Innovative TV Tray Table. Maple. 4th Variation

Maple with a maple stain.

This version, made from maple hardwood, uses an original outer leg design but retains the upgraded details from the previous versions.  

Three other versions:

Cherry

Red Oak

White Ash

Shown with the top flat and level above, the design inverts when you flip the top and pull the top stretcher through.  Once inverted the geometry leaves the top slanted down with a projecting ledge at the bottom. 

Slanted Top

This leg line runs straight from the table top connection down to the floor.  The offset that makes the dual geometry work is done at the pivot point between outer and inner legs. A more direct line and simpler detail than the legs on the previous versions.  While this version also folds up minimally 2" thick for storage or shipping, it looks unique compared to the 3 other when folded flat. 

Folded Flat. 2" Thick

Outer legs bolt to the top and inner leg frame. On my Cherry version I came up with a pivot pin that gets trapped in place by an intersecting binding bolt shaft.  I used that same strategy in this Maple version. 

Pivot pins.

Center Pivot Point

Upper Rear Corner

I'll confess that hard maple put up a fight during the process of turning it into a TV tray table.  Look close at this prototype and you will see a few war wound scars.  Not all wood from Maple trees is the same. I recommend southern soft maple rather than northern hard maple if you want to make your own from maple.  I've used a mix of both in this prototype.  I threw in a strip of red oak to define the front edge.  The ledge strip on the slanted side is Bubinga. 

This Maple version has a single webbing strap between the center of the top's back edge and the top stretcher. The strap triangulates, running from stretcher to rear center edge of the top, and back to stretcher.  Making a 60 degree triangle to help reduce any chance for the inner leg frame to rack. Using strap it is wise to make sure they don't wrap over any sharp corners/edges.  This is the slot cut in the back edge of the maple table top for the strap:

Smooth edges for the strap to wrap over.

The strap runs from the top's back edge directly into the stretcher when in the flat position. In the slanted position the strap runs over then into the stretcher. Binding bolts pass through grommets in the ends and center fold of the strap to hold them in their slots. The angled strap helps keep the frame from racking. 

Strap Connections

Iteration.  There are several variations of details that can be made that utilize the same geometry of my patented idea. Within each the path to finding a great visual composition is done in steps.  What may seem fine in 2D elevation views of a design may not seem as cohesive in detail with the whole composition when viewed on a 3D standing prototype.  Willingness to refine a detail before finalizing the build is a useful quality to possess.  That was the case with this detail:

Original "bump". 

You can see my sketched alternative idea on the top leg.  The original bump to surround this critical offset bolt hole was an unpleasant visual distraction when I first assembled this table. A fat point on a svelte frame. As the legs could be easily removed and returned to my CNC bed I had the CNC recut this area of the legs. 

Svelte Frame

This design is patented. The details can vary, but the geometry that lets the table stand flat or turn inside out to be slanted down is the unique property.

 

For information on 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