Retractable sofa table with extended table surface

Abstract

A seating unit comprises a seat frame, a foldable table assembly that includes a foldable panel pivotally attached to its rear edge, a four-bar linkage for moving the table assembly between an open position and a closed position, and a roller and cloth hinge combination for controlling the rotational movement of the foldable panel about the rear edge of the table assembly. The seat frame, which comprises a seat and a backrest, includes a recessed area in the backrest with laterally positioned mounting panels. The foldable table assembly comprises opposed decorative and support surfaces and the foldable panel. The four-bar linkage is attached to the table assembly and to the mounting panels of the seat frame and moves the table assembly between a closed position, in which the table assembly is nested within the recessed area with the decorative surface facing forward, and a generally horizontal open position, in which the support surface faces upwardly. The roller and cloth hinge are configured so that when said table assembly is in the closed position, the panel is generally upright, with the upper surface of the panel confronting the support surface of the table assembly. When the table assembly is in the open position, the panel is disposed generally horizontally rearward of the support surface, with its upper surface facing upwardly. When the panel is in the open position, the rear edge of the panel is free to move upwardly and forwardly.