ES2255447A1 - Folding table - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding table comprising: a board which is formed by two articulated halves (2,2') which can be extended or folded in relation to one another, and a frame which is positioned beneath the board and which supports the table at the desired height off he ground. The two halves (2,2') of the board are articulated to one another by means of hinges (18) which are located at the connecting area between said two halves. The aforementioned frame comprises at least two support assemblies (4 4') which are symmetrical to the imaginary plane which is perpendicular to the plane of the extended board and which passes through the axis along which the two halves are articulated. Moreover, each support assembly comprises: two legs (5, 6 5', 6'), the upper parts (A A') of which are articulated to the corresponding half of the board, and uprights (7, 8 7', 8') having one end (B B') which is articulated to a leg and another end (C C') which is articulated to the other half of the board at a certain distance from the articulation (D) between the two halves (2 2').

Description

Folding table.

Technical sector of the invention

The present invention relates to the sector Folding tables technician. It refers more specifically to a folding table of the type comprising a board formed by two halves articulated with respect to the other, being able to both halves be extended forming a single plane, or folded with respect to each other, and a frame on the part bottom of the board to support the table on the floor to the adequate height The present invention finds particular application on a folding table of the type mentioned above and adapted for the practice of table tennis or ping-pong

Background of the invention

As is known, some table tops of Ping Pong present the possibility of being able to be folded in half, so that each of the halves is in an upright position and next to each other. This way you get that once the game is over, the space occupied by the board is reduced to the maximum, being able to be occupied by other elements or for another activity. Except in facilities Fixed competition, or simply recreational, it is advisable that the tables are foldable and light, to allow easy removal and leave the occupied space free.

Therefore, a table of easily foldable ping pong, which once folded, take up as little space as possible, light at the same time as robust, and with a simple, safe and effective folding mechanism (in order to reduce production costs). Normally the Simultaneity of all these factors raises conflicts in which the manufacturer must decide to optimize one or more of the characteristics mentioned to the detriment of the rest. For example in In principle, a simple folding mechanism can be associated with a not very robust or low quality mechanism.

There are several types of folding tables in the Current technique Among them you can cite the utility model ES256416 in which a very bulky lower frame is claimed And not foldable. The foldable part claimed for this table is the board.

Another Spanish utility model, of number of publication 1007292, unveils a table of folding ping-pong in which the legs are disassembled of the board when it must be folded.

In general, it is desirable that all parts or elements that are part of the table in its operational state, remain with it when it is stored or transported.

The utility model request number UO208534 describes a folding ping-pong table in which the leg structures fold inwards by middle of telescopic arms. This type of mechanism, widely known in various industrial sectors, it requires a certain manufacturing complexity and not enough robust especially when the table must be folded and extended with frequency.

The present invention presents a mechanism alternative applied to ping-pong tables so that they can be folded in a simple and fast At the same time, said mechanism is simple to manufacture and The result is a folding ping-pong table that, once folded, it occupies a minimum space and is easy to store and transport.

Explanation of the invention.

To this end the purpose of this invention is a folding table of the mentioned type, which in its essence is characterized because

the two halves are articulated one with with respect to another on hinges located in the area where the two halves of the board;

and because

the frame comprises at least two sets of symmetric support with respect to the imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the plane of the extended board and passing through the axis of articulation of the two halves of the board, being equipped with each support set of at least two legs articulated by its upper part with respect to the corresponding half of the board, and at least one upright articulated by a end with one of the legs and, also articulated, by the other end with the other half of the board, at a certain distance of the articulation of the two halves of the board, so that, in each support set, leg, upright, segment of a half that remains between the joint and the joint, and the segment of the other half that remains between the joint and the articulation determine an articulated quadrilateral structure. This allows the table to be folded down by halves at its ends opposites

According to another feature of the present invention in each support set the lengths of its elements are such that they substantially verify the relationship of that the sum of the lengths of the amount plus the section of the board that goes from the articulation of the two halves of the board to the point of articulation of the amount with the board is equal to the sum of the lengths of the segment that goes from the fixation point from the upright to the leg to the articulated upper end of said leg plus the segment that goes from said upper end articulated of the leg until the articulation of the two halves of the board.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the pin axis of the hinges is located, in the unfolded position of the table, below the level of the plane formed by the two halves deployed, and in the vertical plane defined by the adjacent edges of the table halves, leaving the two halves, in the folded position of the table, superimposed in parallel for transport or storage.

Preferably, in the folded position of the table, the two halves are at a distance less than 110 mm.

According to another feature of the present invention, each support assembly comprises a crossbar of stiffening that joins at least two of the legs of said set.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the at least one upright is connected so articulated by one end with the corresponding crossbar and by the other end, also articulated, with the other half of the board, at a certain distance from the joint of the two halves.

According to yet another feature of the present invention, the legs comprise at their end of support on the ground corresponding wheels.

In the case of a table ping-pong with simply the above attributes, these may not be sufficient to overcome the Standard European in preparation concerning table tennis tables, which will come to demand to support efforts superior to 80 kg.

Another feature of the present invention is that the table comprises central support legs, located at each end of the joint and that collaborate with the legs on the table support on the floor and receiving the support in articulation of the pivot pin axis of the hinges and of table. Preferably, the support legs will be slightly outside the perimeter of the game board.

This feature allows you to equip a table with Ping pong of great robustness, which allows you to overcome comfortably The minimum 80 kg mentioned above.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention each central support leg is provided with a system of security, which comprises a sliding bushing that slides with friction by a vertical bar of said central leg, being equipped with each bushing of at least two support arms that are fixed, at one end, in an articulated way, to the bushing, and, on the other end, in an articulated and sliding way, to the face lower than one half of respective board.

This security system works in a way similar to the umbrella structure of an umbrella and offers a friction between the bushing and the vertical leg bar central, which prevents the sudden fall of the folded table or semi-folded A click system of the caps With respect to the leg bar, you can set the folded position of the table, which is equipped with security systems both active and passive.

According to one more characteristic of the present invention the table comprises a vertical network located on the axis of articulation of the two halves of the board so that both the network as the whole table have dimensions and a configuration suitable for the practice of table tennis or ping-pong

Another additional feature of this invention is that the vertical network support posts are fixed to the upper parts of the central support legs.

Another feature of the present invention is that the vertical posts are removable with respect to the upper parts of the central legs.

The vertical posts are preferably adjustable in height and separation distance, to modify network voltage

Another feature of the present invention is that the folding table comprises two coupling pieces in "T", with three coupling points respectively for the corresponding end of the central hinge assembly, the base of the corresponding vertical post of the network and the top of the corresponding central support leg, said endowments being provided coupling parts of a gradation form from a section substantially circular cross section to a cross section substantially oval in correspondence with the sections respective cross-sections of the central support legs and the central hinge set.

The support arm of each of the wheels is rotating by the point where it joins each leg respective so that said wheels have at least three fixed positions with respect to the game position: at 0º, at 90º and at 180º.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that new and inventive features of the present invention, in addition to provide a joint and effective solution to the inconveniences before reviewed, allow to make a table of folding ping-pong with a folding mechanism solidarity with the structure of the table and at the same time simple and robust, with the consequent advantages from the point of view of the production. In addition, the volume occupied by the table in the folding condition is minimal because the two halves of the board overlap.

In addition, the modular constitution and functionality of the table elements according to the present invention allow the manufacturing them entirely in plastic, with the consequent advantage that the joints can be by riveting, which is a very fast, economical and sure. The table can be manufactured in subsets and / or modules, which facilitates logistics and can simplify the process of batch production.

Brief description of the drawings

The attached drawings illustrate, by way of non-limiting example, some embodiments of the table of folding ping-pong object of the invention. In said drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the table of folding ping-pong of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view of the table of ping-pong of the present invention folded;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the table of ping-pong according to the present invention in a state intermediate between the extension of the board and the folding of the same;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the table of ping-pong of the present invention fully folded

Fig. 4b is a side view of the table of ping-pong without the support leg caps centrals;

Fig. 5 is a side view of the table of ping-pong of the present invention fully deployed;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the part bottom of the table of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view longitudinal of the folding table of the present invention;

Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are details of the system friction folding with bushing, shown in Fig. 7, in the positions of total deployment, semi-folding and total folding of the table respectively; Y

Fig. 11 is an exploded view of the assembly of central hinge, central support legs and pieces of "T" coupling of the table of the present invention.

Detailed description of the drawings

In these drawings a form of preferred embodiment of the present invention, applicable to a table tennis or table tennis.

In Fig. 1 a plan view of the Ping-pong table 1 deployed as presented For the practice of the game. Obviously, this condition is irrelevant as to the advantages provided herein invention since the standardized measures of the board condition the space that will occupy every regulatory table and the mentioned figure It is shown for illustrative purposes.

The folding table 1 comprises a board formed by two halves 2; 2 ', articulated on two hinges 18, one at each side end of table 1, particularly visible in Fig. 6. The halves 2, 2 'can be placed extended forming a single flat, or be superimposed in parallel for transport or storage, and a rack at the bottom of the board to Support the table on the floor at the right height.

To facilitate the understanding of the mechanism of folded to be described below, the numerical references designate equivalent and symmetric elements in both halves of the table structure 1 although differentiated with the symbol ('). For example, in this figure it can be seen that the two halves 2, 2 ' from table 1 adopt the same reference (2) with the only difference just noted.

The folding mechanism, located below the table 1, can be seen better in Fig. 3. Said folding mechanism at the same time it constitutes the support frame of table 1. It consists essentially of two quadrilateral structures articulated which are known in other industrial sectors and of mechanics Each half 2, 2 'of table 1 has a corresponding articulated quadrilateral. For example, in the case of half 2, the quadrilateral is constituted by leg 5 or 6, the stud 7, the segment CD (where C is the point of articulation of said upright 7 with respect to the opposite half 2 'of the board) and segment AD (where A is the point of articulation of leg 5 or 6 with respect to the corresponding half 2 of the board). One of the segments have been defined as leg 5 or 6 because the upright 7 can be fixed to the end of either leg 5, 6, or, as will be seen later, can be set to a stiffening cross member 9 (optional but preferred) than a both legs 5, 6; there is also the possibility that table 1 have a greater number of uprights 7 depending on the desired mechanical strength for the materials with which Build table 1 in each case. All these elements can be seen more clearly in Fig. 6 in which the part is observed bottom of table 1.

The same articulated quadrilateral structure is repeat symmetrically for the other half 2 'of table 1. The four vertices A, B, C, D (or A ', B', C ', D where applicable) of quadrilateral are articulation points of the segments corresponding that constitute the sides of it so that the structure can be folded overlapping two by two the sides of the ring. To achieve an optimal folding of the table 1, that is, a folding condition that occupies the minimum space possible so that the two halves 2, 2 'are substantially parallel and glued to each other, the BC + condition must be met CD = BA + AD for a quadrilateral, and B'C '+ C'D = B'A' + A'D for the other. In this way, it is guaranteed that the condition in which vertices BAD and BCD form substantially 180º and segments AD and BA, and BC and CD, respectively, they form substantially two straight lines. The same condition is can extrapolate to the quadrilateral of the other half 2 'of the table 1 exchanging respectively A, B and C for A ', B' and C '.

Points C and C 'correspond to the articulations of the 7, 7 ', 8 and 8' uprights on hinges 18 of both halves 2 and 2 '.

In Figs. 6 and 7 you can see that the axis pin 19 of the hinges 18 is located in the position deployed from the table, below the level of the plane formed by the two halves 2, 2 'deployed, and in the defined vertical plane by the adjacent edges of the halves of table 1. This allows that when table 1 is folded, the two halves 2, 2 'remain, in the folded position of table 1, (Fig. 4), superimposed in parallel for transport or storage, occupying one more space reduced, such that there is a smaller opening between the boards 110 mm, as specified by the European Standard, preventing the passage of adults and children (Fig. 4b). This is possible thanks to displacement of the pin axis 19 of the hinges 18, which allows move away the adjacent edges of both halves as they turn, which was not possible in the prior art tables.

Fig. 4 shows a side view of table 1 of Fig. 3 in a condition of total folding. As you can be seen in said figure and more specifically in Fig. 4b (where center leg covers 12, 12 'have been omitted for the sake of greater clarity) the space occupied by table 1 is reduced to minimum, being able to keep it in any free place in a house or, for example, sports facilities. On the other hand, the angled configuration of the bases of the legs 5, 5 ', 6, 6' allows sufficient stability to table 1 as to Easily transport it to the desired place. It can be seen that the total thickness of the folded table 1 turns out to be only a little greater than that of the sum of the two halves 2, 2 'of board. In the Fig. 5 shows table 1 fully deployed and in said figure the double quadrilateral structure can be seen more clearly articulated of vertices A, B, C and D, and A ', B', C 'and D, respectively. The eight vertices of both quadrilaterals are articulated which, together with the conditions mentioned formerly of BC + CD = BA + AD and B'C '+ C'D = B'A' + A'D, it allows a practically flat folding of a board half 2 in parallel to the other half 2 '.

The materials from which it is made the structure of the quadrilateral or frame of table 1 are not essential for the purpose of the invention although it is desirable make use of lightweight materials, to facilitate transport of table 1 and essential to get an economic assembly and easy table 1. On the other hand, the connection or shape of the elements that constitute the articulated quadrilaterals of said frame are also not essential but the fundamental aspect is the existence of two complementary quadrilateral structures articulated that, with the established geometric conditions previously, they allow a total folding of the table 1.

Another aspect to consider in tables 1 of this type is the ability to move or transport them with the as easy as possible For this, table 1 has a game of wheels 10, 10 ', 11, 11' correspondingly arranged in the lower ends of the legs 5, 5 ', 6, 6'. One time fully folded table 1, it can be moved with the largest ease and occupying a small space.

The preferred embodiment of the invention also includes two central support legs 12, 12 'that improve the stability of table 1 when it is in operational state unfolded. These central legs 12, 12 'are linked by a constitutive crossbar of the pin axis 19 of the hinges 18, and can be as robust as desired according to stability additional desired for the table depending on the materials used in each case.

The legs 12, 12 'receive support in articulation of the bar of the pin axis 19 of rotation of the hinges 18 and consequently turning the table for folded-unfolded

The central legs 12, 12 'can also constitute a decorative element and therefore commercially attractive, for the sides of table 1, especially when it is folded, hiding said legs 12, 12 'the vision from the bottom of the table 1. Also, in one of the ways of preferred embodiments of the invention, the upper parts of the central legs 12, 12 'can act as a support for the posts 13, 13 'for securing the network 3 and, in another alternative of the invention, said posts 13, 13 'can be removable with with respect to said legs 12, 12 '.

The vertical posts 13; 13 'are adjustable in height and separation distance, to modify the tension of the network, through retention means 21 and 22 (Fig. 11).

Posts 13 and 13 'are also provided for exercise the function of a help in handling the folding and deployed from table 1.

Another advantage of table 1 of this invention is that the folding system allows folding the table 1 of so that the playing surfaces are facing out. This capacity facilitates the folding operation because, for the same, it is only necessary to perform a pushing force, thanks to wheels 10, 10 ', 11, 11' of legs 5, 5 ', 6, 6', and not one lifting or lifting force to raise each half 2, 2 'of the table 1.

Figs. 7 to 10 serve specifically for show the friction folding system with bush 14, 14 '. Each of the legs 12, 12 'is provided with a socket 14, 14' friction coupled to a respective vertical bar 20, of each leg 12, 12 ', along and out of which they can slide. This bush 14, 14 'is slidable along each leg 12, 12 'so that folding and unfolding of table 1 is facilitated, when these occur smoothly, thanks to the friction of the corresponding bushing 14, 14 'with leg 12, 12' in which it is mounted, and to a pair of respective support arms 15, 16, 15 ', 16 'that jointly connect each bush 14, 14' with the two halves 2, 2 'of the board. Each bush 14, 14 'is provided additionally of an inner bushing 23, 23 '. In addition, the arms 15, 16, 15 ', 16' are slidable, at the end fixed in shape articulated to table 1, on the bottom of said table 1. Said bushing assembly 14, 14 'and support arms 15, 16, 15', 16 'can be seen in an exploded view in the following Fig 11. In Figures 8 to 11 can also be seen a safety lever 24, in the form of "Z", spring-loaded and locked in the corresponding safety position by means of a coupling Click type. In said safety position, opening is avoided. accidental table 1 with a view to preventing possible accidents or user injuries.

In the folded position of table 1, the bushings 14, 14 'are in their lower position (Fig. 10), in the which are blocked by corresponding click systems with with respect to the bars 20.

The support arm of each of the wheels 10, eleven; 10 ', 11' is rotatable by the point where it joins each of the respective legs 5, 6; 5 ', 6' and comprises means of fixing the angular position of the wheel in at least three fixed positions with respect to the game position: at 0º (position normal game), at 90º (packing and transport position) and at 180º (play position for disabled people with chairs wheels). These fixing means may be constituted by interlocking systems in fixed rotation positions of type conventional.

It should also be noted that, although this Descriptive report was made on the basis of a table 1 of ping-pong, such description is not limiting and all features applicable to folding tables in general (such as the folding system for articulated quadrilaterals) are protected by the appended claims as deduces from them. For example, the use of the folded table as a support for blackboards or screens audiovisual projection in meeting rooms or classrooms. This characteristic is very useful for example in schools, institutes and, in general, teaching and education centers, in which it is usual the combination of purely teaching and leisure activities or sports.

Describe sufficiently the nature of the The present invention, as well as how to implement it, is states that everything that does not alter, change or modify its fundamental principle, may be subject to variations of detail.

Claims (16)

1. Folding table (1), comprising a board formed by two halves (2, 2 ') articulated with respect to each other, which can be placed extended forming a single plane, or folded with respect to each other, and a frame at the bottom of the board to support the table on the floor at the right height, characterized in that the two halves are articulated one with with respect to another on hinges (18) located in the junction zone of the two halves (2, 2 ') of the board; and because the frame comprises at least two sets of support (4; 4 ') symmetrical with respect to the imaginary plane that it is perpendicular to the plane of the extended board and passing through the axis of articulation of the two halves of the board, being equipped each support set of at least

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two legs (5, 6; 5 ', 6') articulated at the top (A; A ') with with respect to the corresponding half of the board, and

-

for the minus one upright (7, 8; 7 ', 8') connected in an articulated way by one end (B; B ') with one of the legs and also in shape articulated, at the other end (C; C ') with the other half of the board, at a certain distance from the joint (D) of the two halves (2; 2 '),

so that, in each support set, the leg (5), the amount (7), the segment of a half (2) that remains between the joint (A) and the joint (D), and the segment of the another half (2 ') that remains between the joint (C) and the joint (D) determine a quadrilateral structure articulated, which allows folding the table by folding the halves (2, 2 ') by its opposite ends. 2. Folding table (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that in each support assembly the lengths of its elements are such that they substantially verify the relationship BA + AD = BC +
CD. 3. Folding table (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pin axis (19) of the hinges (18) is located, in the unfolded position of the table, below the level of the plane formed by the two halves (2, 2 ') deployed, and in the vertical plane defined by the adjacent edges of the halves of the table, the two halves (2, 2') remaining, in the folded position of the table (1), superimposed in parallel for transport or storage. 4. Folding table (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that in the folded position of the table, the two halves are at a distance less than 110 mm. 5. Folding table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each support assembly (4; 4 ') comprises a stiffening cross member (9; 9') that joins at least two of the legs (5, 6; 5 ', 6') of said set. A folding table (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one upright (7, 8; 7 ', 8') is connected in an articulated way by one end (B; B ') with the crossbar (9 ; 9 ') corresponding and at the other end (C; C'), also articulated, with the other half of the board, at a certain distance from the joint (D) of the two halves (2; 2 '). 7. Folding table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the legs (5, 6; 5 ', 6') comprise corresponding wheels (10, 11; 10 ', at their support end in the asuelo) eleven'). 8. Folding table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises central support legs (12, 12 '), located at each end of the joint (D)), which collaborate with the legs (5, 6; 5 ', 6') in the support of the table on the floor and receiving the support in articulation of the pin axis (19) of rotation of the hinges (18) and of the table. 9. Folding table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joints (C, C ') are incorporated in the hinges (18). 10. Folding table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each central support leg (12, 12 ') is provided with a safety system comprising a bushing (14, 14') that frictionally slides by a vertical bar (20) of said central leg, each bushing (14, 14 ') being provided with another respective additional bushing (23, 23'), inner with respect to the first one, and of at least two support arms (15 , 16; 15 ', 16') which are fixed, at one end, articulated, to the bushing, and, at the other end, articulated and slidable, to the bottom face of a respective board half (2, 2'). 11. Folding table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a vertical network (3) located on the axis of articulation of the two halves of the board so that both the network and the table assembly have some dimensions and a configuration suitable for the practice of table tennis or ping-pong. 12. Folding table (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the vertical posts (13; 13 ') for holding the net (3) are fixed to the upper parts of the central support legs (12; 12'). 13. Folding table (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the vertical posts (13; 13 ') are removable with respect to the upper parts of the central legs (12; 12'). 14. Folding table (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the vertical posts (13; 13 ') are adjustable in height and separation distance, to modify the network voltage. 15. Folding table (1) according to any one of claims 11111 to 14, characterized in that it comprises two "T" coupling pieces (17, 17 '), with three coupling points respectively for the corresponding end of the central hinge assembly (18), the base of the corresponding vertical post (13, 13 ') of the network (3) and the upper part of the corresponding central support leg (12, 12'), said coupling parts being provided with a gradation of it forms from a substantially circular cross section to a substantially oval cross section in correspondence with the respective cross sections of the central support legs and the central hinge assembly. 16. Folding table (1) according to any one of claims 11111 to 15, characterized in that the support arm of each of the wheels (10, 11; 10 ', 11') is rotatable by the point where it joins to each of the respective legs (5, 6; 5 ', 6') and comprises means for fixing the angular position of the wheel in at least three fixed positions with respect to the playing position: at 0 °, a 90º and 180º.