Rotating tabletop for RV/marine having tapered gears
A rotating tabletop (such as for RV/Marine use) having tapered gears, wherein the table may be rotated to be 1) stowed; or 2) slightly angled for laptop use. The tapered gear system used in the mechanism allowing the tabletop to rotate to the desired position. A tapered gear is used in the mechanism allowing the tabletop to rotate to the desired position.
1 . A rotating tabletop assembly connected to a fixed surface comprising:
a base connected to the fixed surface;
a support arm connected to a base, the support arm having a longitudinal length and a rotational axis, the support arm holding a table, the table configured to rotate when pulled; and
a rotating mechanism housed within the support arm, the rotating mechanism having a female gear and a male gear, both the female gear and the male gear having a plurality of teeth and being tapered allowing for rotation with minimal displacement, the rotating mechanism further comprising a forward bearing block, a rear bearing block, a shaft, and a retaining block;
wherein when in use, the forward bearing block, the female gear, and the rear bearing block move along the longitudinal length of the support arm when the table is pulled, whereas the male gear, the shaft, and the retaining block remain stationary when the table is pulled thereby disengaging the male gear teeth from the female gear teeth which thereby allows rotation of the table.
2 . The rotating tabletop assembly of claim 1 wherein the male gear and the female gear must be fully disengaged before rotation.
3 . The rotating tabletop assembly of claim 1 wherein the male gear and the female gear are tapered so that the male gear and the female gear make full contact when engaged.