US20090101047A1

US20090101047A1 - Multimedia Table with Rotatable Tray

Info

Publication number: US20090101047A1
Application number: US12/131,919
Authority: US
Inventors: Azanaw Mulaw; Paul Berman; Peter Barnett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-17
Filing date: 2008-06-02
Publication date: 2009-04-23

Abstract

A multimedia table that can be used by a hospital patient or home users. One side of the table can provide a tray in which the patient can use to eat. An opposite side of the table provides for an LCD device wherein a person can watch television. The patient can rotate the table so that the patient can utilize either side of the table as the patient desires. Thus, for example, the table can be useful for a patient lying in a hospital bed, recovering in a nursing home, at home, or any other user wherein the table can facilitate entertainment, communication, eating, etc.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit to provisional application 60/980,451, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The inventive concept relates to a table for use with a user lying in a bed, sitting on a chair, or on a couch. The table has a rotating tray which can have an output device on one side which can be used to watch television or other digital output.
2. Description of the Prior Art:
Bedside tables already exist in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,522 to George discloses, “an overbed table configured to support a table section above a patient support surface, such as a hospital bed. The overbed table includes a frame having a base and a substantially vertical support column for supporting the table section. In one illustrative embodiment, a display device is supported by the overbed table. In a further illustrative embodiment, a camera is supported by the overbed table.”

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the present inventive concept to provide a multimedia table in which can be convenient for users.
The above aspects can be obtained by an apparatus that includes (a) a floor support adapted to rest on the floor; (b) a vertical member connected to the support; (c) a rotatable tray connected to the vertical member, the rotatable tray comprising an eating side and an output side opposite to the eating side comprising an output device; and (d) a rotating mechanism connected to the rotatable tray to allow rotation of the rotatable tray about a rotation axis.
Other systems, apparatuses, methods and advantages will be or will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present inventive concept, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present inventive concept, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1A is a drawing illustrating a side view of a multimedia table, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a drawing illustrating a top view of an LCD side of a tray of a multimedia table, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a front view of a multimedia table positioned over a bed, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an isometric view of a multimedia table, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an isometric view of a multimedia table undergoing rotation, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an isometric view of a multimedia table rotated in an opposite orientation from FIG. 4, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an isometric view of a multimedia table and the bending of a tray, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an isometric view of an eating side of a tray of a multimedia table, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components used to achieve automatically orientation adjustment, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a figure illustrating a clutch used to lock the rotatable tray into place, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10A is a drawing illustrating inner mechanisms in order that the table described herein can rotate (or pivot) on two different axes, the table being in a locked position, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10B is a drawing illustrating inner mechanisms in order that the table described herein can rotate (or pivot) on two different axes, the table being in an unlocked position, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating an external view of the table and rotating tube, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12A is a top view of the table with an electronic motor, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12B is a side view of the table with an electronic motor, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a multimedia table affixed to a bed, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a multimedia table affixed to a chair, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a multimedia table affixed to a chair in an open position, according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating three multimedia tables affixed to a wall, according to an embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
The inventive concept relates to a table with a rotating tray. It can be useful for a patient lying in a hospital bed, recovering in a nursing home or at home or any other user who may find it appropriate for entertainment, as a method of communication, to eat or other activities.
The present inventive concept provides for a multi function table (including but not limited to a bedside table) that comprises a rotating tray. The tray can have two sides, an eating side which is adapted to receiving items used for eating such as plate(s), utensils, etc. The tray can also have an LCD side which can comprise an LCD output device (or any other video/electronic output device as well such as plasma, HDTV, picture tube, etc.) A computer (or other electronic device) can also be plugged into the multimedia table (or directly into the output device) so that the output device can be used to view computer output as well. The multimedia table can have a touch screen computer or a touch screen that uses the internet for computer applications, e.g. a “dumb terminal.” The touch screen can also be used to display a keyboard so that the user can type on the screen the same way that a user can type on a computer, or alternatively a physical keyboard can also be used as well.
The table is typically self supporting and can cantilever over a bed. The table houses a touch screen video display and data input device that can be rotated from a nearly horizontal position to a nearly vertical position. The table, when positioned to be used by a person, resembles a ‘C’ shape, which provides the ability for it to be self supporting as well as being able to cantilever over a bed (or other object such as a chair or couch).
Thus people using the device (such as a hospital patient or even a home user) can communicate, surf the internet, watch movies, listen to CDs, connect any USB device such as a camera, to the touch screen computer. The computer can also include a camera, microphone, speakers and/or headphones.
The tray can be rotated by the user, typically throughout 360 degrees of rotation. This way, the patient (typically stationed in a hospital bed) can use the device to both eat as well as watch television. The multimedia table can also easily fold up for easy storage and transport. In another embodiment, the screen side of the tray can be waterproof so the user can eat on the screen side of the tray.
FIG. 1A is a drawing illustrating a top view of a multimedia table, according to an embodiment.
A floor support 100 is typically flat so it can lie flat on a floor and support the remaining apparatus. The floor support 100 can be locked into place or when unlocked, can rotate about floor support pivot 102, typically for compact storage. A vertical member 104 (or connecting member) is connected to the floor support 100. The vertical member 104 does not have to be strictly vertical but can be angled as well. The vertical member 104 can also be telescoping (in a manner such as a spyglass) so that a height of the vertical member 104 and hence the top panel 112 can be adjusted as needed. A CD-player 106 (or any other media player such as a DVD, etc.) can be embedded into top panel 112. Top panel 112 is typically substantially parallel to the floor support 100. Top panel 112 can also contain computer processing electronics which can improve the heat transfer characteristics of the device. In another embodiment of the invention, the bottom side of top panel 112 can contain vents in its bottom side, and the video screen/tray can contain no vents so there is no chance of liquid entering into the device through the vents. The top panel can be made of any dimensions and can be rectangular (which includes a square).
A top panel pivot 109 (rotating mechanism) bisects the top panel 112 and a rotatable tray 108 and allows the rotatable tray 108 to rotate about an axis substantially parallel to the floor support 100. The top panel pivot 109 is illustrated as a broken line because it is not visible from the outside and can be any rotation mechanism, such as a simple nail, screw, etc. A power cord can be used to power the electronic devices on the table (e.g., the video output device, CD/DVD drive, speakers, etc.) In a further embodiment, a power cord does not have to be used, and power can be supplied by a battery pack contained inside the table itself (e.g., in the floor support 100.) Data can be transmitted by infrared, RF signal, or other wireless method to a receiving in the table.
A remote control can also be used to control the computer and output displayed on the output device. Additionally, wheels 130 attached to the floor support (or base) 100 can be optional and can be used to roll the table.
FIG. 1B is a drawing illustrating an LCD side of a tray of a multimedia table, according to an embodiment.
The top panel 112 also contains a recessed cup holder 110. The top panel pivot 109 allows the rotatable tray 108 to rotate while the top panel 112 stays fixed. Typically, a patient can simply apply force to the rotatable tray 108 in order to rotate the rotatable tray 108 to the desired angle. An LCD screen 114 (although any other type of output device can be used such as a touch screen) is present on a first side of the rotatable tray 108, the LCD screen 114 can be controlled by a computer (not pictured) and can display movies played from the CD/DVD drive 106.
A video camera with a microphone 101 can be used by the patient for videoconferencing. The video camera can have a sliding lens cap for privacy reasons. A left speaker 103 and a right speaker 113 can be used to output audio associated with content being displayed on the LCD screen 114. The user can also use headphones which would be connected to a jack located in panel 112.
FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a front view of a multimedia table positioned over a bed, according to an embodiment.
A bed 116 is illustrated in relation to the multimedia table. The floor support 100 can be inserted under the bed 116. The floor support pivot 102 can be locked into place when the multimedia table is in use. A user (not pictured) lying in the bed 116 can watch the LCD screen 114 by rotating the rotatable tray 108 to an angle the user prefers for enjoyable viewing. The user can also rotate the rotatable tray 108 to a second side which can be adapted for eating.
FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an isometric view of a multimedia table, according to an embodiment.
A front side ventilation slot 105 can be located on a front side of the rotatable tray and an optional back side ventilation slot 107 (not visible in FIG. 3) on a back side of the rotatable tray.
Note that the top panel 112 is connected in a cantilever manner (cantileverly) to the vertical member 104. In other words, the top panel 112 is supported on only one end (via the vertical member 104), thereby making it easy for the entire table apparatus to be used on a bed or similar piece of furniture. Thus, the top panel 112 and the rotatable tray 108 can be considered a cantilever.
In another embodiment, there are no vents on the screen portion of the table, and two forced air concentric ducts surround the hinge and allow air to flow from the table to the base where the air is exhausted. Another cooling concept employs the use of cooling chips which can conduct heat into the house. One disadvantage of using air vents is that they can allow germs to accumulate where they cannot be easily cleaned.
The electronics (e.g., circuitry/processor for video output, DVD player, etc.) can be located inside the top panel 112. Vents can be located in a bottom of the top panel 112. If electronics were located in the rotatable tray 108, then venting might be a problem since liquids could be spilled into the electronics.
FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an isometric view of a multimedia table undergoing rotation, according to an embodiment.
The rotatable tray 108 rotates about an axis defined by the top panel pivot 109. The top panel pivot 109 can be a rod that inserts into the top panel 112 and goes through into the rotatable tray 108. The top panel pivot 109 is shown as a broken line in FIG. 5 because it is not visible from the outside. The LCD screen 114 is displaying a video (e.g., a movie).
FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an isometric view of a multimedia table rotated in an opposite orientation from FIG. 4, according to an embodiment.
Note that the LCD screen 114 is upside down relative to its orientation in FIG. 4 (and also upside down to the orientation in FIG. 3 if the patient in FIG. 3 is sitting away from the cup-holder 110). However, the video being displayed (the elephant) is still being displayed in a proper orientation. This is because a sensor (not pictured) can detect an angle that the rotatable tray 108 is currently in (relative to a fixed point of reference such as the top panel 112), and if it is rotated in an orientation that would be considered upside down from an upright orientation, then a video inverter can automatically vertically flip (e.g., vertically invert) the video signal so that the video is displayed upright (e.g., a top of the video corresponds to the top (higher) portion of the LCD). For example, in FIG. 4, a standard orientation (e.g., one that requires no adjustment of the video signal) can be defined whereby the front side ventilation slot 105 (or other area on this side of the rotatable tray 108) is lower than the back side ventilation slot 107 (or other area on this side of the rotatable tray).
In FIG. 5, since the front side ventilation slot 105 (also can be referred to as bottom ventilation slot) is now higher than the back side ventilation slot 107 (also can be referred to as top ventilation slot), then if the video were displayed according to its native signal the video would appear upside down to viewing patient. Thus, when the rotatable tray 108 is rotated into the orientation illustrated in FIG. 5 (or other angle wherein the front side ventilation slot or other area on this side of the rotatable tray is higher than the back side ventilation slot 107 or other area on this side of the rotatable tray), the video signal can automatically be inverted (flipped) electronically before the signal is outputted to the LCD screen 114. The signal can be inverted by a vertical signal inverter (not pictured) what can receive the video signal and then output the video signal to the LCD screen 114 (or other output device). The angle of the tray can be automatically detected as known in the art, such as using an orientation/angle sensor (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,149, U.S. Pat. No. 7,200,515, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,138,796, all three of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties).
The signal can automatically flip appropriate as soon as the angle of the rotatable tray in relation to a fixed point of reference (such as the top panel 112) is greater than (or less than) a predetermined angle. For example, if the position illustrated in FIG. 3 is considered zero degrees, then the angle illustrated in FIG. 4 can be considered to be 90 degrees and the angle illustrated in FIG. 5 can be considered to be −90 degrees. The automatic inverter can be programmed such that when the angle is positive the video signal is not inverted, and when the angle is negative the video signal is inverted.
It is noted that the vertical signal inversion is not just limited to playing video but can be activated when any output is being displayed on the LCD screen 114 (e.g., the patient is using a computer which outputs to the LCD screen 114, viewing still pictures, etc.)
FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an isometric view of a multimedia table and the bending of a tray, according to an embodiment. The tray and legs are both rotated in this view.
The floor support 100 can be rotated about a floor support pivot 121 in order to fold up for compact storage and/or transport. A locking mechanism can be used to lock the floor support 100 into the position illustrated in FIG. 1, and a release mechanism (not pictured) can be used in order to release the floor support 100 so that the floor support 100 can rotate around the floor support pivot 121 for folding.
FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an isometric view of an eating side of a tray of a multimedia table, according to an embodiment.
The rotatable tray 108 has been rotated such that now the eating side 125 of the rotatable tray 108 is on top. The eating side 125 may also comprise a surface which is ideal for eating (e.g., plastic coated) which can make cleaning easy.
In an embodiment, either or both side(s) of the rotatable tray can have a removable disposable clear plastic screen cover for sanitary purposes. The plastic screen cover can be adhered to the screen or eating side with static electricity, or tape can hold it into place.
In a further embodiment, either side (eating side and/or output side) of the rotatable tray 108 can be slightly recessed so that liquids will not spill off the table and onto the user.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components used to achieve automatically orientation adjustment, according to an embodiment.
An angle detector 800 detects the rotation angle of the rotatable tray relative to a fixed point or reference vector. The angle detector can be embedded in the top pane 112 or the rotatable tray 108. The rotation angle can be transmitted to a processing unit 802 which can be a microprocessor or any other type of electronic control unit. The processing unit 802 can trigger a video inverter 804 to invert a native video signal that is input into the video inverter 804 when the rotation angle detected by the angle detector 800 is one of the following: below a particular angle; above a particular angle, or falls within a range or ranges of angles. Thus, if the rotation angle is such that the output device is “rightside up” or substantially “rightside up” (e.g., more rightside up than upside down) then the video inverter 804 is not instructed by the processing unit 802 to invert the native video signal. However, if the rotation angle is such that the output device is upside down or substantially upside down (e.g., more upside down than rightside up) then the processing unit 802 can instruct the video inverter 804 to vertically invert the native video signal. Whether or not the native video signal is inverted (depending on the rotation angle), a video signal is outputted to the output device (such as the LCD screen 114) so it can be displayed.
Alternatively, instead of automatically detecting the rotation angle and automatically inverting the signal if necessary, a switch on the multimedia table can be used by the patient to select whether the patient wishes the signal to be inverted or not (typically depending on the rotation angle and where the patient is located).
FIG. 9 is a figure illustrating a clutch used to lock the rotatable tray into place, according to an embodiment.
The rotatable tray 108 is connected to the top panel pivot (or axle) 109 allowing the rotatable tray 108 to rotate. A push button 900 located on the end of top panel 112 is used to activate a friction clutch 901. A spring 904 applies force to the axle clutch plate 902, thereby preventing the axle 109 from rotating. When the push button 900 is depressed, the clutch 901 is disengaged allowing the axle 109 to rotate. When the push button 900 is released, a clutch plate 902 is engaged thereby preventing rotation of the axle. The clutch 901 may have gear teeth on its contact surfaces to further inhibit rotation.
FIG. 10A is a drawing illustrating inner mechanisms in order that the table described herein can rotate (or pivot) on two different axes, the table being in a locked position, according to an embodiment.
The table can bend as illustrated in FIG. 6 for storage. This can be accomplished by using a latch (or lever) 1002, which, when pulled, can cause the locking pin 1003 to retract inside the top panel 112, as illustrated in FIG. 10B. This causes gravity to cause the rotating table to bend around the folding pivot 1010 (and place the table in the folded position as illustrated in FIG. 6). If the operator wishes to unfold the table, the operator can manually raise the table while the latch 1002 is extended, and then push the latch 1002 back inside the top panel 112 when the table is substantially parallel to the floor (e.g., parallel to the top panel 112). Then the locking pin 1003 can then slide into a groove to hold and lock the table upright, the groove 1015 being part of the structure that houses the stationary teeth 1006. This would put the table back in the position as illustrated in FIG. 10A. The latch 1002 and locking pin 1003 are optional and if not provided, then the table would not pivot (bend) as illustrated in FIG. 6 for storage. Alternatively, the latch 1002 can be connected to a linkage mechanism (not pictured) such that the latch 1002 would have to be pushed to release the locking pin 1003 from the groove 1015 (thereby folding the table), and the latch would have to be pulled to lock the locking pin 1003 back into the groove 1015 (thereby unfolding and locking the table).
The table can also rotate as illustrated in FIG. 4. This can be accomplished by using apparatus in FIG. 9 or alternatively using another configuration as illustrated in FIG. 10. When the operator desires to rotate the table, the operator can pull outward on a pull handle 1000. A spring 1008 is exerting force in the opposite direction of a pull on the handle. Once the pull handle 1000 is pulled, rotating circular teeth 1004 are then disengaged from complimentary stationary teeth 1006 and then the table (which houses a rotating tube 1012) can then be rotated. When the table is rotated to the desired rotation, then the operator can release the pull handle 1000 which in turn causes the spring 1008 to cause a member 1014 to press towards the rotating circular teeth 1004 and engage the stationary circular teeth 1006, thereby preventing further rotation of the table.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the rotation of the table is available only in fixed increments of rotation (e.g., 15 degrees for each tooth in the complimentary teeth (the stationary circular teeth 1006 and the rotating circular teeth 1004). Using this apparatus, once the table is locked into a rotational angle, it would not rotate again until the pull handle 1000 is activated.
FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating an external view of the table and rotating tube.
The rotating table 108 rotates adjacent to a stationary top panel 112. The pull handle 1000 is used to rotate the rotating table 108. The rotating tube 1012 houses the rotating circular teeth 1004, the spring 1008, member 1014, and any other apparatus used/needed to effectuate the rotating.
In a further embodiment, instead of a user manually rotating the rotatable tray, an electronic motor can automatically rotate the rotatable tray, thereby making operation easier on the user. This can be especially beneficial for users with limited movement capability or others who want to operate the unit using a remote control or any other input device.
FIG. 12A is a top view of the table with an electronic motor.
The rotatable tray 108 can rotate about the stationary top panel 112 using an electronic motor 1200. Control circuitry 1202 can control operation of the electronic motor. A gear set 1204 can be used to facilitate rotation of the rotatable tray 108. For example, instead of having an axle directly connected to the motor 1200 rotate the rotatable tray 108, a gear or gear set 1204 can be used. The gear set 1204 can serve numerous purposes, for example, the motor may turn too quickly and thus using a gear can slow the rotation of the rotatable tray 108. Additionally, the electronic motor 1200 may not be powerful enough to directly rotate the rotatable tray 108, however using a gear 108 can result in the rotation of the rotatable tray 108 to be slower than the rotation of the motor 1200. In this manner, a less powerful motor can still rotate the rotatable tray 108. Conversely, if the motor 1200 is too powerful, a gear set 1204 can be used to reduce the force of the rotation of the motor 1200, thereby slowing the rotation of the rotatable tray 108.
FIG. 12B is a side view of the table with an electronic motor.
The axle of the motor 1200 (not pictured) is connected to the gear set 1202 which is then connected to the rotatable tray 108 using a gear axle (not pictured) which actually rotates the rotatable tray 108. The motor 1200, gear set 1204, and control circuitry 1202 can be housed in the top panel 112. The control circuitry controls operation of motor 1200, such as turning it on and off and which direction it rotates. The control circuitry 1202 can be controlled by a remote control (not pictured) or by a keypad (or other input device) (not pictured) on the outside of the top panel 112.
The gear set 1204 may also have a transmission unit built in with a resistance/collision feedback sensor. Thus, during rotation, if a collision is detected, the motor can automatically be turned off to prevent injury or damage to the table.
FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a multimedia table affixed to a bed, according to an embodiment.
A vertical member 1302 is attached to a mounting apparatus 1300, which mounts the vertical member 1302 to a bottom portion 1301 of a bed. The mounting apparatus can be any connecting apparatus, such as screws, nails, etc. The vertical member 1302 is connected to a top panel 1306, which is connected to a rotatable tray 1304.
All of the embodiments, structure, and features described herein can be applied to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, wherein a multimedia table is attached to a bed. The rotatable tray 1304 can be rotated as described herein.
FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a multimedia table affixed to a chair, according to an embodiment.
A vertical member 1402 is attached to a mounting apparatus 1400, which mounts the vertical member 1402 to a bottom portion 1401 of a chair. The mounting apparatus can be any connecting apparatus, such as screws, nails, etc. The vertical member 1402 is connected to a top panel 1404, which is connected to a rotatable tray 1406.
All of the embodiments, structure, and features described herein can be applied to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, wherein a multimedia table is attached to a chair. The rotatable tray 1406 can be rotated as described herein.
FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a multimedia table affixed to a chair in an open position, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 15 is similar to FIG. 14, but shows the top panel 1504 and rotatable tray 1506 in an open position, which allows a person to sit on the chair or get off the chair. A hinge 1503 is connected to the vertical member 1502 which allows the top panel 1504 and its connected rotatable tray 1506 to be raised and lowered.
FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating three multimedia tables affixed to a wall, according to an embodiment.
A securing apparatus 1600 secures a vertical member 1601 to a wall. The securing apparatus 1600 can be screws, nails, adhesive, Velcro, or any known securing apparatus. The vertical member 1601 is attached to a top panel 1602 which is attached to a rotatable tray 1604.
All of the embodiments, structure, and features described herein can be applied to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, wherein a multimedia table is attached to a wall.
The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the claims to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly and legally entitled.

Claims

1. A multi function table, comprising:

a floor support adapted to rest on a surface;

a connecting member connected to the floor support;

a rotatable tray connected to the connecting member, the rotatable tray comprising a first side and a second side opposite to the first side comprising an output device; and

a rotating mechanism connected to the rotatable tray to allow rotation of the rotatable tray about a rotation axis.

2. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein the rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the connecting member.

3. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein the rotatable tray can be rotated 360 degrees about the rotation axis.

4. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein the rotatable tray can be rotated 45-90 degrees.

5. The table as recited in claim 1, further comprising an input port to receive an input to the output device.

6. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein the output device is an LCD monitor.

7. The table as recited in claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism to lock the rotatable tray in an extended position, wherein the locking mechanism can be released to allow folding of the rotatable tray in a position substantially parallel to the vertical member.

8. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein the output device displays video.

9. The table as recited in claim 8, wherein a vertical orientation of the video automatically adjusts based on a rotation angle of the rotatable tray.

10. The table as recited in claim 9, wherein when an upper part of the output device is higher than a lower part of the output device, the video is displayed in a normal orientation, and when the upper part of the output device is lower than the lower part of the output device, then the video is displayed in an inverted orientation.

11. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein the floor support comprises wheels attached to the floor support.

12. The table as recited in claim 1, further comprising a disposable plastic cover attached to the output device.

13. The table as recited in claim 1, further comprising a disposable plastic cover attached to the first side.

14. The table as recited in claim 1, further comprising a stationary top panel connected to the vertical member and adjacent to the rotatable tray.

15. The table as recited in claim 14, wherein an electronic unit to drive the output device is located inside the stationary top panel.

16. The table as recited in claim 14, further comprising stationary teeth arranged circularly located in the top panel and a rotating teeth arranged circularly located inside the rotatable tray.

17. The table as recited in claim 16, wherein the rotatable tray is rotatable through discrete angles defined by the stationary teeth and the rotating teeth.

18. The table as recited in claim 1, further comprising an electronic motor which automatically drives the rotating mechanism.

19. A table, comprising:

a base to rest on a surface

a vertical member connected to the base;

a stationary top panel cantileverly connected to the vertical member and substantially parallel to the base;

a rotatable tray adjacent to the top panel, the rotatable tray rotatably mounted to the top panel; and

an electronic output device on a first side of the rotatable tray.

20. The table as recited in claim 19, wherein the electronic output device is a touch screen display.