CA2283116A1 - Folding table with extendable legs - Google Patents
Folding table with extendable legs Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2283116A1 CA2283116A1 CA 2283116 CA2283116A CA2283116A1 CA 2283116 A1 CA2283116 A1 CA 2283116A1 CA 2283116 CA2283116 CA 2283116 CA 2283116 A CA2283116 A CA 2283116A CA 2283116 A1 CA2283116 A1 CA 2283116A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- inner support
- folded
- upper section
- leg assemblies
- tops
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B3/00—Folding or stowable tables
- A47B3/08—Folding or stowable tables with legs pivoted to top or underframe
- A47B3/083—Folding or stowable tables with legs pivoted to top or underframe with foldable top leaves
- A47B3/087—Folding or stowable tables with legs pivoted to top or underframe with foldable top leaves with struts supporting the legs
Abstract
A foldable table is provided which may be collapsed and folded to a compact size which allows the table to be easily hand carried from place to place. The foldable table of the present invention has extendable legs to adjust the vertical height of the table top, The foldable table is lightweight and easily collapsible yet is extremely durable for supporting heavy objects.
Description
FOILDING TABLE WITH EXTENDABLE LEGS
The present invention relates generally to foldable tables. Ivrore particularly, this invention relates to a foldable table with adjustable vertical height that is sufficiently compact when collapsed to be hams carried from place to place.
BACKGItOfJND QF THE INVENTION
Foldable tables are~, used for a variety of different purposes. Generally, foldable tables are 'used for the ease of convenience of being able to be moved from place to place. Problems frequently encountered with foldable tables include lack of strength in supporting heavy objects rdnd the inability to collapse down to a size where the table can be easily moved or stowed. 7'he charactenisti<;s of strength of support and easy collapsibility are often competing 1 S qualiti.~s in that stronger, mare durable tables are often heavy and more difficult to fold to a collapsed position and transport &orn location to location. Further, foldable and collapsible tables are often unstable daze to the fact that they have foldable legs and a foldable table top which requires a plurality ~~f hinges au~d other moving pacts which rnay weaken the overall structure of the table. Alsc>, many collapsible tables do not fall in a manner that makes them easy tv transport. Because foldable tables are often used to support and display objects, it is desirable for the height of the table tvp to be adjustable. However, few foldable tables have the feature of being able to adjust the vertical height of the table top.
Therefore, what is needed is a foldable table which is easily collapsed to a compact size and yet is light enough to be easily transported from one location to another with the additional characteristic of being strong enough to support substantial weight. The foldable table should also have the' additional feature of the height of the table top being adjustable in the vertical direction.
SLt~IVIARY OF TNVhNTION
A foldable compact table is provided which has superior strength and durability and can be collapsed and folded to a carrying made, The foldable table of the present invention is comprised of two flat table tap surfaces comprised of rectangular sections of approximate equal size pivotally secur~;d together by a hinge extending between the flat table top surfaces.
The foldable table of the present invention has collapsible leg assemblies pivotally attached underneath each end of the table. 'The leg assemblies are comprised of two vertical support legs hingedly connected underneath the table and r~nay be moved between an extended and a folded or collapsed position. The vertical leg supports have an outer, upper section hingadly attached to the underneat~~ section of the table top and an inner support leg or member located within the outer, upper section which slides vertically up and down within the outer, upper section. The izmer support legs lock to the outer, upper section at predetermined locations which allows the height of the table top to be adjust8d. The rectangular cross-sections of the inner support member and. outer, upper section help strengthen the overall structure of the leg assemblies allawir~g the table to bear mare weight.
A spring-loaded pivoting pin extends outwardly from the upper area of each of the inner support legs, 'fhe pin can be pivoted inwardly from the extended or locked position by manually pushing the pin inwardly. A series of openings or holes extending vertically along the outer, upper sections are designed to receive the pivoting pins thereby locking the inner support leg to the outer, upper section. To lock the inner support leg to the other outer, upper section, the spring loaded pin is lined up to the appropriate opening and released into the opening to lock the inner support leg to the outer, upper section.
Permanently afflxe:d between the two support legs on each side of the table is a horizontally displaced support bar. The horizontal support bar extends between the vertical support legs which adds further strength and integrity to the leg assemblies.
'The top surface of the foldable table of the present invention has a frame section around the sides or the outer periphery of the table top, ?he frame section serves both to protect the side of the table top and also provides a certain aesthetic quality. On each corner of the table top are corner ;pieces attached to the frame which are fastened to the table top to provide further protection.
The foldable table ~aollapses and folds from an extended position to a collapsed carrying mode. When folded to a collapsed carrying mode, the table tops may be latched together far transporting the table. A handle is fastened to the outer frame which allows the table to be easily moved from one location to another, Other features and ad antages of the present invention Twill become apparent from the following detailed descripnion, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the features of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF T E DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a sid~~ elevational perspective of the folding table in an e~ttended position;
FIGURES 2A - 2C'. are side elevational views of the folding table at each of the three vertical heights and perspective views of the telescoping legs correlating to each of the three heights of the table;
The present invention relates generally to foldable tables. Ivrore particularly, this invention relates to a foldable table with adjustable vertical height that is sufficiently compact when collapsed to be hams carried from place to place.
BACKGItOfJND QF THE INVENTION
Foldable tables are~, used for a variety of different purposes. Generally, foldable tables are 'used for the ease of convenience of being able to be moved from place to place. Problems frequently encountered with foldable tables include lack of strength in supporting heavy objects rdnd the inability to collapse down to a size where the table can be easily moved or stowed. 7'he charactenisti<;s of strength of support and easy collapsibility are often competing 1 S qualiti.~s in that stronger, mare durable tables are often heavy and more difficult to fold to a collapsed position and transport &orn location to location. Further, foldable and collapsible tables are often unstable daze to the fact that they have foldable legs and a foldable table top which requires a plurality ~~f hinges au~d other moving pacts which rnay weaken the overall structure of the table. Alsc>, many collapsible tables do not fall in a manner that makes them easy tv transport. Because foldable tables are often used to support and display objects, it is desirable for the height of the table tvp to be adjustable. However, few foldable tables have the feature of being able to adjust the vertical height of the table top.
Therefore, what is needed is a foldable table which is easily collapsed to a compact size and yet is light enough to be easily transported from one location to another with the additional characteristic of being strong enough to support substantial weight. The foldable table should also have the' additional feature of the height of the table top being adjustable in the vertical direction.
SLt~IVIARY OF TNVhNTION
A foldable compact table is provided which has superior strength and durability and can be collapsed and folded to a carrying made, The foldable table of the present invention is comprised of two flat table tap surfaces comprised of rectangular sections of approximate equal size pivotally secur~;d together by a hinge extending between the flat table top surfaces.
The foldable table of the present invention has collapsible leg assemblies pivotally attached underneath each end of the table. 'The leg assemblies are comprised of two vertical support legs hingedly connected underneath the table and r~nay be moved between an extended and a folded or collapsed position. The vertical leg supports have an outer, upper section hingadly attached to the underneat~~ section of the table top and an inner support leg or member located within the outer, upper section which slides vertically up and down within the outer, upper section. The izmer support legs lock to the outer, upper section at predetermined locations which allows the height of the table top to be adjust8d. The rectangular cross-sections of the inner support member and. outer, upper section help strengthen the overall structure of the leg assemblies allawir~g the table to bear mare weight.
A spring-loaded pivoting pin extends outwardly from the upper area of each of the inner support legs, 'fhe pin can be pivoted inwardly from the extended or locked position by manually pushing the pin inwardly. A series of openings or holes extending vertically along the outer, upper sections are designed to receive the pivoting pins thereby locking the inner support leg to the outer, upper section. To lock the inner support leg to the other outer, upper section, the spring loaded pin is lined up to the appropriate opening and released into the opening to lock the inner support leg to the outer, upper section.
Permanently afflxe:d between the two support legs on each side of the table is a horizontally displaced support bar. The horizontal support bar extends between the vertical support legs which adds further strength and integrity to the leg assemblies.
'The top surface of the foldable table of the present invention has a frame section around the sides or the outer periphery of the table top, ?he frame section serves both to protect the side of the table top and also provides a certain aesthetic quality. On each corner of the table top are corner ;pieces attached to the frame which are fastened to the table top to provide further protection.
The foldable table ~aollapses and folds from an extended position to a collapsed carrying mode. When folded to a collapsed carrying mode, the table tops may be latched together far transporting the table. A handle is fastened to the outer frame which allows the table to be easily moved from one location to another, Other features and ad antages of the present invention Twill become apparent from the following detailed descripnion, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the features of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF T E DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a sid~~ elevational perspective of the folding table in an e~ttended position;
FIGURES 2A - 2C'. are side elevational views of the folding table at each of the three vertical heights and perspective views of the telescoping legs correlating to each of the three heights of the table;
' a.~~ _~"_ W~ 6~~ ~4' ~L 6 obh ~.i b~r r_s~l FIGURE 3 is a side view of the folding table in the extended position;
FTGURE 4 is a side elevational view of the folding table in the closed position;
FIGURES SA - SC illustrates a leg assembly being moved from an extended to a folded position;
FIGURE 6 shows a an alternate embodiment of the outer, upper section and inner support leg; and, FIGC)~Rlr 7 is a side-sectional view of the leg assen~.bly showing the pivoting pin and spring mechanism.
DETAIIaF.D f~FSCRfPT'TON OF 'FIaE 17RAWII~GS
Structurally, as shown in Figure 1, the foldable table 2 of the present invention is comprised of two flat table top surfaces 4 and 6 which, when in the extended position, form a flat table top. Tvp surface< 4 and b are connected by side hinges 6 and 8, which allow top surfaces 4 and 6 to fold together to a collapsed position. Top surfaces 4 and 6 are generally square in shape but can be rectangular or shaped as half circles. Side hinges 6 and 8 are bolted to frame 10 which extends around the periphery of top surfaces 4 and 6.
The side hinges b and 8 join the top sm'faces 4 and 6 together by being fastened to the frame extending around each side of the top surfaces 4 and 6 by two bolts fastening the hinges to the frame.
The hinges 6 and 8 are designed so as tv allow the table 2 to pivot about an axis along the middle of the table between the two table tops 4 and 6 between a folded and extended position.
Frame 10 extends around the outer edges of the table tops 4 and 6 except at the middle of the table where the frame discontinues to allow the table Z to be folded.
Frame 10 is actually comprised of eigho separate pieces 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26;
each piece is attached to the outside edF;e of each top surface 4 and 6 and extends slightly over the edge of top surfaces 4 and 5. For example, top piece 4, has side pieces 12, 14, 16 and 18 attached to its side surfaces counting nlockwise. Top piece 6, counting clockwise, has side pieces 20, 22, 24 and 26 attached to its side surfaces. The side pieces are attached to the top sections by an elongated groove 28 forrned within each side piece which receives the edge of the top pieces 4 and 6 thereby extending the sides of the table top 4 and 6 into the side pieces and holding top pieces 4 and 6 in place;.
The side pieces ca~i be divided into two types: outer side pieces, which are comprised of side pieces 12, 20, 22, :;4, 16 and 18; aild, interior side pieces 14 and 26. Outer side pieces 12, 20, 22, 24, 16 and 18 tire fastened to table tops 4 and 6 by corner pieces 30, 32, 34 and 36.
Corner pieces 30, 32, 34 ;end 36 act to hold the side pieces of the table tops 4 axrd 6 and further act as a protective ~wver for the corners of the folded table. Comer pieces 30, 32, 34 and 36 have elongated cavities for receiving the ends of the side pieces. For example, corner piece 30 receives the end of side piece 12 and 18 and holds the pieces 12 and 18 at right angles to each other. At least four bolts are inserted through the sides of cornea piece 30 bolting the corner piece 3() to ends of side pieces 12 and 18. For each corner piece, three of the belts serve to bolt the ~:orner piece to the side sections while one of the bolts, which is elongated in comparison tv other bolts, serves to bolt the corner piece to the side section and further acts as an axis for 'the leg assembly to rotate amund. For example, for corner 34, as shown in Figure 1, bolts 34A - 34C act to simply fasten the ends of side piece 22 and 24 to the corner piece 34. However, bolt 34D, which is elongated (not shown) acts to fasten the end of side piece 24 to they corner piece 34 and also serves as an axis to attach outer, upper piece 50 tv table 2. Each of the bolts closest to side pieces 14 and 26 (for example bolts 34D
and 36A in Figure 1 ) serve to attach the corresponding outer, upper piece to table 2.
FTGURE 4 is a side elevational view of the folding table in the closed position;
FIGURES SA - SC illustrates a leg assembly being moved from an extended to a folded position;
FIGURE 6 shows a an alternate embodiment of the outer, upper section and inner support leg; and, FIGC)~Rlr 7 is a side-sectional view of the leg assen~.bly showing the pivoting pin and spring mechanism.
DETAIIaF.D f~FSCRfPT'TON OF 'FIaE 17RAWII~GS
Structurally, as shown in Figure 1, the foldable table 2 of the present invention is comprised of two flat table top surfaces 4 and 6 which, when in the extended position, form a flat table top. Tvp surface< 4 and b are connected by side hinges 6 and 8, which allow top surfaces 4 and 6 to fold together to a collapsed position. Top surfaces 4 and 6 are generally square in shape but can be rectangular or shaped as half circles. Side hinges 6 and 8 are bolted to frame 10 which extends around the periphery of top surfaces 4 and 6.
The side hinges b and 8 join the top sm'faces 4 and 6 together by being fastened to the frame extending around each side of the top surfaces 4 and 6 by two bolts fastening the hinges to the frame.
The hinges 6 and 8 are designed so as tv allow the table 2 to pivot about an axis along the middle of the table between the two table tops 4 and 6 between a folded and extended position.
Frame 10 extends around the outer edges of the table tops 4 and 6 except at the middle of the table where the frame discontinues to allow the table Z to be folded.
Frame 10 is actually comprised of eigho separate pieces 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26;
each piece is attached to the outside edF;e of each top surface 4 and 6 and extends slightly over the edge of top surfaces 4 and 5. For example, top piece 4, has side pieces 12, 14, 16 and 18 attached to its side surfaces counting nlockwise. Top piece 6, counting clockwise, has side pieces 20, 22, 24 and 26 attached to its side surfaces. The side pieces are attached to the top sections by an elongated groove 28 forrned within each side piece which receives the edge of the top pieces 4 and 6 thereby extending the sides of the table top 4 and 6 into the side pieces and holding top pieces 4 and 6 in place;.
The side pieces ca~i be divided into two types: outer side pieces, which are comprised of side pieces 12, 20, 22, :;4, 16 and 18; aild, interior side pieces 14 and 26. Outer side pieces 12, 20, 22, 24, 16 and 18 tire fastened to table tops 4 and 6 by corner pieces 30, 32, 34 and 36.
Corner pieces 30, 32, 34 ;end 36 act to hold the side pieces of the table tops 4 axrd 6 and further act as a protective ~wver for the corners of the folded table. Comer pieces 30, 32, 34 and 36 have elongated cavities for receiving the ends of the side pieces. For example, corner piece 30 receives the end of side piece 12 and 18 and holds the pieces 12 and 18 at right angles to each other. At least four bolts are inserted through the sides of cornea piece 30 bolting the corner piece 3() to ends of side pieces 12 and 18. For each corner piece, three of the belts serve to bolt the ~:orner piece to the side sections while one of the bolts, which is elongated in comparison tv other bolts, serves to bolt the corner piece to the side section and further acts as an axis for 'the leg assembly to rotate amund. For example, for corner 34, as shown in Figure 1, bolts 34A - 34C act to simply fasten the ends of side piece 22 and 24 to the corner piece 34. However, bolt 34D, which is elongated (not shown) acts to fasten the end of side piece 24 to they corner piece 34 and also serves as an axis to attach outer, upper piece 50 tv table 2. Each of the bolts closest to side pieces 14 and 26 (for example bolts 34D
and 36A in Figure 1 ) serve to attach the corresponding outer, upper piece to table 2.
Table 2 has two ccdlapsible leg assemblies 35 and 37 at each end underneath table 2.
Each leg assembly is eom~prised of two outer, upper sections, as shown by numbers 4$ and 50 on the first end and 52 and 54 on the second end. Located and moveable inside the outer, upper sections are the inner support legs 36, 38 and 42, 44. The inner support legs 36, 38 and 42, 44 act to support the table 2 on the ground surface and can telescope or move up and down vertically inside the outer, upper sections 48, 50 and 52, 54 so that the vertical height of the table 2 can be adjusted. As shown in Figures 2A - ZC, the inner support leg slides up and down within the outer, upper section. Both the outer, upper section and the inner support legs are rectangular in shape but could be circular, square or triangular in shape.
However, the rectangular shaped cross-sections of the outer, upper sections and inner support. legs provide a stronger design than other shapes which allow the table to support a significant amount of weight when in the extended position.
The outer, upper s<:ction has openings 56A and 5bB (shown with the leg assemblies upside down in Figures 2A - 2C) or holes formed in its side surface for receiving a spring loaded pivoting pin 5$ (see Figure 7). Spring loaded pivoting pin 58 has a spring assembly 60 formed inside the inner support leg which remains in an extended phase due to the constant tension exerted b,y spring 6U. However, the spring loaded pivoting pin 58 can be manually pushed inward, ;igainst the farce of the tension of the spring 6U, and the inner support leg released to be moved in the up or down vertical direction inside the outer, upper section. To lock the inner support leg to the outer, upper sections, the pivoting pin 58 is then lined up with the appropriate opening 56A or 56$ of the outer, upper section and released to thereby lock the inner support section to the outer, upper section thereby locking the leg assembly in place to prevent movement in the vertical direction thereby adjusting the height of the table top. Because the leg assemblies have two inner support legs at each end of the table, each inner support member 36, 38 and 42, 44 has a pivoting pin. Thus, to adjust the vertical height of the table: top, the pair of pivoting pins 56 on each side of the table must be depressed simultaneously to adjust the table top in the vertical direction.
Therefore, to adjust the height of the table top., it requires the user to first inwardly press the pivoting pins 56 on both inner support legs and slide the inner support sections up or down in relation to the outer, upper support members to align the pivoting pin 58 with the appropriate opening. The same steps must then be repeated with the inner support sections of the other leg assembly When the proper height o:f the table is obtained, the pivoting pin 58 is released into the corresponding opening in the side of the outer, upper section to lock the table in position.
1 U In one embodiment, there are two openings 56A and 56B foamed through the outer, upper section. Thus, as shown in Figures 2A - 2C, the height of the table can be adjusted by locking the pivoting pin 56 into the appropriate opening. With two openings 56A and 56B, there are three possible heights to which the table cazi be adjusted. In Figure 2A, which is the lowest height of the table 2, pivoting pin 56 is not extended into either opening and table tap is at its lowest height from the ground. IIi 1~igure 2B, the inner support members are moved so that the pivoting pin S~c lines up with opening 56A which moves the table top to an intermediate height. In Figure 2C, the ilmer support members are moved so that the pivoting pin 56 is lined up with opening SfiB to move the table top to its highest adjustment in this embodiment. In an alternate embddimettt as shown in Figure 6, the outer, upper section has a plurality of openings 55A - 56~.
Located between the inner support members 36, 38 and 42, 44 is a horizontal support structure 40 and 46. The horizontal support structures a0 and 46 act to stabilize and strengthen the support capability of the inner support members 36, 38 and 42, 44. Both horizontal support structures 40 and 46 are permanently attached to the bottom of the inner support structures 36, 38 and 42, 44 by bolting or other fastening means.
Helow the cross section of the horizontal support structures 40 and 46 and the inner support members 36, 38 and 40, 42 are footpads 5~9 for supporting the folding table on the ground surface.
Allowing the leg assemblies 35 and 37 to fold between an extended position and a S collapsed position are mounted hinges 60. Hinges 60 hingedly connect the outer, upper sections 48, 50 and 52, 54 to the interior surface of side pieces 12, 20, 24 and 16. Each hinge 60 is comprised of a first and second moveable piece 62 and 64. 'The first moveable piece 62 is pivotally connected to the second moveable piece 64 with the first moveable piece 62 connecting the outer, upper section to the second moveable piece 64 and the second moveable piece connecting the innc;r surface of the side pieces to the first moveable piece 62. The hinge 60 is therefore maSle to bend and collapse where the first moveable piece 62 and the second moveable piece 64 join. When the legs are fully extended, hinge 60 forms a generally straightened hinge from the outer, upper section to the inner surface of the side piece. When the table is in a collapsed position with the leg assemblies 35 and 37 folded against the underneath of table tops ~4 and 6, the first and second moveable piece 60 and 62 collapse to a side-by-side position.
The folding table of the present invention is capable of operating in two distinct modes, a table mode ~vhe~reby the table is completely extended as shown in Figures 1 - 3 and a carrying mode as shown in Figure 4. To collapse and fold to a carrying mode requires first inwardly pressing pivoting pins 58 on both leg assemblies to release and collapse the inner support members 36, 38 and 42, 44 from the outer, upper sections 48, 50 and 52, 54. The inner support members 36, 38 and 42, 44 are then slid upwardly into the outer, upper sections 48, 50 and 52, 54 to a retracted position until the lowor end of the outer, upper sections 48, 50 and 52, 54 abut the junction of the horizontal support bar 40 and 46 and the inner support members 36, 38 and 42, 44 as shown in Fig. 2A. The leg assemblies 35 and 37 are then collapsed inwardly and folded tv abut the underneath surface of the table tops 4 and f> as shown in Figures SA - SC. The table tops 4 and 6 are then folded together by collapsing the table with the table folding along an axis of inner surfaces 14 and 26. When in the folded position, the bottom surfaces of the table tops are folded together yr diametrically opposed.
For opening the table and extending the legs, the steps just described are performed in the reverse from Figures 5A - SC.
Along the exterior of side surface 22, a handle 66 is attached in the middle of the aide sm-face 22 which is comprised of a rubber lifting strap attached to a rubber portion fixed to the surface of side surface 22. On each side of handle 66 are hinge mechanisms or buckles 6$
and 70. Hinge mechanisms 68 and 70 are comprised of a faxed portion with a pivoting ring member 72 and 74. On the exterior of opposite side surface 18 are a pair of clasps 76 and 78 for receiving pivoting ring members 72 and 74 for securing the two halves of the table to a folded position in the carrying mode. The hinge mechanisms 68, 70 and clasps 76,78 for receiving the pivoting ring, members 72 and 74 of the hinge mechanisms are positioned to line up side-by-side when the gable 2 is in the folded position. Thus, when the table 2 is in the folded position and the buckles are fastened shut by clasping the ring members 72 and 74 to clasps 76 and 78, the table: may be easily transported from one place to the next by simply lifting the table by manually grasping hurdle 66 and carrying foldable table 2.
While several fornls of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to thosa skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. As such, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the avppended claims.
Each leg assembly is eom~prised of two outer, upper sections, as shown by numbers 4$ and 50 on the first end and 52 and 54 on the second end. Located and moveable inside the outer, upper sections are the inner support legs 36, 38 and 42, 44. The inner support legs 36, 38 and 42, 44 act to support the table 2 on the ground surface and can telescope or move up and down vertically inside the outer, upper sections 48, 50 and 52, 54 so that the vertical height of the table 2 can be adjusted. As shown in Figures 2A - ZC, the inner support leg slides up and down within the outer, upper section. Both the outer, upper section and the inner support legs are rectangular in shape but could be circular, square or triangular in shape.
However, the rectangular shaped cross-sections of the outer, upper sections and inner support. legs provide a stronger design than other shapes which allow the table to support a significant amount of weight when in the extended position.
The outer, upper s<:ction has openings 56A and 5bB (shown with the leg assemblies upside down in Figures 2A - 2C) or holes formed in its side surface for receiving a spring loaded pivoting pin 5$ (see Figure 7). Spring loaded pivoting pin 58 has a spring assembly 60 formed inside the inner support leg which remains in an extended phase due to the constant tension exerted b,y spring 6U. However, the spring loaded pivoting pin 58 can be manually pushed inward, ;igainst the farce of the tension of the spring 6U, and the inner support leg released to be moved in the up or down vertical direction inside the outer, upper section. To lock the inner support leg to the outer, upper sections, the pivoting pin 58 is then lined up with the appropriate opening 56A or 56$ of the outer, upper section and released to thereby lock the inner support section to the outer, upper section thereby locking the leg assembly in place to prevent movement in the vertical direction thereby adjusting the height of the table top. Because the leg assemblies have two inner support legs at each end of the table, each inner support member 36, 38 and 42, 44 has a pivoting pin. Thus, to adjust the vertical height of the table: top, the pair of pivoting pins 56 on each side of the table must be depressed simultaneously to adjust the table top in the vertical direction.
Therefore, to adjust the height of the table top., it requires the user to first inwardly press the pivoting pins 56 on both inner support legs and slide the inner support sections up or down in relation to the outer, upper support members to align the pivoting pin 58 with the appropriate opening. The same steps must then be repeated with the inner support sections of the other leg assembly When the proper height o:f the table is obtained, the pivoting pin 58 is released into the corresponding opening in the side of the outer, upper section to lock the table in position.
1 U In one embodiment, there are two openings 56A and 56B foamed through the outer, upper section. Thus, as shown in Figures 2A - 2C, the height of the table can be adjusted by locking the pivoting pin 56 into the appropriate opening. With two openings 56A and 56B, there are three possible heights to which the table cazi be adjusted. In Figure 2A, which is the lowest height of the table 2, pivoting pin 56 is not extended into either opening and table tap is at its lowest height from the ground. IIi 1~igure 2B, the inner support members are moved so that the pivoting pin S~c lines up with opening 56A which moves the table top to an intermediate height. In Figure 2C, the ilmer support members are moved so that the pivoting pin 56 is lined up with opening SfiB to move the table top to its highest adjustment in this embodiment. In an alternate embddimettt as shown in Figure 6, the outer, upper section has a plurality of openings 55A - 56~.
Located between the inner support members 36, 38 and 42, 44 is a horizontal support structure 40 and 46. The horizontal support structures a0 and 46 act to stabilize and strengthen the support capability of the inner support members 36, 38 and 42, 44. Both horizontal support structures 40 and 46 are permanently attached to the bottom of the inner support structures 36, 38 and 42, 44 by bolting or other fastening means.
Helow the cross section of the horizontal support structures 40 and 46 and the inner support members 36, 38 and 40, 42 are footpads 5~9 for supporting the folding table on the ground surface.
Allowing the leg assemblies 35 and 37 to fold between an extended position and a S collapsed position are mounted hinges 60. Hinges 60 hingedly connect the outer, upper sections 48, 50 and 52, 54 to the interior surface of side pieces 12, 20, 24 and 16. Each hinge 60 is comprised of a first and second moveable piece 62 and 64. 'The first moveable piece 62 is pivotally connected to the second moveable piece 64 with the first moveable piece 62 connecting the outer, upper section to the second moveable piece 64 and the second moveable piece connecting the innc;r surface of the side pieces to the first moveable piece 62. The hinge 60 is therefore maSle to bend and collapse where the first moveable piece 62 and the second moveable piece 64 join. When the legs are fully extended, hinge 60 forms a generally straightened hinge from the outer, upper section to the inner surface of the side piece. When the table is in a collapsed position with the leg assemblies 35 and 37 folded against the underneath of table tops ~4 and 6, the first and second moveable piece 60 and 62 collapse to a side-by-side position.
The folding table of the present invention is capable of operating in two distinct modes, a table mode ~vhe~reby the table is completely extended as shown in Figures 1 - 3 and a carrying mode as shown in Figure 4. To collapse and fold to a carrying mode requires first inwardly pressing pivoting pins 58 on both leg assemblies to release and collapse the inner support members 36, 38 and 42, 44 from the outer, upper sections 48, 50 and 52, 54. The inner support members 36, 38 and 42, 44 are then slid upwardly into the outer, upper sections 48, 50 and 52, 54 to a retracted position until the lowor end of the outer, upper sections 48, 50 and 52, 54 abut the junction of the horizontal support bar 40 and 46 and the inner support members 36, 38 and 42, 44 as shown in Fig. 2A. The leg assemblies 35 and 37 are then collapsed inwardly and folded tv abut the underneath surface of the table tops 4 and f> as shown in Figures SA - SC. The table tops 4 and 6 are then folded together by collapsing the table with the table folding along an axis of inner surfaces 14 and 26. When in the folded position, the bottom surfaces of the table tops are folded together yr diametrically opposed.
For opening the table and extending the legs, the steps just described are performed in the reverse from Figures 5A - SC.
Along the exterior of side surface 22, a handle 66 is attached in the middle of the aide sm-face 22 which is comprised of a rubber lifting strap attached to a rubber portion fixed to the surface of side surface 22. On each side of handle 66 are hinge mechanisms or buckles 6$
and 70. Hinge mechanisms 68 and 70 are comprised of a faxed portion with a pivoting ring member 72 and 74. On the exterior of opposite side surface 18 are a pair of clasps 76 and 78 for receiving pivoting ring members 72 and 74 for securing the two halves of the table to a folded position in the carrying mode. The hinge mechanisms 68, 70 and clasps 76,78 for receiving the pivoting ring, members 72 and 74 of the hinge mechanisms are positioned to line up side-by-side when the gable 2 is in the folded position. Thus, when the table 2 is in the folded position and the buckles are fastened shut by clasping the ring members 72 and 74 to clasps 76 and 78, the table: may be easily transported from one place to the next by simply lifting the table by manually grasping hurdle 66 and carrying foldable table 2.
While several fornls of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to thosa skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. As such, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the avppended claims.
Claims (15)
1. A folding table: wherein said table can move from an extended, open position to a folded, carrying mode position, spud table comprising:
two top surfaces hingedly connected together to form a table top;
at least two leg assemblies wherein said leg assemblies can be moved between an extended and a folded position;
each leg assembly comprised of at least two outer, upper sections wherein each leg assembly has an inner support member within the outer, upper section which moves up and down within the outer, upper section to adjust the vertical height of the table top;
a frame extending around the periphery of the table tops; and, hinge mechanisms located on the outside of the frame for latching said table when in a folded, carrying mode.
two top surfaces hingedly connected together to form a table top;
at least two leg assemblies wherein said leg assemblies can be moved between an extended and a folded position;
each leg assembly comprised of at least two outer, upper sections wherein each leg assembly has an inner support member within the outer, upper section which moves up and down within the outer, upper section to adjust the vertical height of the table top;
a frame extending around the periphery of the table tops; and, hinge mechanisms located on the outside of the frame for latching said table when in a folded, carrying mode.
2. The folding table of claim 1 wherein said leg assemblies are further comprised of a horizontal support bar extending between said inner support members.
3. The folding table of claim 2 wherein said horizontal support bar extends between the lower ends of the inner support members of the leg assemblies.
4. The folding table of claim 1 wherein said log assemblies are hingedly connected to said frame.
5. The folding table of claim 1 wherein said outer, upper section has a series of openings formed therein.
6. The folding table of claim 5 wherein said inner support members have a spring loaded pivoting pin extending out of the side of the inner support member which can pivot from an inward to an extended position.
7. The folding table of claim 6 wherein the height of the table top is adjusted by aligning the pivoting pin with a corresponding opening in said outer, upper section and releasing the pivoting pin to extend into the opening thereby temporarily locking the inner support member to said outer, upper section.
8. A folding table comprising:
at least two table lops hingedly connected together;
leg assemblies which are hingedly connected to said table and which are moveable from an extended position to a collapsed position;
said table being able to be folded to a carrying mode wherein said leg assemblies are folded inwardly toward said table top and said table tops are folded together;
and said leg assemblies being comprised of an outer, upper section and an inner support member which is slidably moveable up and down within the outer, upper section.
at least two table lops hingedly connected together;
leg assemblies which are hingedly connected to said table and which are moveable from an extended position to a collapsed position;
said table being able to be folded to a carrying mode wherein said leg assemblies are folded inwardly toward said table top and said table tops are folded together;
and said leg assemblies being comprised of an outer, upper section and an inner support member which is slidably moveable up and down within the outer, upper section.
9. The table of claim 8 wherein a frame is attached to the outer periphery of the table tops.
10. The table of claim 8 wherein the table tops are generally square in shape wherein each table has inner and outer corners.
11. The table of claim 10 wherein corner pieces are attached to the outer corners of both table tops.
12. The table of claim 8 wherein said top surfaces are hingedly fastened together by hinges attached to the frame section.
13. A foldable table comprising;
at least two generally square table tops hingedly connected together which are moveable between an extended and a folded position;
said table tops hawing a top surface and a bottom surface;
said table tops hawing side sections attached to the side edge of each table top;
said side sections extending generally perpendicular to the flat surfaces of the table top;
at least two leg assemblies hingedly connected beneath the bottom surface of said table top; and, the leg assemblies comprising two outer, upper sections hingedly connected to the side section of the table and an inner support member slidable within the outer, upper section.
at least two generally square table tops hingedly connected together which are moveable between an extended and a folded position;
said table tops hawing a top surface and a bottom surface;
said table tops hawing side sections attached to the side edge of each table top;
said side sections extending generally perpendicular to the flat surfaces of the table top;
at least two leg assemblies hingedly connected beneath the bottom surface of said table top; and, the leg assemblies comprising two outer, upper sections hingedly connected to the side section of the table and an inner support member slidable within the outer, upper section.
14. The foldable table of claim 13 wherein the bottom surfaces of the table tops are folded together and diametrically opposed when the table is moved to the folded position.
15. The foldable table of claim 13 wherein corner pieces attach the side sections to the table top.
13.
13.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2283116 CA2283116A1 (en) | 1999-09-23 | 1999-09-23 | Folding table with extendable legs |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2283116 CA2283116A1 (en) | 1999-09-23 | 1999-09-23 | Folding table with extendable legs |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2283116A1 true CA2283116A1 (en) | 2001-03-23 |
Family
ID=4164197
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2283116 Abandoned CA2283116A1 (en) | 1999-09-23 | 1999-09-23 | Folding table with extendable legs |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2283116A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN102511986A (en) * | 2012-01-04 | 2012-06-27 | 王业标 | Folding table |
| ITUD20120063A1 (en) * | 2012-04-17 | 2013-10-18 | Snaidero Rino S P A | SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR A WORK PLAN AND MOBILE INCLUDING THIS SUPPORT STRUCTURE |
| CN109198867A (en) * | 2018-11-20 | 2019-01-15 | 安徽理工大学 | It is a kind of to fold the dormitory school desk for turning to and adjusting |
| CN109674216A (en) * | 2019-01-10 | 2019-04-26 | 红河学院 | A kind of Environment Design drawing unfolding table |
| CN109854228A (en) * | 2019-02-28 | 2019-06-07 | 东华理工大学 | A kind of geophysical log instrument of the oil exploration convenient for control |
| CN111820589A (en) * | 2020-07-22 | 2020-10-27 | 北京东方万隆家俱有限公司 | Office table and chair |
| CN113017272A (en) * | 2021-02-21 | 2021-06-25 | 张景鹏 | Tea table with folding mechanism for indoor design |
-
1999
- 1999-09-23 CA CA 2283116 patent/CA2283116A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN102511986A (en) * | 2012-01-04 | 2012-06-27 | 王业标 | Folding table |
| CN102511986B (en) * | 2012-01-04 | 2013-10-23 | 王业标 | Folding table |
| ITUD20120063A1 (en) * | 2012-04-17 | 2013-10-18 | Snaidero Rino S P A | SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR A WORK PLAN AND MOBILE INCLUDING THIS SUPPORT STRUCTURE |
| CN109198867A (en) * | 2018-11-20 | 2019-01-15 | 安徽理工大学 | It is a kind of to fold the dormitory school desk for turning to and adjusting |
| CN109674216A (en) * | 2019-01-10 | 2019-04-26 | 红河学院 | A kind of Environment Design drawing unfolding table |
| CN109674216B (en) * | 2019-01-10 | 2021-03-19 | 红河学院 | Drawing exhibition is put table for environmental design |
| CN109854228A (en) * | 2019-02-28 | 2019-06-07 | 东华理工大学 | A kind of geophysical log instrument of the oil exploration convenient for control |
| CN111820589A (en) * | 2020-07-22 | 2020-10-27 | 北京东方万隆家俱有限公司 | Office table and chair |
| CN113017272A (en) * | 2021-02-21 | 2021-06-25 | 张景鹏 | Tea table with folding mechanism for indoor design |
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