CA1180745A - Folding table or like structure - Google Patents
Folding table or like structureInfo
- Publication number
- CA1180745A CA1180745A CA000412929A CA412929A CA1180745A CA 1180745 A CA1180745 A CA 1180745A CA 000412929 A CA000412929 A CA 000412929A CA 412929 A CA412929 A CA 412929A CA 1180745 A CA1180745 A CA 1180745A
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- legs
- cables
- table top
- points
- articulation
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Abstract
SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR FOLDING TABLES
AND LIKE STRUCTURES
A B S T R A C T
A folding table or like structure having a generally planar top supported on the floor by four or more legs, a support structure comprising: two points of articulation below the table top located at some distance inward from the edge of the table, two splayed legs in V-formation extending from each point of articulation to a point on the floor, a cable network interconnecting the lower ends of said legs and extending from proximate each corner of the table top to the lower end of the leg located therebelow the arrangement being such that in the assembled state all cables are in tension and the legs are in compression.
AND LIKE STRUCTURES
A B S T R A C T
A folding table or like structure having a generally planar top supported on the floor by four or more legs, a support structure comprising: two points of articulation below the table top located at some distance inward from the edge of the table, two splayed legs in V-formation extending from each point of articulation to a point on the floor, a cable network interconnecting the lower ends of said legs and extending from proximate each corner of the table top to the lower end of the leg located therebelow the arrangement being such that in the assembled state all cables are in tension and the legs are in compression.
Description
1~8~.b~4S
. . SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR FOLDING TABLES
, AND LIKE STRUCTUR~S
This invention relates to a folding table or : ~ similar collapsible structures having a generally flat 5 top, rectangular in outline and four collapsible legs which can be readily folded against the underside of the . table~.
. .
According to the invention there is provided a ~olding table or like structure having a generally planar 10 tahle top .supported on the floor by multiple legs and a ; cable network, wherein the legs are articulated below the ~ ~able top at spaced points located inwardly from the : ~ e~e o~ the ~able, said legs comprising two splayed legs i~ V~formation extending each from each point of - 15 articulation to points on the floor and said cable . netwo~k interconnecting the lower ends of said legs and extending from proximate each corner of the table top to the lower end of a leg located therebelow, the arrangement being such that in the assembled state al'l : ~ ~0 cables are in tension and the legs are in compression.
According to a further aspect of the inven~ion :: there i5 provided a folding table or like structure i~cluding a generally planar solid table top, two pairs ~ of supporting legs depending from the underside of sàid : 25 table t~p, each pair of leg~ defining an inverted V with the apices of said pairs articulated to said underside of the table top at locations spaced apart to provide a table which is symmetrlcal in the erected state, a cable , ~ . :,, .
)'7'~5 network interconnecting the ends of the legs remote from the articulated apices and connecting said leg ends with said underside of the table top, and separate tensioning means each secured on the underside of the table top and 5 associated one with each articulated apex to place the cable network in tension and the diverging legs in compression when the table is in the erected state.
According toa fur~er aspect of the invention there is provided a folding table comprising: a generally 10 planar loosely supported rigid table top, two points of articulation located below the underside of ~he table top approximately midway between the plane of the table top and the floor, an upper and a lower pair of splayed legs in V-forma~ion extending from each point of 15 articulation, the ends of the lower legs resting on the floor and the ends of the upper legs supporting the table top, a transverse bar extending between the points of articulation and substantially parallel to the table top, lower cables interconnecting the lower ends of 20 said legs, upright cables extending generally from the upper ends of the upper legs to the lower leg ends of the lower legs, and upper cables interconnecting the upper ends of said legs, and force release means for placing the cables under tension; the arrangement being 25 such that in the assembled state all the cables are in tension and the legs are in compression.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a folding structure or use as camping table or bed comprising: a generally rectangular top 30 made from flexible material, two points of articulation located below ~he underside of the top and which, when the folding structure is erected, are disposed approximately midway between the plane of the top and , the ground, an upper and a lower pair of splay~d legs in 35 V-formation extending from each point of articulation, the e~ds of the lower legs resting on the ground and the ends of the upper legs engaging the ~op, a transverse bar extending between the peints of articulation and sub~tantially parallel to the top, lower cables intarconnecting the lower ends of said leg~ and upright cable~ extending from the upper end~ of the upper leg3 5 to the lower ends of the lower legs, and upper cables interconnecting the upper ends of said legs, and force relea e means for placing the cables under tension, the arrangement being such that in the assembled state all the cables are in ~ension and the top is stretched 10 between the upper ends of the upper pair of legs.
In the tensioned aondition of ona embodiment o tha invenkion~ the lower ~ys~em of cables form~ a planar support so that the table ~tructure can be put on 30~t ground or sand without lo~s of stability, the 15 weight of the table being carried by the cables. On re~
lea~e of the tension means, the le~s can be collap~ed again~t the und~rside of the table top. The assembly is then reduced to a flat volume.
The elements o~ the table support structure are 20 arra~ged in uch a way that the top is prevented from twisting, swaying or moving vertically by the txiangulations formed between the support struts, tha top and the ten~ion members. In order for the top to remain stabl~ Qv~r time in spite o~ ~mall changqs in 25 le~th of the tension member3 due to ~reap or tempaxatur~
~hange3 a spring elemsnt must ba introduced inta the ~y~tem~ In one form of the invention thera is a coil ~pring situate~ adjacent to the pre-str~sln~ means. The ~pxing m~y be placed anywhere ln the table ~upport 30 ~xuctuxe. In ano~her embodiment, the ~prl~g ~ay bq ~h~
oamb~r~d tabla top itself, or in a s~ ur~her embodiment th~ ipring may be part of the s~rut el~ment~.
On~ partiaular advantage c~ this typ~ o~ table ~truatur~ i9 ~ha~ it may be easily and aompactly 35 dl~a~embled ~ox ~orage or ~hipmQnt. Thi~ i~ don2 by relea~ing a pre-~r~ssing davice ~o that th~ ten~ion el~me~ beceme slack and the leg~ or 3~rut~ may be 1,.. .
displaced from their normal position to one in which they lie flat against the table top. The flexible tension members may also be placed flat against the top for the ~ame reasons.
In order that the present invention may be more clearly understood and readily carried into effect, embodiments thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig, 1 shows a perspective underside view of 14 an assembled table of one embodiment of the invention, ~ig. 2 shows the same table in a perspective end view, Fig. 3 shows a modified arrangement for the lower cables, Fig, 4 is a perspective view from underneath showing the manner in which the points of articulation can be moved along the underside of the table, Fig, 5 shows a detail view to a larger scale ~f part of Fig. 4 slightly modified, Fig. 6 is a s~ctional end view of the tracks along which the points of articulation can be moved, taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 4, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention, Fig, 8 is a similar view of a further embodiment, Fig. 9 is a perspective view of yet anoth~r embodiment, Fig. 10 shows the folding structure of Fig. 9 collap$ed into a bundle;
Fig. 11 shows an enlarged view of one form of ; a component of the embodiment of Figs. 7, 8 and ~, Fig, 12 is a perspective view from below of a further embodiment of the invention, Fig. 13 is a perspective view from above of 35 the embodiment shown ir. Fig. 12, Fig. 14 is a perspective view from above of a further embodiment, Fi~. 15 is a perspective view from below of the embodimQrlt sh~wn in Fig. 14, Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of a detail o the embodiments ~hown in Figs. 12 to 15, Fig. 17 is a section taken along line XVII - XVII
5 of Fig. 16, Fig. 18 is an enlarged view of a further de~ail of the embodiments shown in Figs. 12 to 15, and Fig~ 19 is a section taken along line XIX - XIX
of Fig. 18.
Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the folding table o~ ~he invention includes a generally planar table top 10~ In its preferred form, the table top is reatangulax, ?he table top may also be oval, or even square ~r roun~l Th~ ta~le top can be made rom plywoodO
laminated wood ar plastic, fiberglass, glass or steel or o~h~r mate~ial which has sufficient strength whilst being capable of holding a pre-camber and will not break when flexed against the pre-camber or bow under tensi~n 20 of the cables.
Th~ top is supported at each end by a pair ~f splayed legs or struts 11, coming together at the top at a point of articulation 12.
Th~ points of articulation a~e preferably 25 located inwards from the narrow end$ lOa o~ the table top by a distance which is approximately e~ual to one ~ixth of the total ie~gth of the table top.
The lower ends 13 of the legs 11 rest o~ the ~loor. Th~ four table legs are all identical in 30 s ructure. They axe preferably made o~ steel tubing about 33 inches in length so that in its assembled state the ~eigh~ o~ the ~able will be the usual 29 inches above floor level.
The lower ends 13 of the legs are interconnected 35 by a net~ork of cabl~s in the form o a double Y. The central member 14 ~f the double Y rests on the floor and ex~ends vertically below the longitudinal axis of the (3~7~;
table top. The end3 o~ the central member 14 are each joined at points 14a to shorter end eahles 15 which in turn are suitAbly joined to the lower ends 13 sf the ta~l~ legs. The joints 14a of cables 14 and 15 forming 5 the points o~ the Y lie vertically below the point~ o~
articulation 12. The shorter cables 15 al~o rest on the floor ~nd are generally in the ame plane as the central member 14. This lower plane is parallel to and ~ub tantially co-extensive with the plane o~ the table 10 ~op, In *he mQdified arrangem~nt o Fiy. 3, the lowex netwoxk of cables 18 is in the ~orm of a rectangle extending between th~ lower ends of the table l~g8.
The as~embly iq compl~ted by vertical ~ables 15 16 extending ~rom each corner 17 of the table top to the lower end 13 of the corresponding table leg 11. The vertical cables 16 may be in one piece with the short~x end cables 15 and run through a suitabl~ opening or ~rxule or a grooved passage locat~d at ~he l~wex leg 20 ~nd~ 13, In this manner, a sexie~ o~ t~ia~gl~s axe fo.rmed a~ ~a~h corn~r with the longer 91~9 CQn3titUted by l~gs ll and v~r~ical ~a~les 16. The sh~rt~x ~id~
o~ e~h o~ these triangle~ is constltute~ ~y ~ e ~unnin~ from the coxn~xs 17 o~ the tabls ~op ko th~
25 p~ink~ ~ arti~ulatlon 12.
ThQ advantage o~ having t~e ~ble~ int~
~on~e~ing ~h~ lowe~ Qnd~ o~ the le~ in th2 foxmation o~ ~ doubl~ Y is hak th~ pexs~n Qr pex~ ting at ~ tabl~ have g~ater ~reedQm ~o mov~ their lsg~ and th~
30 l~s Q~ th~ ahair will not i~ar~ere wi~h ~h~ a~blas~
The ~a~m s~w~ ln ~ig9. 1 ~n~ ~ i9 ~hus more sui~a~l~ a~
dining rG~m t~le. ~ow~ver~ mu~h ~he ~ama e~e~k i~
~b~ ed by arrangin~ ths lower cables 1~ ha æo~m ~ a ~eatan~le as show~ in Fig. 3; this e~hodim~t ~lng 35 mOX2 ~uitabl~ ~s a a~ e ~able~ Flgc 3 also make~ it olear h~w ~h~ sp~c* b~waen the ~bl~ ~p, lowex ~ble~
18 a~d v~ti~al cabl~ 16 ~in~$ a rectangular S
parallelepiped or brick-shaped volume which imparts to the whole structure great strength.
The cables are placed under tension by a pre-stressing device which can be in the form of a tuxn 5 buckle 25 and spring means 26. This spring compensates for small changes in length of the tension cable due to creep or temperature changes. In the Figs. 1 and 2 embodiments, the spring 26 is situated in the central member 14 adjacent to the turn buckle or other pre-10 stressing means. However, the springs may be placedanywhere along the tension cables, or several springs may be used where the cable is in several parts.
When the table top is pre-cambered or bowed with the shorter ends lOa pointing upwards in the 15 unstressed state, the tension imparted in this way to the cables may be adequate and the spring elements could be omitted.
When the cables are under tension, the legs 11 are und~r compression and act as struts. When stressed, 20 the triangles formed at each corner by legs 11 and vertical cables 16 impart to the whole structure a great deal of firmness preventing the^table structure from twisting, swaying or moving vertically.
In the Fig. 1 embodiment, the tu:rn buckle 25 25 or quick force release device (such as a Pelican hook) can incorporate a quick release for the pre-stressing device. This ~uick release device may be like the lever action in a ski binding. By releasing the pre-stre~sing device, the tension elements become slack ~as shown in 30 Fig. 4) and the legs may be displaced from their normal position to one in which they lie flat'against the underside of the table 10. The table can then be stored away occupying very little space.
In the arrangemen~ shown in Figg~. 3 and 4, 35 the upper ends of the table legs come together at pin joints 19 which are located at the outer ends of slats 20, 20a which in turn are joined by hinges 21' to sliding t74S
;pin joint plate 19. The inner ends of the slats are movably joined together by a hinge 21. The slats move in U-shaped guides 22 fastened to the underside of the table top, see Fig. 6.
$ It will be seen tha~ by manually pushing the hinge 21 upwardly against the underside of the table top in the direction of arrow 23 (see Figs. 4 and 5), the upper ends of the table legs will be moved away from each other~ In this manner, the vertical cablas 16 10 and the lower network of cables 14, 15 or 18 will be placed under ension.
To collapse the table, the procedure is reversed and all that is required to release the tension in the cables is to manually move hinge 21 15 downwardly. To hold the slats 20, 20a in the upper position, a simple catch or latch (not shown) can be provided on the underside of the table top. Or a preferred way is to use an over-center hinge, so that hinge 21 in the tensioned state lies against the 20 underside of the table top over the horizontal plane of hinges 21', see Fig. 3.
The table top 10 in its untensioned state may have an in-built camber, bow or concavity with the ends of the table top above its center. The camber 10X
25 ~shown in broken lines in Figs. 1 and 3) can be quite slight and does n~t amount to more than 1 or 2 inches in a 6 foot table. However, in this manner, on applying tension to the vertical cables 16, the table top will be flexed in the opposite direction so that in the 30 tensioned state, the table top will generally be quite flat in~its horizontal plane. The camber will thus .
compensate for changes in length in the cables due to ~; ~ temperature variation~ or wear and the spring 26 can be omitted.
Another manner of moving apart the points of articulation is to arrange the pin joints 19 (holding ;~- together the upper ends of the splayed legs 113 on female ' threaded slides which move in U-shaped guides mounted on the underside of the table top. A spindle with opposed threads on its ends engage in these slides~ The spindle has a square end adapted to be engaged by a crank (not 5 shown).
In the Fig. 7 modification, the table top 10' sits loosely on the supporting framework formed by the cables and struts~ In this system, the supporting frame take~ all stresses and strains and the table top 10 may 10 be made from plate glass, marble or other rigid material.
The supporting framework includes two points of articulation 12' located below the underside of the table top approximately midway between the plane of the table top and the floor. The points of articulation are 15 again located inwardly from the shorter end of the table top by a distance which is roughly equal to one sixth (1/6) of the total length of the table.
Two pairs of splayed legs or struts lla-llb, llc-lld in V~formation extend from each point of 20 articulation 12'. Legs lla-llb form the lower pair extending from the point of articulation to the floor.
Struts llc-lld form the upper pair. The ends of the upper struts at either end of the table form four supporting points 31 for the loose table top 10'.
25 The poi~ts of articulation 12' are held together by a horizontal bar 32 located vertically below the longex axis of the table top. The upper legs or struts llc, lld may be shorter than the lower legs or struts lla, llb so that the horizontal bar 32 will occupy a position 30 which is closer to the underside of the table top than the floor. Such slight variations in length of the legs or struts and their angular disposition may be dictated by aesthetic or structural considerations, but will not affect the basic stability and function of the supporting 35 structure.
The upFer free ends 31 of legs or struts llc-lld are joined by straight runs of an upper cable 3S which follows a yenerally rectangular outline.
The lower corners 36 with which the lower legs or struts lla and llb rest on the floor are joined by a network of cables 14', 15' in the form of a double Y
5 which is similar to the tension cables described and shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Alternatively, the lower network of cables could have the rectangular configuration shown in Fig. 3.
The upper ends 31 and lower ends 36 of the legs 10 or struts are joined by vertical cables 16'. The cables pass through holes or ferrules or grooves at the end of ~he legs. The cables 14', lS', 16' and 35 may be run through ends 31 and 36 along different routes which will readily suggest themselves to the designer.
As in the Fig. 1 embodiment, a quick force release or quick tensioning device 25' is located at a suitable point or points in the cable network, preferably at a point along central cable 14'. The central cable may (but need not) include a spring 26 to take up slack 20 in the cables.
ThP arrangement shown in Fig. 7 has the disadvantage that if a heavy load is placed in the middle of table top 10', this may flex downwardly and the table is subject to swaying. To overcome this, in the 25 embodiment shown in Fig. 8, an additional pair of struts 38, 39 in V-formation is joined to struts lla-lld.
Struts 38, 39 at their upper or outer ends are joined at points 42 to the corresponding ends of the struts rising upwardly from the other point of 30 articulation. The run of the upper cable 35 along the longer side of the table passes at point 42 through openings in the abutting upper ends of these struts.
The assembly is completed by a triangle of cables 43a-43b-43c with the lower apex 44 ]oined to triangular 35 ground cables 45a, 45b, 45c running through the lower ends of struts lla, llb.
In this fashion, the ends of six cables, 43c, 43b, 45a, 45b, 45a' and 45b' come together at apex point 44 which is preferably located about 4" above floor level. It will be seen that if in this embodiment a load is applied to the middle of the table top along 5 the l~ne joints points 42, any tendency to rotate the structure out of true will be resisted by struts 38, 39 and the triangular network of cables linked therewith.
In the Fig. 8 embodiment the horizontal bar may be in two piecas 32a, 32b one sliding telescopically 10 within the other. A spring catch or umbrella snap 46 secures bars 32a, 32b at the desired spacing.
The folding structure shown in Figs. 9 and 10 uses a generally rectangular canvas top 50 which is stretched between the upper ends of struts llc, lld 15 and 38, 39 reaching upwardly from each point of articulation. The term "canvas" top includes any suitable woven or other sheet material or mesh. The "canvas" top thus combines the supporting function of table top 10 and the tensioning action of the upper 20 cables 35 in the Figs. 7 and 8 embodiments. The edge of the canvas 50 under tension will assume the ~lat catinary shape shown in Fig. 9. A quick force release device 51 is loca~ed in one of the lower cables 52 which interconnects the lower ends of lower legs lla, 25 llb. The lower cable 52 may follow the double Y of Fig. 7 or the cables could have the rectangular coniguration shown in Fig. 3. The system of struts and cables could also follow the Fig. 8 configuration, where the upper horizontal cables could be replaced 30 by a "canvas" top.
The arrangement of the legs or struts is similar to the Fig. 8 embodiment. The horizontal strut is again in two parts 53, 54 telescopically sliding within each other and held together by an umbrella type 35 snap 55.
To collapse the structure, the ~uick release device 51 and the umbrella snap are disengaged. The legs "~..~
S
are folded towards each other. The upper ends of the upp~r struts need no~ be disengaged Erom the canvas which folds up between the legs as shown in Fig. 10. The folded bundle occupies approximately 2% of the space of 5 the structure in its assembled state shown in Fig. 9.
Because of the small storage space required, the folding structure of Figs. 9 and 10 may find use as a camp bed or scaled upwardly could form part of a tent, water catchment or other military or strategic uses 10 might sugges~ themselves.
In the ~bove description the points of articulation are generally in the nature of hinges or pivotal joints. In a further form of the invention (Fig. 11), these joints could be made from semi-rigid 15 castings (e.g. fiber-reinforced nylon or aluminum castings). These joints would then consist of a central piece 60 with a number of integral stubs 62 on which the struts lla-lldr 53 would be detachably mounted. The term "articulation" as used herein is thus intended 20 to cover fairly rigid joints in addition to movable joints, In the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13 legs 111 depend from tne underside of a table top 110.
The legs are arranged in pairs at opposite ends of the 25 table and are articulated to the table top at locations (112) on the longitudinal center line of the table and inwardly of the short sides thereof. In the embodiment shown in the drawings each pair of legs is a single member which takes the form of an inverted V with its 30 apex articulated to the underside of the table top and the r~mote ends forming the feet of the legs. Those feet are interconnected by a network of cables in the form of a double Y in a manner similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. To this end a central member 114 of 35 the Y is arranged to rest on the floor and is joined to shorter end cables 115 which pass through the feet of the legs and extend upwardly as vertical cable runs ~ 1 ~t3~ ~ ~
116 which are anchored to the corners of the table top.
With the table parts erected in the operative position shown in Figures 12 and 13, the feet 5 of the table legs are located below the corners of the table top and the network of cables imparts the desired rigidity and stability to the table.
Figures 18 and 19 show, on an enlarged scale, how the cables 115, 116 pass through ~he feet of the legs 10 111. To this end each leg Ill is bent outwardly at the foot portion to lia on or parallel to the floor or other restLng surface and then upwardly at the extremity of the foot end. The cable 115 passes through an aperture in the leg portion and then through 15 the terminal portion of the foot and upwardly for anchoring to the corner of the table top.
If desired, glide clamps 100 can be snapped onto the feet portions which extend parallel to the floor or other support surface~
Instead of having tensioning means included in the cable network, the apex of each pair of legs is articulated to the underside of the table top by an individual tensioning means 150.
In this individual tensioning means 150, which 25 is shown in enlarged detail in Figures 16 and.17 of the drawings, a strap 151 is looped around the apex of the pair of legs 111 and the ends of the loop are secured by fastening means such as, for example, a rivet 152.
The remainder of the strap has a track 153 extending along 30 the length thereof to engage a rotatable worm 154. The worm 1S4 meshes with the track 153 and is supported in position by a housing 155 formed at the end of a strip 156 of metallic or other suitably rigid material. The strip 156 lies along the underside of the table top 110 35 and is se¢ured by one or more screws 157 or other suitable means.
A key slot 158 is provided in a head portion 159 of the worm 154. It will be appreciated that this ~:7 llB~79~S
tensioning m~ans is effectively a flattened hose clip or jubilee clip and that rotation of the worm 154 will draw the strap 151 longitudinally along the under~ide of the table top and thereby create the desired tension S in the legs and network of cables.
Figures 14 and 15 show a modification of the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13. Figures 14 and 15 show a table topllO' which is square rather than of elongated rectangular shape and which has legs 111l 10 articulated (112') to ~he underside of the table top in the central region thereof. Articulation of the legs 111' to the underside of the table top 110' is through tensioning means 150' of the type described with raference to Figures 12 and 13 and shown in detail 15 in Figures 16 and 17.
A network of cables is again utilized and in this case comprises cables 115a which interconnect the feet of diametrically opposed legs 111'.
As in the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13, the 20 cables pass through the feet and extend upwardly to anchorages on the table top. However, unlike the embodiment o~ Figures 12 and 13, the upwardly directe~
cable portions 116a are not single cables but, instead, twin cable lengths which diverge from the feet of the 25 legs to spaced anchorages 117 which anchorages are, in turn, spaced from the corners of the table top. In this manner, rigidity and stability against rotational deformation of a square table is enhanced by the triangular configuration adopted by the cable lengths 30 extending upwardly from the feet of the legs.
As explained, the desired tension is imparted to the network of cables 115a, 116a by the individual tensioning means 150'. ~;By selectively adjusting means 150, 150' it is possible to ensure that the table top 35 110, 110' is level even when the feet of the legs rest on an irregular floor surface.
In the majority of the above discussed , ~ .
embodiments, the ~et of the table legs are located directly beneath the c~rners of the table top. Thi~, however, is not always the case and Figures 14 and 15 show an assembly where the feet of the legs are not 5 disposed directly beneath the corners of the table top~
L ~
. . SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR FOLDING TABLES
, AND LIKE STRUCTUR~S
This invention relates to a folding table or : ~ similar collapsible structures having a generally flat 5 top, rectangular in outline and four collapsible legs which can be readily folded against the underside of the . table~.
. .
According to the invention there is provided a ~olding table or like structure having a generally planar 10 tahle top .supported on the floor by multiple legs and a ; cable network, wherein the legs are articulated below the ~ ~able top at spaced points located inwardly from the : ~ e~e o~ the ~able, said legs comprising two splayed legs i~ V~formation extending each from each point of - 15 articulation to points on the floor and said cable . netwo~k interconnecting the lower ends of said legs and extending from proximate each corner of the table top to the lower end of a leg located therebelow, the arrangement being such that in the assembled state al'l : ~ ~0 cables are in tension and the legs are in compression.
According to a further aspect of the inven~ion :: there i5 provided a folding table or like structure i~cluding a generally planar solid table top, two pairs ~ of supporting legs depending from the underside of sàid : 25 table t~p, each pair of leg~ defining an inverted V with the apices of said pairs articulated to said underside of the table top at locations spaced apart to provide a table which is symmetrlcal in the erected state, a cable , ~ . :,, .
)'7'~5 network interconnecting the ends of the legs remote from the articulated apices and connecting said leg ends with said underside of the table top, and separate tensioning means each secured on the underside of the table top and 5 associated one with each articulated apex to place the cable network in tension and the diverging legs in compression when the table is in the erected state.
According toa fur~er aspect of the invention there is provided a folding table comprising: a generally 10 planar loosely supported rigid table top, two points of articulation located below the underside of ~he table top approximately midway between the plane of the table top and the floor, an upper and a lower pair of splayed legs in V-forma~ion extending from each point of 15 articulation, the ends of the lower legs resting on the floor and the ends of the upper legs supporting the table top, a transverse bar extending between the points of articulation and substantially parallel to the table top, lower cables interconnecting the lower ends of 20 said legs, upright cables extending generally from the upper ends of the upper legs to the lower leg ends of the lower legs, and upper cables interconnecting the upper ends of said legs, and force release means for placing the cables under tension; the arrangement being 25 such that in the assembled state all the cables are in tension and the legs are in compression.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a folding structure or use as camping table or bed comprising: a generally rectangular top 30 made from flexible material, two points of articulation located below ~he underside of the top and which, when the folding structure is erected, are disposed approximately midway between the plane of the top and , the ground, an upper and a lower pair of splay~d legs in 35 V-formation extending from each point of articulation, the e~ds of the lower legs resting on the ground and the ends of the upper legs engaging the ~op, a transverse bar extending between the peints of articulation and sub~tantially parallel to the top, lower cables intarconnecting the lower ends of said leg~ and upright cable~ extending from the upper end~ of the upper leg3 5 to the lower ends of the lower legs, and upper cables interconnecting the upper ends of said legs, and force relea e means for placing the cables under tension, the arrangement being such that in the assembled state all the cables are in ~ension and the top is stretched 10 between the upper ends of the upper pair of legs.
In the tensioned aondition of ona embodiment o tha invenkion~ the lower ~ys~em of cables form~ a planar support so that the table ~tructure can be put on 30~t ground or sand without lo~s of stability, the 15 weight of the table being carried by the cables. On re~
lea~e of the tension means, the le~s can be collap~ed again~t the und~rside of the table top. The assembly is then reduced to a flat volume.
The elements o~ the table support structure are 20 arra~ged in uch a way that the top is prevented from twisting, swaying or moving vertically by the txiangulations formed between the support struts, tha top and the ten~ion members. In order for the top to remain stabl~ Qv~r time in spite o~ ~mall changqs in 25 le~th of the tension member3 due to ~reap or tempaxatur~
~hange3 a spring elemsnt must ba introduced inta the ~y~tem~ In one form of the invention thera is a coil ~pring situate~ adjacent to the pre-str~sln~ means. The ~pxing m~y be placed anywhere ln the table ~upport 30 ~xuctuxe. In ano~her embodiment, the ~prl~g ~ay bq ~h~
oamb~r~d tabla top itself, or in a s~ ur~her embodiment th~ ipring may be part of the s~rut el~ment~.
On~ partiaular advantage c~ this typ~ o~ table ~truatur~ i9 ~ha~ it may be easily and aompactly 35 dl~a~embled ~ox ~orage or ~hipmQnt. Thi~ i~ don2 by relea~ing a pre-~r~ssing davice ~o that th~ ten~ion el~me~ beceme slack and the leg~ or 3~rut~ may be 1,.. .
displaced from their normal position to one in which they lie flat against the table top. The flexible tension members may also be placed flat against the top for the ~ame reasons.
In order that the present invention may be more clearly understood and readily carried into effect, embodiments thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig, 1 shows a perspective underside view of 14 an assembled table of one embodiment of the invention, ~ig. 2 shows the same table in a perspective end view, Fig. 3 shows a modified arrangement for the lower cables, Fig, 4 is a perspective view from underneath showing the manner in which the points of articulation can be moved along the underside of the table, Fig, 5 shows a detail view to a larger scale ~f part of Fig. 4 slightly modified, Fig. 6 is a s~ctional end view of the tracks along which the points of articulation can be moved, taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 4, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention, Fig, 8 is a similar view of a further embodiment, Fig. 9 is a perspective view of yet anoth~r embodiment, Fig. 10 shows the folding structure of Fig. 9 collap$ed into a bundle;
Fig. 11 shows an enlarged view of one form of ; a component of the embodiment of Figs. 7, 8 and ~, Fig, 12 is a perspective view from below of a further embodiment of the invention, Fig. 13 is a perspective view from above of 35 the embodiment shown ir. Fig. 12, Fig. 14 is a perspective view from above of a further embodiment, Fi~. 15 is a perspective view from below of the embodimQrlt sh~wn in Fig. 14, Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of a detail o the embodiments ~hown in Figs. 12 to 15, Fig. 17 is a section taken along line XVII - XVII
5 of Fig. 16, Fig. 18 is an enlarged view of a further de~ail of the embodiments shown in Figs. 12 to 15, and Fig~ 19 is a section taken along line XIX - XIX
of Fig. 18.
Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the folding table o~ ~he invention includes a generally planar table top 10~ In its preferred form, the table top is reatangulax, ?he table top may also be oval, or even square ~r roun~l Th~ ta~le top can be made rom plywoodO
laminated wood ar plastic, fiberglass, glass or steel or o~h~r mate~ial which has sufficient strength whilst being capable of holding a pre-camber and will not break when flexed against the pre-camber or bow under tensi~n 20 of the cables.
Th~ top is supported at each end by a pair ~f splayed legs or struts 11, coming together at the top at a point of articulation 12.
Th~ points of articulation a~e preferably 25 located inwards from the narrow end$ lOa o~ the table top by a distance which is approximately e~ual to one ~ixth of the total ie~gth of the table top.
The lower ends 13 of the legs 11 rest o~ the ~loor. Th~ four table legs are all identical in 30 s ructure. They axe preferably made o~ steel tubing about 33 inches in length so that in its assembled state the ~eigh~ o~ the ~able will be the usual 29 inches above floor level.
The lower ends 13 of the legs are interconnected 35 by a net~ork of cabl~s in the form o a double Y. The central member 14 ~f the double Y rests on the floor and ex~ends vertically below the longitudinal axis of the (3~7~;
table top. The end3 o~ the central member 14 are each joined at points 14a to shorter end eahles 15 which in turn are suitAbly joined to the lower ends 13 sf the ta~l~ legs. The joints 14a of cables 14 and 15 forming 5 the points o~ the Y lie vertically below the point~ o~
articulation 12. The shorter cables 15 al~o rest on the floor ~nd are generally in the ame plane as the central member 14. This lower plane is parallel to and ~ub tantially co-extensive with the plane o~ the table 10 ~op, In *he mQdified arrangem~nt o Fiy. 3, the lowex netwoxk of cables 18 is in the ~orm of a rectangle extending between th~ lower ends of the table l~g8.
The as~embly iq compl~ted by vertical ~ables 15 16 extending ~rom each corner 17 of the table top to the lower end 13 of the corresponding table leg 11. The vertical cables 16 may be in one piece with the short~x end cables 15 and run through a suitabl~ opening or ~rxule or a grooved passage locat~d at ~he l~wex leg 20 ~nd~ 13, In this manner, a sexie~ o~ t~ia~gl~s axe fo.rmed a~ ~a~h corn~r with the longer 91~9 CQn3titUted by l~gs ll and v~r~ical ~a~les 16. The sh~rt~x ~id~
o~ e~h o~ these triangle~ is constltute~ ~y ~ e ~unnin~ from the coxn~xs 17 o~ the tabls ~op ko th~
25 p~ink~ ~ arti~ulatlon 12.
ThQ advantage o~ having t~e ~ble~ int~
~on~e~ing ~h~ lowe~ Qnd~ o~ the le~ in th2 foxmation o~ ~ doubl~ Y is hak th~ pexs~n Qr pex~ ting at ~ tabl~ have g~ater ~reedQm ~o mov~ their lsg~ and th~
30 l~s Q~ th~ ahair will not i~ar~ere wi~h ~h~ a~blas~
The ~a~m s~w~ ln ~ig9. 1 ~n~ ~ i9 ~hus more sui~a~l~ a~
dining rG~m t~le. ~ow~ver~ mu~h ~he ~ama e~e~k i~
~b~ ed by arrangin~ ths lower cables 1~ ha æo~m ~ a ~eatan~le as show~ in Fig. 3; this e~hodim~t ~lng 35 mOX2 ~uitabl~ ~s a a~ e ~able~ Flgc 3 also make~ it olear h~w ~h~ sp~c* b~waen the ~bl~ ~p, lowex ~ble~
18 a~d v~ti~al cabl~ 16 ~in~$ a rectangular S
parallelepiped or brick-shaped volume which imparts to the whole structure great strength.
The cables are placed under tension by a pre-stressing device which can be in the form of a tuxn 5 buckle 25 and spring means 26. This spring compensates for small changes in length of the tension cable due to creep or temperature changes. In the Figs. 1 and 2 embodiments, the spring 26 is situated in the central member 14 adjacent to the turn buckle or other pre-10 stressing means. However, the springs may be placedanywhere along the tension cables, or several springs may be used where the cable is in several parts.
When the table top is pre-cambered or bowed with the shorter ends lOa pointing upwards in the 15 unstressed state, the tension imparted in this way to the cables may be adequate and the spring elements could be omitted.
When the cables are under tension, the legs 11 are und~r compression and act as struts. When stressed, 20 the triangles formed at each corner by legs 11 and vertical cables 16 impart to the whole structure a great deal of firmness preventing the^table structure from twisting, swaying or moving vertically.
In the Fig. 1 embodiment, the tu:rn buckle 25 25 or quick force release device (such as a Pelican hook) can incorporate a quick release for the pre-stressing device. This ~uick release device may be like the lever action in a ski binding. By releasing the pre-stre~sing device, the tension elements become slack ~as shown in 30 Fig. 4) and the legs may be displaced from their normal position to one in which they lie flat'against the underside of the table 10. The table can then be stored away occupying very little space.
In the arrangemen~ shown in Figg~. 3 and 4, 35 the upper ends of the table legs come together at pin joints 19 which are located at the outer ends of slats 20, 20a which in turn are joined by hinges 21' to sliding t74S
;pin joint plate 19. The inner ends of the slats are movably joined together by a hinge 21. The slats move in U-shaped guides 22 fastened to the underside of the table top, see Fig. 6.
$ It will be seen tha~ by manually pushing the hinge 21 upwardly against the underside of the table top in the direction of arrow 23 (see Figs. 4 and 5), the upper ends of the table legs will be moved away from each other~ In this manner, the vertical cablas 16 10 and the lower network of cables 14, 15 or 18 will be placed under ension.
To collapse the table, the procedure is reversed and all that is required to release the tension in the cables is to manually move hinge 21 15 downwardly. To hold the slats 20, 20a in the upper position, a simple catch or latch (not shown) can be provided on the underside of the table top. Or a preferred way is to use an over-center hinge, so that hinge 21 in the tensioned state lies against the 20 underside of the table top over the horizontal plane of hinges 21', see Fig. 3.
The table top 10 in its untensioned state may have an in-built camber, bow or concavity with the ends of the table top above its center. The camber 10X
25 ~shown in broken lines in Figs. 1 and 3) can be quite slight and does n~t amount to more than 1 or 2 inches in a 6 foot table. However, in this manner, on applying tension to the vertical cables 16, the table top will be flexed in the opposite direction so that in the 30 tensioned state, the table top will generally be quite flat in~its horizontal plane. The camber will thus .
compensate for changes in length in the cables due to ~; ~ temperature variation~ or wear and the spring 26 can be omitted.
Another manner of moving apart the points of articulation is to arrange the pin joints 19 (holding ;~- together the upper ends of the splayed legs 113 on female ' threaded slides which move in U-shaped guides mounted on the underside of the table top. A spindle with opposed threads on its ends engage in these slides~ The spindle has a square end adapted to be engaged by a crank (not 5 shown).
In the Fig. 7 modification, the table top 10' sits loosely on the supporting framework formed by the cables and struts~ In this system, the supporting frame take~ all stresses and strains and the table top 10 may 10 be made from plate glass, marble or other rigid material.
The supporting framework includes two points of articulation 12' located below the underside of the table top approximately midway between the plane of the table top and the floor. The points of articulation are 15 again located inwardly from the shorter end of the table top by a distance which is roughly equal to one sixth (1/6) of the total length of the table.
Two pairs of splayed legs or struts lla-llb, llc-lld in V~formation extend from each point of 20 articulation 12'. Legs lla-llb form the lower pair extending from the point of articulation to the floor.
Struts llc-lld form the upper pair. The ends of the upper struts at either end of the table form four supporting points 31 for the loose table top 10'.
25 The poi~ts of articulation 12' are held together by a horizontal bar 32 located vertically below the longex axis of the table top. The upper legs or struts llc, lld may be shorter than the lower legs or struts lla, llb so that the horizontal bar 32 will occupy a position 30 which is closer to the underside of the table top than the floor. Such slight variations in length of the legs or struts and their angular disposition may be dictated by aesthetic or structural considerations, but will not affect the basic stability and function of the supporting 35 structure.
The upFer free ends 31 of legs or struts llc-lld are joined by straight runs of an upper cable 3S which follows a yenerally rectangular outline.
The lower corners 36 with which the lower legs or struts lla and llb rest on the floor are joined by a network of cables 14', 15' in the form of a double Y
5 which is similar to the tension cables described and shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Alternatively, the lower network of cables could have the rectangular configuration shown in Fig. 3.
The upper ends 31 and lower ends 36 of the legs 10 or struts are joined by vertical cables 16'. The cables pass through holes or ferrules or grooves at the end of ~he legs. The cables 14', lS', 16' and 35 may be run through ends 31 and 36 along different routes which will readily suggest themselves to the designer.
As in the Fig. 1 embodiment, a quick force release or quick tensioning device 25' is located at a suitable point or points in the cable network, preferably at a point along central cable 14'. The central cable may (but need not) include a spring 26 to take up slack 20 in the cables.
ThP arrangement shown in Fig. 7 has the disadvantage that if a heavy load is placed in the middle of table top 10', this may flex downwardly and the table is subject to swaying. To overcome this, in the 25 embodiment shown in Fig. 8, an additional pair of struts 38, 39 in V-formation is joined to struts lla-lld.
Struts 38, 39 at their upper or outer ends are joined at points 42 to the corresponding ends of the struts rising upwardly from the other point of 30 articulation. The run of the upper cable 35 along the longer side of the table passes at point 42 through openings in the abutting upper ends of these struts.
The assembly is completed by a triangle of cables 43a-43b-43c with the lower apex 44 ]oined to triangular 35 ground cables 45a, 45b, 45c running through the lower ends of struts lla, llb.
In this fashion, the ends of six cables, 43c, 43b, 45a, 45b, 45a' and 45b' come together at apex point 44 which is preferably located about 4" above floor level. It will be seen that if in this embodiment a load is applied to the middle of the table top along 5 the l~ne joints points 42, any tendency to rotate the structure out of true will be resisted by struts 38, 39 and the triangular network of cables linked therewith.
In the Fig. 8 embodiment the horizontal bar may be in two piecas 32a, 32b one sliding telescopically 10 within the other. A spring catch or umbrella snap 46 secures bars 32a, 32b at the desired spacing.
The folding structure shown in Figs. 9 and 10 uses a generally rectangular canvas top 50 which is stretched between the upper ends of struts llc, lld 15 and 38, 39 reaching upwardly from each point of articulation. The term "canvas" top includes any suitable woven or other sheet material or mesh. The "canvas" top thus combines the supporting function of table top 10 and the tensioning action of the upper 20 cables 35 in the Figs. 7 and 8 embodiments. The edge of the canvas 50 under tension will assume the ~lat catinary shape shown in Fig. 9. A quick force release device 51 is loca~ed in one of the lower cables 52 which interconnects the lower ends of lower legs lla, 25 llb. The lower cable 52 may follow the double Y of Fig. 7 or the cables could have the rectangular coniguration shown in Fig. 3. The system of struts and cables could also follow the Fig. 8 configuration, where the upper horizontal cables could be replaced 30 by a "canvas" top.
The arrangement of the legs or struts is similar to the Fig. 8 embodiment. The horizontal strut is again in two parts 53, 54 telescopically sliding within each other and held together by an umbrella type 35 snap 55.
To collapse the structure, the ~uick release device 51 and the umbrella snap are disengaged. The legs "~..~
S
are folded towards each other. The upper ends of the upp~r struts need no~ be disengaged Erom the canvas which folds up between the legs as shown in Fig. 10. The folded bundle occupies approximately 2% of the space of 5 the structure in its assembled state shown in Fig. 9.
Because of the small storage space required, the folding structure of Figs. 9 and 10 may find use as a camp bed or scaled upwardly could form part of a tent, water catchment or other military or strategic uses 10 might sugges~ themselves.
In the ~bove description the points of articulation are generally in the nature of hinges or pivotal joints. In a further form of the invention (Fig. 11), these joints could be made from semi-rigid 15 castings (e.g. fiber-reinforced nylon or aluminum castings). These joints would then consist of a central piece 60 with a number of integral stubs 62 on which the struts lla-lldr 53 would be detachably mounted. The term "articulation" as used herein is thus intended 20 to cover fairly rigid joints in addition to movable joints, In the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13 legs 111 depend from tne underside of a table top 110.
The legs are arranged in pairs at opposite ends of the 25 table and are articulated to the table top at locations (112) on the longitudinal center line of the table and inwardly of the short sides thereof. In the embodiment shown in the drawings each pair of legs is a single member which takes the form of an inverted V with its 30 apex articulated to the underside of the table top and the r~mote ends forming the feet of the legs. Those feet are interconnected by a network of cables in the form of a double Y in a manner similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. To this end a central member 114 of 35 the Y is arranged to rest on the floor and is joined to shorter end cables 115 which pass through the feet of the legs and extend upwardly as vertical cable runs ~ 1 ~t3~ ~ ~
116 which are anchored to the corners of the table top.
With the table parts erected in the operative position shown in Figures 12 and 13, the feet 5 of the table legs are located below the corners of the table top and the network of cables imparts the desired rigidity and stability to the table.
Figures 18 and 19 show, on an enlarged scale, how the cables 115, 116 pass through ~he feet of the legs 10 111. To this end each leg Ill is bent outwardly at the foot portion to lia on or parallel to the floor or other restLng surface and then upwardly at the extremity of the foot end. The cable 115 passes through an aperture in the leg portion and then through 15 the terminal portion of the foot and upwardly for anchoring to the corner of the table top.
If desired, glide clamps 100 can be snapped onto the feet portions which extend parallel to the floor or other support surface~
Instead of having tensioning means included in the cable network, the apex of each pair of legs is articulated to the underside of the table top by an individual tensioning means 150.
In this individual tensioning means 150, which 25 is shown in enlarged detail in Figures 16 and.17 of the drawings, a strap 151 is looped around the apex of the pair of legs 111 and the ends of the loop are secured by fastening means such as, for example, a rivet 152.
The remainder of the strap has a track 153 extending along 30 the length thereof to engage a rotatable worm 154. The worm 1S4 meshes with the track 153 and is supported in position by a housing 155 formed at the end of a strip 156 of metallic or other suitably rigid material. The strip 156 lies along the underside of the table top 110 35 and is se¢ured by one or more screws 157 or other suitable means.
A key slot 158 is provided in a head portion 159 of the worm 154. It will be appreciated that this ~:7 llB~79~S
tensioning m~ans is effectively a flattened hose clip or jubilee clip and that rotation of the worm 154 will draw the strap 151 longitudinally along the under~ide of the table top and thereby create the desired tension S in the legs and network of cables.
Figures 14 and 15 show a modification of the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13. Figures 14 and 15 show a table topllO' which is square rather than of elongated rectangular shape and which has legs 111l 10 articulated (112') to ~he underside of the table top in the central region thereof. Articulation of the legs 111' to the underside of the table top 110' is through tensioning means 150' of the type described with raference to Figures 12 and 13 and shown in detail 15 in Figures 16 and 17.
A network of cables is again utilized and in this case comprises cables 115a which interconnect the feet of diametrically opposed legs 111'.
As in the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13, the 20 cables pass through the feet and extend upwardly to anchorages on the table top. However, unlike the embodiment o~ Figures 12 and 13, the upwardly directe~
cable portions 116a are not single cables but, instead, twin cable lengths which diverge from the feet of the 25 legs to spaced anchorages 117 which anchorages are, in turn, spaced from the corners of the table top. In this manner, rigidity and stability against rotational deformation of a square table is enhanced by the triangular configuration adopted by the cable lengths 30 extending upwardly from the feet of the legs.
As explained, the desired tension is imparted to the network of cables 115a, 116a by the individual tensioning means 150'. ~;By selectively adjusting means 150, 150' it is possible to ensure that the table top 35 110, 110' is level even when the feet of the legs rest on an irregular floor surface.
In the majority of the above discussed , ~ .
embodiments, the ~et of the table legs are located directly beneath the c~rners of the table top. Thi~, however, is not always the case and Figures 14 and 15 show an assembly where the feet of the legs are not 5 disposed directly beneath the corners of the table top~
L ~
Claims (27)
1. A folding table or like structure having a generally planar table top supported on the floor by multiple legs and a cable network, wherein the legs are articulated below the table top at spaced points located inwardly from the edge of the table, said legs comprising two splayed legs in V-formation extending each from each point of articulation to points on the floor and said cable network interconnecting the lower ends of said legs and extending from proximate each corner of the table top to the lower end of a leg located therebelow, the arrangement being such that in the assembled state all cables are in tension and the legs are in compression.
2. A folding table according to claim 1, wherein the ends of the legs remote from the points of articula-tion to the table top are located substantially vertical-ly below the corners of the table top and the cable net-work includes cables depending from each corner of the table top.
3. A folding table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cable network interconnecting the lower ends of the legs forms a double Y with a central member having two ends extending vertically below the longitudinal axis of the table top and two pairs of members diverging from the two ends respectively of the central member, said ends being disposed substantially vertically below the two spaced articulation points.
4. A folding table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cable network interconnecting the lower ends of the legs form a rectangle.
5. A folding table as claimed in claim 2, wherein the legs and the cables extending from each corner of the table to the lower end of the nearest leg form a series of triangles,
6. A folding table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the table top is a rectangular flexible solid and the points of articulation are located on the underside of the table top inward from the narrow ends of the table top by a distance which is approximately equal to one sixth of the total length of the table top.
7. A folding table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the table top is pre-formed with a slight camber so that when under stress the tension forces exerted by the vertical cables will cause the table top to assume an essentially flat configuration.
8. A folding table as claimed in claim 6, wherein the points of articulation on the underside of the table are arranged to be pushed away from each other to place the cables under tension.
9. A folding table as claimed in claim 8, wherein the points of articulation slide in guides on the under-side of the table top and are connected by a pair of hinged struts.
10. A folding table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the points of articulation are fixed on the underside of the table top and the structure is brought under tension by pulling the lower ends of the legs towards each other.
11. A folding table as claimed in claim 3, wherein the central member of the double Y-shaped cables inter-connecting the lower ends of the legs includes a release means and spring means to apply tension to the cables and compensate for slight changes in lengths due to temperature differences.
12. A folding table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the table top is a rectangular solid and the points of articulation are on the underside of the table top, each of said points of articulation being associated with a separate tensioning means.
13. A folding table as claimed in claim 12, wherein the tensioning means is arranged to displace the apex of the articulated splayed legs to tension the cables.
14. A folding table as claimed in claim 13, wherein a strap has a head end secured around the apex of the splayed legs and a tail cooperating with a drawing mechanism to pull said apex into the tensioning position.
15, A folding table as claimed in claim 14, wherein a track extends longitudinally along the tail and the drawing mechanism incorporates a worm gear engaging said track.
16. A folding table as claimed in claim 14, wherein the worm gear is held on the underside of the table.
17, A folding table as claimed in claim 12, wherein the cable network interconnecting the lower ends of the legs forms a double Y incorporating a central member under-lying the longitudinal axis of the table top and a cable yoke member at each end of said central member, the cables of each yoke diverging to the lower end of the proximate leg and extending upwardly from said lower leg end to an anchorage at the corner of the table top above said lower leg end.
18. A folding table as claimed in claim 12, wherein the cable network includes cables interconnecting the lower ends of diametrically opposed legs and diverging cable lengths extending upwardly from said lower leg ends to spaced anchorages on the underside of the table top in the region of said corners to form a series of triangles.
19. A folding table or like structure including a generally planar solid table top, two pairs of supporting legs depending from the underside of said table top, each pair of legs defining an inverted V with the apices of said pairs articulated to said underside of the table top at locations spaced apart to provide a table which is symmetrical in the erected state, a cable network interconnecting the ends of the legs remote from the articulated apices and connecting said leg ends with said underside of the table top, and separate tensioning means each secured on the underside of the table top and associated one with each articulated apex to place the cable network in tension and the diverging legs in compression when the table is in the erected state.
20. A folding table comprising:
a generally planar loosely supported rigid table top, two points of articulation located below the underside of the table top approximately midway between the plane of the table top and the floor, an upper and a lower pair of splayed legs in V-formation extending from each point of articulation, the ends of the lower legs resting on the floor and the ends of the upper legs supporting the table top, a transverse bar extending between the points of articulation and substantially parallel to the table top, lower cables interconnecting the lower ends of said legs, upright cables extending generally from the upper ends of the upper legs to the lower leg ends of the lower legs, and upper cables interconnecting the upper ends of said legs, and force release means for placing the cables under tension; the arrangement being such that in the assembled state all the cables are in tension and the legs are in compression.
a generally planar loosely supported rigid table top, two points of articulation located below the underside of the table top approximately midway between the plane of the table top and the floor, an upper and a lower pair of splayed legs in V-formation extending from each point of articulation, the ends of the lower legs resting on the floor and the ends of the upper legs supporting the table top, a transverse bar extending between the points of articulation and substantially parallel to the table top, lower cables interconnecting the lower ends of said legs, upright cables extending generally from the upper ends of the upper legs to the lower leg ends of the lower legs, and upper cables interconnecting the upper ends of said legs, and force release means for placing the cables under tension; the arrangement being such that in the assembled state all the cables are in tension and the legs are in compression.
21. A folding table as claimed in claim 20, comprising a third pair of splayed legs extending in V-formation from each points of articulation towards points of attachment substantially midway along the longer runs of the upper cables, and an additional set of cables extending from said midway points of attachment along the upper cables to a central meeting point of the lower cables located slightly above the level of the floor.
22. A folding table as claimed in claim 20, wherein the transverse bar extending between the points of articula-tion is adjustable in length.
23. A folding table as claimed in claim 22, wherein the bar is in two pieces, one piece being telecopically slidable within the other.
24. A folding structure for use as camping table or bed comprising:
a generally rectangular top made from flexible material, two points of articulation located below the underside or the top and which, when the folding structure is erected, are disposed approximately midway between the plane of the top and the ground, an upper and a lower pair of splayed legs in V-formation extending from each point of articulation, the ends of the lower legs resting on the ground and the ends of the upper legs engaging the top, a transverse bar extending between the points of articulation and substantially parallel to the top, lower cables interconnecting the lower ends of said legs and upright cables extending from the upper ends of the upper legs to the lower ends of the lower legs, and upper cables interconnecting the upper ends of said legs, and force release means for placing the cables under tension, the arrangement being such that in the assembled state all the cables are in tension and the top is stretched between the upper ends of the upper pair of legs.
a generally rectangular top made from flexible material, two points of articulation located below the underside or the top and which, when the folding structure is erected, are disposed approximately midway between the plane of the top and the ground, an upper and a lower pair of splayed legs in V-formation extending from each point of articulation, the ends of the lower legs resting on the ground and the ends of the upper legs engaging the top, a transverse bar extending between the points of articulation and substantially parallel to the top, lower cables interconnecting the lower ends of said legs and upright cables extending from the upper ends of the upper legs to the lower ends of the lower legs, and upper cables interconnecting the upper ends of said legs, and force release means for placing the cables under tension, the arrangement being such that in the assembled state all the cables are in tension and the top is stretched between the upper ends of the upper pair of legs.
25. A folding structure as claimed in claim 24, wherein a third pair of splayed legs extend in V-formation from each point of articulation towards points of attachment substantially midway along the longer sides of the top.
26. A folding structure as claimed in claim 24, wherein the bar extending between the points of articula-tion is adjustable in length.
27. A folding structure as claimed in claim 26, wherein the bar is in two pieces, one piece being telescopically slidable within the other.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000412929A CA1180745A (en) | 1982-10-06 | 1982-10-06 | Folding table or like structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000412929A CA1180745A (en) | 1982-10-06 | 1982-10-06 | Folding table or like structure |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1180745A true CA1180745A (en) | 1985-01-08 |
Family
ID=4123728
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000412929A Expired CA1180745A (en) | 1982-10-06 | 1982-10-06 | Folding table or like structure |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1180745A (en) |
-
1982
- 1982-10-06 CA CA000412929A patent/CA1180745A/en not_active Expired
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