MX2007007053A

MX2007007053A - Folding table.

Info

Publication number: MX2007007053A
Application number: MX2007007053A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Leon Angel Martinez; Canales Francisco Espina
Original assignee: Sport Enebe S L
Priority date: 2004-12-13
Filing date: 2005-12-13
Publication date: 2007-11-22
Also published as: ES2255447B1; WO2006064068A1; CN101141899A; EP1829462A1; US20090176605A1; ES2255447A1

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 the 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 FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the technical sector of folding tables. More specifically, it refers to a folding table of the type comprising a board formed by two halves articulated one with respect to the other, both halves being able to be extended forming a single plane, or folded one with respect to another, and a frame by the bottom of the board to support the table on the floor at the appropriate height. The present invention finds particular application in 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 tennis tables have the possibility of being folded in half, so that each of the halves is in a vertical position and next to one another. In this way it is achieved that once the game is finished, 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 fi- For competition, or simply recreational, it is advisable that the tables be foldable and light, to allow easy removal and leave the space occupied. Therefore, an easily foldable ping-pong table is sought, which, once folded, occupies the smallest possible space, light at the same time as robust, and with a simple, safe and effective folding mechanism (in order to to lower production costs). Normally, the simultaneity of all these factors raises conflicts in which the manufacturer must decide to optimize one or more of the mentioned characteristics to the detriment of the rest. For example, in principle, a simple folding mechanism can be associated with an unsound or low quality mechanism. There are several types of folding tables in the current technique. Among them, utility model ES256416 can be cited, in which a very bulky and non-folding bottom frame is claimed. The folding part claimed for this table is the board. Another Spanish utility model, of publication number 1007292, discloses a folding ping-pong table in which the legs are removed from the board when it must be folded.

In general, it is desirable that all the pieces or elements that are part of the table in their operative state, remain with it when it is stored or transported. Utility model application number U0208534 discloses a folding ping-pong table in which the structures of the legs are folded inwards by means of telescopic arms. This type of mechanism, widely known in various industrial sectors, requires a certain complexity of manufacture and is not sufficiently robust especially when the table must be folded and extended frequently. The present invention presents an alternative mechanism applied to ping-pong tables so that they can be folded in a simple and fast manner. At the same time, this mechanism is simple to manufacture and the result is a folding ping-pong table that, once folded, occupies a minimum space and is easy to store and transport.

Explanation of the invention For this purpose the object of the present invention is a folding table of the mentioned type, which in its essence is characterized in that the two halves are articulated one with respect to another on hinges located in the area of union of the two halves of the board; and in that the frame comprises at least two symmetrical support assemblies with respect to the imaginary plane which is perpendicular to the plane of the extended board and which passes through the articulation axis of the two halves of the board, each supporting assembly being provided with minus two legs articulated at their upper part with respect to the corresponding half of the board, and at least one upright connected in an articulated manner at one end to one of the legs and, also of articulated form, on the other end with the other half of the board, at a certain distance from the articulation of the two halves of the board, so that, in each support assembly, the leg, the upright, the segment of a half that is between the joint and the joint, and the segment of the other half that is between the joint and the joint determine a structured quadrilateral structure. This allows folding the table by folding the halves at their opposite ends. According to another feature of the present invention in each support set the lengths of its elements are such that substantially verify the relationship that the sum of the lengths of the upright 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 upright with the board is equal to the sum of the lengths of the board. segment that goes from the point of attachment of the upright to the leg to the articulated upper end of said leg plus the segment that goes from said articulated upper end of the leg to the articulation of the two halves of the board. According to another characteristic of the present invention, the hinge pin is located, in the unfolded position of the table, below the level of the plane formed by the two unfolded halves, 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 their transport or storage. Preferably, in the folded position of the table, the two halves are at a distance of less than 110 mm. According to another feature of the present invention, each support assembly comprises a stiffening crosspiece that joins at least two of the legs of said assembly.

According to another characteristic of the present invention, the at least one upright is connected in an articulated manner at one end to the corresponding crosspiece and at the other end, also in an articulated manner, with the other half of the backboard, at a certain distance of the articulation of the two halves. According to still another characteristic of the present invention, the legs comprise corresponding wheels at their ground supporting end. In the case of a table tennis table with just the above attributes, these may not be enough to overcome the European Standard in preparation for table tennis tables, which will come to demand to withstand efforts exceeding 80 kg. Yet another feature of the present invention is that the table comprises central support legs, located at each end of the joint and which cooperate with the legs on the support of the table on the ground and receive the support in articulation of the shaft pivot pin for the hinges and the table. Preferably, the support legs will be slightly outside the perimeter of the game board.

This feature allows to provide a ping pong table of great robustness, which allows you to comfortably exceed the minimum 80 kg mentioned above. According to another feature of the present invention, each central support leg is provided with a safety system, comprising a sliding bushing that slides with friction by a vertical bar of said central leg, each bushing being provided with minus two support arms which are fixed, at one end, in an articulated manner, to the bushing, and, at the other end, hinged and slidable, to the lower face of a respective panel half. This security system works in a similar way to the structure of an umbrella bars and offers a friction between the bushing and the vertical bar of the central leg, which prevents the sharp fall of the folded or semi-folded table. A click system of the bushings with respect to the bar of the leg, can fix the folded position of the table, so that it is equipped with both active and passive safety systems. According to a further 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 of the table have dimensions and a suitable configuration for the practice of table tennis or ping-pong. Another additional feature of the present invention is that the vertical support posts of the network are fixed to the upper portions of the central support legs. Yet another feature of the present invention is that the vertical posts are removable with respect to the upper portions of the central legs. The vertical poles are preferably adjustable in height and separation distance, to modify the voltage of the network. Another feature of the present invention is that the folding table comprises two pieces of "T" coupling, with three coupling points respectively for the corresponding end of the central hinge assembly, the base of the corresponding vertical pole of the network and the upper part of the corresponding central support leg, said coupling parts being provided with a shape gradation from a substantially circular cross-section to a substantially oval cross section in correspondence a layout with the respective cross sections of the central support legs and the central hinge assembly. The support arm of each of the wheels is rotatable by the point where it joins each of the respective legs so that said wheels have at least three fixed positions with respect to the game position: at 0 ° , at 90 ° and at 180 °. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the new and inventive features of the present invention, in addition to providing a joint and effective solution to the aforementioned drawbacks, make it possible to manufacture a folding ping-pong table with a folding mechanism integral with the structure of the table and at the same time simple and robust, with the consequent advantages from the point of view of production. In addition, the volume occupied by the table in the folding condition is minimal since the two halves of the board are superimposed. Furthermore, the modular constitution and functionality of the table elements according to the present invention allow the manufacture of them entirely in plastic, with the consequent advantage that the joints can be by riveting, which is a very fast, economical and insurance. The table can be manufactured in subassemblies and / or modules , which facilitates logistics and can simplify the batch production process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The attached drawings illustrate, by way of non-limiting example, embodiments of the foldable ping-pong table object of the invention. In said drawings: Fig. 1 is a plan view of the foldable ping-pong table of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a front view of the ping-pong table of the present invention folded; Fig. 3 is a side view of the ping-pong table according to the present invention in an intermediate state between the extension of the board and the folding thereof; Fig. 4 is a side view of the ping pong table of the present invention fully folded; Fig. 4b is a side view of the ping-pong table without the covers of the central support legs; Fig. 5 is a side view of the ping-pong table of the present invention fully deployed; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the lower part of the table of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the folding table of the present invention; Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are details of the friction folding system with bushing, shown in Fig. 7, in the positions of total deployment, semi-jointed and total folding of the table respectively; and Fig. 11 is an exploded view of the central hinge assembly, the central support legs and the "T" coupling parts of the table of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In these drawings, a preferred embodiment of the present invention applicable to a ping-pong or table-tennis table can be appreciated. In Fig. 1 there is a plan view of the table of ping-pong 1 displayed as it is presented for the practice of the game. Obviously, this condition is irrelevant in terms of the advantages provided by the present invention since the standard measures of the board condition the space that will occupy any regulatory table and the aforementioned figure 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 lateral end of table 1, particularly visible in the Fig. 6. The halves 2, 2 'can be extended in a single plane, or they can be superimposed in parallel for transport or storage, and a frame in the lower part of the board for supporting the table on the floor to the adequate height. To facilitate the understanding of the folding mechanism that will be described next, the numerical references designate equivalent and symmetrical elements in both halves of the structure of the table 1 although differentiated with the symbol ('). For example, in said figure it can be seen that the two halves 2, 2 'of the table 1 adopt the same reference (2) with the only difference that has just been pointed out. The folding mechanism, located under the table 1, can be seen better in Fig. 3. Said folding mechanism constitutes at the same time the support frame of the table 1. It consists essentially of two structures of articulated quadrilateral which are known in other industrial sectors and 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 the leg 5 or 6, the upright 7, the CD segment (C being the articulation point of said upright 7 with respect to the opposite half 2 'of the board ) and the AD segment (where A is the articulation point of leg 5 or 6 with respect to the corresponding half 2 of the board). One of the segments has been defined as leg 5 or 6 because the upright 7 can be fixed to the end of either of the two legs 5, 6, or, as will be seen later, it can be fixed to a stiffening crosspiece 9 ( optional but preferred) that binds both legs 5, 6; It is also possible that the table 1 has a greater number of uprights 7 depending on the mechanical strength desired for the materials with which the table 1 is built in each case. All these elements can be seen more clearly in Fig. 6 in which the lower part of table 1 is observed. The same articulated quadrilateral structure is repeated symmetrically for the other half 2 'of table 1. The four vertices A, B, C, D (or A ', B', C, D where appropriate) of the quadrilateral are points of articulation of the corresponding segments that constitute the sides of the same so that the structure can be folded being superimposed two to two sides of the quadrilateral. In order to achieve an optimum folding of the table 1, that is to say, a folding condition occupying the minimum possible space so that the two halves 2, 2 'are substantially parallel and glued one to the other, condition BC + CD must be fulfilled = BA + AD for a quadril- tero, and B'C + C D = B'A '+ A' D for the other. In this way, it is guaranteed that the condition in which the vertices BAD and BCD form substantially 180 ° and the segments AD and BA, and BC and CD, respectively, substantially form two straight lines can be achieved. The same condition can be extrapolated to the quadrilateral of the other half 2 'of table 1 by exchanging respectively A, B and C by A', B 'and C. The points C and C correspond to the joints of the uprights 7, 7 ', 8 and 8' in the hinges 18 of both halves 2 and 2 '. In Figs. 6 and 7 it can be seen that the pin shaft 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 table halves 1. This allows that when the table 1 is folded, the two halves 2, 2 'are, in the folded position of the table 1, (Fig. 4), superimposed in parallel for their transport or storage, occupying a smaller space, such that between the panels an opening smaller than 110 mm remains, as specified in the European standard, preventing the passage of adults and children (Fig. 4b). This is possible thanks to the displacement of the pin shaft 19 of the hinges 18, which allows to move the edges away contiguous of both halves as they are rotated, which was not possible in the tables of the prior art. Fig. 4 shows a side view of table 1 of Fig. 3 in a total folding condition. As it can be seen in said figure and more specifically in Fig. 4b (where the covers of the central legs 12, 12 'have been omitted for the sake of greater clarity) the space occupied by the table 1 is reduced to minimum, being able to keep the same in any free place in a house or, for example, some sports facilities. On the other hand, the angular configuration of the bases of the legs 5, 5 ', 6, 6' allows the table 1 to be sufficiently stable to be easily transported to the desired location. It can be seen that the total thickness of the folded table 1 turns out to be only slightly larger than that of the sum of the two board halves 2, 2 '. In Fig. 5, the table 1 is fully deployed and in said figure the double structure of the articulated quadrilateral of vertices A, B, C and D, and A ', B', C and D, respectively, can be seen more clearly. The eight vertices of both quadrilaterals are articulated which, together with the previously mentioned conditions of BC + CD = BA + AD and B'C + CD = B'A '+ A' D, allows a practically flat folding of a half of board 2 parallel to the other half 2 '.

The materials from which the structure of the quadrilateral or frame of the table 1 is made are not essential for the purpose of the invention although it is desirable to make use of lightweight materials, to facilitate the transport of the table 1 and essential to achieve an economic and easy assembly of the table 1. On the other hand, the connection or shape of the elements that constitute the articulated quadrilaterals of said frame are not essential either, but the fundamental aspect is the existence of two complementary structures of articulated quadrilateral that, with the geometric conditions established above, they allow a total folding of table 1. Another aspect to be taken into account in tables 1 of this type is the ability to move or transport them as easily as possible. For this, the table 1 has a set of wheels 10, 10 ', 11, 11' arranged correspondingly at the lower ends of the legs 5, 5 ', 6, 6'. Once table 1 is completely folded, it can be moved as easily and occupies a small space. The preferred embodiment of the invention also includes two central support legs 12, 12 'which improve the stability of the table 1 when it is in the deployed operating state. These central legs 12, 12 'are linked by a transversal bar constitutive of the pin shaft 19 of the hinges 18, and can be as robust as desired according to the additional stability desired for the table depending on the materials used in each case. The legs 12, 12 'receive the support in articulation of the bar of the pin shaft 19 of rotation of the hinges 18 and, consequently of turning the table for its folding-unfolding. The central legs 12, 12 'can also constitute a decorative element, and therefore commercially attractive, for the sides of the table 1, especially when it is folded, said legs 12, 12' concealing the vision of the lower part of the table. the table 1. Furthermore, in one of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the upper parts of the central legs 12, 12 'can act as support for the support posts 13, 13' of the network 3 and, in another alternative of the invention, said posts 13, 13 'can be detachable with respect to said legs 12, 12'. The vertical posts 13; 13 'are adjustable in height and in separation distance, to modify the tension of the network, through retaining means 21 and 22 (Fig. 11).

Posts 13 and 13 'are also provided to exert the function of assist handle in handling the folding and unfolding of table 1. Another advantage of table 1 of the present invention is that the folding system allows fold the table 1 so that the playing surfaces are facing outwards. This capacity facilitates the folding operation because, for it, it is only necessary to perform a pushing force, thanks to the wheels 10, 10 ', 11, 11' of the legs 5, 5 ', 6, 6', and not a lifting or lifting force to lift each half 2, 2 'of the table 1. Figs. 7 to 10 serve specifically to show the friction folding system with bushing 14, 14 '. Each of the legs 12, 12 'is provided with a bushing 14, 14' coupled by friction to a respective vertical bar 20, of each leg 12, 12 ', along and out of which they can slide. This bushing 14, 14 'is slidable along each leg 12, 12' so that the folding and unfolding of the table 1 is facilitated, by producing them smoothly, thanks to the friction of the corresponding bushing 14, 14 '. with the leg 12, 12 'in which it is mounted, and to a pair of respective support arms 15, 16, 15', 16 'that articulate each bushing 14, 14' with the two halves 2, 2 'of the board. Each bushing 14, 14 'is additionally provided with an inner bushing 23, 23'. In addition, the arms 15, 1615 ', 16' are slidable, by the end fixed articulated to the table 1, on the lower part of said table 1. Said set of bushing 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", operated by spring and which is locked in the corresponding position of security through a click-type coupling. In this safety position, the accidental opening of the table 1 is avoided in order to prevent possible accidents or injuries to the user. In the folded position of the table 1, the bushes 14, 14 'are in their lower position (Fig. 10), in which they are locked by corresponding click systems with respect to the bars 20. The support arm of each of the wheels 10, 11; 10 ', 11' is rotatable by the point where it joins 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 play position: at 0 ° (normal play position), at 90 ° (position of packaging and transport) and 180 ° (play position for disabled people with wheelchairs). These fixing means can be constituted by locking systems in fixed rotation positions of conventional type. It should also be noted that, although the present specification has been made on the basis of a ping-pong table 1, said description is not limiting and all the characteristics applicable to folding tables in general (such as the system of folding by articulated quadrilaterals) ) are protected by the appended claims as deduced from them. For example, the use of the folded table as a support for blackboards or for audiovisual projection screens in meeting rooms or classrooms is foreseen. This characteristic is very useful, for example, in schools, schools and, in general, teaching and education centers, in which the combination of purely academic and leisure or sports activities is common. Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the way to put it into practice, it is stated that everything that does not alter, change or modify its fundamental principle, can be subject to variations of detail.

Claims

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. - Folding table (1), comprising a board formed by two halves (2, 2 ') articulated one with respect to the other, which can be extended to form a single plane, or folded one with respect to another, and a frame by the lower part of the board for supporting the table on the floor at the appropriate height, characterized in that the two halves are hinged to one another on hinges (18) located in the joint area of the two halves (2, 2 ') of the board; and in that the frame comprises at least two support assemblies (4; 4 ') symmetrical with respect to the imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the plane of the extended board and which passes through the axis of articulation of the two halves of the board, each support assembly of at least two legs (5, 6; 5 ', 6') articulated at their upper part (A; A ') with respect to the corresponding half of the board, and - at least one upright (7; , 8, 7 ', 8') connected in an articulated manner at one end (B; B ') with one of the legs and, also in an articulated manner, on the other end trem (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 assembly, the leg (5), the stile (7), the segment of one half (2) that lies between the joint (A) and the joint (D), and the segment of the other half (2 ') that lies between the joint (C) and the articulation (D) determine an articulated quadrilateral structure, which allows folding the table by folding the halves (2, 2 ') by their 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 relation BA + AD = BC + CD.

3. - Folding table (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pin shaft (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 '), and in the vertical plane defined by the adjacent edges of the halves of the table, leaving the two halves (2, 2 '), 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 of 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 crosspiece (9; 9') joining at least two of the legs (5; , 6, 5 ', 6') of said set.

6. - Folding table (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one upright (7, 8; 7 ', 8') is hingedly connected at one end (B; B ') to the crossbar ( 9; 9 ') and at the other end (C; C), also in an articulated manner, 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', 11 ') at their ground support end.

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 cooperate with the legs (5). , 6, 5 ', 6') in the support of the table on the floor and that receive the support in articulation of the pin shaft (19) of rotation of the bisa-gras (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 security system comprising a bushing (14, 14') sliding with friction for a vertical bar (20) of said central leg, each bushing (14, 14 ') being provided with another respective additional bushing (23, 23'), inside with respect to the first, and with at least two support arms (15, 16; 15 ', 16') that are fi- at one end, in an articulated manner, to the bushing, and, at the other end, hinged and slidable, to the underside of a respective panel 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 whole table have dimensions and a suitable configuration 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 fastening 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 of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the vertical posts (13; 13 ') are adjustable in height and in separation distance, to modify the tension of the network.

15. - Folding table (1) according to any of claims 11111 to 14, characterized in that it comprises two "T" coupling parts (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 net (3) and the upper part of the corresponding central support leg (12, 12'), said coupling parts being provided with a shape gradation. 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 at the point where it is placed. joins 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 play position: at 0 °, at 90 ° and at 180 °. E S U M E N It comprises a board formed by two halves (2, 2 ') articulated, which can be extended or folded one with respect to another, and a frame by the bottom of the board for the support of the table on the floor at height adequate The two halves are articulated with respect to one another on hinges (18) located in the joining zone of the two halves (2, 2 ') of the board; the frame comprises at least two support assemblies (; 4 ') symmetrical with respect to the imaginary plane perpendicular to the plane of the extended board and passing through the articulation joint of the two halves. Each support assembly comprises two legs (5, 6; 5 ', 6') articulated at their upper part (A; A ') with respect to the corresponding half of the board, and uprights (7, 8; 7', 8 ') articulated at one end (B; B') with one leg and, also in an articulated manner, 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 ').