AU2021106918B4 - Foldable table - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to foldable meeting tables and the need for greater flexibility in the use of common areas. There is provided a frame for a table, the frame consisting of a worktop subframe for supporting a worktop, at least two leg assemblies for supporting the worktop subframe, a central subframe for housing a torque mechanism, and an underframe for coupling the leg assemblies to the torque mechanism. The components of the frame interoperate to provide the table with folded and unfolded configurations that are reversibly changeable therebetween.

Description

FOLDABLE TABLE

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to the field of tables and in particular to large foldable meeting tables.

BACKGROUND

[0001] Increasingly, office spaces require greater flexibility in the use of common areas. It is desirable that a large area can be reconfigured quickly and easily through the use of adaptable furniture. The present invention originated out of a desire to address shortcomings in similar tables already on the market.

[0002] To name a few such shortcomings, a first problem with tables of the prior art is that they are not configured to provide for a powerbox mounted in the worktop nor directly in the centre of the table. This is generally because the frame structure and mechanics of these tables interfere with the physical space required by the powerbox, and frame elements are in the way.

[0003] A second problem is that large foldable meeting tables, by virtue of their size, are very heavy to lift and fold. Some tables in the art use a torsion spring located about a central pivot to assist. However, this approach tends to be restricted to the one size of spring whereby small tables using the spring are very easy to lift and fold but harder to open and unfold, and very large tables would be hard to lift and fold because the torsion spring is not sufficiently powerful to assist in the lifting/folding process.

[0004] A third problem is that such tables typically do not have much leg space for people who are sitting at the ends of the table. This is usually because a set pivot point involved in the folding of the table is attached to the table legs at mid-height above the floor, and the table legs usually consist of two vertical beams that are disposed adjacent one another, with the mid-height pivot point connected therebetween. This combination of features obstructs leg room at the ends of the table.

[0005] A fourth problem in the art relates to the means for locking the frame in the unfolded position. Large foldable tables usually have some such means to lock the frame with the worktops horizontal and ready of use, and a reciprocal means to unlock the frame before folding the table into a vertical configuration for storage. The means of locking typically requires the user to purposely lock the frame into the horizontal orientation, and purposely unlock the frame to release the worktops for folding. It is undesirable that the user must be mindful of such means when operating the table.

[0006] A fifth problem relates to means for locking the table when in the folded configuration. This is important because these tables typically have castor feet and there is a risk of the frame opening slightly as the table is moved around a room on the castors.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a frame for a table, said frame comprising: a worktop subframe for supporting a worktop, at least two leg assemblies for supporting the worktop subframe, a central subframe for housing a torque mechanism, and an underframe for coupling the leg assemblies to the torque mechanism; the frame having a vertical direction; the frame having a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration that are reversible changeable therebetween; the worktop subframe consisting of a first portion, a second portion, and a central portion disposed therebetween, the first and second portions being pivotally connected to the central portion whereby the first and second portions can each be folded relative to the central portion about corresponding first and second worktop pivot axes; the central portion forming a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction; the underframe consisting of a first and second underframe beams; the first and second leg assemblies being pivotally connected to the corresponding first and second portions of the worktop subframe about corresponding first and second leg support axes, and being pivotally connected to the corresponding first and second underframe beams about corresponding first and second coupling axes; the first and second underframe beams being pivotally connected to the central subframe about corresponding first and second central pivot axes; the torque mechanism consisting of a means for resiliently biasing the first and second underframe beams about the corresponding first and second central pivot axes and toward the folded configuration; and the central subframe being disposed below in the vertical direction the plane of the central portion of the worktop subframe; whereby a cavity is formed within the central subframe and between the torque mechanism and the plane of the central portion and whereby the cavity is provided with a vertical extent for accommodating a powerboard or powerbox.

DESCRIPTIONOFFIGURES

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in relation to figures, wherein

Figure 1A. An isometric view of the table in an unfolded configuration. Figure 1B. An isometric view of the table in a folded configuration. Figure 2A. A side view of the table in an unfolded configuration. Figure 2B. A top view of the table in an unfolded configuration Figure 3. A side view of the table in a folded configuration. Figure 4. An exploded view of the frame showing the beams and leg assembly removed from the rest of the frame. Figure 5A. An isometric view of the leg assembly. Figure 5B. An exploded view of the leg assembly. Figure 6A. An isometric view of the Y-piece. Figure 6B. An exploded view of the Y-piece showing the pivot pin and nylon bearing. Figure 7A. A section view of the central subframe and torque mechanism in an unfolded configuration. Figure 7B. A section view of the central subframe and torque mechanism in a folded configuration. Figure 8A. An isometric cutaway view of the central subframe showing the torque mechanism in an unfolded configuration. Figure 8B. An isometric cutaway view of the central subframe showing the torque mechanisim in a folded configuration. Figure 9A. An exploded view of the underframe beam and inter-engagement gear. Figure 9A. An isometric view of the underframe beam and inter-engagement gear.

Figure 10. An isometric cutaway view of the central subframe and cavity for the powerbox. Figure 11A. An exploded view of the central portion of the worktop showing the locking mechanism. Figure 11B. An exploded view of the central portion of the worktop showing the locking pin and groove. Figure 12A. A section view of the central portion of the worktop showing the locking mechanism in a locked configuration. Figure 12B. A section view of the central portion of the worktop showing the locking mechanism in an unlocked configuration. Figure 13. A cutaway view of the central portion showing the locking mechanism and interconnecting rods. Figure 14A. A section view of the central portion showing the inter-engagement of the locking cams with the button. Figure 14B. A section view of the central portion showing the locking mechanism in a folded configuration. Figure 14C. A section view of the central portion showing the acute angle subtended between the locking cam and the rotational path of the locking pin. Figure 14A. An isometric view showing the male locking detail on the leg assembly. Figure 14B. An isometric view showing the female locking detail on the leg assembly. Figure 16A. A side view showing the male and female locking details on a corresponding pair oflegs. Figure 16B. A side view showing the inter-engagement between the gendered locking details on the corresponding pair of legs. Figure 16C. A sectional view showing the interference fit between the male and female locking parts. Figure 17A. An exploded view showing the pivotal interconnection between the leg assembly and the worktop subframe. Figure 17B. A sectional view showing the pivot and retaining pin between the leg assembly and the worktop subframe. Figure 17C. An exploded view showing the pivotal interconnection between the leg assembly and the underframe beam.

Figure 17D. A sectional view showing the pivot and retaining pin between the leg assembly and the underframe beam.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONOFPREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] With reference to Figures 1A and 1B, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a frame 1 for a table 2. The frame 1 has a worktop subframe 3 for supporting a worktop 4, two leg assemblies 5 for supporting the worktop subframe 3, a central subframe 6 for housing a torque mechanism 7, and an underframe 8 for coupling the leg assemblies 5 to the torque mechanism 7. The frame has a vertical direction.

[0010] The frame has a folded configuration (Fig. 1B) and an unfolded configuration (Fig. 1A) that are reversibly changeable therebetween. The worktop subframe 3, the leg assemblies 5, the underframe 8, and the torque mechanism 7, interoperate to provide said configuration reversibility and are described in turn.

[0011] Turning to Figure 2, the worktop subframe 3 consists of a first portion , a second portion 11, and a central portion 12 disposed therebetween. The first and second portions 10,11 are each pivotally connected to the central portion 12 at corresponding first and second worktop pivot axes 13,14 by pivot(s) or sets of pivots 16 whereby the first and second portions 10,11 can each be folded relative to the central portion 12 about the corresponding first and second worktop pivot axes 13,14.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment, the worktop subframe 3 consists of two support beams 15 for supporting the worktop 4, each extending from a distal end of the first portion 10, through the central portion 12, and to a distal end of the second portion 11. The two support beams 15 are interrupted along the worktop pivot axes 13,14 by the pivot(s) 16 disposed therein so as to form the first 10, central, 12 and second portions 11 of the worktop subframe 3.

[0013] In the frame's unfolded configuration (Fig. 2), the first 10, second 11, and central portions 12 of the worktop subframe 3 are substantially coplanar for supporting corresponding portions of the worktop 4 in a coplanar configuration. With reference to Figure 3, in the frame's folded configuration, the first 10 and second portions 11 are each substantially orthogonal to the central portion 12 however substantially parallel to one another, thereby reducing a lineal extent occupied by the frame 1 and worktop 4.

[0014] Turning to Figures 4 and 5, the first and second leg assemblies 5 are each pivotally connected to the worktop subframe 3 along corresponding first and second leg support axes 20 by pivot(s) or sets of pivots 21, and are each pivotally connected to the underframe 8 along corresponding first and second coupling axes 22 by pivot(s) or sets of pivots 23. The first and second leg support axes 20 are disposed in a horizontal plane that is above the corresponding first and second coupling axes 22 in the vertical direction.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment, and with reference to Figure 5, the leg assemblies 5 each consist of two legs 24 connected to a lateral beam 25 by two corresponding struts 26. A lower limit of each leg 24 is provided with a castor wheel 27, and an upper limit of each leg 24 is provided with a worktop abutment fitting 28.

[0016] The lateral beam 25 is provided with a pivot pin 30 at each end for engaging with a corresponding pin receiver 31 disposed on the worktop subframe 3 along the corresponding first or second leg support axis 20. With further reference to Figure 6, each leg 24 is also provided with a pin receiver 32 for engaging with a corresponding pivot pin 33 disposed on the underframe 8 along the corresponding first or second coupling axis 22.

[0017] Each strut 26 is configured to position the corresponding lateral beam substantially above the lower limit of the corresponding leg 24 in the vertical direction, thereby minimising a torque of the corresponding leg assembly 5 about the corresponding first or second leg support axis 20.

[0018] With further reference to Figure 7, the underframe 8 consists of two beams 34,39 each having two ends. At one end there is provided the corresponding pivot connection between the corresponding first or second leg assembly 5 and the underframe 8. At the other end of the first or second underframe beams 34,39 there is provided a pivot connection to the central subframe 6 about a corresponding first or second central pivot axis 35,36.

[0019] In the preferred embodiment, the underframe beams 34,39 each consist of a Y-piece 37 bolted to a coupling beam 38. Each arm of the Y-piece 37 is provided with a pivot pin 33 and nylon bearing 40 for engaging with a corresponding one of the pin receivers 32 provided on the corresponding leg assembly 5. The pivot pins 41 connecting the underframe beams 34,39 with the central subframe 6 are disposed on the central subframe 6, and the corresponding pin receivers 42 are disposed on the underframe beams 34,39.

[0020] Accordingly it can be seen that the Y-shape of the underframe beams 34,39 provides user leg clearance at the ends of the table 2 even though the sets of pivot points 32,33 are disposed at mid-height. In particular, the Y-configuration enables the table legs 24 to be spaced further apart as well as creating a space within the Y-shaped portion itself.

[0021] It can also be seen that in the frame's unfolded configuration, the first and second leg assemblies are substantially orthogonal to the corresponding portions of the worktop subframe. In the frame's folded configuration, the first and second leg assemblies are substantially parallel to the corresponding portions of the worktop subframe, thereby reducing the volume of space bounded by the leg assemblies when folded as such.

[0022] The pivot connections between the first and second underframe beams 34,39 and the central subframe 6 are spaced apart such that the perpendicular distance between the first and second central pivot axes 35,36 is smaller than the perpendicular distance between the first and second worktop pivot axes 13,14.

[0023] The connections between the underframe 8 and the central subframe 6 are also configured such that a first plane formed by the first and second worktop pivot axes 13,14 is spaced apart in the vertical direction from a second plane formed by the first and second central pivot axes 35,36, whereby a cavity

43 is formed there between. Said differently, the pivot(s) 41,42 connecting the underframe beams 34,39 with the central subframe 6 are disposed below the central portion 12 of the worktop subframe 3 to form a cavity 43.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment, the cavity 43 so formed may be used to provide powerboard access or a powerbox at a central location in the worktop.

[0025] Whilst the frame's folded and unfolded configurations are reversibly changeable, the weight force of the frame 1 and worktop 4 favours the unfolded configuration because the centre of mass of the table 2 is lower in this configuration. This creates an energy barrier to reversibility, in that it is more difficult to change from the unfolded to folded configurations, than vice versa. The torque mechanism 7 is provided for resiliently biasing the frame 1 toward the folded configuration.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment, the torque mechanism 7 consists of a means 44 for resiliently biasing the two underframe beams 34,39 toward the folded configuration, and an inter-engagement assembly 45 for coupling the two underframe beams 34,39 in their rotation about the corresponding central pivot axes 35,36.

[0027] The inter-engagement assembly 45 is provided on the ends of the underframe beams 34,39 that connect with the central subframe 6. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second coupling beams 38,38 are each provided with corresponding first and second gears 46,47 that interlock with one another, the gears 46 having teeth 48 that are radially disposed about the corresponding first and second central pivot axes 35,36 to provide the inter engagement, whereby a rotation of the first underframe beam 34 about the first central pivot axis 35 mediates a corresponding counter-rotation of the second underframe beam 39 about the second central pivot axis 36.

[0028] Accordingly it can be seen that the inter-engagement assembly allows the movement of each side to be synchronised, such that the two sides of the worktop move up and down evenly and at the same time, thereby providing for a more reliable unfolding process.

[0029] The means 44 for resiliently biasing the two underframe beams 34,39 toward the folded configuration consists of at least one resilient biasing means connected between corresponding underframe beam(s) 34,39 and the central subframe 6.

[0030] With reference to Figure 8, the central subframe 6 consists of a first side 51 located adjacent the first underframe beam 34, and a second side 52 located adjacent the second underframe beam 39.

[0031] In the preferred embodiment, the first and second sides 51,52 are joined together and to the worktop 4 by means of struts. The two sides 51,52 are joined together by means of two struts 53 that are disposed on either side of the underframe beams 34,39, being oriented substantially orthogonal both to the vertical direction and to the central pivot axes 35,36. Each of the two sides 51,52 is joined to the worktop 4 by means of a pair of struts 54 also disposed on either side of the underframe beams 34,39, however extending in a sub-vertical direction away from the underframe beams 34,39.

[0032] With reference to Figure 8B, each of the at least one resilient biasing means 50 has two ends. A first of the at least one resilient biasing means 55 is connected on one end to the first underframe beam 34 and is connected on the other end to the second side 52 of the central subframe 6. A second of the at least one resilient biasing means 56 (if applicable) is connected on one end to the second underframe beam 39 and is connected on the other end to the first side 51 of the central subframe 6. Said differently, with reference to the preferred embodiment, the two gas struts 57 cross-over within the cavity 43.

[0033] In the preferred embodiment, the at least one resilient biasing means consists of two gas struts 57 each being pivotally connected between two eye brackets, a first of the two eye brackets 60 being disposed on an end of a corresponding coupling beam 38 and radially offset from the corresponding central pivot axis 35,36, and a second of the two eye brackets 61 being joined to the central subframe 6.

[0034] As evident in Figure 7, each of the first eye brackets' 60 radial offset is operable through a vertical to sub-vertical range whereby the radial offset tends toward the opposite side of the central subframe 6 from the corresponding underframe beam 34,39 when in the unfolded configuration, and tends toward the same side of the central subframe 6 when in the folded configuration.

[0035] Turning to Figure 9, each of the first eye brackets 60 is integrally moulded onto a corresponding spigot 62 that is bolted into the corresponding coupling beam 38. The first and second gears 46,47 are each bolted onto the corresponding spigot 62 adjacent the corresponding first eye bracket 60.

[0036] Accordingly there is provided the at least one resilient biasing means 50 in a substantially orthogonal orientation relative to the vertical direction. Said differently, with reference to the preferred embodiment, the two gas struts 57 are configured in a substantially horizontal or sub-horizontal orientation. Advantageously, this configuration maximises a vertical space available within the cavity 43 so formed in the central subframe 6 and below the central portion 12 of the worktop subframe 3.

[0037] In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 10, the torque mechanism 7 is protected with a moulded cover 63 and the sub-vertical struts 54 of the central subframe 6 are interconnected with PET panels 65. The cavity 43 is thereby protected such that powerboards and electrical cabling can be safely fitted therein.

[0038] Accordingly it can be seen how the overall arrangement of pivot points in the frame liberates a space toward the centre of the frame to accommodate a powerbox. Instead of a single pivot point in the centre like tables of the prior art, there are provided two pivot points either side of the centre and a further arrangement of frame elements to ensure that the space yielded below the two pivot points remains unobstructed for fitting the central powerbox.

[0039] It can also be seen how the gas struts mounted in the central subframe push against the underframe beams thereby creating a rotational force around the pivot points where the lower beams meet. This rotational force aids a user in folding the table without too much physical effort and prevents injury from over exertion.

[0040] Advantageously, gas struts are used because gas struts of different rated force can be specified depending on the size/weight of the worktop such that the balance between ease of folding and unfolding can be optimised. A heavier worktop can be provided with gas struts of higher force output and a lighter worktop can be provided with gas struts of lower force output.

[0041] With reference to Figure 11, each of the first and second portions 10,11 of the worktop subframe 3 is provided with at least one locking element 70 that is disposed at a predetermined radius from, and having a rotational path 74 sweeping around, the corresponding first or second worktop pivot axis 13,14. The central portion 12 of the worktop subframe 3 is correspondingly provided with a means 73 for obstructing (locking) and unobstructing (unlocking) the at least one locking element's 70 rotational path 74, whereby there are provided corresponding locked (Figure 12A) and unlocked (Figure 12B) configurations of the worktop subframe 3 when in the unfolded configuration.

[0042] In the preferred embodiment, each of the locking elements 70 consists of a locking pin 70 disposed substantially parallel to the corresponding first or second worktop pivot axis 13,14. The locking pin 70 engages with a corresponding groove 71 disposed in the central portion 12 of the worktop subframe 3, the groove 71 guiding the locking pin 70 around the corresponding rotational path 74.

[0043] In the preferred embodiment, each of the means for locking/unlocking 73 consists of a cam 75 pivotally connected to the central portion 12. The cam is provided with two jutting portions 76,77, a first jut 76 that provides the obstruction and a second jut 77 that interoperates with a button, handle, or lever 72 for selectably rotating the first jut 76 from the locked to unlocked configurations. The cam 75 is coupled with a means of resiliently biasing the juts 76,77 toward the locked configuration, such as a spring 80.

[0044] The first jut 76 subtends an acute angle 82 to the rotational path 74 whereby the locking element 70 displaces the first jut 76 from the rotational path 74 when unfolding the frame 1 from the folded configuration, and is obstructed by the first jut 76 when folding the frame 1 from the unfolded and locked configuration.

[0045] In the preferred embodiment, each cam 75 on the same side of the worktop subframe 3 interoperates with the same button, handle, or lever 72. With reference to Figure 13, each cam 75 on a first side of the worktop subframe 3 is coupled by a rod 81 to a corresponding cam 75 on a second side of the worktop subframe 3, whereby the first and second sides of the worktop subframe 3 are cooperatively lockable and cooperatively unlockable. The rod 81 is a hexagonal shape for transferring rotational movement between the corresponding coupled cams 75.

[0046] Accordingly it can be seen that there is provided a means for automatically locking the frame in the unfolded configuration when the first and second portions of the worktop subframe reach a horizontal orientation. It can also be seen that there is provided a means for each side of the workframe to be synchronously unlocked when proceeding to fold the frame from one side only.

[0047] With reference to Figures 15 and 16, the frame 1 is provided with four legs 24. A first leg 24 on the first portion 10 of the worktop subframe 3 is provided with a means 83 for connecting to a corresponding second leg 24 on the second portion 11 of the worktop subframe 3 when the frame is in the folded configuration. In the preferred embodiment, a further third leg 24 on the first portion 10 is provided with a means 83 for connecting to a corresponding fourth leg 24 on the second portion 11 when the frame 1 is in the folded configuration.

[0048] In the preferred embodiment the means 83 for connecting the first and second legs 24 consists of a friction fit or interference fit between two resiliently deformable parts 84,85. The two resiliently deformable parts are each provided with gender whereby a male resiliently deformable part 84 of the first leg 24 is connectable with a female resiliently deformable part 85 of the second leg 24.

[0049] Accordingly there is provided a means to lock the frame in the folded configuration such that the frame can be automatically locked and unlocked with an intentional movement. The locking means prevents the frame from opening when the table is moved about the room for example on castor wheels.

[0050] It will be appreciated that the frame, and in particular the worktop subframe, leg assemblies, central subframe, and underframe need not be interconnected solely with beam elements. For example, the worktop subframe can consist of separate portions joined to the worktop, that nevertheless maintain their relative positions and overall configuration as a worktop subframe within the table.

[0051] The length and width of the table frame can be adjusted to suit a variety of worktop sizes. This is particularly possible if the relative positions of the pivot points are maintained. This is important as the size of the table is often dictated by the desired number of users being able to sit around a given table, and this varies with the available room or given company size.

[0052] The central powerbox while possible, is not always essential for a given tables application. It may be desirable to have a table without a powerbox, or have the powerbox disposed in a different location on the worktop. All these arrangements are provided for.

[0053] While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments above, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not limited to those embodiments, but may be embodied in many other forms, variations and modifications other than those specifically described. The invention includes all such variation and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, components and/or devices referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features.

[0054] In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the word "comprising" is not intended to have the exclusive meaning of the word such as "consisting only of", but rather has the non-exclusive meaning, in the sense of "including at least". The same applies, with corresponding grammatical changes, to other forms of the word such as "comprise", etc.

[0055] Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

[0056] Any promises made in the present document should be understood to relate to some embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to be promises made about the invention in all embodiments. Where there are promises that are deemed to apply to all embodiments of the invention, the applicant/patentee reserves the right to later delete them from the description and they do not rely on these promises for the acceptance or subsequent grant of a patent in any country.

Claims (5)

1. A frame for a table, said frame comprising: a worktop subframe for supporting a worktop, at least two leg assemblies for supporting the worktop subframe, a central subframe for housing a torque mechanism, and an underframe for coupling the leg assemblies to the torque mechanism; the frame having a vertical direction; the frame having a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration that are reversible changeable therebetween; the worktop subframe consisting of a first portion, a second portion, and a central portion disposed therebetween, the first and second portions being pivotally connected to the central portion whereby the first and second portions can each be folded relative to the central portion about corresponding first and second worktop pivot axes; the central portion forming a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction; the underframe consisting of a first and second underframe beams; the first and second leg assemblies being pivotally connected to the corresponding first and second portions of the worktop subframe about corresponding first and second leg support axes, and being pivotally connected to the corresponding first and second underframe beams about corresponding first and second coupling axes; the first and second underframe beams being pivotally connected to the central subframe about corresponding first and second central pivot axes; the torque mechanism consisting of a means for resiliently biasing the first and second underframe beams about the corresponding first and second central pivot axes and toward the folded configuration; and the central subframe being disposed below in the vertical direction the plane of the central portion of the worktop subframe; whereby a cavity is formed within the central subframe and between the torque mechanism and the plane of the central portion and whereby the cavity is provided with a vertical extent for accommodating a powerboard or powerbox.

2. A frame according to Claim 1 wherein the torque mechanism further consists of an inter-engagement assembly provided on ends of the first and second underframe beams whereby a rotation of the first underframe beam about the first central pivot axis mediates a corresponding counter rotation of the second underframe beam about the second central pivot axis; and wherein the inter-engagement assembly consists of corresponding first and second gears provided on corresponding ends of the first and second underframe beams, the first and second gears interlocking with one another to provide the inter-engagement.

3. A frame according to either one of claims 1-2 wherein the means for resiliently biasing the first and second underframe beams consists of at least one resilient biasing means connected between the corresponding first and second underframe beams and the central subframe; and wherein the central subframe consists of a first side located adjacent the first underframe beam and a second side located adjacent the second underframe beam; and each of the at least one resilient biasing means having two ends; wherein a first of the at least one resilient biasing means is connected on one end to the first underframe beam and is connected on the other end to the second side of the central subframe; and wherein the at least one resilient biasing means are oriented substantially orthogonal to the vertical direction.

4. A frame according to any one of claims 1-3 wherein each of the first and second underframe beams consists of a Y-piece joined to a coupling beam, the two arms of the Y-piece each being provided with a pivoting means disposed along the corresponding first and second coupling axes, whereby a horizontal space is vacated between the two arms of the Y piece for leg room; and wherein each of the first and second leg assemblies is provided with two table legs separated by a lateral strut, the two table legs each being provided with a pivoting means disposed along the corresponding first and second coupling axes, whereby a horizontal space is vacated between the two table legs for leg room.

5. A frame according to any one of claims 1-4 wherein: each of the first and second portions of the worktop subframe is provided with at least one locking element that is disposed at a predetermined radius from, and having a rotational path sweeping around, the corresponding first or second worktop pivot axis; and the central portion of the worktop subframe is correspondingly provided with a means for obstructing and selectively unobstructing the at least one locking element's rotational path, whereby there are provided corresponding locked and unlocked configurations of the worktop subframe when in the unfolded configuration.