EP2229074B1

EP2229074B1 - Extensible table with improved extension mechanism

Info

Publication number: EP2229074B1
Application number: EP08858251A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sing Tak Tsang; Shing Yip Tsang
Original assignee: Borneo Tsang Furnishing Sdn Bhd
Current assignee: Borneo Tsang Furnishing Sdn Bhd
Priority date: 2007-12-05
Filing date: 2008-12-05
Publication date: 2012-08-29
Anticipated expiration: 2028-12-05
Also published as: EP2229074A4; WO2009072865A2; EP2229074A2; WO2009072865A3; MY155305A

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an extensible table with an improved extension mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

US 2,456,835 A refers to refectory tables and more particularly to a slide mechanism whereby one or more leaves of a refectory table may be pulled out from beneath a main table top or panel and positioned to form an extension of the same.
Many current extensible tables split then separate the main top panel outwards then in one way or another replace the empty space created in the center with an extension leaf, thereby producing an extended table-top surface. One problem with this method is it involves a number of steps for the user, that is first separating the top panels, then engaging into operation the center extension leaf. Another problem is that this type of extension method does not allow for accessories that require static center portions such as pole umbrellas and the like.
Some inventions have tried to overcome this limitation by having a narrow static center top panel, and extension leafs that are engaged on both sides of this narrow center portion after the top panels on either side of this center panel have been moved away. While this method works, it is somewhat more complicated as it requires a mechanism to engage two extension leafs into place instead of just one.
Also known in the current state of the art are extensible tables with a stationary center top panel portion and foldable side panels as the extension mechanism. While these types of tables have the benefit of a stationary center portion, and are relatively less complex in terms of the mechanism, the foldable side panels require a higher degree of user input to engage the extension mechanism. Furthermore, the foldable side panels are cumbersome and need a relatively large clearance during the folding and unfolding operation. This design also typically has a lower structural integrity when extended.
Therefore, what is needed in the art is an extensible table of sturdy design that has a stationary center top panel portion with extension leafs on the side having an easy to operate extension mechanism requiring minimal user input.
A primary objective of the present invention is to provide an extensible table with a stationary center top panel portion.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a user-friendly extension mechanism for a table that requires minimal use input.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an extensible table that has a stationary top panel fixed to a main frame. A pair of slidable frames can be pulled away from the center of the table in a longitudinal direction and independently of each other. As each slidable frame is pulled away from the center, an extension leaf stored below the top panel slides out. When the extension leaf is fully clear of the top panel, the direction of motion of the slidable frame is reversed so that it moves towards the center of the table. This then causes the extension leaf to rise up to the same height as the top panel so that it sits flush with the top panel and a continuous table-top surface is formed. The magnitude of extension from its initial length is equal to the length of the extension leaf. To transform the table back to its initial size, each slidable frame is again pulled away from the center of the table, towing the extension leaf along with it. A guide rail located on the underside of the extension leaf drops it back to its initial height. The slidable frame is then pushed inwards again, so the extension leaf slides underneath the top panel.
In one embodiment of the present invention the extension mechanism comprises: a main frame having a stationary top panel, a lower frame providing support on a ground surface, and a pair of longitudinal side bars running along two opposing sides of main frame and located a distance below top panel; a sliding frame longitudinally slidable in relation to main frame having a pair of longitudinal side members and a cross member joining each of the side members at an outer end; an extension leaf with a pair of guide rails fixed to an underside, being able to move from an initial position whereby the extension leaf is stored underneath the stationary top panel, to an extended position whereby the extension leaf is located flush alongside the top panel thus creating a continuous table-top surface, and back to the initial position; a means of moving the extension leaf from the initial position to the extended position; and a means of moving the extension leaf from the extended position back to the initial position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an overall view of an extensible table in an embodiment of the present invention in a contracted state.
Figure 2 shows an overall view of an extensible table in an embodiment of the present invention in an extended state.
Figure 3 shows an extension mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention in a contracted state.
Figure 4 shows an extension mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention in a extended state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It should be noted that the following detailed description is directed to an extensible table and mechanism and is not limited to any particular size, shape or configuration of the table.
Referring to Figures 1 to 4, an extensible table in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. A sliding frame (50) is pulled from an initial position in an outwards direction. A pair of guide pins (56) located on each of a pair of side members (52) fixed to two opposing sides of the sliding frame (50) engage a pair of guide rails (42) fixed to an extension leaf (40) thus pulling the extension leaf (40) outwards to a point whereby the extension leaf (40) is clear of the top panel (30) and a rotating pushing block (60). The motion of the sliding frame (50) is then reversed by pushing it inwards toward the top panel (30), thus causing the extension leaf (40) to move inwards as well, until the extension leaf (40) comes into contact with the pushing block (60) which deflects the inward motion of the extension leaf (40) and causes the extension leaf (40) to rise upwards to a height substantially equal that of the top panel (30). The inward motion of the extension leaf (40) is thus halted by the top panel (30). As the sliding frame (50) continues to be pushed inwards, the attached guide pins (56) slide along towards an inner end of the guide rails (42), said guide rails being inclined so that as the guide pins (56) are positioned at said inner end of guide rails (42) the guide pins (56) provide support for the extension leaf (40) at an elevated height substantially equal that of the top panel (30). The inwards motion of a cross member (54) located perpendicular to and joining the ends of the two side members (52) is halted by the extension leaf (40) and such that a top surface of the cross member (54) is flush with a top surface of the extension leaf (40) and a top surface of the top panel (30) thus forming a continuous table top surface in this extended state of the extensible table.
Still referring to Figures 1 to 4, in order to return the extensible table back to its initial, contracted state, the sliding frame (50) is again pulled outwards. The extension leaf (40) is held in place by a hook and does not move in a horizontal direction. The outward movement of the sliding frame (50) in relation to the stationary extension leaf (40) causes the guide pins (56) to slide along to an outer end of the guide rails (42) thus causing the extension leaf (40) to drop by the force of gravity back to its initial height. The outwards motion of the sliding frame (50) is then reversed, and it is pushed inwards before the extension leaf (40) clears the rotating pushing block (60) so that the extension leaf (40) slides back to its initial position underneath the top panel (30). The sliding frame (50) continues to move inwards until the inwards motion of the cross member (54) is halted by the top panel (30) and such that the top surface of the cross member (54) is flush with the top surface of the top panel (30) thus forming a continuous table top surface in this contracted state of the extensible table.
The extension mechanism described here is for the extension of one side of the extensible table. In one embodiment of the present invention, there are two extension mechanisms located at opposing sides of the extensible table.
Similarly, it is understood that the extension mechanism may be used on any or all sides of the extensible table in any configuration.
While several particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

An extensible table comprising:
a main frame (10) having a stationary top panel (30), the main frame (10) providing support on a ground surface;

a sliding frame (50) longitudinally slidable in relation to main frame (10); and

an extension leaf (40) able to move in a reversible and repeatable fashion from an initial state wherein the extension leaf (40) is stored underneath the stationary top panel (30), to an extended state wherein the extension leaf (40) is located flush alongside the top panel (30) thus creating a continuous table-top surfacewhereinthe extension leaf (40) is
(a) movable from the initial state to the extended state in that:
a) the sliding frame (50) is pullable in an outwards direction so that at least one guide pin (56) located on a side member (52), with two side members (52) located longitudinally on opposing ends of the slidable frame (50) engages at least one guide rail (42) fixed to the extension leaf (40) so that the extension leaf (40) slides outwards until a point whereby the extension leaf is entirely clear of the top panel (30) and a rotatable pushing block (60);

b) the sliding frame (50) is pushable inwards until the extension leaf (40) comes into contact with the pushing block (60), the pushing block (60) is adapted to deflect the inward motion of the extension leaf (40) so that it rises up to a height substantially equal to that of the top panel (30), so that the inward motion of the extension leaf (40) is halted by the top panel (30), and the at least one guide pin (56) is slidable along and to an inner end of each of the at least one guide rail (42), the guide rail having an incline such that the positioning of the guide pin (56) at said inner end of the guide rail (42) provides support for the extension leaf (40) at this elevated height; and

c) the sliding frame (50) is further pushable inwards until the inward motion of a cross member (54) located perpendicular to and joining the ends of the two side members (52) is halted by the extension leaf (40) and such that a top surface of the cross member (54) is flush with a top surface of the extension leaf (40) and a top surface of the top panel (30) thus forming a continuous table top surface in this extended state, and/or

(b) movable from the extended state to the initial state in that:
i) the sliding frame (50) is pullable in an outwards direction, and the extension leaf (40) is held in place by a hook (70), so that the outwards motion of the sliding frame (50) in relation to the extension leaf (40) causes the at least one guide pin (56) to slide to an outer end of each of the at least one guide rail (42) so that the guide rail (42) drops down to its initial height;

ii) the outwards motion of the sliding frame (50) is reversible into an inwards motion before an inner end of the extension leaf (40) clears the pushing block (60) so that the extension leaf (40) slides to its initial position underneath the top panel (30); and

iii) the sliding frame (50) is further pushable inwards until the inward motion of the cross member (54) is halted by the top panel (30) and such that the top surface of the cross member (54) is flush with a top surface of the top panel (30) thus forming a continuous table top surface in this contracted state.
An extensible table according to claim 1, wherein there are two guide pins (56) engaged to two guide rails (42) on each side member (52).
An extensible table according to claims 1 or 2 with two opposing sides of the table extensible in this fashion and independently of each other.