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
  • A47B3/02—Folding or stowable tables with foldable cross legs
• • 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
  • A47B3/02—Folding or stowable tables with foldable cross legs
  • A47B2003/025—Folding or stowable tables with foldable cross legs pivoting to a position underneath the tabletop

Definitions

• a folding table with a two position leg lock is described herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures.
• aspects of the folding table include an upper support member, such as a table top or frame, a pair of regular (i.e., non-foldable) legs, and a pair of foldable legs.
• the regular legs and the foldable legs are configured to cooperatively support the table top in a substantially horizontal orientation in a use configuration.
• the folding table includes a pair of notches defined by the lip of the table top. The notches allow the legs to lie substantially flush with the bottom of the lip and provide a generally flat profile while in the storage configuration.
• the foldable legs include a base leg portion that is pivotally connected to one of the leg extensions by foldable leg connectors.
• the base leg portions and the extensions pivot about the connectors moving from the use configuration where lower ends of the base leg portions point in the opposite direction from the upper ends of the leg extensions to a storage configuration where the lower ends of the base leg portions point in the same direction as the upper ends of the leg extensions.
• a lock mechanism allows the foldable legs and the extensions to be selectively fixed in the use configuration or the storage configuration. Aspects of the two position lock mechanism include, by way of example, a lock pin main connector extending from one of the leg extensions. The lock pin is biased to normally extend beyond the outside edge of the leg extension toward the base leg member. An actuator or handle allows an operator to apply a force opposing the bias to retract the lock pin thereby disengaging the lock mechanism.
• a use receptacle and a storage receptacle configured to operatively receive the lock pin are defined by the base leg segment.
• the lock pin and the receptacles lie on the circumference of a circle with a radius, r, and centered on the foldable leg connector.
• the lock pin and the use receptacle are aligned.
• the storage configuration when in the storage configuration, the lock pin and the storage receptacle are aligned.
• the lock pin is operatively engaged with one of the receptacles, the relative positions of the base leg segment and the leg extension become fixed. Because they are connected together and the positions of the their upper ends are locked by the attachment to the table top, the regular legs and the foldable legs cannot move relative to one another, the folding table is locked in the current configuration until released.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the folding table in a use configuration
• FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of the folding table in a storage configuration
• FIG. 3A is a simplified sectional side elevation view of one embodiment of the folding table in the use configuration, taken along section line 3-3;
• FIG. 3B is a simplified sectional side elevation view showing the folding table from FIG. 3A in an intermediate position between the use configuration and the storage configuration;
• FIG. 3C is a simplified sectional side elevation view showing the folding table from FIG. 3A in the storage configuration.
• FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the folding table in the use configuration.
• a folding table with a two position leg lock is described herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures. Aspects of the folding table include a pair of regular, non- foldable legs and a pair of foldable legs that move between a use configuration and a storage configuration.
• the foldable legs incorporate a two position lock mechanism that selectively allows the legs to be locked in either the use configuration where the legs cooperatively support the table top or the storage configuration where the legs are positioned parallel to the table top.
• the table top includes a notched lip that allows the legs to lie substantially flush against the bottom surface of the table top.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the folding table in a use configuration.
• the folding table 100 includes a table top 102, a pair of regular (i.e., non-foldable) legs 104, and a pair of foldable legs 106.
• Each foldable leg 106 includes a base leg segment 108 and a leg extension 110.
• Each fixed (i.e., non-folding) leg 104, base leg segment 108, and leg extension 110 has an upper end 112 and a lower end 114.
• the folding table described herein is suitable for use in variety of folding table implementations, including, without limitation, folding cocktail tables where the length of the legs exceeds the diameter or other relevant dimension the table top 102.
• the folding table 100 is shown in the use configuration.
• the regular legs 104 and the foldable legs 106 are configured to cooperatively support the table top 102 in a substantially horizontal orientation when in the use configuration.
• the upper ends 112 of the regular legs 104 and the leg extensions 110 are connected to the table top 102, either directly or indirectly.
• the lower ends 114 of the regular legs 104 and base leg segments 108 generally engage the ground or other supporting surface when the folding table 100 is in the use configuration.
• Each of the regular legs 104 is operatively connected to one of base leg segments 108 of the foldable legs 106 by main connectors 116 aligned on a first common pivot axis.
• the main connectors 116 are generally located centrally along the regular legs 104. The exact placement of the main connectors 116 varies depending upon the height of the folding table 100 and the spacing between the upper ends 112 of the regular legs 104 and the foldable legs 106.
• the regular legs 104 and foldable legs 106 operate as double levers with the main connectors 116 operating as the fulcrums about which the interconnected legs pivot in a scissor-like manner.
• Each base leg segment 108 of the foldable legs 106 is operatively connected to one of the leg extensions 110 by foldable leg connectors 118 generally aligned on a second common pivot axis.
• the foldable leg connectors 118 are generally located proximate to the upper ends 112 of the base leg segments 108 and proximate to the lower ends 114 of the leg extensions 110. In other words, the foldable leg connectors 118 are to vary the overall length of the foldable legs 106 depending upon the relative orientation of the leg extensions 110 to the base leg segments 108.
• the foldable legs 106 When in the use configuration, the foldable legs 106 are fully extended (i.e., the lower ends 114 of the base leg segments 108 and the leg extensions 110 are oriented in the same direction), and the combined length of the base leg segment 108 from the lower end 114 to the foldable leg connector 118 and the leg extension 110 from the upper end 112 to the connector is substantially equal to the length of the fixed leg 104.
• the base leg segments 108 and the extensions 110 pivot about the connectors 118 moving from the use configuration where lower ends 114 of the base leg segments 108 point in the opposite direction from the upper ends 112 of the leg extensions 110 to a storage configuration where the lower ends 114 of the base leg segments 108 point in the same direction as the upper ends 112 of the leg extensions 110.
• a lock mechanism 122 allows the foldable legs 106 and the extensions 110 to be selectively fixed in the use configuration or the storage configuration.
• each of the fixed legs 104, the base leg segments 108, and the leg extensions 110 on one side of the folding table 100 move independently from those on the other side of the folding table 100.
• one or more optional cross members 120 connect the regular legs 104, base leg segments 108, and leg extensions 110.
• the cross members 120 provide structural stability by fixing the positions of the individual regular legs 104, base leg segments 108, and leg extensions 110 relative to each other. More specifically, the cross members 120 maintain the distance between the individual regular legs 104, base leg segments 108, and leg extensions 110 to facilitate folding and unfolding the table 100 by moving the paired regular legs 104, base leg segments 108, and leg extensions 110 together, which reduces binding on the connectors 116, 118.
• the cross members 120 may also offer ancillary functionality. For example, depending upon position, the cross members 120 may serve as handles for repositioning the legs or carrying the table 100 or footrests.
• the cross member 120 connecting the leg extensions 110 is illustrated as forming a continuous structure with a U-shape, while the cross members 120 connecting the regular legs 104 and the base leg segments 108, respectively, are separate pieces.
• the number and positions of the cross members can be varied for reasons such as, but not limited to, aesthetics, structural integrity, and ancillary functionality.
• the folding table 100 includes a pair of notches 124 defined by the lip 126 of the table top 102.
• the notches 124 allow the legs 104, 106 to lie substantially flush with the bottom of the lip 126 and provide a generally flat profile while in the storage configuration.
• the lip 126 optionally extends below the attachment points where the legs connect to the table top and provides support to keep the legs and attachment points elevated to reduce the risk of damage (e.g., bending) when the bottom of the folding table rests on a supporting surface.
• the lip 126 is optionally sized to substantially match or exceed the thickness of the legs 104, 106 to provide a level base when the folding table 100 is in the storage configuration, which facilitates stacking of the folding tables.
• FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of the folding table 100 in a storage configuration.
• the underside of the table top 102 includes attachment points 202 where the upper ends 112 of the regular legs 104 and the leg extensions 110 are pivotally secured to the table top 102.
• Various types of attachment points may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, two different types of attachment points 202 are implemented.
• the attachment points 202 used with the regular legs 104 are brackets 202a that hold a pivot arm (e.g., a cylindrical tube) 204 that connects the upper ends 112 of the regular legs 104 and defines the pivot axis.
• the brackets 202a provide support and allow the pivot arm 204 to rotate.
• the attachment points 202 used with the leg extensions 110 are tabs 202b with each tab 202b supporting a pivot pin that connects to the upper end of one of the leg extensions 110.
• the attachment points 202 are located on a frame 206 that is attached to and supports the table top 102. In other embodiments, the attachment points 202 are connected directed to the table top 102.
• the table top 102 is optional. This allows the folding table described herein to be implemented as folding table frame with a table top 102 to be added at a later time.
• the term upper support member broadly encompasses a table top, a frame, or combination thereof.
• the regular legs 104 and the foldable legs 106 lie in the same plane. However, the points of origin (i.e., the attachment points 202) for the regular legs 104 and the foldable legs 106 are offset. Because the regular legs 104 and the foldable legs 106 are connected at a fixed location (i.e., main connectors 116), it becomes necessary to compensate for the offset between the points of origin in order place the regular legs 104 and the foldable legs 106 into the storage configuration. By folding the foldable legs 106 at the foldable leg connector 118 such that the lower ends 114 of the base leg segments 108 and the leg extensions 110 are oriented in the opposite directions, the effective length of the foldable legs 106 is reduced to compensate for the offset.
• the legs members 108 have different lengths.
• the additional length of the longer base leg segment 108 is used to implement the lock mechanism 122.
• An example of a suitable lock mechanism 122 is a lock pin main connector extending from one of the leg extensions 110.
• the lock pin 208 is biased to normally extend beyond the outside edge of the leg extension 110 toward the base leg segment 108.
• a captured spring may bias the lock pin 208 toward the extended position.
• An actuator or handle 210 such as the depicted ring, allows an operator to apply a force opposing the bias to retract the lock pin thereby disengaging the lock mechanism 122.
• the lock pin 208 is captured by the leg extension 110 to minimize the risk of loss.
• a permanently mounted locking mechanism 122 is not a requirement and a free lock pin may be used. If desired, the free lock pin may be attached by a cable to minimize the risk of loss.
• Other lock mechanisms such as, detents and other mechanisms for preventing relative movement of two connected members may be used.
• the illustrated embodiment shows the regular legs 104 positioned on the outside of the foldable legs 106 and the leg extensions 110 positioned to the inside of the base leg segments 108.
• Aspects of the folding table 100 are described herein using the depicted leg arrangement to provide a frame of reference. However, the folding table 100 may be suitably implemented using other leg arrangements and, as such, any directional references, such as inward or outward, inside or outside, and the like should not be read as limiting the folding table 100 to the depicted implementation.
• Figures 3A-C are simplified sectional side elevation views, taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2, showing the folding table in various positions and aspects of the lock mechanism 122.
• the arrow B on the base leg segment 108 and arrow E the leg extension 110 point to the upper ends 112 and provide an visual indication of the relative orientations of the segments of the foldable leg 106 in the use configuration (FIG. 3A), an exemplary intermediate position between the use configuration and the storage configuration (FIG. 3B), and the storage configuration (FIG. 3C).
• the lock mechanism 122 includes a lock pin 208 extending from one of the leg extensions 110.
• the lock pin 208 is offset from the foldable leg connector 118 by a selected distance in the direction of the lower end 114 of the leg extension 110.
• the use receptacle 304 is offset from the foldable leg connector 118 by a selected distance in the direction of the lower end 114 of the leg extension 110.
• the storage receptacle 306 is offset from the foldable leg connector 118 by substantially the same distance in the direction of the upper end 112 of the leg extension 110.
• the lock pin 208 and the receptacles 304, 306 lie on the circumference of a circle with a radius, r, and centered on the foldable leg connector 118.
• the lock pin 208 and the use receptacle 304 are aligned, and, when in the use configuration, the lock pin 208 and the storage receptacle 306 are aligned. It will be appreciated that some variation of the distances is permissible within the alignment tolerances of the lock pin 208 and the receptacles 304, 306.
• lock pin 208 is extended but not engaged and may need to be retracted to allow the foldable leg to be placed into the use or storage configuration, as desired.
• the lock pin 208 is operatively engaged with the storage receptacle 306 thereby securing the folding table 100 in the storage configuration.
• the legs are oriented to 104, 106 point away from the fixed leg attachment point 302a.
• the base leg segment 108 and the leg extension 110 are parallel but oriented in opposite directions to provide the minimum length for the foldable leg 106.
• the minimum length of the foldable leg 106 combined with the distance between the fixed leg attachment point 302a and the foldable leg attachment point 302b is the same as the length of the fixed leg 104.
• the fixed leg 104 is behind the foldable leg 106 and is not visible.
• Figure 4 is a rear elevation view of the folding table.
• the illustrated embodiment includes a set of tab stops 402 attached to the rear of the base leg segments 108.
• the tab stops 402 extend inward toward the leg extensions 110.
• the tab stops 402 contact the rear surface of the leg extensions 110 and prevent further movement. This protects the foldable leg 106 from rotating beyond the position of the use configuration during deployment.
• any particular embodiment or implementation of the folding table 100 may selectively include or omit independent and optional features, such as and without limitation, the table top 102, the cross members 120, the notches 124, the lip 126, the frame 206, and the tab stops 402.

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• 2015
  • 2015-06-08 US US14/733,229 patent/US20160353875A1/en not_active Abandoned
• 2016
  • 2016-06-07 ES ES16806977T patent/ES2855898T3/es active Active
  • 2016-06-07 PL PL16806977T patent/PL3405070T3/pl unknown
  • 2016-06-07 EP EP16806977.1A patent/EP3405070B1/de active Active
  • 2016-06-07 WO PCT/IB2016/053328 patent/WO2016199014A1/en active Application Filing

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