In means of transportation, in particular airplanes, storable tables are frequently provided for the passengers. In VIP airplanes and in the first class section of conventional commercial passenger airplanes, a table of this type is usually pulled out of what is known as a credenza, which is arranged next to the seats, and is folded into a use position, in which the table top is arranged partially over the seat surface of the seats.
It is problematical in tables of this type that a plurality of requirements have to be united which are difficult to combine with one another. The credenza is usually lower than the armrests of the seats. This means that the table top has to be arranged considerably above the upper edge of the credenza in the use position. A mechanism therefore has to be provided which holds said table top in this higher position. The table top has to be self-supporting, and all loads which act on the table top therefore have to be conducted into the credenza. This can be problematical, in particular, in a long lever arm for the active forces (for example, a passenger who stumbles along the aisle).
It is known to secure the table top of a table of this type pivotably on a carrying arm which protrudes out of the upper edge of the credenza in the use position and therefore produces the necessary spacing between the upper edge of the credenza and the table top. The lid of the credenza is configured as a type of catching hook, and that edge of the table top which points away from the passenger seat can be hooked into the lid in its open position, with the result that the tilting moment which acts on the table top is conducted into the credenza via this lid. This solution is disadvantageous, as a lid which is fastened to the credenza by means of a hinge is not particularly well suited for absorbing loads.