GB2481229A

GB2481229A - Expandable table having hinged leaves which are pivoted through 180 degrees to expand the table surface

Info

Publication number: GB2481229A
Application number: GB1010093.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew Bridges
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-06-16
Filing date: 2010-06-16
Publication date: 2011-12-21
Also published as: GB201010093D0

Abstract

An expandable table that increases in size from a small square comprises expansion leaves 2 which are hinged 3 to a main tabletop platform 4 which they overlie when folded inward to reduce the table to its smaller state. To allow the user to expand the table, a centre piece 1 moves vertically downwards to sit flush with the main tabletop platform [as shown in Figure C] allowing the user to flip out the expansion leaves 2 to create a larger usable table surface. The moving centre square 1 works on a cam system [see Figures O,N] and is activated by the rotation of a sub base 5. The sub base 5 supports the leaves 2 when they are unfolded through 180 degrees to the expanded position. The table components are supported off the ground by a support structure with one or more legs. The main platform is preferably square while the hinged expansion leaves 2 are generally triangular in shape. The table can seat up to four people when in the non-expanded state and up to eight people in the expanded state.

Description

Expandable table

This invention relates to an expandable table.

The average household requires a table that seats two to four people. It must be modestly sized due to the average room size but occasionally a larger table with more seating will be required. This is often achieved by having a segmented table where the segments move apart from each other allowing extra leaves to drop into the gap, but the leaves need to be stored when not in use. Another method is by having drop leaves that are raised to extend the table suiface area, but these often hang in the way and obstruct whole sides of the table when not in use.

My invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems by firstly increasing in size from a small square which will seat up to four people, to a larger square which will seat up to eight people; and secondly by storing the extra leaves needed for expansion on its surface, where positioned together they form the usable table surface when the table is in its closed first position. The expansion leaves are hinged along their longest length to the platform beneath them, which they rest upon when the table is in its smaller state. To allow the user to expand the table, a small square is featured in the centre of the table which will move vertically downwards to sit flush with the table-top allowing the user to easily take hold of the chamfered short edges of the leaves and flip them out in turn to create a usable table surface with a larger surface area and larger perimeter for seating up to eight people.

This moving centre square will work on a cam system as described later in this patent, which is activated by the rotation of a sub base. As the sub base is rotated until it is at degrees from its original position, the centre square will move vertically downwards until it sits flush with the platform. The sub base which now forms an eight pointed star shape with the platform and unopened leaves will now act as support for the leaves when folded out. The table will transfoirn from its larger state to its smaller state by performing the above processes in reverse. The table components are supported off the ground by a support structure with legs.

The advantage of rotating the lower base in relation to the table instead of rotating the sub base and leaves in relation to the table is that the table legs will remain in a desirable position for seating up to eight people in comfort. If the sub base and leaves rotated in relation to the lower base and legs, then the table legs would end up in an undesirable position to seat eight people as they would interfere with knee space. This is not the case when the base is a pedestal. If a pedestal base is used then the sub base and leaves can rotate on the fixed lower base and adequate leg space will still be achieved.

This invention could be adapted in a number of ways without altering the spirit of this invention. Examples of alterations are the centre square could be replaced by a centre piece of a different shape and could also move independently in relation to the table, for example on a spring loaded push release system similar to as used on some

retractable pens.

The invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like features throughout the figures, and in which:

I

Figure A shows the invention in its unexpanded state.

Figure B shows the invention with the sub base rotated 45 degrees from its initial position, and the centre square lowered.

Figure C shows the invention with two of the four leaves folded out.

Figure D shows the invention in its fully expanded state.

Figure E shows the underside of the invention in its unexpanded state.

Figure F shows the underside of the invention with the sub base rotated 45 degrees from its original position.

Figure G shows the underside of the invention in its fully expanded state.

Figure H shows an exploded view of the invention.

Figure I shows the underside of the platform component Figure J shows the top side of the sub base component Figure K shows the legs and support frame.

Figure L shows the underside of the centre square component Figure M shows the cam mechanism component.

Figure N shows how the cam mechanism works.

Figure 0 shows how the cam mechanism works.

Figure P shows the leg position and seating arrangement for the invention when fully expanded.

Figure Q shows the inferior leg position and seating arrangement of an alternative

table.

Figure R shows an alternative version of the invention in its unexpanded state with a different support structure.

Figure S shows an alternative version of the invention in a semi-expanded state with a different support structure.

Figure T shows an alternative version of the invention in its fully expanded state with a different support structure.

Figure U shows an alternative version of the invention in its unexpanded state with a different support structure.

Figure V shows an alternative version of the invention in a semi-expanded state with a different support structure.

Figure W shows an alternative version of the invention in its fully expanded state with a different support structure.

Figure A shows the invention in its unexpanded state. The leaves 2 and centre piece 1 are in the same plane and together form the tables main surface. The leaves 2 are rested on the platform 4. The table will seat up to four people in this position.

Figure B shows the invention with the sub base 5 rotated 45 degrees from its initial position. The rotation of the sub base 5 has activated the centre square 1 to move vertically downwards where it now sits flush with the platform 4. With the centre square 1 in it's lower position, the user can access the shortest edge of the leaves 2 allowing them to be opened. This short edge is partly chamfered to provide additional grip when opening the leaves 2. The sub base 5 is now in a position to support the leaves 2 when they are opened.

Figure C shows the invention with two of the four leaves 2 folded out and supported by the sub base 5. The leaves 2 are connected to the platform 4 with flush fitting, self supporting table flap hinges 3 which offer additional support to the leaves 2 along with the rotated sub base 5.

Figure D shows the invention in its fully expanded state, with all four leaves 2 unfolded and supported by the sub base 5. The centre square 1, platform 4 and leaves 2 are all in the same plane, providing a larger usable table surface area and larger usable perimeter for seating up to eight people.

Figure E shows the underside of the invention in its unexpanded state. A recessed finger hole 6 is let into each corner of the underside of the sub base 5, allowing the user to rotate the sub base.

Figure F shows the underside of the invention with the sub base 5 rotated 45 degrees from its original position.

Figure G shows the underside of the invention with all four leaves 2 folded out and supported by the sub base 5.

Figure H shows an exploded view of the inventions main components that consist of the following parts: Centre square 1. Leaves 2. Flush fitting, self-supporting flap hinges 3. Platform 4. Sub base 5. Cam mechanism for centre square 7. Legs 9 and support frame 8. Fixing bolts 10.

Figure I shows the underside of the platfonTn 4 which houses male female threaded spacers 11 and needle roller bearings 12. The threaded spacers 11 are to connect the platform 4 to the support frame 8 using bolts 10. The needle roller bearings 12 are to reduce friction between the top side of the moving sub base 5 and the underside of the static platform 4. A square cut-out 13 is located in the centre of the platform 4 to allow the centre square 1 to sit flush with the platform 4. A rotation bar 14 is housed in the square cut-out 13 to allow the sub base 5 to rotate around a fixed centre.

Figure J shows the top side of the sub base 5. A series of broken circular slots 15 have been routed all the way through the sub base 5 to allow the threaded spacers 11 fixed to the platform 4 to pass through the sub base 5 and not inhibit the rotation of the sub base 5 between being in the closed position (figure D) and rotated to 45 degrees (figure E). A cam mechanism 7 for the moving centre square 1 is positioned within a square cut-out 16 in the centre of the sub base. As the sub base 5 is rotated, so is the cam system 7 that in turn forces the centre square 1 upwards or allows it to move back down.

Figure K shows the legs 9 and support frame 8. Bolts 10 pass up through holes 17 in the support frame 8 and fix into the spacers 11 attached to the underside of the platform 4. Needle roller bearings 12 are set into the support frame 8 to reduce friction between the underside of the moving sub base 5 and the static support frame 8.

Figure L shows the underside of the centre square 1. It has four bearings 18 fixed to brackets 19 which run over the ramps / cams 20 and allow the centre square 1 to move up and down. A groove 21 runs from corner to corner diagonally across the underside.

This is to allow the centre square 1 to fit over the rotation bar 14. Two strong magnets 22 are fitted flush in this groove 21; they are attracted to two more magnets 22 that are housed in the top side of the rotation bar 14. These two sets of magnets 22 attract each other and pull the centre square 1 downwards when the sub base 5 is rotated to allow the bearings to roll down the ramps / cams 20.

Figure M shows the cam mechanism 7 isolated from the sub base 5. The centre block 23 is threaded to receive a bolt that fixes the rotation bar 14 to the cam mechanism 7.

There are four ramps / cams 20 which support the four bearings 18 on the centre square 1. Using four ramps/cams 20 with four bearings 18 ensures the centre square 1 remains level to prevent jamming while moving up and down. The ramps/cams 20 and centre block 23 are all fixed to a plate 24 that can be fixed to the underside of the sub base 5. When the sub base 5 is rotated the cam mechanism 7 also turns as it is fixed to the sub base 5. Because the centre square 1 is prevented from turning by either the four leaves 2 in the tables closed position (see figure D) or the square cut-out 13 in the table top 4 in the tables larger state (see figure G) the bearings 18 are either forced up the cams / ramps 20, or pulled back down them by the attracting magnets 21. This in turn raises or lowers the centre square 1.

Figure N shows the centre square 1 in its highest position (see figure D), with the bearings 18 sat on the highest surface of the ramps / cams 20.

Figure 0 shows the centre square I in its lowest position (see figure G), with the bearings 18 completely off the ramps / cams 20 and resting on the plate 24.

Figure P shows a plan view of seating positions for average sized adults 25 around the invention in its fully expanded state (see figure G). Because the sub base 5 rotates in relation to the table, leaving the table legs 9 in the same position relative to the platform 4, the legs 9 remain in a desirable position for seating up to eight people 25.

Figure Q shows a plan view of the awkward positioning of the table legs 9 on an alternative version of the invention. If the platform 4 and attached leaves 2 rotated in relation to the sub base 5 and legs 9, then the table's legs 9 in its expanded state would end up in an undesirable position to seat eight people 25 as the legs 9 interfere with knee space.

Figure R shows an alternative version of the invention in its unexpanded state. Instead of a support frame 8 and four legs 9 as the means for supporting the table, the table is supported by a pedestal 26. Using a pedestal 26 instead of legs 9 and a support frame 8 as described earlier, means the sub base 27 can be fixed, with the table top 4 and leaves 2 rotating instead. The problem of the legs 9 getting in the way when the invention is expanded as detailed earlier in figures S and T has been removed by using a pedestal 26 support structure that does not interfere with the diners' knee space.

Figure S shows an alternative version of the invention as shown in figure U in a semi-expanded state.

Figure T shows an alternative version of the invention as shown in figures U and V in its fully expanded state.

Figure U shows an alternative version of the invention in its unexpanded state. The invention is practically the same, but with angled, chamfered legs 28 that meet together in the centre underneath the table. The expanding function and use of the table are otherwise identical.

Figure V shows the alternative version of the invention as shown in figure X in a semi-expanded state.

Figure W shows an alternative version of the invention as shown in figures X and Y in its fully expanded state.

Claims

Claims: 1. An expandable table comprising: a) a planar platform having a plurality of substantially straight edges; b) a plurality of leaves pivotally connected to said platform at respective edges thereof, each leaf being pivotal through substantially 180 degrees between a first position in which said leaves are parallel to and overlie a portion of the platform, and a second, lowered, position in which said leaves extend beyond, and substantially co-planar with, said platform, wherein when all of said leaves are in said first position, the upper surfaces of said leaves form a platform of a first size, and when all of said leaves are in said second position, the upper surfaces of said leaves form a platform of a second size, the second size being greater than the first size; c) a means for supporting said leaves when in their second position; d) a planar centre piece arranged for movement orthogonally with respect to the plane of the platform, the centre piece being vertically movable in use between a raised level in which it sits substantially within the same plane as said leaves when in their first position and a lowered level in which it sits substantially within the same plane as said leaves when in their second position; and e) a support base to support the platform substantially horizontally in use.
2. An expandable table according to claim 1, wherein the platform is substantially square with four edges.
3. An expandable table according to either of claims 1 and 2, wherein the means for supporting said leaves in their second position comprises a sub-base rotatable with respect to the platform, which when at a first angle of rotation is operable to support said leaves when in their second position.
4. An expandable table according to claim 3, wherein the vertical movement of said centre piece is controlled by the rotation of the sub-base.
5. An expandable table according to either of claims 3 and 4, wherein the vertical movement of said centre piece is controlled by a cam system.
6. An expandable table according to claim 5, wherein said cam system comprises bearings moving vertically off ramps with attracting magnets providing a downwards pull to said centre piece.
7. An expandable table according to either of claims 1 and 2, wherein the platform is rotatable with respect to the support base, and the means for supporting said leaves in their second position comprises the platform when so rotated.
8. An expandable table according to claim 7, wherein the vertical movement of said centre piece is controlled by the rotation of the platform in relation to the support base.
9. An expandable table according to claim 8, wherein the vertical movement of said centre piece is controlled by a cam system.
10. An expandable table according to claim 9, wherein said cam system comprises of bearings moving vertically off ramps with attracting magnets providing a downwards pull to said centre piece.
11. An expandable table substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.