MXPA05002351A

MXPA05002351A - Folding table with handles.

Info

Publication number: MXPA05002351A
Application number: MXPA05002351A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Wen Al
Original assignee: Lifetime Hong Kong Ltd
Priority date: 2002-10-26
Filing date: 2003-10-24
Publication date: 2005-06-06
Also published as: US20040194675A1; WO2004037040A2; AU2003276647B2; AU2003276647A1; WO2004037040A3; CA2493469A1; CN2574491Y

Abstract

A table includes a table top and a table frame. The table frame preferably includes one or more side rails, end rails, table legs, and support braces. The table also includes a mounting structure that is provided on the underside of the table top. At least a portion of a support assembly is connected to the mounting structure. Preferably, one end of the support braces is pivotally attached to the support assembly and the other end is pivotally attached to a table leg. Advantageously, the support assembly provides a "planar" support area to a portion of the table top. In addition, the table includes handles for enabling a person to transport the table.

Description

FOLDING TABLE WITH HANDLES FIELD OF THE INVENTION "The present invention is generally concerned with furniture such as tables and in particular with folding tables with handles." BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A wide variety of tables are known in the art and used for a variety of purposes. For example, a well-known type of table is commonly referred to as a "utility table." Conventional utility tables often include two leg assemblies that are pivotally connected to the table top. The leg assemblies are commonly movable between a folded position on the table. which legs are located near the bottom surface of the table top in an extended position in which the legs extend outwardly from the table top.A conventional folding table that can be used for example for outdoor activities is shown in Figure 4. Its main components include a 1 'table top and 2' table frame. e shows in figure 4, the table frame 2 'includes two side rails 21', three crossarms 22 ', two sets of folding legs 23' and two support braces 24 '. The side beams 21 'Ref .: 161798 are commonly fastened to the underside of the table top 1'. The three crossheads 23 'are separated and pivotally attached to both ends and the portion. half of the side stringers 21 '. The two sets of table legs 23 'are connected to the crosspieces 22' which are located near the ends of the side beams 22 '. In addition, one end of each support brace 24 'is fastened to the table leg 23', and the other end of the support brace is pivotally connected to the crossarm .22 'which is attached to the central portion of the side rails twenty-one'. When the legs of the table 23 'of the conventional table of Figure 4 are folded into the folded position, the table board 1' is commonly rotated, so that the underside of the table top faces upwards. Then the legs of the table 23 'are folded down towards the table top. Because the crosspieces 22 'which are attached to the legs of the table 23 are pivotally attached to the side beams 21' and the support braces 24 'are pivotally attached to the legs of the table 23', the legs of the table 23 'come to rest on the underside of the tabletop 1' thus reducing its volume. The central portion of the tabletop 1 'of this type of conventional folding table, however, is only supported by a crosshead 22' which is pivotally attached to the two support braces 24 '. This may allow the central portion of the table to be deflected, moved or moved undesirably. In addition, if crosshead 22"in the central portion of the table top is damaged, the entire table frame 2" must be removed in order to repair the damaged crosshead. The removal of the entire table frame 2 'from the tabletop 1' commonly requires a significant amount of time and effort. Additionally, once the table is folded, the user must hold the table by the perimeter of the table top or part of the table frame. Where the table or frame board is heavy, it becomes difficult for a person to transport the table in such a manner. Even where the table is made of lighter material, the dimensions of the table make it difficult for a person to transport it. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, there is the > need a table that eliminates the disadvantages and problems described above.

One aspect of the invention is a table with legs that are movable relative to the table top between a folded position in which the legs are positioned proximate the bottom surface of the table top and in an extended position in which the legs they extend out from the tabletop. The legs of the table are preferably securely connected to the tabletop and the legs of the table can safely support the tabletop above a surface such as the floor. The table also includes handles to help a person transport the table when folded. Another aspect is a folding table that includes a tabletop with an upper surface and a lower surface; a mounting structure centrally disposed on the bottom surface of the table top, the mounting structure forms a unitary storage space on the bottom surface of the table top; a support assembly connected at least partially to the structure and a frame assembly including a first leg connected to the lower surface of the table top; a support brace having a first end and a second end, the first end is attached to the first leg and the second end is attached to the support assembly and at least one handle disposed below the lower surface of the board. table. The mounting structure may include a pair of C-shaped mounting lugs formed on the bottom surface of the table top. The support assembly may include a pair of spaced apart side beams spaced apart to be attached to the mounting structure and a first crosshead disposed transverse to the pair of side beams.

The support assembly may include a pair of spaced apart side beams configured to be attached to the mounting structure, and a pair of spaced apart end beams disposed transversely to the pair of side beams. The support assembly can be formed integrally with the table top. The table top can be formed of blow molded plastic. . The mounting structure can be formed of blow molded plastic. The frame assembly can employ a pair of spaced apart side beams and a pair of spaced apart end beams disposed transversely to the pair of side beams and connected therebetween, wherein the table leg is connected to one of the pair of beams. from the end ,. The frame assembly may include a second leg connected to the lower surface of the table top and a second struts having a first end and a second end, the first end is attached to the second and the second end is attached to the support, wherein the unit storage structure is configured to receive at least a portion of the first for and at least a portion of the second leg when the first leg and the second leg are in a folded position. The handle may include a transverse spar connected to the mounting structure, wherein the transverse spar is disposed transverse to the pair of end spars and appended therebetween. The handle may include a groove formed between the bottom surfaces of the table top and the mounting structure. The slit can be formed on the surface of the table top and / or the outer edge of the mounting structure. The handle may also comprise a shoulder or clamp disposed on the bottom surface of the table top. A pair of lugs or clamps may be disposed at each end of the tabletop. The handle can also be integrally formed with the table top in a blow molding process. An additional aspect is a table in which the central portion of the table the central portion of the table is supported by the central support assembly. Preferably, the support beams are pivotally attached to the central support assembly, but the support standards do not have to be pivotally attached to the central support assembly. Advantageously, the central support can provide increased support for the central portion of the table. In addition, the central support assembly and / or the mounting structure provides a "flat" support resistance that may be greater than the "linear" support resistance of conventional tables. The handle (e) provides (n) a convenient means for transporting the table in the folded position. The handle can be configured in a variety of structures and configured to accommodate one or more people carrying a table. Also, if the support mount. ' central is damaged, all that is required to separate it from, the assembly structure to separate it. It is not necessary to separate the parts of the external support assembly and thus less time and effort is required for maintenance. These other objects and aspects of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by practice of the invention as summarized hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES In order to further clarify the foregoing and other advantages and aspects of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be provided by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended figures. It will be appreciated that these drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not considered to be limiting in scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail by means of the use of the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a folding table according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a folding table according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a folding table according to yet another embodiment of the invention, Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a conventional folding table DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The present invention is concerned in general with structures having reinforced central regions provided with a central support | in a general "H" shape Advantageously, the central support in the form of "H" can provide a "flat" support structure against the "linear" support structure "which was provided in the conventional tables." H "central support can provide additional strength to the structure, since if the structure is a table, chair, shelf or other type of furniture. is described in relation to a folding table, it will be appreciated that the central support in the form of "H" can be used in relation to other structures of appropriate types. In addition, the present invention is generally concerned with 'structures having handles that aid in transporting the structure. As shown in Figure 1, an exemplary folding table includes a table top 1, a table top frame 2 and a support assembly 3. The table top 1 can be constructed of plastic, such as, but not limited to, blow molded plastic or injection molded plastic. Other appropriate materials include, but are not limited to, wood and metal. The tabletop 1 includes a perimeter 13. The table frame 2 includes two separately spaced side beams 21, two spaced-apart end rails or spars 22 which are connected to the side beams, two sets of table legs 23 connected to the legs. end stringers and two support strips 24. Each side stringer 21 is attached to the underside of one side of the table top 1. The side stringers 21 include connection openings at each end. An end member 22 is disposed in the front connection opening of a pair of side rails 21. Each set of table legs 23 includes a pair of ground legs 231 and a crosshead 232. One end of each set of leg table 23 is attached to an end beam 22. Support braces 24 are constructed from three support bars 241, 242 and 243. One end of the first and second support bar 241 and 242 is appended separately and pivotably to the bottom of the two table legs 231. The other ends converge and pivotally attached to one end of the third support bar 243. The pivot area on this third support bar 243 is encircled by a sliding fastening ring 244 , in such a way that,. When the table is supported, the force of gravity stops the first and second support bars 241 and 242, preventing the sets of table legs 23 from folding up thus increasing the firmness of the table legs 23. The other end of the table third support bar 243 is pivotally attached to the support assembly 3. A support or mounting structure 11 is formed on the underside of the table top 1. In one embodiment, the mounting structure 11 includes a pair of mounting bases or generally shoulder C, each mounting shoulder has an elongated central portion and two shorter end portions or retaining plates. The mounting lugs form two convex-shaped structures that are facing each other, such that a box-like region is formed in the center of the table top 1. The mounting structure 11 can be formed integrally with the board of table 1 during the process of blow molding or injection molding process to form a one-piece structure. Thus, the mounting structure 11 is formed in a single step and does not require manufacture or additional treatment time. Alternatively, the structure Mounting 11 could be formed from discrete parts and later attached or adhered to the tabletop 1. The mounting structure 11 is configured to support at least a portion of the entire support assembly 3. The support assembly 3 it is connected to mounting structures 11 within the perimeter 13. The support assembly 3 is preferably constructed with a generally "H" shaped configuration with two side beams 31 and two transverse beams or end beams 32. Each side beam 31 is desirably attached to the inner surface of a mounting shoulder of the mounting structure 11. The side beams 31 include connection openings at each end. An end beam 32 is disposed in the front connection openings of a pair of side rails 31. One end of the third support bar 243 of a support brace 24 is pivotally attached to an end rafter 32. In the embodiment of Figure 1, a handle 12 is arranged transversely to the beams of the end 32 and connected between them. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the support assembly 3 could have other appropriate shapes and configurations depending for example on the proposed use of the table. Because the support assembly 3 has a general "H" shaped structure, the support assembly 3 provides a "planar" support structure to the central portion of the table top 1. It will be appreciated that the structure in general of "H" of the support assembly 3 can be formed from two side beams 31 and two end beams 32 or from one. only end beam 32 disposed between a pair of end rails 31 (forming a true "H"). A "flat" support structure distributes the forces along the plane. In contrast, the central portion of a conventional tabletop is often supported by a "linear" structure in which the forces were focused along a central line. Thus, faults on the tabletop 1 are more likely with a "linear" structure than with a "flat" structure. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention provide unique mounting structures for support braces 24 that ultimately provide greater support resistances for the tabletop 1. In addition, when the support assembly is damaged, it can be simply replaced or repaired at separating the two side rails 31. Thus, there is no need to have problems disassembling the entire table frame 2. In addition, the protruding nature of the mounting lugs provides the holding structure such as bolts, rivets, nails and the like are protected from exposure. Of course, any appropriate type of fastener or connectors could be used to attach the support mount 3 to the table or mount the table. In order to fold the table to the folded or storage position, the table is preferably turned upwards with the lower side facing upwards. Under the effect of gravity, the fastening ring 244 will automatically slide under the effect of its own weight and eliminate tension on the pivoting region of the support braces 24. The application of force to the pivoting region folds the two sets of sets of table legs 23 in a downward direction. The table leg assemblies 23 will come to rest on the underside of the table top 1, thereby facilitating storage or transportation. By picking up the table by handle 12, a person can easily transport the tabletop. With reference to figure 2, an alternative mode of a folding table is shown. The embodiment of Figure 2 does not require the use of side beams 21. Additional details regarding a folding table without side beams can be found in Chinese patent application number 02269593.1, filed on September 24, 2002, entitled "UTILITY TABLE WITH NO SIDE RAIL ", such request is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, disposed between the mounting structure 11 and the table top 1 is a handle 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the handle 12 includes a groove formed in the outer edge of one of both mounting bosses of the structures of assembly 11. The slit can be formed in the lower surface of the table top 1 or it can be formed in the mounting structure 11. Furthermore, the slit can be formed during a blow molding process which advantageously reduces the number of manufacturing steps and the number of manufacturing parts. In Figure 3, another embodiment of the handles of the folding table is shown in which the handles 12 are composed of a pair of. projections or clamps that are attached to each end of the underside of the table top 1. The handles 12 are arranged completely parallel to each other. Alternatively, the handles 12 may be offset from each other. This mode can be particularly useful as two people are transporting the folding table, providing a handle 12 for each person. The present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without deviating from its spirit or essential characteristics. It will be considered that the modalities described are in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims. place of the previous description. All changes that go into the meaning or equivalence of the claims are covered within its scope. It is noted that, in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates.

Claims

CLAIMS The invention having been described as. The property of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A table characterized in that it comprises: a table top having a top table surface and a bottom surface; a mounting structure arranged centrally on the lower surface of the table top; a support assembly connected at least partially to the mounting structure; a frame assembly comprising: a first leg connected to the bottom surface of the table top and a support beam having a first end and a second end, the first end is attached to the first leg and the second end is appended to the first leg; mounting bracket and at least one handle arranged below the bottom surface of the table top. The table according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting structure comprises a pair of "C" shaped mounting bosses formed on the lower surface of the table top. The table according to claim 1, characterized in that the support assembly comprises: a pair of spaced apart side beams configured to be attached to the mounting structure and a first crosshead disposed transverse to the pair of side beams and attached between the beams. same. The table according to claim 1, characterized in that the support assembly comprises: a pair of spaced apart lateral beams, configured to be attached to the mounting structure and a pair of spaced apart end beams spaced transverse to the pair of lateral stringers and annexed between them. The table according to claim 1, characterized in that the support assembly is formed integrally with the table top. 6. The table according to claim 1, characterized in that the table top is formed from blow molded plastic. The table according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting structure is formed by blow molded plastic. The table according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame assembly further comprises a pair of spaced apart side beams and a pair of spaced end beams spaced transversely to the pair of side beams and connected therebetween, wherein The leg of the table is connected to one of the pair of end rails. The table according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one handle comprises a transverse beam connected to the mounting structure. 10. The table according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one stringer comprises a transverse handle disposed transverse to the pair of end rails and appended therebetween. The table according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one handle comprises a groove formed between the bottom surface of the table top and the mounting structure. The table according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one handle comprises a groove formed on the lower surface of the table top. The table according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one handle comprises a groove formed on the outer edge of the mounting structure. The table according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one handle is formed integrally with the tabletop in a blow molding process. 15. The table according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one handle comprises a clamp disposed on the lower surface of the table top 16. The table according to claim 15, characterized in that the clamp is arranged on one end of the table top ... 17. The table according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle comprises a shoulder formed on the lower surface of the table top.