GB2253559A - Folding table - Google Patents

Abstract

A table having two or more leaves pivotally connected to each other by articulating arms, which folds into a cupboard, the leaves remaining parallel to the floor at all times, so that objects on the table will not fall off during the folding and unfolding processes. In the preferred form there are three leaves stacked in a cupboard to form shelves: the cupboard would form part of the partition between a kitchen and a living room occupying floor space of either room. A meal can be laid on the folded leaves from the kitchen side and then unfolded into a single plane to form a table in the living room. After the meal the table can be refolded into the cupboard and cleared away from the kitchen side. A roller shutter would be drawn down to close the aperture. <IMAGE>

Description

FOLDING TABLE DESCRIPTION This invention relates to a novel folding table which folds into a plurality of shelves.

The table comprises two or more leaves, one of which is attached to a vertical member such as a wall or cupboard: The leaves are pivotally connected to each other so that they stack into shelves when folded, and will unfold to form a single plane, each leaf upon being moved from the first to the second position being held parallel to each other and the floor, so that articles thereon will not fall off during the folding process.

Preferably there are three leaves, the lowest being attached to the upright member at table height, another having legs to support the table off the floor, and the third, being between these two, forms the centre leaf of the table.

The table may be housed in a cupboard which may form part of a partition between two rooms, so that it may unfold into one room, and, in its folded state, provide shelves in the cupboard accessible from the other room. When the table is housed in a cupboard forming the upright member, the lowest shelf may run on rails parallel to the floor of the cupboard, and pull out like a drawer.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:- Fig.1 shows a cross sectional view of a cupboard housing a table in its folded state, having wooden articulating arms pivotally connecting the three leaves.

Fig.2 shows a similar view using metal arms.

Fig.3 shows a cross sectional view of a table fully extended into a single plane.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing: The table comprises a cupboard 1) housing a table formed from three leaves 2a), 2b) and 2c).

Leaf 2a) can slide out of the cupboard on rails 6) in the sides of the cupboard 1). Leaf 2a) is connected to leaf 2b) by articulating arms 3d) and 3e), and leaf 2b) is connected to leaf 2c) by articulating arms 3e) and 3f).

Leaf 2c) is supported by two legs 4) above the floor 5) of a room.

The table can be folded back by sliding leaf 2a) back along the rails 6) and by raising leaves 2b) and 2c) to form three shelves in the cupboard when not being used as a table. In the folded position legs 4) will be accommodated in the cupboard.

The invention can be made of any suitable materials, either wood or plastic, with wood, plastic or metal arms connecting the leaves. A roller shutter 7) could be used to hide the table when folded.

Claims (1)

1. In small accommodation units such as flats, studios or mobile homes, space is at a premium: tables, which are used intermittently, take up a large amount of floorspace.

   Folding tables are often used to mitigate this problem, but have the disadvantage that all objects on them have to be removed when they are folded and unfolded. To serve a meal in a living room it is necessary to set up the table, ferry the crockery, food etc.

   to and from the kitchen, and refold the table afterwards.

   The present invention comprises a folding table where the leaves 2a), 2b), and 2c) always remain parallel to, and level with the floor. Everything on the table can remain on it while it is being folded and unfolded: this is particularly advantageous where the cupboard forms part of the partition between a kitchen and a living room: it can occupy floor space of either room. The table can unfold into the living room carrying a complete meal which has been put on the leaves from the kitchen. After eating, the table can be folded back into the cupboard and the remains of the meal removed from the kitchen side.

   This invention saves space, time and labour.

   The table need not be mounted in a cupboard. Leaf 2a) could be attached to a wall and leaves 2b) and 2c) pivotally connected to leaf 2a) providing a table in one position and three shelves in another position.

   Further modifications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.