AU2020250278B2

AU2020250278B2 - Hinge securable in position and hinge for folding leg securable in position

Info

Publication number: AU2020250278B2
Application number: AU2020250278A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Oscar LIN
Original assignee: Pinnacle Diversity Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Pinnacle Diversity Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-08
Filing date: 2020-10-08
Publication date: 2022-07-21
Anticipated expiration: 2040-10-08
Also published as: AU2020250278A1; AU2020103109A4

Abstract

A hinge securable in position is described. The hinge comprises a pivoting jaw which pivots from a folded position to an unfolded position, the pivoting jaw shaped to restrict further unfolding when in the unfolded position; and a latch having a disengaged position in which the latch does not engage with the pivoting jaw and a secured position in which the latch is engaged with the pivoting jaw to secure the pivoting jaw in the unfolded position and prevent unfolding and folding. The hinge is suitable as a hinge for a folding leg or arm and is securable in position to hold the folding leg or arm in a leg-open or arm open orientation. Also described is a connecting device for connecting one or more folding leg or arm to a base, the connecting device comprising a mounting plate comprising a body configured for attachment to the base, the body comprising a leg or arm mount and a pivoting jaw and latch. 1/4 220 120 200 100 222 FIGURE lB FIGURE 1A 210 FIGURE 2A 150 130 152 10 138z 170 1720 FIGURE 2BFIUE2

Description

1/4

220 120 200 100

222 FIGURE lB FIGURE 1A 210

FIGURE 2A

150 130 152 10 138z 170

1720

FIGURE 2BFIUE2

PINNACLE DIVERSITY PTY LTD AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED "HINGE SECURABLE IN POSITION AND HINGE FOR FOLDING LEG OR ARM SECURABLE IN POSITION

This invention is described in the following statement:

HINGE SECURABLE IN POSITION AND HINGE FOR FOLDING LEG OR ARM SECURABLE IN POSITION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a hinge securable in position and a hinge for a folding leg or arm, the hinge securable in position. More particularly, this invention relates to a connecting device for connecting one or more leg or arm to a base, the connecting device comprising a jaw and a latch to secure the one or more folding leg or arm in an unfolded orientation.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Tables, benches and sawhorses with folding legs or arms allow efficient use of available space. By folding the legs or arms, these tables, benches and sawhorses can be stored away between use. For tables this is useful in domestic settings and also in commercial settings such as, entertainment and function venues and office facilities. The ability to fold benches can advantageously save valuable space in not only domestic settings but also in commercial environments where cost savings can be made in complying with workplace safety requirements. The same space savings are readily apparent for sawhorses.

[0003] There remains a need for alternative hinges for folding legs or arms and connecting devices comprising these hinges.

[0004] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to a hinge securable in position and a hinge for one or more folding leg or arm, the hinge securable in position.

[0006] Also, generally, the invention relates to a connecting device for connecting one or more leg or arm to a base, the connecting device comprising a jaw and a latch to secure the one or more folding leg or arm in an unfolded orientation.

[0007] In a broad form, the invention relates to a hinge securable in position, the hinge comprising a pivoting jaw and a latch.

[0008] In another broad form, the invention relates to a connecting device for connecting one or more folding leg or arm to a base, the connecting device comprising a mounting plate; a pivoting jaw; and a latch.

[0009] In one aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest aspect, the invention provides a hinge securable in position, the hinge comprising:

a pivoting jaw which pivots from a folded position to an unfolded position, the pivoting jaw shaped to restrict further unfolding when in the unfolded position; and

a latch having a disengaged position in which the latch does not engage with the pivoting jaw and a secured position in which the latch is engaged with the pivoting jaw to secure the pivoting jaw in the unfolded position and prevent unfolding and folding.

[0010] The hinge according to the first aspect, may comprise a hinge for a folding leg or arm, the hinge securable in position to hold the folding leg or arm in a leg-open or arm open orientation.

[0011] In a second aspect, the invention provides a connecting device for connecting one or more folding leg or arm to a base, the connecting device comprising:

a mounting plate comprising a body configured for attachment to the base, the body comprising a leg or arm mount;

a pivoting jaw which pivots from a folded position to an unfolded position, the pivoting jaw shaped to restrict further unfolding of the one or more leg or arm when in the unfolded position; and a latch having a disengaged position in which the latch does not engage with the pivoting jaw and a secured position in which the latch is engaged with the pivoting jaw to secure the pivoting jaw in the unfolded position and prevent unfolding and folding of the one or more leg or arm.

[0012] In a third aspect, the invention provides a table, bench, sawhorse or other support comprising the hinge of the first aspect.

[0013] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a table, bench, sawhorse or other support comprising the connecting device of the second aspect.

[0014] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a hinge, the method comprising:

forming a pivoting jaw which pivots from a folded position to an unfolded position, the pivoting jaw shaped to restrict further unfolding when in the unfolded position; and

constructing a latch having a disengaged position in which the latch does not engage with the pivoting jaw and a secured position in which the latch is engaged with the pivoting jaw to secure the pivoting jaw in the unfolded position and prevent unfolding and folding.

[0015] In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a connecting device, the method comprising:

making a mounting plate comprising a body configured for attachment to the base, the body comprising a leg or arm mount;

forming a pivoting jaw which pivots from a folded position to an unfolded position, the pivoting jaw shaped to restrict further unfolding of the one or more leg or arm when in the unfolded position; and constructing a latch having a disengaged position in which the latch does not engage with the pivoting jaw and a secured position in which the latch is engaged with the pivoting jaw to secure the pivoting jaw in the folded position and prevent unfolding and folding of the one or more leg or arm.

[0016] In a seventh aspect, the invention provides a kit comprising one or more hinge of the first aspect and one or more leg or arm.

[0017] In an eighth aspect, the invention provides a kit comprising one or more connecting device according to the second aspect and one or more leg or arm.

[0018] The kit of either the seventh aspect or the eighth aspect may further comprise one or more base.

[0019] According to any one of the above aspects, when in the unfolded position, the pivoting jaw abuts and/or inter-fits with the mounting plate to restrict further unfolding. The further unfolding may be of the one or more leg or arm. The inter-fitting may comprise a pivoting jaw pin sitting in one or more mounting plate recess. The one or more mounting plate recess may prevent further pivoting and/or restrict movement of the seated pivoting jaw in a direction other than to said pivoting. When in the folded position, the pivoting jaw may abut the mounting plate to prevent further folding of the one or more leg or arm.

[0020] According to any one of the above aspects, the pivoting jaw pivots with the unfolding and folding of the one or more leg or arm. The pivoting jaw may abut the one or more leg or arm, be fastened to the one or more leg or arm or may be integral with the one or more leg or arm. The pivoting jaw may comprise two side sections disposed either side of a top section. The pivoting jaw pin may extend between the two side sections. The pivoting jaw pin may extend under the top section. The side sections may have a partial profile complementary to the one or more leg or arm.

[0021] According to any one of the above aspects, the mounting plate body comprises one or more planar section for fastening to the base. One of the sections or each of the one or more planar sections may comprise one or more orifice for receiving a fastener. The mounting plate body may comprise one or more raised jaw. The one or more mounting plate recess may be disposed in a respective raised jaw. The mounting plate body may comprise a mounting surface for contact with the base and an exposed surface opposite to the mounting surface.

[0022] In another embodiment of any one of the above aspects, the latch is dimensioned and disposed so when the base is upright in a use position, gravity causes the latch to pivot into the secured position. The latch may comprise a pivoting securing tab. The latch may be oriented so that when the base is upright, gravity causes the securing tab to pivot into the secured position. The latch may be dimensioned so when the base is moved from an upright use position, gravity causes the latch to pivot into the disengaged position. The latch may be oriented so that when the base is moved from an upright use position, gravity causes the securing tab to pivot into the disengaged position. The securing tab may pivot towards the pivoting jaw to occupy the engaged position. The securing tab may pivot away from the pivoting jaw to occupy the disengaged position. The pivoting of the securing tab may be from an outside of the mounting plate towards the leg or arm mount.

[0023] According to any one of the above aspects, the securing tab may comprise one or more hook. The one or more hook may inter-fit with the pivoting jaw pin when both the pivoting jaw is in the unfolded position and the securing tab is in the secured position. The securing tab may comprise a pair of hooks disposed on opposing sides. The inter-fit may comprise said curved section of the hook partially surrounding the pivoting jaw pin.

[0024] In one embodiment, the pivoting jaw is mounted on or mountable on the leg or arm and the latch is mounted on or mountable on the mounting plate. The pivoting jaw and the latch may be mounted on or mountable on a same side of the mounting plate, the exposed surface side of the mounting plate. The pivoting jaw may be mounted on or partially mounted on the leg or arm. The pivoting jaw may pivot over the leg or arm mount. The pivoting jaw may pivot from a pivoting jaw side of the leg or arm mount to a latch side of the leg or arm mount.

[0025] In one embodiment of any above aspect, the latch is fastened to the mounting plate. The latch may be fastened to the mounting plate with one or more fastener. The one or more fastener may comprise a retaining ring.

[0026] According to any one of the above aspects, the leg or arm mount may comprise a knuckle.

[0027] According to any one of the above aspects, the base may comprise a table, bench or other support.

[0028] The one or more folding leg or arm may comprise a pair of legs or arm. The pair of legs or arms may be connected with a top cross-strut. The pair of legs or arms may further comprise a bottom strut extending between the pair of legs or arms.

[0029] According to any one of the above aspects, the top cross-strut may comprise a circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the top cross-strut comprises a cross-section shape permitting rotation.

[0030] In one embodiment of any one of the above aspects, the folding leg or arm, pair of folding legs or arms and/or bottom stut may comprise a circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the top cross-strut comprises a comprises cross-section shape permitting rotation.

[0031] In another embodiment of any above aspect, the base comprises a table-top, a bench-top or a saw-horse top. The bench top may comprise a work bench top. The table may comprise a dining table or a display table. The saw-horse top may comprise one or more beam.

[0032] According to any one of the above aspects, the hinge according to any one of the above aspects or the connecting device according to any one of the above aspects may be comprised of a metal or a polymer. The pivoting jaw, latch and mounting plate may be comprised of a metal or a polymer. In a particular embodiment, the hinge; connecting device; pivoting jaw; latch and connecting device may be comprised of steel.

[0033] Further aspects and/or features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

Figure 1A: shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a connecting device, with one connecting device disposed at either end of a workbench and both devices shown in an unfolded configuration.

Figure IB: is a close up view of the portion encircled in Figure 1A.

Figure 2A: is another perspective view showing the workbench of Figure 1A in a folded configuration.

Figure 2B: shows a close up of the left-hand encircled region of Figure 2B.

Figure 2C: shows a close up of the right-hand encircled region of Figure 2C.

Figure 3A: shows a top section of a jaw according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3B: shows a sides section of a jaw according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3C; shows a section view of a jaw according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4A: shows a plan view of a mounting plate according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4B: Shows a side view of a mounting plate profile and raised jaw according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4C: shows a front view of a mounting plate according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5A: shows a front view of a latch according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5B: shows a top view of a securing tab component of a latch according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5C: shows a side view of a latch according one embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a hinge securable in position and a hinge for a folding leg or arm, the hinge securable in position.

[0037] Other embodiments of the present invention relate to a connecting device for connecting one or more leg or arm to a base, the connecting device comprising a jaw and a latch to secure the one or more folding leg or arm in an unfolded orientation.

[0038] The invention is at least partly predicated on the inventors unexpected discovery that a latch may be used to hold a hinge in position. As will be elucidated below, the latch may be dimensioned and disposed so that gravity causes it to pivot into the secured position when the base is upright or when the base is being placed into an upright position.

[0039] While the invention will be described with reference to a workbench, the invention is not so limited and may be applied to a table, other bench type, sawhorse or other support.

[0040] As is conventional in the art, the leg or legs or arm or arms will be referred to as "folding". The skilled person readily appreciates that the leg or arm does not fold along any part of its length. Instead the leg or legs or arm or arms pivot along an axis. The folded position is with the legs or arms collapsed into a compact configuration for storage. The unfolded position is with the legs or arms open into an extended configuration for use to support the base to which the legs or arms are attached.

[0041] FIGS. 1 and 2 (which reference is used herein to include FIGS. 1A; 1B; 2A; 2B; and 2C) show one embodiment of a connecting device 100 according to the invention. The connecting device comprises hinge 120 and mounting plate 130. The hinge 120 comprises pivotingjaw 150 and latch 170.

[0042] As can be seen from the transition between the unfolded configuration in FIGS. 1A and 1B and the folded configuration of FIGS. 2A; 2B; and 2C, jaw 150 pivots from a folded position, shown best in FIGS. 2B and 2C, to an unfolded position, best seen in FIG. 1B, and is shaped to restrict further unfolding of the one or more leg or arm 220 when in the unfolded position.

[0043] Latch 170 has a disengaged position, shown in FIG. 1B, in which latch 170 does not engage with pivoting jaw 150 and a secured position, not shown, in which latch 170 is engaged with pivoting jaw 150 to secure pivoting jaw 150 in the unfolded position and prevent folding and unfolding of one or more leg or arm 220.

[0044] As can be seen from FIGS. 1A; 1B; 2A; 2B; and 2C, hinge 120 is suitable for folding legs or arms 220, the hinge 120 securable in position to hold folding legs and arms 220 in a leg-open or arm-open orientation. As will be elucidated below, latch 170 pivots into the secured position due to gravity when bench 200 is turned upright into a use position.

[0045] Connecting device 100 is used to connect one or more folding leg or arm 220 to a base, such as base 210 of workbench 200. Connecting device 100 comprises a mounting plate 130 along with jaw 150 and latch 170. While each of mounting plate 130; jaw 150 and latch 170 are shown in FIGS. 1A; 1B; 2A; 2B; and 2C, their features are best seen in FIGS. 3A; 3B; and 3C for jaw 150; FIGS. 4A; 4B; and 4C for mounting plate 130; and FIGS 5A; 5B; and 5C for latch 170.

[0046] From FIGS. 4A; 4B; and 4C, it can be seen that mounting plate 130 comprises body 132 configured for attachment to base 210, body 132 comprising a leg or arm mount 134.

[0047] When in the unfolded position, pivoting jaw 150 abuts and inter-fits with mounting plate 130 to prevent further unfolding of the one or more leg or arm 220. The inter-fitting is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to comprise a pivoting jaw pin 152 sitting in one or more mounting plate recess 136. The one or more mounting plate recess 136 restricts movement of the seated pivoting jaw 150 in the pivoting direction of unfolding beyond a desired unfolded position for one or leg or arm 220. FIGS. 1 and 2 show that, when in the folded position, pivoting jaw 150 also abuts mounting plate 130 to prevent further folding of the one or more leg or arm 220.

[0048] Pivoting jaw 150 pivots with the folding and unfolding of the one or more leg or arm 220. Pivoting jaw 150 may abut the one or more leg or arm 220, be fastened to the one or more leg or arm 220 or may be integral with the one or more leg or arm 200. The pivoting jaw 150 may comprise two side sections 154a, 154b disposed either side of a top section 156. Pivoting jaw pin 152 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to extend between two side sections 154a, 154b and under top section 156. Side sections 154a, 154b may have a partial profile 158 complementary to the one or more leg or arm 220.

[0049] Mounting plate body 132 comprises one or more planar section 133 for fastening to base 210. Each one or more planar section 133 comprises one or more orifice for receiving a fastener. Mounting plate body 132 is shown to comprise raised jaws 138. The one or more mounting plate recess 136 is disposed in a respective raised jaw 150.

[0050] Latch 170 is dimensioned and disposed so when base 210 is upright in a use position, gravity causes latch 170 to pivot into the secured position. Latch 170 is shown to comprise a pivoting securing tab 172. Latch 170 is oriented so that when base 210 is upright in the use position, gravity causes securing tab 172 to pivot into the secured position. Latch 170 is dimensioned so when base 210 is moved from the upright use position, gravity causes latch 170 to pivot into the disengaged position. Latch 170 is oriented so that when base 210 is moved from the upright use position, gravity causes securing tab 172 to pivot into the disengaged position. Securing tab 172 is shown to pivot towards pivoting jaw 150 from an outside of the mounting plate 130 towards leg or arm mount 134. Securing tab 172 is shown to pivot towards pivoting jaw 150 to occupy the engaged position and to pivot away from pivoting jaw 150 to occupy the disengaged position.

[0051] Securing tab 172 is shown to comprise hooks 174. Hooks 174 inter-fit with the pivoting jaw pin 152 when both the pivoting jaw 150 is in the unfolded position and the securing tab 172, or latch 170, is in the secured position. Securing tab 172 is shown to comprise a pair of hooks 174 disposed on opposing sides. The inter-fitting described comprises curved section 176 of each hook 174 partially surrounding the pivoting jaw pin 152.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, latch 170 is fastened to mounting plate 130. Latch 170 may be fastened to mounting plate 130 with one or more fastener such as, a retaining ring.

[0053] Leg or arm mount 134 is shown to comprise a knuckle 140 for receiving top cross-strut 222 of leg or arm 220. Knuckle 140 is shown disposed either side of planar sections 133.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, pivoting jaw 150 is mounted on or mountable on leg or arm 220 and latch 170 is mounted on or mountable on mounting plate 130. Pivoting jaw 150 and latch 170 are shown to be mounted on or mountable on the same side of mounting plate 130, the exposed surface 144 side of mounting plate 130. The other, opposing surface of mounting plate 130, is the mounting surface 142 for fastening to base 210. Pivoting jaw 150 is shown to be mounted on or partially mounted on leg or arm 220 by having been welded to the leg or arm 220. Pivoting jaw 150 pivots over leg or arm mount 134. Pivoting jaw 150 pivots from a pivoting jaw side of leg or arm mount 134 to a latch side of the leg or arm mount 134.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the one or more folding leg or arm 220 may comprise a pair of legs or arms 220 connected with a top cross-strut 222. The pair of legs or arms 220 may further comprise a bottom strut (not shown) extending between the pair of legs or arms 220.

[0056] Top cross-strut 222 may comprise a circular cross-section. In other embodiments, top cross-strut 222 comprises cross-section shape permitting rotation.

[0057] Likewise, the folding leg or arm 220, pair of folding legs or arms 220 and/or bottom strut may comprise a circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the folding leg or arm 220, pair of folding legs or arms and/or bottom strut comprise a cross-section shape permitting rotation.

[0058] While base 210 is shown to comprise a work bench-top, in other embodiments base 210 may comprise other type of bases or tops such as, a table-top, a sawhorse top or another type of bench top. The table may comprise a dining table or a display table.

[0059] Also provided is a method 300 (not shown) of manufacturing a hinge 120, the method comprising forming 320 (not shown) pivoting jaw 150; and constructing 330 (not shown) latch 170. By adding the step of making 410 (not shown) a mounting plate 130 to method 300, a method 400 (not shown) of manufacturing a connecting device 100 is also provided.

[0060] Also provided are a kit 500 (not shown) comprising one or more hinge 120 and one or more leg or arm 220. Another kit 600, is provided, comprising one or more connecting device 100 and one or more leg or arm 220. Kits 500, 600 may optionally further comprise one or more base 210. Kits 500, 600 may further comprise instructions for use.

[0061] The connecting device 100 and hinge 120, and the component parts such as, the pivoting jaw 150, latch 170 and mounting plate 130, may be comprised of a metal or a polymer. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting device 100; hinge 120; mounting plate 130; pivoting jaw 150; and latch 170 are comprise of steel.

[0062] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A hinge securable in position, the hinge comprising:

a mounting plate comprising a body configured for attachment to a base, the body comprising a leg or arm mount;

a pivoting jaw which pivots from a folded position to an unfolded position, the pivoting jaw shaped to restrict further unfolding when in the unfolded position wherein the pivoting jaw pivots with said unfolding and folding when in the unfolded position and the pivoting jaw abuts and/or inter-fits with the mounting plate to restrict further unfolding; and

a latch having a disengaged position in which the latch does not engage with the pivoting jaw and a secured position in which the latch is engaged with the pivoting jaw to secure the pivoting jaw in the unfolded position and prevent unfolding and folding, wherein the latch is dimensioned and disposed so when the base is upright in a use position, gravity causes the latch to pivot into the secured position.

2. The hinge according to claim 1 wherein the hinge is for a folding leg or arm, the hinge securable in position to hold the folding leg or arm in a leg-open or arm-open orientation.

3. A connecting device for connecting one or more folding leg or arm to a base, the connecting device comprising:

a pivoting jaw which pivots from a folded position to an unfolded position, the pivoting jaw shaped to restrict further unfolding of the one or more folding leg or arm when in the unfolded position wherein the pivoting jaw pivots with said unfolding and folding of the one or more folding leg or arm when in the unfolded position, the pivoting jaw abuts and/or inter-fits with the mounting plate to restrict further unfolding; and a latch having a disengaged position in which the latch does not engage with the pivoting jaw and a secured position in which the latch is engaged with the pivoting jaw to secure the pivoting jaw in the unfolded position and prevent unfolding and folding of the one or more folding leg or arm, wherein the latch is dimensioned and disposed so when the base is upright in a use position, gravity causes the latch to pivot into the secured position.

4. A table, bench, sawhorse or other support comprising the hinge of claim 1 or claim 2.

5. A table, bench, sawhorse or other support comprising the connecting device of claim 3.

6. A method of manufacturing a hinge, the method comprising:

making a mounting plate comprising a body configured for attachment to a base, the body comprising a leg or arm mount;

forming a pivoting jaw which pivots from a folded position to an unfolded position, the pivoting jaw shaped to restrict further unfolding when in the unfolded position wherein the pivoting jaw pivots with said unfolding and folding and wherein when in the unfolded position, the pivoting jaw abuts and/or inter-fits with the mounting plate to restrict further unfolding; and

constructing a latch having a disengaged position in which the latch does not engage with the pivoting jaw and a secured position in which the latch is engaged with the pivoting jaw to secure the pivoting jaw in the unfolded position and prevent unfolding and folding, wherein the latch is dimensioned and disposed so when the base is upright in a use position, gravity causes the latch to pivot into the secured position.

7. A method of manufacturing a connecting device, the connecting device connecting one or more folding leg or arm to a base, the method comprising:

making a mounting plate comprising a body configured for attachment to the base, the body comprising a leg or arm mount; forming a pivoting jaw which pivots from a folded position to an unfolded position, the pivoting jaw shaped to restrict further unfolding of the one or more leg or arm when in the unfolded position wherein the pivoting jaw pivots with said unfolding and folding of the one or more folding leg or arm and when in the unfolded position, the pivoting jaw abuts and/or inter-fits with the mounting plate to restrict further unfolding; and constructing a latch having a disengaged position in which the latch does not engage with the pivoting jaw and a secured position in which the latch is engaged with the pivoting jaw to secure the pivoting jaw in the unfolded position and prevent unfolding and folding of the one or more folding leg or arm, wherein the latch is dimensioned and disposed so when the base is upright in a use position, gravity causes the latch to pivot into the secured position.

8. A kit comprising one or more hinge of claim 1 or claim 2 and one or more leg or arm.

9. A kit comprising one or more connecting device according to the claim 3 and the one or more leg or arm.

10. The kit of either claim 8 or claim 9 further comprising the one or more base.

11. The hinge, connecting device, table, bench, sawhorse or other support, method or kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the inter-fitting comprises a pivoting jaw pin sitting in one or more mounting plate recess.

12. The hinge, connecting device, table, bench, sawhorse or other support, method or kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the pivoting jaw comprises two side sections disposed either side of a top section.

13. The hinge, connecting device, table, bench, sawhorse or other support, method or kit of any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting plate body comprises one or more raised jaw.

14. The hinge, connecting device, table, bench, sawhorse or other support, method or kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the latch comprises a pivoting securing tab.

15. The hinge according to claim 14 wherein the securing tab comprises one or more hook.

16. The hinge, connecting device, table, bench, sawhorse or other support, method or kit according to claim 15, wherein the inter-fitting comprises a pivoting jaw pin sitting in one or more mounting plate recess and wherein the one or more hook inter-fits with the pivoting jaw pin when both the pivoting jaw is in the unfolded position and the securing tab is in the secured position.

17. The hinge of claim 2, connecting device, table, bench, sawhorse or other support, method or kit according to any one of claims 3 to 16 wherein the pivoting jaw is mounted on or mountable on the folding leg or arm or one or more folding leg or arm and the latch is mounted on or mountable on the mounting plate.

18. The hinge, connecting device, table, bench, sawhorse or other support, method or kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the pivoting jaw pivots over the leg or arm mount.

19. The hinge, connecting device, table, bench, sawhorse or other support, method or kit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the pivoting jaw pivots from a pivoting jaw side of the leg or arm mount to a latch side of the leg or arm mount

20. The hinge according to claim 2, connecting device of claim 3, table, bench, sawhorse or other support of claim 4 or claim 5, method of claim 7 or kit of any one of claims 7 to wherein the folding leg or arm or one or more folding leg or arm comprise a circular cross-section or a cross-sectional shape permitting rotation.