[dnmock1981]

So I'm remodeling a bay window in my house that's shaped like the one in the picture (not mine, I'm at work and dont have any images).

I want to make the inside to be a storage area, but also want to make the bench seat one solid piece.

In order to access the storage this way I would need to be able to slide it out, then fold downward. Trouble is, I have no idea what all hardware I would need to make that happen. Anyone know of a slide that can hinge at the end?

Granted, I could do a cut out and make the cut part fold back, but I would like to keep it as one solid piece.

 

[difalkner]

You could put the hinge on the front and lift from the back.

 

[dnmock1981]

You could put the hinge on the front and lift from the back.

Would block the access to the storage then. Still have the same issue of needing a hinge and a slide.

 

[Bob Bengal]

I want to make the inside to be a storage area, but also want to make the bench seat one solid piece.
In order to access the storage this way I would need to be able to slide it out, then fold downward.

When you have the chance it would be good if you can post a photo of your bay window and sketches with dimensions.

One possibility is a solid top and sliding doors on the front.

Maybe a solid top that you just lift completely off and set aside? If as big as the bay in the photo it would be getting too heavy for that to be convenient.

 

[Steve Neul]

Usually with those you just cut out an opening in the top and hinge it with a piano hinge.

 

[difalkner]

Would block the access to the storage then. Still have the same issue of needing a hinge and a slide.

If the distance from the front edge to the window is greater than the distance of the front edge to the floor, then yes.

 

[dnmock1981]

When you have the chance it would be good if you can post a photo of your bay window and sketches with dimensions.

One possibility is a solid top and sliding doors on the front.

Maybe a solid top that you just lift completely off and set aside? If as big as the bay in the photo it would be getting too heavy for that to be convenient.

I'll get that when I get home from work. It's actually a bit bigger than what is pictured. 9' at the widest, 7' at the narrowest with a 2' depth.

 

[builtinbkyn2]

Hinge a center section of 7' from to back using a piano hinge as suggested by Steve. The two side wings (triangular pieces) would be fixed. There's no other way to have it open from the top, if that's what you want, as it gets narrower toward the window.

 

[dnmock1981]

Hinge a center section of 7' from to back using a piano hinge as suggested by Steve. The two side wings (triangular pieces) would be fixed. There's no other way to have it open from the top, if that's what you want, as it gets narrower toward the window.

It can absolutely be done. I can actually visualize the mechanics for one method in my head. A couple T-tracks on the bottom of the top and then a T with a cylindrical top or a notched out end of the track to allow it to pivot when fully extended would do the trick. Hidden pocket cabinet drawers do something similar.

Problem is I have no idea what the name of those parts would be to search for.

 

[builtinbkyn2]

It can absolutely be done. I can actually visualize the mechanics for one method in my head. A couple T-tracks on the bottom of the top and then a T with a cylindrical top or a notched out end of the track to allow it to pivot when fully extended would do the trick. Hidden pocket cabinet drawers do something similar.

Problem is I have no idea what the name of those parts would be to search for.

There are always a million ways to skin a cat, but this would be how most would do it. Because the span is 7', you will need support framing under the seat. 2x3s would be fine.

 

[Dgibz]

For some reason what you describe made me think of these cabinets:

Pull-Down Shelving System

Rev-A-Shelf Warranty Installation Instructions Installation Line Art See below for specifications

www.fastcabinetdoors.com

Probably not exactly what you want but they have a compound motion (outward and downward).

 

[Ron_J]

It can absolutely be done. I can actually visualize the mechanics for one method in my head. A couple T-tracks on the bottom of the top and then a T with a cylindrical top or a notched out end of the track to allow it to pivot when fully extended would do the trick. Hidden pocket cabinet drawers do something similar.

Problem is I have no idea what the name of those parts would be to search for.

I'm not sure I follow your idea exactly, but it sounds like you will still have an issue with the lid obstructing access, at least a little.

Even something that allows you to slide the lid out so it can be folded down will still have slider tracks over the opening. The t-track/ball idea you are describing won't allow for any support for the lid while opening it, will it? That wouldn't make it very user friendly.

I think at that point, you might as well just make it removeable.

What are you thinking for the top? I know you don't want to cut it and hinge it, but you can make a top that camouflages the seams for the lid.

 

[Ron_J]

I tend to be like a dog with a bone when it comes to things like this...

What about using this... mount the slide rail on the lid, then the block on some type of hinge that when the lid is slid out it can fold down? I still think that the lid folding back against the window is a better option, but this would probably work.

LA1815 | Light-Duty Linear Track System

The Accuride LA1815 is a pre-assembled linear track system for light-duty applications. Our system includes an aluminum track, steel plate and stops, and a plastic bumper.

www.accuride.com

 

[Rebelwork]

There are always a million ways to skin a cat, but this would be how most would do it. Because the span is 7', you will need support framing under the seat. 2x3s would be fine.

View attachment 444871

This is how it is normally done in cabinet shops. Trim carpenters usually do the same..

 

[DrRobert]

Built some beds for my boys a long time ago, the plywood top had a cut out for storage. Just a finger hole and rim to hold it up. Mattress held it down. Never even used it!!

Where can you buy 2x3's? This isn't England.

Well I guess they call them 3 be 2's.

Oh, I get it..................

 

[builtinbkyn2]

Built some beds for my boys a long time ago, the plywood top had a cut out for storage. Just a finger hole and rim to hold it up. Mattress held it down. Never even used it!!

Where can you buy 2x3's? This isn't England.

Well I guess they call them 3 be 2's.

Oh, I get it..................

Any big box store has 2x3s.

 

[Rebelwork]

Any big box store has 2x3s.

X1...lol

 

[Jar944_2]

It can absolutely be done. I can actually visualize the mechanics for one method in my head. A couple T-tracks on the bottom of the top and then a T with a cylindrical top or a notched out end of the track to allow it to pivot when fully extended would do the trick. Hidden pocket cabinet drawers do something similar.

Problem is I have no idea what the name of those parts would be to search for.

It would have to slide even with the front face. Then flip up. It would be the same as putting the hinge at the front, and the lid would still block access.

 

[DrRobert]

Any big box store has 2x3s.

Whaaaa??? Where? In Brooklyn, not here 😁😁😁

 

[builtinbkyn2]

Whaaaa??? Where? In Brooklyn, not here 😁😁😁

LOL well the link I sent is to the Wilkins store here near Pittsburgh. But yes, they have them in Brooklyn too. Where's "here" that's lacking normal building materials?