EP4585102A1

EP4585102A1 - An extensible table

Info

Publication number: EP4585102A1
Application number: EP24210953.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Morten Svendsen
Original assignee: Pbj Mobler Aps
Current assignee: Pbj Mobler Aps
Priority date: 2024-01-12
Filing date: 2024-11-05
Publication date: 2025-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 2044-11-05
Also published as: EP4585102C0; DK181904B1; EP4585102B1; DK202430017A1

Abstract

An extensible table (100) is described. The table comprises a frame (4), a primary tabletop (6), a secondary tabletop (8), a tertiary tabletop (10), and a plurality of legs (12). The primary tabletop (6) is having an extension in a first horizontal direction (X) and an extension in a second horizontal direction (Y). The primary tabletop (6) comprises separatable first part (6a) and a second part (6b), being connected to end rails (14a,14b) and (16a,16b) respectively. The end rails (14a,14b) and (16a,16b) are connected to each other via intermediate rails (18a,18b), respectively. The secondary tabletop (8) and the tertiary tabletop (10) comprises a first plate (8a, 10a) respectively and a second plate (8b, 10b) respectively being hinged to each other by one or more hinges (8c) at respective rims thereof; thereby enabling the secondary and tertiary tabletops (8,10) to shift configuration between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, and vice versa. The table comprises secondary and tertiary suspension means (20,22) having respective first legs (20a,22a) and a second legs (20b,22b) being connected to each other by a pivot joint (20c,22c), and the first leg (20a,22a) is being fastened to a first side of the first/second plate (8a, 10a) respectively of the secondary/tertiary tabletop (8,10) respectively. The second leg (20b) of the secondary suspension means (20) is being fastened to the first end rail (14a), and the second leg (22b) of the tertiary suspension means (22) is being fastened to the second end rail (16b). When the table is being in its collapsed configuration, the first leg (20a) of the secondary suspension means (20) and said first leg (22a) of the tertiary suspension means (22) are being arranged at different vertical levels, thereby enabling accommodation of the secondary tabletop (8) and the tertiary tabletop (10) on top of each other and below the primary tabletop (6) when being in their folded configuration and when the extensible table is in its collapsed configuration.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of furniture. More specifically, the present invention relates in a first aspect to an extensible table. In a second aspect the present invention relates to a use of such table. In a third aspect the present invention relates to a method for converting a table from having relatively small exposed tabletop area to having a relatively large, exposed tabletop area. In a fourth aspect the present invention relates to a method for converting a table from having relatively large exposed tabletop area to having a relative small exposed tabletop area.

Background of the invention

In private homes and in offices it is advantageous to be able to seat a relatively large number of people at a dining table or a conference table or the like.
However, for obvious reasons such tables also take up a relatively large area of space and hence may not be practical in daily use in situations involving no necessity to seat such a relatively large number of people.
In order to solve this problem, tables have been provided which include conversion means for allowing a table to shift configuration from an expanded configuration in which the tabletop is having a relatively large area and a collapsed configuration in which the tabletop is having a relatively small area, and vice versa.
One of such extendible tables is disclosed in applicant's earlier patent applications EP 3 995 046 A1 .
EP 3 995 046 A1 discloses an extensible table comprising a frame which supports a primary tabletop. The primary tabletop is attached to the frame in such a way that the primary tabletop can be displaced in a longitudinal direction, relative to the frame. Below the primary tabletop is arranged an auxiliary tabletop comprising a first plate and a second plate which are being hinged together. When the primary tabletop has been displaced in a longitudinal direction, the auxiliary tabletop can be accessed and be brought into an unfolded configuration so that the auxiliary tabletop in its unfolded configuration will appear as an elongation of the primary tabletop.
Although the table disclosed in EP 3 995 046 A1 solves the problem of providing flexibility in relation to altering the magnitude of the area of the tabletop of a dining table or a conference table, the table disclosed in this publication nevertheless presents some disadvantages.
One of these disadvantages of the table disclosed in EP 3 995 046 A1 is that as only one auxiliary tabletop is arranged below the primary tabletop when the extensible table is in its collapsed state, the magnitude of possible extension of the table, when bringing the table form its collapsed configuration to its expanded configuration, is rather limited.
Another example of an extensible tale is disclosed in US 1,540,127 . This document discloses an extensible table comprising a frame, a first tabletop, a second tabletop and a third tabletop. The second and the third tabletop are configured to be folded and accommodated below the first tabletop when the table is in its collapsed configuration. The frame comprises a rail system comprising rails which are able to be slit along each other. The second tabletop comprises two mutually hinged parts which via brackets are connected to one rail of the rail system. Likewise, the third tabletop comprises two mutually hinged parts which via brackets are connected to another rail of the rail system. Hereby the second tabletop and the third tabletop are being hinged to rails at the same side of the table. US 1,540,127 does not disclose that the second tabletop and the third tabletop, respectively, are configured to be slit in relation to their respective associated brackets.
In general, it is a problem to achieve a sufficient magnitude of extension of collapsible tables, when the table is of the type having a tabletop having a circular or oval shape (in its collapsed configuration).
This is because the auxiliary tabletop which is being accommodated below the primary tabletop when the table is in its collapsed configuration inherently will have to have a rectangular shape in order to act as an extension of the primary tabletop, and because of this, in respect of a round or oval table (in its collapsed configuration) there is only a limited range of positions along a longitudinal direction of the table at which the auxiliary table may be accommodated below the primary tabletop (in its collapsed configuration) when the auxiliary tabletop is to be concealed below the primary tabletop so that its corners are not visible at and below the rounded end rim of the primary tabletop.
Hence, in respect of an extensible table having in its collapsed configuration, a round or oval shape, the auxiliary tabletop cannot reach all the way to the longitudinal end of primary tabletop when this auxiliary tabletop is accommodated under the primary tabletop when the table is in its collapsed state.
Accordingly, there exist a need for an extensible table which allows for obtaining a larger magnitude of extension when the table is being brought from its collapsed configuration to its expanded configuration.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide technologies fulfilling this need.

Brief description of the invention

This objective is fulfilled according to the present invention in its various aspects.
Accordingly, the present invention relates in a first aspect to an extensible table being configured to be able to shift its configuration between an extended configuration in which the exposed tabletop of the table is having a relatively large area, and a collapsed configuration in which the exposed tabletop is having a relatively small area, and vice versa;

wherein said table in the orientation intended during use comprises:
- a frame;
- a primary tabletop;
- a secondary tabletop;
- a tertiary tabletop; and
- a plurality of legs;
wherein said primary tabletop is having an extension in a first horizontal direction and an extension in a second horizontal direction, wherein said second horizontal direction is being perpendicular to said first horizontal direction;
wherein said primary tabletop comprises a first part and a second part; said first part and said second part are being separatable from each other;
wherein said frame comprises a first set of end rails, a second set of end rails and a set of intermediate rails; wherein said rails of said first set of end rails, said second set of end rails and said set of intermediate rails are having an extension parallel to said first horizontal direction;
wherein said first set of end rails comprises a first end rail and a second end rail, wherein said first end rail and said second end rail of said first set of end rails are being attached to said first part of said primary tabletop at an underside thereof;
wherein said second set of end rails comprises a first end rail and a second end rail, wherein said first end rail and said second end rail of said second set of end rails are being attached to said second part of said primary tabletop at an underside thereof;
wherein said set of intermediate rails comprises a first intermediate rail and a second intermediate rail; wherein said first intermediate rail is displaceably connected to said first end rail of said first set of end rails and to said first end rail of said second set of end rails; and wherein said second intermediate rail is displaceable connected to said second end rail of said first set of end rails and to said second end rail of said second set of end rails, thereby enabling sliding said first and second intermediate rails in relation to said first set of end rails and in relation to said second set of end rails along the longitudinal direction thereof;
wherein said secondary tabletop comprises a first plate and a second plate, wherein said first plate and said second plate of said secondary tabletop are being hinged to each other by one or more hinges at respective rims thereof; thereby enabling said secondary tabletop to shift its configuration between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, and vice versa;
wherein said tertiary tabletop comprises a first plate and a second plate, wherein said first plate and said second plate of said tertiary tabletop are being hinged to each other by one or more hinges at respective rims thereof; thereby enabling said tertiary tabletop to shift its configuration between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, and vice versa;
wherein said extensible table comprises secondary suspension means having a first leg and a second leg being connected to each other by a secondary pivot joint, wherein said first leg of said secondary suspension means is being fastened to a first side of said first plate of said secondary tabletop; and wherein said second leg of said secondary suspension means is being fastened to said first end rail of said first set of end rails;
wherein said extensible table comprises tertiary suspension means having a first leg and a second leg being connected to each other by a tertiary pivot joint, wherein said first leg of said tertiary suspension means is being fastened to a first side of said first plate of said tertiary tabletop; and wherein said second leg of said tertiary suspension means is being fastened to said second end rail of said second set of end rails;
wherein, when said extensible table is being in its collapsed configuration said first leg of said secondary suspension means and said first leg of said tertiary suspension are being arranged at different vertical levels, thereby enabling accommodation of said secondary tabletop and said tertiary tabletop on top of each other and below said primary tabletop when being in their folded configuration and when said extensible table is in said collapsed configuration;
characterized in that said first leg of said secondary suspension means is being attached to said first side of said first plate of said secondary tabletop in a way that enable said secondary tabletop to slide along said secondary suspension means in a direction parallel to said first horizontal direction; and/or in that said first leg of said tertiary suspension means is being attached to said first side of said first plate of said tertiary tabletop in a way that enable said tertiary tabletop to slide along said tertiary suspension means in a direction parallel to said first horizontal direction.

In a second aspect the present invention provides a use of an extensible table according to the first aspect of the invention for providing flexibility in relation to altering the exposed tabletop area of a table.
In a third aspect the present invention provides a method for converting a table from having a relatively small exposed tabletop area to having a relatively large exposed tabletop area, said method comprising the steps of:

i) providing a table according to the first aspect of the invention in its collapsed configuration;
ii) pulling apart said first part and said second part of said primary tabletop in a direction parallel to said first horizontal direction, thereby exposing said secondary tabletop and said tertiary tabletop;
iii unfolding said secondary tabletop by rotation of said first plate and said second plate of said secondary tabletop, relative to each other around said one or more hinges thereof and bringing the top surface of said secondary tabletop in level with the top surface of said primary tabletop;
iv) unfolding said tertiary tabletop by rotation of said first plate and said second plate of said tertiary tabletop, relative to each other around said one or more hinges thereof and bringing the top surface of said tertiary tabletop in level with the top surface of said primary tabletop;
v) arranging said secondary tabletop so as to abut said first part of said primary tabletop;
vi) arranging said tertiary tabletop so as to abut said second part of said primary tabletop;
vii) pushing together said first part and said second part of said primary tabletop in order to bring the table into its final expanded configuration.

In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a method for converting a table from having a relatively large exposed tabletop area to having a relatively small exposed tabletop area, said method comprising the steps of:

a) providing a table according to the first aspect of the invention in its expanded configuration;
b) pulling apart said first part and said second part of said primary tabletop in a direction parallel to said first horizontal direction;
c) folding said secondary tabletop by rotation of said first plate and said second plate of said secondary tabletop, relative to each other around said one or more hinges thereof; and folding said tertiary tabletop by rotation of said first plate and said second plate of said tertiary tabletop, relative to each other around said one or more hinges thereof, and additionally bringing the folded secondary tabletop and the folded tertiary tabletop into different vertical levels below the level of the primary tabletop.
d) pushing together said first part and said second part of said primary tabletop in order to bring the table into its final collapsed configuration, where said secondary tabletop and said tertiary tabletop are being arranged on top of each other and below the vertical level of the primary tabletop.

The present invention in its various aspects provides for achieving a larger magnitude of extension, in a longitudinal direction of the table, when the table is being brought from its collapsed configuration to its expanded configuration.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1 is an illustration, illustrating in a perspective view the extensible table according to the present invention in its collapsed configuration.
Fig. 2 is an illustration, illustrating in a perspective view the extensible table of Fig. 1 in its expanded configuration.
Fig. 3 is an illustration, illustrating in a perspective view the extensible table according to the present invention in a state where the two parts of the primary tabletop is about to be separated.
Fig. 4 is an illustration, illustrating in a perspective view the extensible table according to the present invention in a state where the two parts of the primary tabletop has been fully separated, thereby exposing the secondary tabletop as well as the tertiary tabletop.
Fig. 5 is an illustration, illustrating in a perspective view part of a suspension means for suspending the secondary tabletop of the table as seen from below the secondary tabletop.
Fig. 6 is another illustration, illustrating in a perspective view part of a suspension means for suspending the secondary tabletop of the table as seen from an end of the secondary tabletop.
Fig. 7 is yet another illustration, illustrating a part of a suspension means for suspending the secondary tabletop of the table as seen from another perspective.
Fig. 8a is a drawing, illustrating in an end view the situation of accommodating the secondary tabletop and the tertiary tabletop in their folded configuration below the primary tabletop of the extensible table of the present invention.
Fig. 8b is a drawing, illustrating in an end view the situation of Fig. 8a where the secondary tabletop has been unfolded and arranged on top of the frame of the table.
Fig. 8c is a drawing, illustrating in an end view a similar situation as that of Fig. 8b where the tertiary tabletop has been unfolded and arranged on top of the frame of the table.
Fig. 9 is an illustration illustrating in a perspective view the extensible table according to the present invention in a state where the secondary tabletop and the tertiary tabletop have been brought into a position where they rest in the frame of the table, still with the secondary tabletop and the tertiary tabletop still in their folded configuration.
Fig. 10 is an illustration, illustrating in a perspective view the situation of Fig. 9, where the secondary tabletop and the tertiary tabletop are in the process of being unfolded.
Fig. 11 is an illustration, illustrating in a perspective view the situation of Fig. 10, where the secondary tabletop and the tertiary tabletop have been fully unfolded.

Detailed description of the invention

The first aspect of the present invention

The present invention relates in a first aspect to an extensible table 100 being configured to be able to shift its configuration between an extended configuration in which the exposed tabletop 2 of the table is having a relatively large area, and a collapsed configuration in which the exposed tabletop 2 is having a relatively small area, and vice versa;

wherein said table in the orientation intended during use comprises:
- a frame 4;
- a primary tabletop 6;
- a secondary tabletop 8;
- a tertiary tabletop 10; and
- a plurality of legs 12;
wherein said primary tabletop 6 is having an extension in a first horizontal direction X and an extension in a second horizontal direction Y, wherein said second horizontal direction Y is being perpendicular to said first horizontal direction X;
wherein said primary tabletop 6 comprises a first part 6a and a second part 6b; said first part 6a and said second part 6b are being separatable from each other;
wherein said frame 4 comprises a first set 14 of end rails, a second set 16 of end rails and a set 18 of intermediate rails; wherein said rails of said first set 14 of end rails, said second set 16 of end rails and said set 18 of intermediate rails are having an extension parallel to said first horizontal direction X;
wherein said first set 14 of end rails comprises a first end rail 14a and a second end rail 14b, wherein said first end rail 14a and said second end rail 14b of said first set 14 of end rails are being attached to said first part 6a of said primary tabletop 6 at an underside thereof;
wherein said second set 16 of end rails comprises a first end rail 16a and a second end rail 16b, wherein said first end rail 16a and said second end rail 16b of said second set 16 of end rails are being attached to said second part 6b of said primary tabletop 6 at an underside thereof;
wherein said set 18 of intermediate rails comprises a first intermediate rail 18a and a second intermediate rail 18b; wherein said first intermediate rail 18a is displaceable connected to said first end rail 14a of said first set 14 of end rails and to said first end rail 16a of said second set 16 of end rails; and wherein said second intermediate rail 18b is displaceable connected to said second end rail 14b of said first set 14 of end rails and to said second end rail 16b of said second set 16 of end rails, thereby enabling sliding said first and second intermediate rails 18a,18b in relation to said first set 14 of end rails 14a,14b and in relation to said second set 16 of end rails 16a, 16b along the longitudinal direction X thereof;
wherein said secondary tabletop 8 comprises a first plate 8a and a second plate 8b, wherein said first plate 8a and said second plate 8b of said secondary tabletop 8 are being hinged to each other by one or more hinges 8c at respective rims thereof; thereby enabling said secondary tabletop 8 to shift its configuration between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, and vice versa;
wherein said tertiary tabletop 10 comprises a first plate 10a and a second plate 10b, wherein said first plate 10a and said second plate 10b of said tertiary tabletop 10 are being hinged to each other by one or more hinges 10c at respective rims thereof; thereby enabling said tertiary tabletop 10 to shift its configuration between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, and vice versa;
wherein said extensible table comprises secondary suspension means 20 having a first leg 20a and a second leg 20b being connected to each other by a secondary pivot joint 20c, wherein said first leg 20a of said secondary suspension means 20 is being fastened to a first side of said first plate 8a of said secondary tabletop 8; and wherein said second leg 20b of said secondary suspension means 20 is being fastened to said first end rail 14a of said first set 14 of end rails;
wherein said extensible table comprises tertiary suspension means 22 having a first leg 22a and a second leg 22b being connected to each other by a tertiary pivot joint 22c, wherein said first leg 22a of said tertiary suspension means 22 is being fastened to a first side of said first plate 10a of said tertiary tabletop 10; and wherein said second leg 22b of said tertiary suspension means 22 is being fastened to said second end rail 16b of said second set 16 of end rails;
wherein, when said extensible table is being in its collapsed configuration said first leg 20a of said secondary suspension means 20 and said first leg 22a of said tertiary suspension means 22 are being arranged at different vertical levels, thereby enabling accommodation of said secondary tabletop 8 and said tertiary tabletop 10 on top of each other and below said primary tabletop 6 when being in their folded configuration and when said extensible table is in said collapsed configuration;
characterized in that said first leg 20a of said secondary suspension means 20 is being attached to said first side of said first plate 8a of said secondary tabletop 8 in a way that enable said secondary tabletop 8 to slide along said secondary suspension means 20 in a direction parallel to said first horizontal direction X; and/or in that said first leg 22a of said tertiary suspension means 22 is being attached to said first side of said first plate 10a of said tertiary tabletop 10 in a way that enable said tertiary tabletop 10 to slide along said tertiary suspension means 22 in a direction parallel to said first horizontal direction X.

The latter feature allows the secondary tabletop 8 and the tertiary tabletop 10 to be slit in relation to each other in the first horizontal direction X of the table.
In the present description and in the appended claims the terms "relatively large" and "relatively small" shall be construed to be seen in relation to each other. In this way the term "relatively large" means larger than "relatively small".
In the present description and in the appended claims the term "first horizontal direction (X)" shall be construed to mean a horizontal direction which is parallel to the length direction of the tabletop of the extensible table, when this table is in its expanded configuration.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the first side of said first plate 8a of said secondary tabletop 8 comprises a secondary bracket 24 comprising a hollow channel 26 having an extension parallel to said first horizontal direction X, and wherein said first leg 20a of said secondary suspension means 20 comprises an elongate rod 28 being pivotally and displaceable accommodated in said hollow channel 26; and/or said first side of said first plate 10a of said tertiary tabletop 10 comprises a tertiary bracket 24 comprising a hollow channel 26 having an extension parallel to said first horizontal direction X, and wherein said first leg 22a of said tertiary suspension means 22 comprises an elongate rod 28 being pivotally and displaceable accommodated in said hollow channel 26.
This embodiment provides in a simple way the functional feature of allowing the secondary tabletop 8 and the tertiary tabletop 10 to be slit in relation to each other in the first horizontal direction X of the table.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the first end rail 14a of the first set 14 of end rails comprises an inner side 14a' and an outer side 14a", wherein the second end rail 14b of the first set 14 of end rails comprises an inner side 14b' and an outer side 14b", wherein the first end rail 16a of the second set 16 of end rails comprises an inner side 16a' and an outer side 16a", and wherein the second end rail 16b of the second set 16 of end rails comprises an inner side 16b' and an outer side 16b";

wherein the first intermediate rail 18a comprises an inner side 18a' and an outer side 18a", and wherein the second intermediate rail 18b comprises an inner side 18b' and an outer side 18b'';
wherein said inner side 18a' of said first intermediate rail 18a is being attached to said outer side 14a" of said first end rail 14a of said first set 14 of end rails; and wherein said outer side 18a" of said first intermediate rail 18a is being attached to said inner side 16a' of said first end rail 16a of said second set 16 of end rails; and wherein said outer side 18b" of said second intermediate rail 18b is being attached to said inner side 14b' of said second end rail 14b of said first set 14 of end rails; and wherein said inner side 18b' of said second intermediate rail 18b is being attached to said outer side 16b" of said second end rail 16b of said second set 16 of end rails.

In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the second leg 20b of said secondary suspension means 20 is being attached to said first end rail 14a of said first set 14 of end rails at an inner side 14a' thereof; and wherein said second leg 22b of said tertiary suspension means 22 is being attached to said second end rail 16b of said second set 16 of end rails at an inner side 16b' thereof.
In these two embodiments, the secondary tabletop 8 will be hinged to an inner rail 14a in one side and in one end of the table, whereas the tertiary tabletop 10 will be hinged to an inner rail 16b in the opposite side and in the opposite end of the table.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention a support 30 for supporting the secondary tabletop 8 and the tertiary tabletop 10 is being arranged between the first intermediate rail 18a and the second intermediate rail 18b, such as at an underside thereof.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the support 30 is being in the form of a plate or in the form of an array of elongate elements, such as in the form of an array of parallelly arranged elongate elements.
The support 30 will provide support for the secondary tabletop 8 and the tertiary tabletop 10 when these are being accommodated under the primary tabletop when the table is in its collapsed configuration.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the dimensions, the geometry and the position of said secondary suspensions means 20, relative to said first side of said first plate 8a of said secondary tabletop 8 and relative to said first end rail 14a of said first set 14 of end rails are adapted in such a way that when said secondary tabletop 8 is being in its unfolded configuration and when said extensible table is in its expanded configuration, the vertical level of the top surface of said secondary tabletop 8 corresponds to the vertical level of the top surface of said primary tabletop 6 and/or the dimensions, the geometry and the position of said tertiary suspensions means 22, relative to said first side of said first plate 10a of said tertiary tabletop 10 and relative to said second end rail 16b of said second set 16 of end rails are adapted in such a way that when said tertiary tabletop 10 is being in its unfolded configuration and when said extensible table is in its expanded configuration, the vertical level of the top surface of said tertiary tabletop 10 corresponds to the vertical level of the top surface of said primary tabletop 6.
Hereby, the table, when being in its expanded configuration will have an aesthetic appearance.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the secondary tabletop 8 is configured in such a way that the folding and unfolding of said secondary tabletop 8 may be brought about by rotation of the first plate 8a relative to the second plate 8b of said secondary tabletop 8 around a hinge axis A of said hinge(s) 8c which is parallel to said first horizontal direction X; and/or said tertiary tabletop 10 is configured in such a way that the folding and unfolding of said tertiary tabletop 10 may be brought about by rotation of the first plate 10a relative to the second plate 10b of said tertiary tabletop 10 around a hinge axis A of said hinge(s) 10c which is parallel to said first horizontal direction X.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the extension, in said second horizontal direction Y, of said secondary tabletop 8 in its unfolded configuration is having the same magnitude as the maximum extension, in said second horizontal direction Y, of said primary tabletop 6 and/or the extension, in said second horizontal direction Y, of said tertiary tabletop 10 in its unfolded configuration is having the same magnitude as the maximum extension, in said second horizontal direction Y, of said primary tabletop 6.
Hereby, the table, when being in its expanded configuration will have an aesthetic appearance.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the primary tabletop 6 in its collapsed configuration is having the shape of a circle, an oval or a rectangle, such as a square.
The present invention is particularly useful in respect of tables having, in their collapsed configuration, a tabletop having the shape of a circle or an oval.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention, when being in its collapsed configuration, a surface of said first plate 8a of said secondary tabletop 8 is facing a surface of said second plate 8b of said secondary tabletop 8; and a surface of said first plate 10a of said tertiary tabletop 10 is facing a surface of said second plate 10b of said tertiary tabletop 10.
Hereby the secondary tabletop 8 and the tertiary tabletop 10 may appear in a compact state.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention, when being in its expanded configuration, an upper surface of said first part 6a and said second part 6b of said primary tabletop 6, an upper surface of said secondary tabletop 8 and an upper surface of said tertiary tabletop 10 are being defining a common plane.
Hereby, the table, when being in its expanded configuration will have an aesthetic appearance.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention, when being in its expanded configuration, an edge of said secondary tabletop 8 is abutting an edge of said tertiary tabletop 10; an edge of said first part 6a of said primary tabletop 6 is either abutting an edge of said secondary tabletop 8 or of said tertiary tabletop 10, and an edge of said second part 6b of said primary tabletop 6 is either abutting an edge of said secondary tabletop 8 or of said tertiary tabletop 10.
Hereby the tabletop 2,6,8,10 of the table 100 will form an coherent entity.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the extension, in said second horizontal direction Y, of said first plate 8a of said secondary tabletop 8 is having the same magnitude as the extension, in said second horizontal direction Y, of said second plate 8b of said secondary tabletop 8.
Hereby, the table, when being in its expanded configuration will have an aesthetic appearance.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the extension, in said second horizontal direction Y, of said first plate 10a of said tertiary tabletop 10 is having the same magnitude as the extension, in said second horizontal direction Y, of said second plate 10b of said tertiary tabletop 10.
Hereby, the table, when being in its expanded configuration will have an aesthetic appearance.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the table in its collapsed configuration is a round or an oval table, and wherein the ratio L : 1 is selected from the ranges of 1.4 - 2.1, such as 1.5 - 2.0, for example 1.6 - 1.9, such as 1.7 - 1.8, wherein said parameter "L" denotes the extension, in said first horizontal direction X, of the tabletop 2 of said table in its expanded configuration, and wherein said parameter "I" denotes the extension, in said first horizontal direction X, of the tabletop 2 of said table in its collapsed configuration.
These ranges illustrate the possible magnitude of extension of the table 100, in the first horizontal direction X, when converting the table from its collapsed configuration to its expanded configuration.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the table in its collapsed configuration is a rectangular table, and wherein the ratio L : 1 is selected from the ranges of 1.7 - 3.0, such as 1.8 - 2.9, for example 1.9 - 2.8, such as 2.0 - 2.7, such as 2.1 - 2.6, for example 2.2 - 2.5 or e.g. 2.3 - 2.4, wherein said parameter "L" denotes the extension, in said first horizontal direction X, of the tabletop 2 of said table in its expanded configuration, and wherein said parameter "I" denotes the extension, in said first horizontal direction X, of the tabletop 2 of said table in its collapsed configuration.
These ranges illustrate the possible magnitude of extension of the table 100, in the first horizontal direction X, when converting the table from its collapsed configuration to its expanded configuration.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the extension, in said second horizontal direction Y, of said secondary tabletop 8 in its unfolded configuration is having the same magnitude as the extension, in said second horizontal direction Y, of said tertiary tabletop 10 in its unfolded configuration.
Hereby, the table, when being in its expanded configuration will have an aesthetic appearance.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the secondary pivot joint 20c of said secondary suspension means 20 is defining a pivot axis B which is being parallel to said first horizontal direction X; and/or the tertiary pivot joint 22c of said tertiary suspension means 22 is defining a pivot axis B which is being parallel to said first horizontal direction X.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the first part 6a and said second part 6b of said primary tabletop are being separatable along a linear separation line S, such as along a separation line S which is being parallel to said second horizontal direction Y.
Hereby, the table, when being in its expanded configuration will have an aesthetic appearance.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the vertical level of the fastening position of said second leg 20b of said secondary suspension means 20 on said first end rail 14a of said first set 14 of end rails is different from the vertical level of the fastening position of said second leg 22b of said tertiary suspension means 22 on said second end rail 16b of said second set 16 of end rails, thereby making said first leg 20a of said secondary suspension means 20 and said first leg 22a of said tertiary suspension means 22 be arranged at different vertical levels when said secondary tabletop 8 and said tertiary tabletop 10 are being in their folded configuration and when said extensible table is in said collapsed configuration.
Hereby the secondary tabletop 8 and the tertiary tabletop 10 can be arranged at two different vertical levels which also allows the secondary tabletop 8 and the tertiary tabletop 10 to be arranged on top of each other.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the first leg 20a of said secondary suspension means 20 comprises an L-shaped element, and wherein said second leg 20b of said secondary suspension means 20 comprises an L-shaped element; wherein said two L-shaped elements are connected to each other at respective ends thereof in said secondary pivot joint 20c; and wherein said first leg 22a of said tertiary suspension means 22 comprises an L-shaped element, and wherein said second leg 22b of said tertiary suspension means 22 comprises an L-shaped element; wherein said two L-shaped elements are connected to each other at respective ends thereof in said tertiary pivot joint 22c.
This embodiment represents a simple design of the secondary suspension means 20 and the tertiary suspension means 22.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the extensible table comprises 3, 4, 6 or 8 legs 12.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the each said leg 12 independently is being fastened to said first part 6a of said primary tabletop 6, said second part 6b of said primary tabletop 6 or to said frame 4, such as to an end rail 14a, 14b of said first set 14 of end rails or to an end rail 16a, 16b of said second set 16 of end rails.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the table is in the form of a dining table having a height of 60 - 80 cm; or is in the form of a coffee table having a height of 40 - 60 cm.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention, in its collapsed configuration, the extension, in said first horizontal direction X, of said primary tabletop 6, is 75 - 300 cm, such as 100 - 275 cm, for example. 125 - 250 cm, e.g. 150 - 225 cm, such as 175 - 200 cm.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention, in its collapsed configuration, the extension, in said second horizontal direction Y, of said primary tabletop 6, is 50 - 225 cm, such as 75 - 200 cm, e.g. 100 - 175 cm, for example 125 - 150 cm.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the extension, in said first horizontal direction X, of said secondary tabletop 8 is 50 - 225 cm, such as 75 - 200 cm, for example 100 - 175 cm, such as 125 - 150 cm; and/or wherein the extension, in said first horizontal direction X, of said tertiary tabletop 10 is 50 - 225 cm, such as 75 - 200 cm, for example 100 - 175 cm, such as 125 - 150 cm.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the table comprises one or more locks 32 for locking the secondary tabletop 8 to the primary tabletop 6 or to the tertiary tabletop 10 and/or for locking the tertiary tabletop 10 to the primary tabletop 6 or to the secondary tabletop 8.
Hereby a sturdier table is attained.
In an embodiment of the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention the lock comprises a locking bracket 34 being arranged at an underside of said primary tabletop 6, said secondary tabletop 8 and/or of said tertiary tabletop 10, wherein said locking bracket 34 is being fastened to said tabletop 6,8,10 via a fastening screw 38; wherein said locking bracket comprises a cut-out 36; thereby enabling said locking bracket 34 to rotate around said fastening screw 38 so as to make said cut-out engage with a locking screw which is arranged at an adjacent tabletop 8,10,6, at an underside thereof.

The second aspect of the present invention

In a second aspect the present invention relates to a use of an extensible table 100 according to the first aspect of the invention for providing flexibility in relation to altering the exposed tabletop area of a table.

The third aspect of the present invention

In the third aspect the present invention relates to a method for converting a table from having a relatively small exposed tabletop area to having a relatively large exposed tabletop area, said method comprising the steps of:

i) providing an extensible table 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention in its collapsed configuration;
ii) pulling apart said first part 6a and said second part 6b of said primary tabletop 6 in a direction parallel to said first horizontal direction X, thereby exposing said secondary tabletop 8 and said tertiary tabletop 10;
iii unfolding said secondary tabletop 8 by rotation of said first plate 8a and said second plate 8b of said secondary tabletop 8, relative to each other around said one or more hinges 8c thereof and bringing the top surface of said secondary tabletop 8 in level with the top surface of said primary tabletop 6;
iv) unfolding said tertiary tabletop 10 by rotation of said first plate 10a and said second plate 10b of said tertiary tabletop 10, relative to each other around said one or more hinges 10c thereof and bringing the top surface of said tertiary tabletop 10 in level with the top surface of said primary tabletop 6;
v) arranging said secondary tabletop 8 so as to abut said first part 6a of said primary tabletop 6;
vi) arranging said tertiary tabletop 10 so as to abut said second part 6b of said primary tabletop 6;
vii) pushing together said first part 6a and said second part 6b of said primary tabletop 6 in order to bring the table into its final expanded configuration.

The fourth aspect of the present invention

In the fourth aspect the present invention relates to a method for converting a table from having a relatively large exposed tabletop area to having a relatively small exposed tabletop area, said method comprising the steps of:

a) providing an extensible table 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention in its expanded configuration;
b) pulling apart said first part 6a and said second part 6b of said primary tabletop 6 in a direction parallel to said first horizontal direction X;
c) folding said secondary tabletop 8 by rotation of said first plate 8a and said second plate 8b of said secondary tabletop 8, relative to each other around said one or more hinges 8c thereof; and folding said tertiary tabletop 10 by rotation of said first plate 10a and said second plate 10b of said tertiary tabletop 10, relative to each other around said one or more hinges 10c thereof, and additionally bringing the folded secondary tabletop 8 and the folded tertiary tabletop 10 into different vertical levels below the level of the primary tabletop 6.
d) pushing together said first part 6a and said second part 6b of said primary tabletop in order to bring the table into its final collapsed configuration, where said secondary tabletop 8 and said tertiary tabletop 10 are being arranged on top of each other and below the vertical level of the primary tabletop 6.

Referring now to the drawings for better illustrating the present invention, Fig. 1 is an illustration illustrating in a perspective view the extensible table according to the present invention in its collapsed configuration.
Fig. 1 shows the extensible table 100 which in its collapsed state is having a round tabletop 2 comprising a primary tabletop 6 which comprises a first part 6a and a second part 6b. The first part 6a and the second part 6b of the primary tabletop 6 can be separated along a linear separation line S.
Fig. 2 is an illustration illustrating in a perspective view the extensible table of Fig. 1 in its expanded configuration.
Fig. 2 shows that the table 100 in this configuration has been extended by a secondary tabletop 8 and a tertiary tabletop 10.
The secondary tabletop 8 comprises a first part 8a and a second part 8b. Likewise, the tertiary tabletop 10 comprises a first part 10a and a second part 10b.
Hinges 8c connects the first part 8a and a second part 8b of the secondary tabletop 8 so that these parts 8a,8b can be folded so that their respective top surfaces face each other. Likewise, hinges 10c connects the first part 10a and a second part 10b of the secondary tabletop 10 so that these parts 10a, 10b can be folded so that their respective top surfaces face each other. This situation is shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 3 is an illustration illustrating in a perspective view the extensible table according to the present invention in a state where the two parts 6a,6b of the primary tabletop are about to be separated, thereby exposing the secondary tabletop 8 and the tertiary tabletop 10 which are being accommodated below the level of the primary tabletop 6.
Fig. 3 shows that the secondary tabletop 8 in its folded configuration is being accommodated above the level of the tertiary tabletop 10 in its folded configuration, and that both the secondary tabletop 8 and the tertiary tabletop 10 are being accommodated below the level of the primary tabletop.
Fig. 4 is an illustration illustrating in a perspective view the extensible table according to the present invention in a state where the two parts of the primary tabletop has been fully separated, thereby exposing the secondary tabletop as well as the tertiary tabletop. This situation corresponds to the situation illustrated in Fig. 3 where the first part 6a and the second part 6b of the primary tabletop 6 have been pulled further away from each other.
Fig. 4 also shows that the extensible table 100 comprises a frame 4. The frame 4 comprises a first set 14 of end rails, a second set 16 of end rails and a set 18 of intermediate rails.
The first set 14 of end rails comprises a first end rail 14a and a second end rail 14b and the first end rail 14a and said second end rail 14b of said first set 14 of end rails are being attached to the first part 6a of the primary tabletop 6 at an underside thereof.
The second set 16 of end rails comprises a first end rail 16a and a second end rail 16b, and the first end rail 16a and said second end rail 16b of the second set 16 of end rails are being attached to the second part 6b of said primary tabletop 6 at an underside thereof.
The set 18 of intermediate rails comprises a first intermediate rail 18a and a second intermediate rail 18b.
It is seen in Fig. 4 that the first end rail 14a of the first set 14 of end rails comprises an inner side 14a' and an outer side 14a"; and that the second end rail 14b of the first set 14 of end rails comprises an inner side 14b' and an outer side 14b".
Likewise, Fig. 4 shows that the first end rail 16a of the second set 16 of end rails comprises an inner side 16a' and an outer side 16a", and that the second end rail 16b of the second set 16 of end rails comprises an inner side 16b' and an outer side 16b".
Finally, the first intermediate rail 18a comprises an inner side 18a' and an outer side 18a", and the second intermediate rail 18b comprises an inner side 18b' and an outer side 18b".
Such rails systems for use in extensible tables are commercially available from the company Pöttker, GmbH, Germany.
It is seen in Fig. 4 that the inner side 18a' of said first intermediate rail 18a is being attached to the outer side 14a" of the first end rail 14a of the first set 14 of end rails; and that the outer side 18a" of the first intermediate rail 18a is being attached to the inner side 16a' of the first end rail 16a of the second set 16 of end rails.
Fig. 4 also shows that the outer side 18b" of the second intermediate rail 18b is being attached to the inner side 14b' of the second end rail 14b of the first set 14 of end rails; and that the inner side 18b' of the second intermediate rail 18b is being attached to the outer side 16b" of the second end rail 16b of the second set 16 of end rails.
It is seen that the rails of the first set 14 of end rails, the second set 16 of end rails and the set 18 of intermediate rails are having an extension parallel to the first horizontal direction X.
The first intermediate rail 18a is displaceably connected to the first end rail 14a of the first set 14 of end rails and to the first end rail 16a of said second set 16 of end rails; and the second intermediate rail 18b is displaceable connected to the second end rail 14b of the first set 14 of end rails and to the second end rail 16b of said second set 16 of end rails.
Hereby sliding the first and second intermediate rails 18a, 18b in relation to the first set 14 of end rails 14a,14b and in relation to the second set 16 of end rails 16a,16b along the longitudinal direction X thereof is enabled.
As explained further below the first plate 8a of the secondary tabletop is being hinged to the first end rail 14a of the first set 14 of end rails, and the first plate 10a of the tertiary tabletop is being hinged to the second end rail 16b of the second set 16 of end rails.
As the secondary tabletop 8 is being arranged at a different vertical level than the tertiary tabletop 10, when the secondary tabletop 8 and the tertiary tabletop 10 are being in their folded configuration, it is possible to arrange the secondary tabletop 8 and the tertiary tabletop 10 (in their folded configuration) on top of each other and below the primary tabletop 6 when the extensible table is in its collapsed configuration.
This design allows for obtaining a considerable magnitude of extension when bringing the extensible table according to the first aspect of the present invention from its collapsed state to its expanded state, because this design allows for having two auxiliary tabletops (a secondary and a tertiary tabletop) accommodated below the primary tabletop.
Fig. 5 is an illustration illustrating in a perspective view part of a suspension means for suspending the secondary tabletop of the table as seen from below the secondary tabletop.
Fig. 5 shows that the first side of the first plate 8a of the secondary tabletop 8 comprises a secondary bracket 24. The secondary bracket 24 comprising a hollow channel 26 having an extension parallel to the first horizontal direction X.
A secondary suspension means 20 having a first leg 20a and a second leg 20b is connected to the first plate of the secondary tabletop in such a way that the first leg 20a of the secondary suspension means 20 is attached to the first side of the first plate 8a of the secondary tabletop.
Fig. 5 shows that the first leg 20a of the secondary suspension means 20 comprises an elongate rod 28 which is being displaceable accommodated in the hollow channel 26 of the bracket 24.
This design enables that the secondary tabletop 8 can be slit along the secondary suspension means 20 in a direction parallel to the first horizontal direction (X) and also that the secondary tabletop 8 can rotate relative to the secondary suspension means 20.
A similar principle as illustrated in Fig. 5 and in respect of the secondary suspension means 20 being connected to the secondary tabletop 8,8a applies in respect of the tertiary tabletop 10,10a which is being connected to a tertiary suspension means 22 in a similar way.
Fig. 6 is another illustration illustrating in a perspective view part of a suspension means for suspending the secondary tabletop to the frame of the table as seen from an end of the secondary tabletop, and Fig. 7 is yet another illustration illustrating a part of a suspension means for suspending the secondary tabletop to the frame of the table as seen from another perspective.
Fig. 6 and 7 show in respect of the secondary tabletop, its corresponding secondary suspension means 20 comprising the first leg 20a and the second leg 20b. It is seen that the second leg 20b of the secondary suspension means 20 is being attached to inner side 14a' of the first end rail 14a of the first set 14 of end rails.
Also seen in Fig. 6 and 7 is that the first leg 20a and the second leg 20b of the secondary suspension means 20 are being connected to each other by a secondary pivot joint 20c defining a pivot axis B.
Fig. 8a is a drawing illustrating in an end view the situation of accommodating the secondary tabletop and the tertiary tabletop in their folded configuration below the primary tabletop of the extensible table of the present invention.
Fig. 8a shows the table 100 comprising the frame 4 comprising the first intermediate rail 18a arranged between the first end rail 14a and the second end rail 16a; and comprising the second intermediate rail 18b arranged between the second end rail 14b and the second end rail 16b.
The frame 4 supports the primary tabletop 6 comprising a first part 6a and a second part 6b (not seen in Fig. 8a).
Below the level of the primary tabletop 6 is arranged the secondary tabletop 8 comprising first plate 8a and second plate 8b which are hinged to each other via hinge 8c.
Also, below the level of the primary tabletop 6 is arranged the tertiary tabletop 10 comprising first plate 10a and second plate 10b which are hinged to each other via hinge 10c.
The secondary tabletop 8 and the tertiary tabletop 10 are in their folded configurations.
It is seen that the secondary tabletop 8 is being arranged above the tertiary tabletop 10.
The secondary tabletop 8 is being suspended in the secondary suspension means 20 having a first leg 20a and a second leg 20b which are connected via secondary pivot joint 20c. The first leg 20a of the secondary suspension means 20 is being slidable and pivotally attached to a first side of the first plate 8a of the secondary tabletop 8 via rod 28.
The second leg 20b of the secondary suspension means 20 is being mounted to an inner side 14a' of a first end rail 14a of the first set 14 of end rails.
In a similar way the tertiary tabletop 10 is being suspended. Hence, the tertiary tabletop 10 is being suspended in the tertiary suspension means 22 having a first leg 22a and a second leg 22b which are connected via tertiary pivot joint 22c. The first leg 22a of the tertiary suspension means 22 is being slidable and pivotally attached to a first side of the first plate 10a of the tertiary tabletop 10 via rod 28.
The second leg 22b of the tertiary suspension means 22 is being mounted to an inner side 16b' of a second end rail 16b of the second set 16 of end rails.
It is clearly seen in Fig. 8a that the vertical level of the fastening position of the second leg 20b of the secondary suspension means 20 on the first end rail 14a of the first set 14 of end rails is different from and higher than the vertical level of the fastening position of the second leg 22b of the tertiary suspension means 22 on the second end rail 16b of said second set 16 of end rails.
Hereby it is possible to make the first leg 20a of the secondary suspension means 20 and the first leg 22a of the tertiary suspension means 22 appear at different vertical levels.
This in turn allows for arranging the secondary tabletop 8 and the tertiary tabletop 10 above each other when being in their folded configuration and when the extensible table is in the collapsed configuration.
A support 30 supports the secondary tabletop 8 and the tertiary tabletop 10.
Fig. 8b is a drawing illustrating in an end view the situation of Fig. 8a where the secondary tabletop has been unfolded and arranged on top of the frame of the table.
In Fig. 8b for the sake of simplicity the primary tabletop 6 of Fig. 8a has been removed.
Fig. 8b shows that the secondary tabletop 8 has been fully unfolded so as to rest on the frame 4. This has been brought about by rotating the first plate 8a and the second plate 8b of the secondary tabletop 8 around the hinge 8c, and by rotating the first leg 20a and the second leg 20b of the secondary suspension means 20 around the secondary pivot joint 20c.
Fig. 8c is a drawing illustrating in an end view a similar situation as that of Fig. 8b where the tertiary tabletop has been unfolded and arranged on top of the frame of the table.
For sake of simplicity, and compared to Fig. 8b, in Fig. 8c the secondary tabletop 8 has been removed.
Fig. 8c shows that the tertiary tabletop 10 has been fully unfolded so as to rest on the frame 4. This has been brought about by rotating the first plate 10a and the second plate 10b of the tertiary tabletop 10 around the hinge 10c, and by rotating the first leg 22a and the second leg 22b of the tertiary suspension means 22 around the tertiary pivot joint 22c.
Fig. 9 is an illustration illustrating in a perspective view the extensible table according to the present invention in a state where the secondary tabletop and the tertiary tabletop have been brought into a position where they rest in the frame of the table, still with the secondary tabletop and the tertiary tabletop in their folded configuration.
Fig. 10 is an illustration illustrating in a perspective view a situation following the situation of Fig. 9, where the secondary tabletop and the tertiary tabletop are in the process of being unfolded.
Fig. 11 is an illustration illustrating in a perspective view a situation following the situation of Fig. 10, where the secondary tabletop and the tertiary tabletop have been fully unfolded.
From the situation illustrated in Fig. 11, all what is needed in order to arrive at the expanded configuration of the table 100 illustrated in Fig. 2 is to push together the first part 6a and the second part 6b of the primary tabletop 6.
The present invention in its various aspects and embodiments may be defined according to one or more of the following clauses:

Clause 1: An extensible table (100) being configured to be able to shift its configuration between an extended configuration in which the exposed tabletop (2) of the table is having a relatively large area, and a collapsed configuration in which the exposed tabletop (2) is having a relatively small area, and vice versa;
- wherein said table in the orientation intended during use comprises:
  - a frame (4);
  - a primary tabletop (6);
  - a secondary tabletop (8);
  - a tertiary tabletop (10); and
  - a plurality of legs (12);
- wherein said primary tabletop (6) is having an extension in a first horizontal direction (X) and an extension in a second horizontal direction (Y), wherein said second horizontal direction (Y) is being perpendicular to said first horizontal direction (X);
- wherein said primary tabletop (6) comprises a first part (6a) and a second part (6b); said first part (6a) and said second part (6b) are being separatable from each other;
- wherein said frame (4) comprises a first set (14) of end rails, a second set (16) of end rails and a set (18) of intermediate rails; wherein said rails of said first set (14) of end rails, said second set (16) of end rails and said set (18) of intermediate rails are having an extension parallel to said first horizontal direction (X);
- wherein said first set (14) of end rails comprises a first end rail (14a) and a second end rail (14b), wherein said first end rail (14a) and said second end rail (14b) of said first set (14) of end rails are being attached to said first part (6a) of said primary tabletop (6) at an underside thereof;
- wherein said second set (16) of end rails comprises a first end rail (16a) and a second end rail (16b), wherein said first end rail (16a) and said second end rail (16b) of said second set (16) of end rails are being attached to said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop (6) at an underside thereof;
- wherein said set (18) of intermediate rails comprises a first intermediate rail (18a) and a second intermediate rail (18b); wherein said first intermediate rail (18a) is displaceable connected to said first end rail (14a) of said first set (14) of end rails and to said first end rail (16a) of said second set (16) of end rails; and wherein said second intermediate rail (18b) is displaceable connected to said second end rail (14b) of said first set (14) of end rails and to said second end rail (16b) of said second set (16) of end rails, thereby enabling sliding said first and second intermediate rails (18a,18b) in relation to said first set (14) of end rails (14a,14b) and in relation to said second set (16) of end rails (16a,16b) along the longitudinal direction (X) thereof;
- wherein said secondary tabletop (8) comprises a first plate (8a) and a second plate (8b), wherein said first plate (8a) and said second plate (8b) of said secondary tabletop (8) are being hinged to each other by one or more hinges (8c) at respective rims thereof; thereby enabling said secondary tabletop (8) to shift its configuration between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, and vice versa;
- wherein said tertiary tabletop (10) comprises a first plate (10a) and a second plate (10b), wherein said first plate (10a) and said second plate (10b) of said tertiary tabletop (10) are being hinged to each other by one or more hinges (10c) at respective rims thereof; thereby enabling said tertiary tabletop (10) to shift its configuration between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, and vice versa;
- wherein said extensible table comprises secondary suspension means (20) having a first leg (20a) and a second leg (20b) being connected to each other by a secondary pivot joint (20c), wherein said first leg (20a) of said secondary suspension means (20) is being fastened to a first side of said first plate (8a) of said secondary tabletop (8); and wherein said second leg (20b) of said secondary suspension means (20) is being fastened to said first end rail (14a) of said first set (14) of end rails;
- wherein said extensible table comprises tertiary suspension means (22) having a first leg (22a) and a second leg (22b) being connected to each other by a tertiary pivot joint (22c), wherein said first leg (22a) of said tertiary suspension means (22) is being fastened to a first side of said first plate (10a) of said tertiary tabletop (10); and wherein said second leg (22b) of said tertiary suspension means (22) is being fastened to said second end rail (16b) of said second set (16) of end rails;
- wherein, when said extensible table is being in its collapsed configuration said first leg (20a) of said secondary suspension means (20) and said first leg (22a) of said tertiary suspension means (22) are being arranged at different vertical levels, thereby enabling accommodation of said secondary tabletop (8) and said tertiary tabletop (10) on top of each other and below said primary tabletop (6) when being in their folded configuration and when said extensible table is in said collapsed configuration.
Clause 2: An extensible table (100) according to Clause 1, wherein said first leg (20a) of said secondary suspension means (20) is being attached to said first side of said first plate (8a) of said secondary tabletop (8) in a way that enable said secondary tabletop (8) to slide along said secondary suspension means (20) in a direction parallel to said first horizontal direction (X); and/or wherein said first leg (22a) of said tertiary suspension means (22) is being attached to said first side of said first plate (10a) of said tertiary tabletop (10) in a way that enable said tertiary tabletop (10) to slide along said tertiary suspension means (22) in a direction parallel to said first horizontal direction (X).
Clause 3: An extensible table (100) according to Clause 2, wherein said first side of said first plate (8a) of said secondary tabletop (8) comprises a secondary bracket (24) comprising a hollow channel (26) having an extension parallel to said first horizontal direction (X), and wherein said first leg (20a) of said secondary suspension means (20) comprises an elongate rod (28) being pivotally and displaceable accommodated in said hollow channel (26); and/or wherein said first side of said first plate (10a) of said tertiary tabletop (10) comprises a tertiary bracket (24) comprising a hollow channel (26) having an extension parallel to said first horizontal direction (X), and wherein said first leg (22a) of said tertiary suspension means (22) comprises an elongate rod (28) being pivotally and displaceable accommodated in said hollow channel (26).
Clause 4: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first end rail (14a) of the first set (14) of end rails comprises an inner side (14a') and an outer side (14a"), wherein the second end rail (14b) of the first set (14) of end rails comprises an inner side (14b') and an outer side (14b"), wherein the first end rail (16a) of the second set (16) of end rails comprises an inner side (16a') and an outer side (16a"), and wherein the second end rail (16b) of the second set (16) of end rails comprises an inner side (16b') and an outer side (16b");
- wherein the first intermediate rail (18a) comprises an inner side (18a') and an outer side (18a"), and wherein the second intermediate rail (18b) comprises an inner side (18b') and an outer side (18b");
- wherein said inner side (18a') of said first intermediate rail (18a) is being attached to said outer side (14a") of said first end rail (14a) of said first set (14) of end rails; and wherein said outer side (18a") of said first intermediate rail (18a) is being attached to said inner side (16a') of said first end rail (16a) of said second set (16) of end rails; and wherein said outer side (18b") of said second intermediate rail (18b) is being attached to said inner side (14b') of said second end rail (14b) of said first set (14) of end rails; and wherein said inner side (18b') of said second intermediate rail (18b) is being attached to said outer side (16b") of said second end rail (16b) of said second set (16) of end rails.
Clause 5: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said second leg (20b) of said secondary suspension means (20) is being attached to said first end rail (14a) of said first set (14) of end rails at an inner side (14a') thereof; and wherein said second leg (22b) of said tertiary suspension means (22) is being attached to said second end rail (16b) of said second set (16) of end rails at an inner side (16b') thereof.
Clause 6: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein a support (30) for supporting the secondary tabletop (8) and the tertiary tabletop (10) is being arranged between the first intermediate rail (18a) and the second intermediate rail (18b), such as at an underside thereof.
Clause 7: An extensible table (100) according to Clause 6, wherein said support (30) is being in the form of a plate or in the form of an array of elongate elements, such as in the form of an array of parallelly arranged elongate elements.
Clause 8: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the dimensions, the geometry and the position of said secondary suspensions means (20), relative to said first side of said first plate (8a) of said secondary tabletop (8) and relative to said first end rail (14a) of said first set (14) of end rails are adapted in such a way that when said secondary tabletop (8) is being in its unfolded configuration and when said extensible table is in its expanded configuration, the vertical level of the top surface of said secondary tabletop (8) corresponds to the vertical level of the top surface of said primary tabletop (6) and/or wherein the dimensions, the geometry and the position of said tertiary suspensions means (22), relative to said first side of said first plate (10a) of said tertiary tabletop (10) and relative to said second end rail (16b) of said second set (16) of end rails are adapted in such a way that when said tertiary tabletop (10) is being in its unfolded configuration and when said extensible table is in its expanded configuration, the vertical level of the top surface of said tertiary tabletop (10) corresponds to the vertical level of the top surface of said primary tabletop (6).
Clause 9: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said secondary tabletop (8) is configured in such a way that the folding and unfolding of said secondary tabletop (8) may be brought about by rotation of the first plate (8a) relative to the second plate (8b) of said secondary tabletop (8) around a hinge axis (A) of said hinge(s) (8c) which is parallel to said first horizontal direction (X); and/or wherein said tertiary tabletop (10) is configured in such a way that the folding and unfolding of said tertiary tabletop (10) may be brought about by rotation of the first plate (10a) relative to the second plate (10b) of said tertiary tabletop (10) around a hinge axis (A) of said hinge(s) (10c) which is parallel to said first horizontal direction (X).
Clause 10: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said secondary tabletop (8) in its unfolded configuration is having the same magnitude as the maximum extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said primary tabletop (6) and/or wherein the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said tertiary tabletop (10) in its unfolded configuration is having the same magnitude as the maximum extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said primary tabletop (6).
Clause 11: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said primary tabletop (6) in its collapsed configuration is having the shape of a circle, an oval or a rectangle, such as a square.
Clause 12: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein when being in its collapsed configuration, a surface of said first plate (8a) of said secondary tabletop (8) is facing a surface of said second plate (8b) of said secondary tabletop (8); and a surface of said first plate (10a) of said tertiary tabletop (10) is facing a surface of said second plate (10b) of said tertiary tabletop (10).
Clause 13: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein when being in its expanded configuration, an upper surface of said first part (6a) and said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop (6), an upper surface of said secondary tabletop (8) and an upper surface of said tertiary tabletop (10) are being defining a common plane.
Clause 14: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein when being in its expanded configuration, an edge of said secondary tabletop 8 is abutting an edge of said tertiary tabletop (10); an edge of said first part (6a) of said primary tabletop (6) is either abutting an edge of said secondary tabletop (8) or of said tertiary tabletop (10), and an edge of said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop (6) is either abutting an edge of said secondary tabletop (8) or of said tertiary tabletop (10).
Clause 15: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said first plate (8a) of said secondary tabletop (8) is having the same magnitude as the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said second plate (8b) of said secondary tabletop (8).
Clause 16: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said first plate (10a) of said tertiary tabletop (10) is having the same magnitude as the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said second plate (10b) of said tertiary tabletop (10).
Clause 17: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said table in its collapsed configuration is a round or an oval table, and wherein the ratio L : 1 is selected from the ranges of 1.4 - 2.1, such as 1.5 - 2.0, for example 1.6 - 1.9, such as 1.7 - 1.8, wherein said parameter "L" denotes the extension, in said first horizontal direction (X), of the tabletop (2) of said table in its expanded configuration, and wherein said parameter "I" denotes the extension, in said first horizontal direction (X), of the tabletop (2) of said table in its collapsed configuration.
Clause 18: An extensible table (100) according to any of the Clauses 1 - 16, wherein said table in its collapsed configuration is a rectangular table, and wherein the ratio L : 1 is selected from the ranges of 1.7 - 3.0, such as 1.8 - 2.9, for example 1.9 - 2.8, such as 2.0 - 2.7, such as 2.1 - 2.6, for example 2.2 - 2.5 or e.g. 2.3 - 2.4, wherein said parameter "L" denotes the extension, in said first horizontal direction (X), of the tabletop (2) of said table in its expanded configuration, and wherein said parameter "I" denotes the extension, in said first horizontal direction (X), of the tabletop (2) of said table in its collapsed configuration.
Clause 19: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said secondary tabletop (8) in its unfolded configuration is having the same magnitude as the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said tertiary tabletop (10) in its unfolded configuration.
Clause 20: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said secondary pivot joint 20c of said secondary suspension means 20 is defining a pivot axis B which is being parallel to said first horizontal direction (X); and/or wherein said tertiary pivot joint 22c of said tertiary suspension means 22 is defining a pivot axis B which is being parallel to said first horizontal direction (X).
Clause 21: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said first part (6a) and said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop are being separatable along a linear separation line (S), such as along a separation line (S) which is being parallel to said second horizontal direction (Y).
Clause 22: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the vertical level of the fastening position of said second leg (20b) of said secondary suspension means (20) on said first end rail (14a) of said first set (14) of end rails is different from the vertical level of the fastening position of said second leg (22b) of said tertiary suspension means (22) on said second end rail (16b) of said second set (16) of end rails, thereby making said first leg (20a) of said secondary suspension means (20) and said first leg (22a) of said tertiary suspension means (22) be arranged at different vertical levels when said secondary tabletop (8) and said tertiary tabletop (10) are being in their folded configuration and when said extensible table is in said collapsed configuration.
Clause 23: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said first leg (20a) of said secondary suspension means (20) comprises an L-shaped element, and wherein said second leg (20b) of said secondary suspension means (20) comprises an L-shaped element; wherein said two L-shaped elements are connected to each other at respective ends thereof in said secondary pivot joint (20c); and wherein said first leg (22a) of said tertiary suspension means (22) comprises an L-shaped element, and wherein said second leg (22b) of said tertiary suspension means (22) comprises an L-shaped element; wherein said two L-shaped elements are connected to each other at respective ends thereof in said tertiary pivot joint (22c).
Clause 24: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said extensible table comprises 3, 4, 6 or 8 legs (12).
Clause 25: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein each said leg (12) independently is being fastened to said first part (6a) of said primary tabletop (6), said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop (6) or to said frame (4), such as to an end rail (14a,14b) of said first set (14) of end rails or to an end rail (16a,16b) of said second set (16) of end rails.
Clause 26: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said table is in the form of a dining table having a height of 60 - 80 cm; or is in the form of a coffee table having a height of 40 - 60 cm.
Clause 27: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein in its collapsed configuration, the extension, in said first horizontal direction (X), of said primary tabletop (6), is 75 - 300 cm, such as 100 - 275 cm, for example. 125 - 250 cm, e.g. 150 - 225 cm, such as 175 - 200 cm.
Clause 28: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein in its collapsed configuration, the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said primary tabletop (6), is 50 - 225 cm, such as 75 - 200 cm, e.g. 100 - 175 cm, for example 125 - 150 cm.
Clause 29: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the extension, in said first horizontal direction (X), of said secondary tabletop (8) is 50 - 225 cm, such as 75 - 200 cm, for example 100 - 175 cm, such as 125 - 150 cm; and/or wherein the extension, in said first horizontal direction (X), of said tertiary tabletop (10) is 50 - 225 cm, such as 75 - 200 cm, for example 100 - 175 cm, such as 125 - 150 cm.
Clause 30: An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein said table comprises one or more locks (32) for locking the secondary tabletop (8) to the primary tabletop (6) or to the tertiary tabletop (10) and/or for locking the tertiary tabletop (10) to the primary tabletop (6) or to the secondary tabletop (8).
Clause 31: An extensible table (100) according to Clause 30 wherein said lock comprises a locking bracket (34) being arranged at an underside of said primary tabletop (6), said secondary tabletop (8) and/or of said tertiary tabletop (10), wherein said locking bracket (34) is being fastened to said tabletop (6,8,10) via a fastening screw (38); wherein said locking bracket comprises a cut-out (36); thereby enabling said locking bracket (34) to rotate around said fastening screw (38) so as to make said cut-out engage with a locking screw which is arranged at an adjacent tabletop (8,10,6), at an underside thereof.
Clause 32: Use of an extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding Clauses for providing flexibility in relation to altering the exposed tabletop area of a table.
Clause 33: A method for converting a table from having a relatively small exposed tabletop area to having a relatively large exposed tabletop area, said method comprising the steps of:
- i) providing an extensible table 100 according to any of the Clauses 1 - 30 in its collapsed configuration;
- ii) pulling apart said first part (6a) and said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop (6) in a direction parallel to said first horizontal direction (X), thereby exposing said secondary tabletop (8) and said tertiary tabletop (10);
- iii unfolding said secondary tabletop (8) by rotation of said first plate (8a) and said second plate (8b) of said secondary tabletop (8), relative to each other around said one or more hinges (8c) thereof and bringing the top surface of said secondary tabletop (8) in level with the top surface of said primary tabletop (6);
- iv) unfolding said tertiary tabletop (10) by rotation of said first plate (10a) and said second plate (10b) of said tertiary tabletop (10), relative to each other around said one or more hinges (10c) thereof and bringing the top surface of said tertiary tabletop (10) in level with the top surface of said primary tabletop (6);
- v) arranging said secondary tabletop (8) so as to abut said first part (6a) of said primary tabletop (6);
- vi) arranging said tertiary tabletop (10) so as to abut said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop (6);
- vii) pushing together said first part (6a) and said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop (6) in order to bring the table into its final expanded configuration.
Clause 34: A method for converting a table from having a relatively large exposed tabletop area to having a relatively small exposed tabletop area, said method comprising the steps of:
1. a) providing an extensible table (100) according to any of the Clauses 1 - 30 in its expanded configuration;
2. b) pulling apart said first part (6a) and said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop (6) in a direction parallel to said first horizontal direction (X);
3. c) folding said secondary tabletop (8) by rotation of said first plate (8a) and said second plate (8b) of said secondary tabletop (8), relative to each other around said one or more hinges (8c) thereof; and folding said tertiary tabletop (10) by rotation of said first plate (10a) and said second plate (10b) of said tertiary tabletop (10), relative to each other around said one or more hinges (10c) thereof, and additionally bringing the folded secondary tabletop (8) and the folded tertiary tabletop (10) into different vertical levels below the level of the primary tabletop (6).
4. d) pushing together said first part (6a) and said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop in order to bring the table into its final collapsed configuration, where said secondary tabletop (8) and said tertiary tabletop (10) are being arranged on top of each other and below the vertical level of the primary tabletop (6).

It should be understood that all features and achievements discussed above and in the appended claims in relation to one aspect of the present invention and embodiments thereof apply equally well to the other aspects of the present invention and embodiments thereof.

List of reference numerals

2: Tabletop of table
4: Frame of table
6: Primary tabletop of table
6a: First part of primary tabletop of table
6b: Second part of primary tabletop of table
8: Secondary tabletop of table
8a: First plate of secondary tabletop
8b: Second plate of secondary tabletop
8c: Hinge connecting first plate and second plate of secondary tabletop
10: Tertiary tabletop of table
10a: First plate of tertiary tabletop
10b: Second plate of tertiary tabletop
10c: Hinge connecting first plate and second plate of tertiary tabletop
12: Leg of table
14: First set of end rails of frame of table
14a: First end rail of first set of end rails
14a': Inner side of first end rail of first set of end rails
14a": Outer side of first end rail of first set of end rails
14b: Second end rail of first set of end rails
14b': Inner side of second end rail of first set of end rails
14b": Outer side of second end rail of first set of end rails
16: Second set of end rails of frame of table
16a: First end rail of second set of end rails
16a': Inner side of first end rail of second set of end rails
16a": Outer side of first end rail of second set of end rails
16b: Second end rail of second set of end rails
16b': Inner side of second end rail of second set of end rails
16b": Outer side of second end rail of second set of end rails
18: Set of intermediate rails of frame of table
18a: First intermediate rail
18a': Inner side of first intermediate rail
18a": Outer side of first intermediate rail
18b: Second intermediate rail
18b': Inner side of second intermediate rail
18b": Outer side of second intermediate rail
20: Secondary suspension means
20a: First leg of secondary suspension means
20b: Second leg of secondary suspension means
20c: Secondary pivot joint of secondary suspension means
22: Tertiary suspension means
22a: First leg of tertiary suspension means
22b: Second leg of tertiary suspension means
22c: Tertiary pivot joint of tertiary suspension means
24: Bracket of secondary or tertiary tabletop
26: Hollow channel of bracket
28: Elongate rod of first leg of secondary or tertiary suspension means
30: Support for supporting secondary and tertiary tabletop
32: Lock
34: Locking bracket
36: Cutout in locking bracket
38: Screw
A: Hinge axis of hinge of secondary or tertiary tabletop
B: Pivot axis of secondary pivot joint or tertiary pivot joint
S: Separation line of primary tabletop
100: Extensible table

Claims

An extensible table (100) being configured to be able to shift its configuration between an extended configuration in which the exposed tabletop (2) of the table is having a relatively large area, and a collapsed configuration in which the exposed tabletop (2) is having a relatively small area, and vice versa;
wherein said table in the orientation intended during use comprises:
- a frame (4);

- a primary tabletop (6);

- a secondary tabletop (8);

- a tertiary tabletop (10); and

- a plurality of legs (12);

wherein said primary tabletop (6) is having an extension in a first horizontal direction (X) and an extension in a second horizontal direction (Y), wherein said second horizontal direction (Y) is being perpendicular to said first horizontal direction (X);

wherein said primary tabletop (6) comprises a first part (6a) and a second part (6b); said first part (6a) and said second part (6b) are being separatable from each other;

wherein said frame (4) comprises a first set (14) of end rails, a second set (16) of end rails and a set (18) of intermediate rails; wherein said rails of said first set (14) of end rails, said second set (16) of end rails and said set (18) of intermediate rails are having an extension parallel to said first horizontal direction (X);

wherein said first set (14) of end rails comprises a first end rail (14a) and a second end rail (14b), wherein said first end rail (14a) and said second end rail (14b) of said first set (14) of end rails are being attached to said first part (6a) of said primary tabletop (6) at an underside thereof;

wherein said second set (16) of end rails comprises a first end rail (16a) and a second end rail (16b), wherein said first end rail (16a) and said second end rail (16b) of said second set (16) of end rails are being attached to said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop (6) at an underside thereof;

wherein said set (18) of intermediate rails comprises a first intermediate rail (18a) and a second intermediate rail (18b); wherein said first intermediate rail (18a) is displaceable connected to said first end rail (14a) of said first set (14) of end rails and to said first end rail (16a) of said second set (16) of end rails; and wherein said second intermediate rail (18b) is displaceable connected to said second end rail (14b) of said first set (14) of end rails and to said second end rail (16b) of said second set (16) of end rails, thereby enabling sliding said first and second intermediate rails (18a, 18b) in relation to said first set (14) of end rails (14a,14b) and in relation to said second set (16) of end rails (16a,16b) along the longitudinal direction (X) thereof;

wherein said secondary tabletop (8) comprises a first plate (8a) and a second plate (8b), wherein said first plate (8a) and said second plate (8b) of said secondary tabletop (8) are being hinged to each other by one or more hinges (8c) at respective rims thereof; thereby enabling said secondary tabletop (8) to shift its configuration between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, and vice versa;

wherein said tertiary tabletop (10) comprises a first plate (10a) and a second plate (10b), wherein said first plate (10a) and said second plate (10b) of said tertiary tabletop (10) are being hinged to each other by one or more hinges (10c) at respective rims thereof; thereby enabling said tertiary tabletop (10) to shift its configuration between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, and vice versa;

wherein said extensible table comprises secondary suspension means (20) having a first leg (20a) and a second leg (20b) being connected to each other by a secondary pivot joint (20c), wherein said first leg (20a) of said secondary suspension means (20) is being fastened to a first side of said first plate (8a) of said secondary tabletop (8); and wherein said second leg (20b) of said secondary suspension means (20) is being fastened to said first end rail (14a) of said first set (14) of end rails;

wherein said extensible table comprises tertiary suspension means (22) having a first leg (22a) and a second leg (22b) being connected to each other by a tertiary pivot joint (22c), wherein said first leg (22a) of said tertiary suspension means (22) is being fastened to a first side of said first plate (10a) of said tertiary tabletop (10); and wherein said second leg (22b) of said tertiary suspension means (22) is being fastened to said second end rail (16b) of said second set (16) of end rails;

wherein, when said extensible table is being in its collapsed configuration said first leg (20a) of said secondary suspension means (20) and said first leg (22a) of said tertiary suspension means (22) are being arranged at different vertical levels, thereby enabling accommodation of said secondary tabletop (8) and said tertiary tabletop (10) on top of each other and below said primary tabletop (6) when being in their folded configuration and when said extensible table is in said collapsed configuration;

characterized in that said first leg (20a) of said secondary suspension means (20) is being attached to said first side of said first plate (8a) of said secondary tabletop (8) in a way that enable said secondary tabletop (8) to slide along said secondary suspension means (20) in a direction parallel to said first horizontal direction (X); and/or in that said first leg (22a) of said tertiary suspension means (22) is being attached to said first side of said first plate (10a) of said tertiary tabletop (10) in a way that enable said tertiary tabletop (10) to slide along said tertiary suspension means (22) in a direction parallel to said first horizontal direction (X).
An extensible table (100) according to claim 1, wherein said first side of said first plate (8a) of said secondary tabletop (8) comprises a secondary bracket (24) comprising a hollow channel (26) having an extension parallel to said first horizontal direction (X), and wherein said first leg (20a) of said secondary suspension means (20) comprises an elongate rod (28) being pivotally and displaceable accommodated in said hollow channel (26); and/or wherein said first side of said first plate (10a) of said tertiary tabletop (10) comprises a tertiary bracket (24) comprising a hollow channel (26) having an extension parallel to said first horizontal direction (X), and wherein said first leg (22a) of said tertiary suspension means (22) comprises an elongate rod (28) being pivotally and displaceable accommodated in said hollow channel (26).
An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first end rail (14a) of the first set (14) of end rails comprises an inner side (14a') and an outer side (14a"), wherein the second end rail (14b) of the first set (14) of end rails comprises an inner side (14b') and an outer side (14b"), wherein the first end rail (16a) of the second set (16) of end rails comprises an inner side (16a') and an outer side (16a"), and wherein the second end rail (16b) of the second set (16) of end rails comprises an inner side (16b') and an outer side (16b");
wherein the first intermediate rail (18a) comprises an inner side (18a') and an outer side (18a"), and wherein the second intermediate rail (18b) comprises an inner side (18b') and an outer side (18b");

wherein said inner side (18a') of said first intermediate rail (18a) is being attached to said outer side (14a") of said first end rail (14a) of said first set (14) of end rails; and wherein said outer side (18a") of said first intermediate rail (18a) is being attached to said inner side (16a') of said first end rail (16a) of said second set (16) of end rails; and wherein said outer side (18b") of said second intermediate rail (18b) is being attached to said inner side (14b') of said second end rail (14b) of said first set (14) of end rails; and wherein said inner side (18b') of said second intermediate rail (18b) is being attached to said outer side (16b") of said second end rail (16b) of said second set (16) of end rails.
An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said second leg (20b) of said secondary suspension means (20) is being attached to said first end rail (14a) of said first set (14) of end rails at an inner side (14a') thereof; and wherein said second leg (22b) of said tertiary suspension means (22) is being attached to said second end rail (16b) of said second set (16) of end rails at an inner side (16b') thereof.
An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a support (30) for supporting the secondary tabletop (8) and the tertiary tabletop (10) is being arranged between the first intermediate rail (18a) and the second intermediate rail (18b), such as at an underside thereof; optionally wherein said support (30) is being in the form of a plate or in the form of an array of elongate elements, such as in the form of an array of parallelly arranged elongate elements.
An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dimensions, the geometry and the position of said secondary suspensions means (20), relative to said first side of said first plate (8a) of said secondary tabletop (8) and relative to said first end rail (14a) of said first set (14) of end rails are adapted in such a way that when said secondary tabletop (8) is being in its unfolded configuration and when said extensible table is in its expanded configuration, the vertical level of the top surface of said secondary tabletop (8) corresponds to the vertical level of the top surface of said primary tabletop (6) and/or wherein the dimensions, the geometry and the position of said tertiary suspensions means (22), relative to said first side of said first plate (10a) of said tertiary tabletop (10) and relative to said second end rail (16b) of said second set (16) of end rails are adapted in such a way that when said tertiary tabletop (10) is being in its unfolded configuration and when said extensible table is in its expanded configuration, the vertical level of the top surface of said tertiary tabletop (10) corresponds to the vertical level of the top surface of said primary tabletop (6);
and/or wherein said secondary tabletop (8) is configured in such a way that the folding and unfolding of said secondary tabletop (8) may be brought about by rotation of the first plate (8a) relative to the second plate (8b) of said secondary tabletop (8) around a hinge axis (A) of said hinge(s) (8c) which is parallel to said first horizontal direction (X); and/or wherein said tertiary tabletop (10) is configured in such a way that the folding and unfolding of said tertiary tabletop (10) may be brought about by rotation of the first plate (10a) relative to the second plate (10b) of said tertiary tabletop (10) around a hinge axis (A) of said hinge(s) (10c) which is parallel to said first horizontal direction (X).
An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said secondary tabletop (8) in its unfolded configuration is having the same magnitude as the maximum extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said primary tabletop (6) and/or wherein the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said tertiary tabletop (10) in its unfolded configuration is having the same magnitude as the maximum extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said primary tabletop (6);
and/or wherein the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said first plate (8a) of said secondary tabletop (8) is having the same magnitude as the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said second plate (8b) of said secondary tabletop (8);

and/or wherein the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said first plate (10a) of said tertiary tabletop (10) is having the same magnitude as the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said second plate (10b) of said tertiary tabletop (10);

and/or wherein the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said secondary tabletop (8) in its unfolded configuration is having the same magnitude as the extension, in said second horizontal direction (Y), of said tertiary tabletop (10) in its unfolded configuration.
An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said primary tabletop (6) in its collapsed configuration is having the shape of a circle, an oval or a rectangle, such as a square.
An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein when being in its collapsed configuration, a surface of said first plate (8a) of said secondary tabletop (8) is facing a surface of said second plate (8b) of said secondary tabletop (8); and a surface of said first plate (10a) of said tertiary tabletop (10) is facing a surface of said second plate (10b) of said tertiary tabletop (10);
and/or wherein when being in its expanded configuration, an upper surface of said first part (6a) and said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop (6), an upper surface of said secondary tabletop (8) and an upper surface of said tertiary tabletop (10) are being defining a common plane;

and/or wherein when being in its expanded configuration, an edge of said secondary tabletop 8 is abutting an edge of said tertiary tabletop (10); an edge of said first part (6a) of said primary tabletop (6) is either abutting an edge of said secondary tabletop (8) or of said tertiary tabletop (10), and an edge of said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop (6) is either abutting an edge of said secondary tabletop (8) or of said tertiary tabletop (10).
An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said secondary pivot joint (20c) of said secondary suspension means (20) is defining a pivot axis B which is being parallel to said first horizontal direction (X); and/or wherein said tertiary pivot joint (22c) of said tertiary suspension means (22) is defining a pivot axis B which is being parallel to said first horizontal direction (X).
An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical level of the fastening position of said second leg (20b) of said secondary suspension means (20) on said first end rail (14a) of said first set (14) of end rails is different from the vertical level of the fastening position of said second leg (22b) of said tertiary suspension means (22) on said second end rail (16b) of said second set (16) of end rails, thereby making said first leg (20a) of said secondary suspension means (20) and said first leg (22a) of said tertiary suspension means (22) be arranged at different vertical levels when said secondary tabletop (8) and said tertiary tabletop (10) are being in their folded configuration and when said extensible table is in said collapsed configuration.
An extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first leg (20a) of said secondary suspension means (20) comprises an L-shaped element, and wherein said second leg (20b) of said secondary suspension means (20) comprises an L-shaped element; wherein said two L-shaped elements are connected to each other at respective ends thereof in said secondary pivot joint (20c); and wherein said first leg (22a) of said tertiary suspension means (22) comprises an L-shaped element, and wherein said second leg (22b) of said tertiary suspension means (22) comprises an L-shaped element; wherein said two L-shaped elements are connected to each other at respective ends thereof in said tertiary pivot joint (22c).
Use of an extensible table (100) according to any of the preceding claims for providing flexibility in relation to altering the exposed tabletop area of a table.
A method for converting a table from having a relatively small exposed tabletop area to having a relatively large exposed tabletop area, said method comprising the steps of:
i) providing an extensible table 100 according to any of the claims 1 - 12 in its collapsed configuration;

ii) pulling apart said first part (6a) and said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop (6) in a direction parallel to said first horizontal direction (X), thereby exposing said secondary tabletop (8) and said tertiary tabletop (10);

iii unfolding said secondary tabletop (8) by rotation of said first plate (8a) and said second plate (8b) of said secondary tabletop (8), relative to each other around said one or more hinges (8c) thereof and bringing the top surface of said secondary tabletop (8) in level with the top surface of said primary tabletop (6);

iv) unfolding said tertiary tabletop (10) by rotation of said first plate (10a) and said second plate (10b) of said tertiary tabletop (10), relative to each other around said one or more hinges (10c) thereof and bringing the top surface of said tertiary tabletop (10) in level with the top surface of said primary tabletop (6);

v) arranging said secondary tabletop (8) so as to abut said first part (6a) of said primary tabletop (6);

vi) arranging said tertiary tabletop (10) so as to abut said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop (6);

vii) pushing together said first part (6a) and said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop (6) in order to bring the table into its final expanded configuration.
A method for converting a table from having a relatively large exposed tabletop area to having a relatively small exposed tabletop area, said method comprising the steps of:
a) providing an extensible table (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 12 in its expanded configuration;

b) pulling apart said first part (6a) and said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop (6) in a direction parallel to said first horizontal direction (X);

c) folding said secondary tabletop (8) by rotation of said first plate (8a) and said second plate (8b) of said secondary tabletop (8), relative to each other around said one or more hinges (8c) thereof; and folding said tertiary tabletop (10) by rotation of said first plate (10a) and said second plate (10b) of said tertiary tabletop (10), relative to each other around said one or more hinges (10c) thereof, and additionally bringing the folded secondary tabletop (8) and the folded tertiary tabletop (10) into different vertical levels below the level of the primary tabletop (6).

d) pushing together said first part (6a) and said second part (6b) of said primary tabletop in order to bring the table into its final collapsed configuration, where said secondary tabletop (8) and said tertiary tabletop (10) are being arranged on top of each other and below the vertical level of the primary tabletop (6).