TV Tray Table. Cherry. Refinement in Details.

Cherry.  5i

This is my 3rd TV Tray Table prototype.  Made from Cherry wood.  It demonstrates different details used with the same dual position geometry that the first two have.  Those two are here:

Ash Version

Red Oak Version

Ash, Cherry, Red Oak

The first two use threaded bolts into embedded nuts or barrel nuts to hold the outer legs to the top and the inner leg frame. They could come unscrewed in use as the frame is folded and unfolded. This Cherry wood version addresses that flaw and uses a new detail.  The bolt heads look the same but won't come unscrewed in use.

Pivot Bolts

The bolts pictured above are the pivot bolts for the outer leg connection to the top and inner leg frame. They slip through a hole in the outer leg and into the top's rear corners, or the inner leg frame sides. They are held there by an intersecting binding screw shaft. They can spin in place but won't unscrew themselves as the table folds or unfolds.  I was unable to find such a thing looking online, so I cut these from longer bolts using the rotary axis on my CNC. 

Binding Bolts.  18mm Shafts

I've used different strategies to tension the frame so it won't collapse.  Wire cable on the Ash version, and straps at the top in the Oak version are both complicated to make/install.  This Cherry wood version uses short 3/4" wide straps between the front and back legs. They are 5" below the pivot point to keep the legs from splitting apart.  The unique use and path of the straps adapts to both slanted and inside-out horizontal top positions. The strap location is just below where the top rests when the stand is folded up flat. A little serendipity in what was an arbitrary location choice. 

Folded Flat

The outer legs of this Cherry wood version run straight, with only a small bump over to the offset hole at the top.  A simple detail that might draw some attention.  The bump is neatly in plane with the slanted top.  

Slanted top

It is an interesting bump above the top when horizontal. 

Horizontal top.

This Cherry version uses a simple short strap with a grommet in both ends to handle the tension when the legs want to split apart. 

Grommet in strap end.

A binding bolt passes through the grommet inside each leg to retain the straps but lets the strap rotate to accommodate the angle it approaches each leg at. The straps slip into 1/8" wide slots. One edge of the slot is rounded over so the edge won't wear on the strap as it exits and wraps around the leg to head toward the other leg. 

Straps held by binding bolts

This Cherry table is so far my favorite of the three. Beautiful wood. Complimentary green straps. A pleasant presence. 

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. A fourth version, made from maple, can be found HERE.

 

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

Questions and comments are welcomed!

4D

 

An Improved TV Tray Table Design!

There is a dated X frame wood TV tray table design out there, available many places.  I have one, bought from my local Target store. Trying it out I was appalled at how poor the ergonomics of it are.  This disappointment spurred my creative genes to design a simple version that solves every complaint I have with the original. In my iterative sketching process I stumbled upon a geometry that allows the design to be turned inside out to serve in two useful positions.

Slanted Top

My design is patented.

In one position the top is slanted with a stop lip on the front edge. Musician?  A place for your manuscript paper when jotting down a tune. Have a tablet?  A better eyeline to see it when using it. A good place for note or sketch pad, and your pen/pencil can park on the protruding ledge.  

Turn the table inside out (flip the top and pull the leg frame through) and the top ends up horizontal for your lunch tray or laptop or solitaire card game.  

Horizontal Top

You'll appreciate the ergonomics of my design in either position. The bottom stretcher on the original is too low to slip my feet under. My design moves the bottom stretcher up.  It also beefs up the size of the stretchers for a more rigid frame.  The legs on mine are spread out to the edges of the top for more leg space between them. 

Side by Side

The asymmetric X of my design allows swing space for knees, and easier access and egress from being seated at this table. It also allows pulling the table closer to you when seated in a chair. 

Knee Space

My design uses a simple tension cable uniquely routed to lock the geometry in both positions. This option is between the front and back legs. A tension strap could instead be attached to the back edge of the top and the top stretcher. Shown here in another prototype of mine: 

One inch straps

This red oak version can be found here:  Red oak table

My design folds up flat for efficient packaging or storage.  A simple rack to hold 4 or 6 or 8  tables would be easy to make and have a small footprint. 

Two Inches Thick

This table is a simple example of 4th dimension design. It can serve the owner in slanted or horizontal configurations, or be flat for storage or packing at different times. Time being the 4th dimension. 

You can pick up the table to move it by simply reaching under the center of the sides and holding the legs against the top as you pick it up.  Or by picking it up from the center of the top stretcher.  

The wood top could have an added value inlay to appeal to specific audiences. Team logos, family crests, sports icons, company brands/logos, etc.. Something unique on each side perhaps. Customize it for each client for an added fee.  

It can also vary in finished detail. One may have bullnosed front and back edges like the example above.  Another might have the front corners radiused with a squared edge wrapping from side to front to other side.  The back edge still rounded over as shown below.

Red Oak Top Alternative

Rear Corner Detail

The stop ledge can be made from a matching wood or contrasting wood to emphasize it's presence.  It could even be a strip of aluminum or brass or something more exotic.  Bronze or black oxide or chrome or powder coated bolts in just about any color are options to consider. There are also hardware options out there for how to connect the legs and table top. 

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

Comments and questions I encourage and appreciate.  

4D