that went between the front and back legs. Ball chain proved to be unpredictable in strength and prone to breaking apart.  One inch wide strapping at the top is my second approach.  First try with the straps found that due to the unique geometry they needed a unique path. The path they took needed to leave the legs the same distance apart in both positions. A new path was found that works. A replacement top stretcher was made. Two straps run between the center of the back edge and the middle of the top stretcher. Binding pins through grommets in the ends of the straps lock them into slots. 

Straps into back edge

The table transposes with the leg frame pulled through and the top flipped over. In the image below you can see the straps running over then into the top stretcher.  When in the flat position the straps run directly into the stretcher.  

Over and into the stretcher side.

Straight into the stretcher side.

The same unique geometry is expressed in this version with different materials, different details, and different tensioning strategies. Iteration.

This version is mostly red oak. My alternative version is here:  Made from Ash wood

This design is patented. For information about licensing the design please contact:

Sarah Nolting
Licensing Associate
Kansas State University Innovation Partners
(785) 532-3910
snolting@ksu.edu
www.k-state.edu/innovation-partners