Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of mechanical systems and ergonomic workstation solutions. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a modular, multi-functional table assembly having a nested structure with stacked multi-level storage, thereby enabling surface transformations for use in diverse environments.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional table assemblies are generally designed with fixed functionalities, offering limited flexibility in terms of structural adaptability and surface transformation. The conventional tables cater to a single application such as dining, studying, or working and require significant physical effort, separate furniture, or spatial arrangements to serve multiple purposes. Consequently, the tables do not support dynamic reconfiguration or seamless switching between operational modes.
[0003] However, many modular designs either lack vertical modularity or require manual disassembly and rearrangement, which may be time consuming and reduce operational efficiency. Existing configurations also often fail to preserve the integrity of one mode while transitioning to another, leading to a loss of setup or requiring extensive reconfiguration each time the user switches usage modes.
[0004] Further, conventional multi surface tables do not support a stacked configuration of storage units that can be transformed into usable table top surfaces. As a result, the ability to support various functional modes such as transforming into a workbench, a tool holding table, or a medical procedure platform is limited. Additionally, known systems rarely offer mechanisms for vertical actuation or structured elevation of modular components to align precisely with the main surface, nor do they provide the scope for lab specific applications such as holding mechanical tools, first aid supplies, or integration of lighting modules for precision tasks.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need to address at least the above-mentioned drawbacks and any other shortcomings, or at the very least, provide a valuable alternative to the existing modular and multi-functional table assemblies.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0007] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a modular multi-functional table assembly that enables transformation of table configurations through stacked multi-level storage mechanisms.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a table assembly that integrates a peripheral table top surface with a vertically actuated storage unit including multiple panels, each capable of becoming the active table top surface.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to enable minimally disruptive switching between multiple table configurations without altering the horizontal footprint of the table.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide vertical movement of storage panels using manual or automated lifting mechanisms to position selected panels coplanar with the peripheral table top.
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to support varied applications, including laboratory operations, mechanical tool handling, medical or surgical preparation, and domestic activities such as dining or computing, within a single integrated furniture system.

SUMMARY
[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a modular table assembly with vertically stacked multi-level storage that facilitates transformation between different functional states without altering the footprint of the table.
[0013] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to the modular table assembly including a surface configured with an aperture and a storage unit positioned beneath the surface configured to slidably move between two or more positions through the aperture in the surface. The storage unit includes one or more panels to accommodate one or more objects, and when the storage unit slidably moves through the aperture between the two or more positions, a corresponding panel of the one or more panels is positioned coplanar with the surface to serve as the primary work surface.
[0014] In an embodiment, the table assembly may include a lifting mechanism operably coupled to the storage unit, and the lifting mechanism may slidably move the storage unit through the aperture in a vertical direction between the two or more positions.
[0015] In an embodiment, the table assembly may include a controller coupled to the lifting mechanism, and the controller may be configured to actuate the lifting mechanism to slidably move the storage unit between the two or more positions.
[0016] In an embodiment, the two or more positions corresponds to an elevated position and a lowered position relative to the surface of the table assembly.
[0017] In an embodiment, the one or more panels may be stacked parallel to each other at predefined intervals using one or more struts, the one or more struts extend along at least two edges of each of the one or more panels, thereby facilitating precise vertical alignment and minimal disturbance during movement.
[0018] In an embodiment, when the storage unit moves to the elevated position and/or the lowered position, any one panel of the one or more panels may be positioned coplanar to the surface, and the remaining panels may be stacked vertically at one or more levels relative to the panel that is coplanar with the surface.
[0019] In an embodiment, the storage unit may be configured within a housing affixed to the surface at the aperture, and an opening of the housing may be aligned with the aperture for slidably moving the storage unit from the housing through the aperture.
[0020] In an embodiment, when the storage unit is concealed within the housing at the lowered position, a top panel of the one or more panels may be positioned coplanar with the surface of the table assembly.
[0021] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a table assembly with a storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a table of the table assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary perspective view of the modular storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 1D illustrates an exemplary front view of the table assembly with the storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 1E illustrates an exemplary side view of the table assembly with the storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 1F an exemplary front view of the table, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 1G illustrates an exemplary side view of the storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 1H illustrates an exemplary top view of the table assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 1I illustrates an exemplary perspective view of the storage unit in the elevated position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 1J illustrates an exemplary side view of a lifting mechanism in a lowered position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIGs. 1K and 1L illustrate exemplary side views of the lifting mechanism in an elevated position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 1M illustrates an exemplary perspective view of the lifting mechanism in the lowered position inside the storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 1N illustrates an exemplary perspective view of the lifting mechanism in the elevated position inside the storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] FIGs. 2A to 2D illustrate exemplary perspective views of the table assembly with variations in the placement of the storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosures as defined by the appended claims.
[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a modular table assembly with vertically stacked multi-level storage that facilitates transformation between different functional states without altering the footprint of the table. The table assembly may integrate a table top surface with a vertically actuated storage unit including multiple stacked panels, each of which may function as a usable table top surface. The table assembly may be particularly valuable for use in laboratories, workshops, educational setups, residential environments, and medical or clinical facilities where space saving, modularity, and versatility are critical.
[0039] An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the modular table assembly including a surface configured with an aperture and a storage unit positioned beneath the surface configured to slidably move between two or more positions through the aperture in the surface. The storage unit includes one or more panels to accommodate one or more objects, and when the storage unit slidably moves through the aperture between the two or more positions, a corresponding panel of the one or more panels is positioned coplanar with the surface to serve as the primary work surface.
[0040] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in detail with reference to FIGs. 1A-2D.
[0041] FIGs. 1A to 1I illustrates exemplary views of the table assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] Referring to FIGs. 1A to 1I, the table assembly 100 may include a surface 102 configured with an aperture 104 and a storage unit 106 positioned beneath the surface 102. The surface 102 may be a table top surface of the table assembly 100. Further the table assembly 100 may include legs to support the table top surface. The table assembly 100 may be designed to adapt to diverse functional needs. The storage unit 106 may slidably move between two or more positions through the aperture 104. The storage unit 106 may remain hidden beneath the surface 102 in a lowered position or may be lifted to the surface 102 in an elevated position. The design of the table assembly 100 may allow the table assembly 100 to retain a compact form factor while offering multiple functional states.
[0043] In an embodiment, the storage unit 106 may include panels 108-1 to 108-3 (collectively referred to as panels 108, hereinafter). The panels 108 may accommodate objects and the objects may be positioned in the panels 108 as per the functionality. The panels 108 may be stacked parallel to each other at predefined intervals. The panels 108 may be stacked using struts 110. The struts 110 may extend along at least two edges of each of the panels 108. The struts 110 may ensure the structural stability of each panel 108 during movement. The storage unit 106 may be such that all transformations requiring switching between the panels 108 may occur vertically without expanding the horizontal dimensions of the table assembly 100.
[0044] Further, when the storage unit 106 moves between the two or more positions, any one panel 108 may align in plane with the surface 102, such that the panel 108 and the surface 102 are coplanar with each other. Each of the panels 108 in the storage unit 106 may be moved upward through the aperture to be coplanar with the surface 106, thereby creating a new functional tabletop. When one panel 108 is in plane with the surface 102, the remaining panels 108 may be at different levels with respect to the panel 108 that is coplanar with the surface 102 and may have another functional use. The panels 108 may be identical or may differ in design depending on specific use case requirements. For example, some panels 108 may have cable cut outs for computer use, while other panels 108 may include grooves or holders for mechanical tools or surgical instruments and the like. Each panel 108 may support a wide range of tasks such as, mechanical work, electronics soldering, precision lab testing, light surgical operations and the like.
[0045] In an embodiment, the storage unit 106 with the panels 108 may be configured within a housing 112. An opening (116) of the housing 112 may be aligned with the aperture 104 to facilitate slidable movement of the panels 108 through the aperture 104. When the storage unit 106 is in the lowered position, the storage unit 106 may be concealed within the housing 112 and a top panel 108-1 may be coplanar with the surface 102. In preferred embodiments, the storage unit 106 and the panels 108 may be constructed using various materials, including but not limited to, stainless steel, laminated wood, aluminium alloys, impact resistant polymers and the like.
[0046] FIGs. 1J to 1N illustrate exemplary perspective views of a lifting mechanism 114 in various configurations, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0001] Referring to FIGs. 1J to 1N, the lifting mechanism 114 may be operably coupled to the storage unit 106. The lifting mechanism 114 may be operably coupled to a controller. The controller may actuate the lifting mechanism 114 to slidably move the storage unit 106 between the two or more positions. The controller may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the controller may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (not shown in figures) of the controller. The memory may store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines, which may be fetched and executed for controlling torque at the wheels of the vehicle. The memory may include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, a volatile memory such as a Random-Access Memory (RAM), or a non-volatile memory such as an Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), a flash memory, and the like.
[0047] Further, the lifting mechanism 114 may include, but not limited to, a screw jack, an electronically actuated system using motors or pneumatic lifts and the like. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 114 may also be a manual lever based lifting mechanism, where a user may lift the panel using equipment such as, handles, counterbalance supports and the like. The lifting mechanism 114 may facilitate precise vertical movement, ensuring that the selected panel is positioned coplanar with the surrounding surface 106. In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 114 may include features for precise control and secure locking. The controller may also be coupled to sensors, indicators, locking latches, panel identity markers and the like to help users determine which panel is in use. In an example embodiment, when a panel of choice is to be aligned with the surface 102, the controller may actuate the lifting mechanism 114 to lift the storage unit 106 such that the panel chosen is coplanar with the surface 102.
[0048] FIGs. 2A to 2D illustrate exemplary perspective views of the table assembly with variations in the placement of the storage unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0049] Referring to FIGs. 2A to 2D, the storage unit 106 may be positioned in various configurations. The storage unit 106 may be placed on a corner of the table assembly 100 (as shown in FIG. 2A), centrally placed (as shown in FIG. 2B), laterally placed, and the like. Conventionally, the table assembly 100 may include legs to support the surface 102 (as shown in FIG. 2C). In an another embodiment, the table assembly 100 may include only the surface 106 supported by the storage unit 106 (as shown in FIG. 2D), the table assembly 100 may forgo the legs and rely on structural support from the storage unit 106, thereby conserving floor space. In an example embodiment, the table assembly 100 may serve as a computing station, a study desk, a dining table, a mechanical tool bench and the like, as per requirements of the users. The user may select a panel 108 best suited for the required activity and may elevate the panel 108 to the working position using the lifting mechanism 114.
[0050] Thus, the present disclosure proposes the table assembly 100 (as shown in FIG. 1A) with multiple functional uses. By incorporating the storage unit 106 with the panels 108 and the lifting mechanism 114, the table assembly 100 may enable transformation of the table assembly 100 in to various configurations.
[0051] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0052] The present disclosure provides a modular, easy to operate, space efficient table system that enables multiple functional configurations, reducing the need for multiple pieces of furniture in constrained environments.
[0053] The present disclosure enables users to transform stacked storage panels into usable table top surfaces without requiring horizontal reconfiguration, making it ideal for dynamic usage.
[0054] The present disclosure integrates vertically movable multi-level storage, offering seamless transitions between various configurations, enhancing the adaptability of the table assembly.
[0055] The present disclosure allows for the storage panels to be independently elevated and positioned coplanar with the primary tabletop surface, thus maximizing the available workspace and adapting to user specific tasks.
[0056] The present disclosure facilitates organized storage with multi-level storage unit, enhancing user efficiency, reducing clutter, and minimizing workspace disruptions.
, Claims:1. A table assembly (100), comprising:
a surface (102) configured with an aperture (104); and
a storage unit (106) positioned beneath the surface (102), wherein the storage unit (106) is configured to slidably move between two or more positions through the aperture (104), wherein the storage unit (106) comprises:
one or more panels (108-1 to 108-3) to accommodate one or more objects, wherein when the storage unit (106) slidably moves through the aperture (104) between the two or more positions, a corresponding panel of the one or more panels (108-1 to 108-3) is positioned coplanar with the surface (102).

2. The table assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a lifting mechanism (114) operably coupled to the storage unit (106), wherein the lifting mechanism (114) slidably moves the storage unit (106) through the aperture (104) in a vertical direction between the two or more positions.

3. The table assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a controller coupled to the lifting mechanism (114), wherein the controller is configured to actuate the lifting mechanism (114) to slidably move the storage unit (106) between the two or more positions.

4. The table assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two or more positions corresponds to an elevated position and a lowered position relative to the surface (102) of the table assembly (100).

5. The table assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more panels (108-1 to 108-3) are stacked parallel to each other at predefined intervals using one or more struts, wherein the one or more struts (110) extend along at least two edges of each of the one or more panels (108-1 to 108-3).

6. The table assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein when the storage unit (106) moves to the elevated position and/or the lowered position, any one panel of the one or more panels (108-1 to 108-3) is positioned coplanar to the surface (102), and wherein the remaining panels are stacked vertically at one or more levels relative to the panel that is coplanar with the surface (102).

7. The table assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage unit (106) is configured within a housing (112) affixed to the surface at the aperture (104), and wherein an opening (116) of the housing (112) is aligned with the aperture (104) for slidably moving the storage unit (106) from the housing (112) through the aperture (104).

8. The table assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein when the storage unit (106) is concealed within the housing (112) at the lowered position, a top panel of the one or more panels (108-1 to 108-3) is positioned coplanar with the surface (102) of the table assembly (100).