GB2299500A - Dual height occasional table - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable dual height table for use as a dining or coffee table has two sets of legs 6,7 of different lengths which can be selectively placed in sockets 4,5 at the corners of the table top. The out-of-use legs are stored in pairs beneath the table, resting on shelves 8 and released by hinged gates 9,10. The table top may be removably retained in the frame 2 independently of the leg storage and securing means, which are attached to the frame.

Description

DUAL HEIGHT OCCASIONAL TABLES The invention relates to portable tables that can be arranged with their top at either a high or low level.

Occasional tables, used for playing cards or other purposes, should provide a stable platform at a convenient height for use with upright or dining type chairs and desirably also at a convenient height for use with easy chairs.

The table legs should cause minimal interference with the users' legs.

When dismantled, such tables should take up minimal space.

They should be free from projections that might cause damage when stacked alongside or on top of each other. Such tables should be capable of being erected, dismantled and transported safely, quickly, and easily.

Lastly, such tables should be capable of being manufactured at low cost.

According to the present invention, the table is provided with two sets of legs, four long and four short.

In use the legs are positioned at the four corners of the table, causing minimal obstruction and maximum stability.

When being transported, or when in storage, all legs are stored in the same direction within the confines of the table top. This arrangement allows the overall dimensions of the stowed table to be 710 mm x 710 mm x 48 mm. Such tables can be stacked 30 high with a stack height of about 1.45 metres (less than five feet).

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1. Shows a cross section of the table erected on its shorter legs, with its longer legs resting in their stowage position.

Figure 2. Shows the table in plan view, with the table top removed and with one pair of short legs and one pair of long legs in their stowage positions.

Referring to the drawing, the table top is seen to be comprised of two main components: A flat board 1 which fits into a recess in the frame 2.

A square frame 2 with reinforcement blocks 3 in each corner.

Since the table top 1 and its optional cloth or other covering is subject to wear and tear and despoliation by spillage, it is so arranged that it can be readily detached from the frame 2 for replacement. Such replacement does not interfere in any way with the arrangements for holding the legs in the working or storage positions.

The reinforcement blocks are provided with sockets into which the legs are inserted when in use. The sockets 4 can be formed totally within the reinforcement blocks 3 for use with round legs. Alternatively sockets 5 can be formed partially by the reinforcement blocks 3 and partially by the frame 2, for use with square section legs. The sockets in the reinforcement blocks 3 are blind so that the legs do not come into contact with the table top 1.

The table has two sets of tapered legs. The legs may be round or square in cross section, the sockets in the reinforcement blocks being formed to suit.

The longer legs 6 are stored within the table top frame 2, clear of the reinforcing blocks 3. In use these legs afford a table top height of about 0.68 metres, accepted as ideal for use with upright or dining type chairs.

The shorter legs 7 are stored in the same direction as the longer legs, but between the reinforcement blocks 3. The table height using the shorter legs is about 0.42 metres, suitable for use with easy chairs.

This arrangement for stowing the legs symmetrically leaves a clear space at two opposite sides of the frame 2 to provide a convenient and firm hand hold at the point of balance for carriage.

As shown in the drawing, the legs are stowed in pairs, the larger or top ends resting on shelves 8 with stop ends to prevent the legs sliding out. The smaller or bottom ends of the legs rest on similar shelves 9 and are prevented from sliding out by hinged gates 10 and 11.

To erect the table, one side of the frame 2 is rested on the floor and the opposite side lent against the user with the underside of the table top facing outwards and with the table legs vertical (the carriage position). A short or long leg is removed from its storage position by moving an upper hinged gate from the lock position 10, to the release position 11.

This leg is inserted in one of the uppermost sockets. The other matching leg is likewise inserted in the other vacant socket. The table is then turned through 180 degrees and the matching pair of legs inserted in like manner.

The table legs are prevented from falling out when the table is turned into its working position by means of spring catches, magnets or other means.

To dismantle the table the procedure for erection is reversed.

The gates 10 and 11 allow the legs to be slid into their storage positions using only one hand, and automatically return to the locked position 10 by means of springs, magnets or other means.

Claims (4)

1 An occasional table with one, two or more sets of legs of differing lengths, enabling the table top to be arranged at two or more heights.

2 A table as described in Claim 1 where straight legs are detachably mounted at the four corners of the table top.

3 A table as described in Claim 1 and Claim 2 in which the legs are stowed within the confines of the table top in a manner that allows a relatively small table to be arranged at 'standard' height for use with upright or dining type chairs.

4 A table as described in Claim 1, Claim 2, and Claim 3 in which the working surface can readily be replaced without interference with the means for securing the legs in use or storage.