Multi-Work Surface End Table

Abstract

An end table suitable for providing supplementary working surfaces is described. The novel end table may have a principal horizontal work surface and a smaller additional horizontal work surface, both fixed permanently in place. Additionally, an extensible and retractable table top may be concealed in a stowed position beneath the principal work surface. A drawer may be located beneath the extensible table top. In addition to the named work surfaces, the end table may include a shelf located near a floor of the room in which the end table is used. The extensible and retractable supplementary surface may be pivotal relative to the principal work surface, such that its longitudinal axis may be oriented perpendicularly from its retracted orientation. The end table may be provided with switched power receptacles accessible from the user's position and also, at a rear side of the end table.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-work surface end table, comprising:
 a frame and at least two opposed legs fixed to the frame;   a first horizontal work surface fixed to and spanning at least two of the at least two legs, the first horizontal work surface having a proximal end, and an opposed distal end;   a second horizontal work surface fixed to the frame above and spaced apart from the first horizontal work surface, leaving at least one cubby hole defined between the first horizontal work surface and the second horizontal work surface, the at least one cubby hole open toward the proximal end of the first horizontal work surface, the second horizontal work surface having a distal end proximate the distal end of the first horizontal work surface, and an opposed proximal end located and configured such that a majority of the first horizontal work surface is exposed to view from above and for access from above the first horizontal work surface;   a pull-out third horizontal work surface supported on the frame below the first horizontal work surface, the pull-out third horizontal work surface supported on slides ultimately anchored to the frame, and movable between
 a stowed position beneath the first horizontal work surface and not extending horizontally beyond the first horizontal work surface, and 
 a deployed position wherein a majority of the pull-out third horizontal work surface is exposed to view from above and exposed for access from above, on a proximal side of the first horizontal work surface. 
   
     
     
         2 . The multi-work surface end table of  claim 1 , further comprising a horizontal floor shelf fixed to the frame and spanning at least two of the at least two legs, the horizontal floor shelf located above a bottom surface of the at least two legs by a distance between one inch and twelve inches, and below a bottom surface of the pull-out third work surface by a distance between twelve inches and twenty-four inches. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-work surface end table of  claim 1 , further comprising a drawer slidable between
 a stowed position beneath the first horizontal work surface and not extending horizontally beyond the first horizontal work surface, and   a deployed position wherein a majority of the drawer is exposed to view from above and for access from above on a proximal side of the first horizontal work surface.   
     
     
         4 . The multi-work surface end table of  claim 1 , further comprising electrical circuitry including a first power receptacle within at least one of the at least one cubby hole and accessible to a person seated at the multi-work surface end table, a switch controlling power to the power receptacle, first insulated conductors operably connecting the switch to the first power receptacle, and second insulated conductors providing a plug and cord assembly connecting electrical power to the switch and extending outside bounds of the multi-work surface end table, and configured to be matingly compatible with a general power receptacle of a residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional building. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-work surface end table of  claim 4 , further comprising a second power receptacle accessible from a rear surface of the multi-work surface end table, the switch controlling power to the second power receptacle, the electrical circuitry operably connecting the switch to the second power receptacle, the electrical circuitry including a plug and cord assembly connecting electrical power to the switch and extending outside bounds of the multi-work surface end table, and configured to be matingly compatible with a general power receptacle of a residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional building. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-work surface end table of  claim 1 , wherein the pull-out third horizontal work surface is pivotal relative to the first work surface, elongated, and further comprises a carriage borne on the slides, wherein
 the pull-out third horizontal work surface is coupled to the carriage by a pivot pin and can pivot about the pivot pin,   the carriage has an arcuate groove, and   the pull-out third horizontal work surface has a guide pin that occupies the arcuate groove and constrains the pull-out third horizontal work surface to pivot about the pivot pin to a final work position.