US20080042475A1 - Folding table and chair - Google Patents

Folding table and chair Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20080042475A1
US20080042475A1 US11/878,310 US87831007A US2008042475A1 US 20080042475 A1 US20080042475 A1 US 20080042475A1 US 87831007 A US87831007 A US 87831007A US 2008042475 A1 US2008042475 A1 US 2008042475A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
folding
chair
leaf
legs
shows
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/878,310
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Douglas Wright
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Meco Corp
Original Assignee
Meco Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Meco Corp filed Critical Meco Corp
Priority to US11/878,310 priority Critical patent/US20080042475A1/en
Assigned to MECO CORPORATION reassignment MECO CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: WRIGHT, DOUGLAS G.
Publication of US20080042475A1 publication Critical patent/US20080042475A1/en
Priority to US12/348,691 priority patent/US20090114127A1/en
Priority to US12/372,336 priority patent/US20090179464A1/en
Priority to US12/836,896 priority patent/US20110061573A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B3/00—Folding or stowable tables
    • A47B3/08—Folding or stowable tables with legs pivoted to top or underframe
    • A47B3/083—Folding or stowable tables with legs pivoted to top or underframe with foldable top leaves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/56—Parts or details of tipping-up chairs, e.g. of theatre chairs

Definitions

  • the invention is directed to a folding table and chair.
  • the table can be easily folded to make it more compact and transported for storage or relocation; and the chair can be folded flat to facilitate storage.
  • folding tables that include a handle, or other carrying means, for transportation flat include a separate structure that is visible when the table is unfolded.
  • the suitcase table includes a handle mounted to an outer edge of a table leaf.
  • a hinge, or other folding mechanism is disposed at the center of the table and connects the opposing leafs.
  • the suitcase table's legs have a sliding leg-lock arrangement that is widely used in folding tables.
  • the legs can be folded within the thickness of the skirt surrounding the edge of each leaf.
  • the table can be folded in half such that the skirt of each leaf contacts one another to form an outer planar surface that forms the “suitcase” with the legs folded inside.
  • the skirt may include a latching mechanism so that the leafs can be secured together.
  • the secured, folded table can be transported by means of the separate handle that is not located on the same side of the outer planar surface of the suitcase as the hinge.
  • the invention meets the foregoing need and by providing a folding mechanism and carrying mechanism, respectively, that is not readily visible when unfolded, which results in a table and chair having appearances more similar to non-folding tables and chairs that are decorative and suitable for everyday use, as well as other advantages apparent from the discussion herein.
  • a folding table in one aspect of the invention, includes a table top comprising two opposing leafs connected by a folding mechanism, pivotable legs coupled to one of the opposing legs, a latching mechanism disposed within the table top securing at least one leg in an extended position generally perpendicular to the table top.
  • the folding mechanism In the table's folded position, the folding mechanism is configured to serve as a handle for transporting the folding table.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position
  • FIG. 1A shows a side elevational view of a folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position
  • FIG. 1B shows an enlarged perspective view of a push button release used in a folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention
  • FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of the table of FIG. 1 in a folded position
  • FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the table of FIG. 1 in a folded position
  • FIG. 2A shows an enlarged view of the folding mechanism of the table of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a locking mechanism constructed according to the principles of the invention
  • FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary folding chair constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position
  • FIG. 4A shows an enlarged view of a locking mechanism for the chair of FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 4B shows a side elevational view of the chair of FIG. 4 in a folded position
  • FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another exemplary folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position
  • FIG. 6 shows a dining set incorporating the table of FIG. 5 with chairs constructed in accordance with the principles of the chair illustrated in FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 7 shows yet another exemplary folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention having a slat-style design
  • FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention having a transitional style
  • FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another exemplary folding chair constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position
  • FIGS. 9A, 9B , 9 C show the chair of FIG. 9 in various stages of folding
  • FIG. 10 shows a dining set incorporating the table of FIG. 8 with chairs constructed in accordance with the principles of the chair illustrated in FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention having a traditional style
  • FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding chair constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position
  • FIG. 12A shows an enlarged perspective view of a push button release implemented in the chair of FIG. 12 that is similar to the push button release illustrated by FIG. 1B ;
  • FIG. 13 shows a dining set incorporating the table of FIG. 11 with chairs constructed in accordance with the principles of the chair illustrated in FIG. 12 ;
  • FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention having a mission style
  • FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding chair constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position
  • FIG. 16 shows a dining set incorporating the table of FIG. 14 with chairs constructed in accordance with the principles of the chair illustrated in FIG. 15 .
  • FIG. 1 shows a folding table 100 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • the table may include two leafs 122 , 123 that make up a table top 120 .
  • Each table leg 110 may be pivotably connected to one of the leafs 122 , 123 that can be unlocked to fold via a push button release 105 .
  • FIG. 1A is a side view of the unfolded table 100 that shows two leafs 122 , 123 joined together by a hinge 124 .
  • FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of the push button release 105 .
  • the button 105 may be disposed in a recess 125 of the table top 120 .
  • the button 105 is pushed down to unlock the leg 110 so that it may fold, but the button may be any suitable mechanism for disengaging a lock or latch that holds the leg 110 in place when the table 100 is unfolded for use.
  • FIG. 1C illustrates table 100 in a folded position.
  • the leafs 122 , 123 are spaced apart, primarily by the thickness of the legs 110 . This space may expose the hinge 124 so that it can be used as a handle for carrying the table 100 in the folded position for transportation or storage.
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of table 100 that illustrates that it may rest flat on the ground or other surface in a folded position, supported by an edge of the leafs 122 , 123 opposite the hinge 124 .
  • FIG. 2A is a close-up view of the hinge 124 .
  • the hinge 124 may include a handle 201 that is held in place by collars 203 , which are coupled to the leafs 122 , 123 by flanges 205 .
  • the handle can be fixedly coupled to the collars of one leaf while being pivotably connected to the collars of the other leaf.
  • the handle can be pivotably connected to all of the collars and held in place by end caps 207 disposed on the outer collars to prevent longitudinal movement of the handle.
  • most of the handle 201 is disposed above the edges of the leafs 122 , 123 in the folded position to facilitate carrying of the table 100 .
  • FIG. 3 shows a latching mechanism 300 that may engage push button 105 to releasingly lock leg 110 in relation to table top 120 .
  • the latching mechanism 300 may be coupled to table top 120 using support plate 303 .
  • the leg may be coupled to the latching mechanism 300 using hinge plate 305 that is rotatably connected the support plate 303 at pin 315 .
  • a latch 301 which may be biased towards the push button release 105 by a mechanism such as a spring (not shown), can be provided to fix the hinge plate 305 in relation to both the support plate 303 and table top 120 .
  • the latch 301 may include a lever 309 that is adapted to engage push button release 105 within recess 125 of FIG. 1B .
  • the latch may also include a clasp 311 that holds an upper planar surface of the hinge plate 305 to a lower planar surface of the support plate to “lock” the leg 110 in an unfolded position that is generally perpendicular to the table top 120 .
  • the lever 309 presses the lever 309 downwardly releases the hinge plate 305 so that it may be rotated about pin 315 to allow the leg 110 to rotate into a folded position that is generally parallel to the table top 120 .
  • it can be rotated so that an edge of hinge plate 303 will push the clasp 311 against biasing force provided by the latch 301 so that leg 110 can fully rotate.
  • the clasp 311 will spring back due to the biasing force of latch 301 to lock the leg 110 in place.
  • the clasp 311 may have a tapered surface 313 adapted to engage a leading edge of hinge plate 305 to facilitate unfolding of the leg 110 . This kind of arrangement is advantageous for the easy concealment of the mechanism used to lock/unlock the legs of a folding table.
  • FIG. 4 shows a folding chair 400 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • the chair 400 includes a back 403 and a seat 405 having a cushion 406 .
  • the back may be supported by rear legs 407 that extend from the surface the chair 400 is resting on to the top of back 403 .
  • the seat 405 can be pivotably coupled to rear legs 407 .
  • the front of seat 405 may be supported by front legs 409 that are substantially shorter in length than rear legs 407 .
  • Extra lateral support may be provided by support 415 that is connected to front legs 409 on a front end and pivotably connected to a cross-support 416 at a back end.
  • the support 415 primarily provides lateral support in a front-to-back direction
  • the cross-support 416 primarily provides lateral support in a side-to-side direction.
  • seat 405 , legs 407 , 409 , support 415 , and cross-support 416 include a frame 411 preferably made of lightweight cast aluminum. But other materials that are known to be suitable for constructing folding chairs can be used in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • Each of the front legs 409 may include a slot and keyhole arrangement for locking the chair 400 in an unfolded position.
  • FIG. 4A shows the front leg 409 having a slot 422 and a keyhole 423 within the leg that both engage a tab 417 of support 415 .
  • the support 415 is locked relative to the cross-support 416 and the front leg 409 , thereby preventing the seat 405 from pivoting and “locks” the chair 400 in the unfolded position.
  • FIG. 4B illustrates chair 400 in a folded position.
  • FIG. 7 shows a slat style dining table 600 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • the table leafs 622 , 623 can be made up of slats 630 .
  • the push button release 105 can be made of a wood or other material, contrasting to the slats 630 for adding a stylish appeal.
  • FIG. 8 shows a transitional table 650 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • the table 650 may include tapered legs 660 and a beaded skirt 665 for an elegant look.
  • the push button release can be covered by a veneer 656 to match the table top 670 made up of leafs 672 , 673 .
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a transitional folding chair 700 using an alternative folding mechanism.
  • the chair 700 includes a back 703 , a seat 705 having a cushion 706 , rear legs 707 , front legs 709 , support 715 , and cross-support 716 .
  • the chair 700 also includes a front cross-support 717 that provides side to side lateral support in a similar manner to the cross-support 716 .
  • the support 715 may be joined to the front cross-support 717 at the front end, and pivotably connected to the cross-support 716 at the rear end.
  • the front cross-support 717 is pivotably connected to the front legs 709 .
  • FIGS. 9A, 9B , and 9 C illustrates the various steps of folding the chair 700 .
  • FIG. 9 and 9 A show the chair 700 in an unfolded position suitable for use.
  • FIG. 9B shows that the seat 705 may be rotated off of pegs 720 , which permits the support 715 and front legs 709 to pivot upwardly to fold the chair 700 .
  • the chair in a folded position is illustrated by FIG. 9C .
  • FIG. 10 shows the dining set including table 650 with chairs 700 .
  • FIG. 11 shows a traditional style table 750 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • the table 750 may include engraved details 776 in the leafs 772 , 773 .
  • the legs 760 can have the appearance of classic lathe turned legs that end in boxed shoulders 775 integrated into the skirt 765 .
  • the push button release which may covered by a veneer 756 to match the table, operates to lock/unlock the legs 760 .
  • FIG. 12 illustrates a traditional folding chair 800 using yet another folding mechanism.
  • the front legs 809 may be folded by pressing a push button release 815 disposed within a recess 825 of the seat 805 that functions similar to the previously described release for a folding table. Pressing the push button release 805 unlatches the front legs 809 so that the seat 805 may be rotated and the chair 800 will lay substantially flat for storage.
  • FIG. 13 shows a dining set including table 750 with chairs 800 .
  • FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention having a mission style.
  • FIG. 14 shows a mission style table 850 constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention.
  • the leafs 872 , 873 may include ceramic or stone tiles 876 for creating the mission look.
  • the legs 860 may be straight and sturdy to provide a hand made look consistent with the mission style.
  • the push button release 105 may be made to match either the tiles or wood of table.
  • FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding chair constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position.
  • FIG. 15 shows a mission chair 900 that may preferably include the alternative folding mechanism shown in FIG. 9 , but other folding mechanisms that are consistent with the principles of the invention may also be used.
  • the invention provides unobtrusive folding mechanisms for both a table and chair that provides a folding table and chair, both of which may be constructed in a number of styles, that are sufficiently decorative for regular, everyday home use.

Landscapes

  • Combinations Of Kitchen Furniture (AREA)
  • Chairs For Special Purposes, Such As Reclining Chairs (AREA)
  • Tables And Desks Characterized By Structural Shape (AREA)
US11/878,310 2006-07-21 2007-07-23 Folding table and chair Abandoned US20080042475A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/878,310 US20080042475A1 (en) 2006-07-21 2007-07-23 Folding table and chair
US12/348,691 US20090114127A1 (en) 2006-07-21 2009-01-05 Folding table and chair
US12/372,336 US20090179464A1 (en) 2006-07-21 2009-02-17 Folding table and chair
US12/836,896 US20110061573A1 (en) 2006-07-21 2010-07-15 Folding table and chair

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US83213606P 2006-07-21 2006-07-21
US11/878,310 US20080042475A1 (en) 2006-07-21 2007-07-23 Folding table and chair

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/348,691 Continuation-In-Part US20090114127A1 (en) 2006-07-21 2009-01-05 Folding table and chair
US12/372,336 Continuation-In-Part US20090179464A1 (en) 2006-07-21 2009-02-17 Folding table and chair

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20080042475A1 true US20080042475A1 (en) 2008-02-21

Family

ID=38957426

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/878,310 Abandoned US20080042475A1 (en) 2006-07-21 2007-07-23 Folding table and chair

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20080042475A1 (fr)
EP (2) EP2043483A4 (fr)
WO (1) WO2008011185A2 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010078550A2 (fr) * 2009-01-05 2010-07-08 Meco Corporation Table et chaise pliantes
US20110061573A1 (en) * 2006-07-21 2011-03-17 Meco Corporation Folding table and chair
USD734630S1 (en) 2014-01-27 2015-07-21 Carl William Bolton Portable foldable picnic table
US11503903B2 (en) * 2019-11-27 2022-11-22 Gary Haddy Portable folding table

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3713451B1 (fr) * 2018-05-13 2024-01-24 Zaifman, Yosef Chaise pliante et table pliante

Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1970266A (en) * 1933-02-03 1934-08-14 Cletus N Allerding Folding chair
US2088644A (en) * 1936-01-15 1937-08-03 Joseph A Erpelding Folding chair structure
US2128209A (en) * 1936-02-28 1938-08-23 Brewer Titchener Corp Folding table
US2241881A (en) * 1939-07-29 1941-05-13 Ferguson Brothers Mfg Company Folding chair
US2465003A (en) * 1946-06-07 1949-03-22 Fred A Burris Collapsible chair
US2633901A (en) * 1950-06-27 1953-04-07 Glenn H Norquist Rung assembly for folding chairs
US3120976A (en) * 1962-03-19 1964-02-11 Rem Corp Folding furniture article
US3227243A (en) * 1964-01-06 1966-01-04 Hamilton Cosco Inc Step stool
US3695567A (en) * 1970-10-21 1972-10-03 Krueger Metal Products Folding table leg
US3765718A (en) * 1972-01-10 1973-10-16 C Chen Folding chair
US4542558A (en) * 1981-09-18 1985-09-24 Fa. ED. Schwarachter GmbH & Co. KG Unhingeable door hinge joint having a hinge pin with a nonrotatable portion and a relatively rotatable portion
US5537872A (en) * 1992-06-06 1996-07-23 Lucas Industries Public Limited Company Angular rate sensor
US6056353A (en) * 1998-11-16 2000-05-02 Meara; Laura Folding adjustable chair to accommodate joint dysfunction

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB407463A (en) * 1932-02-15 1934-03-22 Louis Rastetter & Sons Company Improvement in folding chairs
US2459529A (en) * 1946-02-15 1949-01-18 Walter E Jogwick Tray table
GB778915A (en) * 1954-06-19 1957-07-17 Harold Roy Turner Improvements relating to chairs having tipping seats
SE327793B (fr) * 1965-04-13 1970-08-31 M Veri
US4557200A (en) * 1983-08-15 1985-12-10 New Products I, Ltd. Tray with folding legs
US5244250A (en) * 1992-01-31 1993-09-14 Nordmeyer Robert A Portable fold-up sports chair
US5357872A (en) * 1992-11-20 1994-10-25 Globe Business Furniture, Inc. Folding table
GB2334884B (en) * 1998-03-03 2002-09-04 Mark Timothy Brett Collapsible furniture
US6254177B1 (en) * 2000-11-02 2001-07-03 Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd. Foldable chair frame
DE202006006031U1 (de) * 2006-04-11 2006-06-14 Landmann-Peiga Gmbh & Co. Kg Zusammenklappbares Sitz- oder Liegemöbel

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1970266A (en) * 1933-02-03 1934-08-14 Cletus N Allerding Folding chair
US2088644A (en) * 1936-01-15 1937-08-03 Joseph A Erpelding Folding chair structure
US2128209A (en) * 1936-02-28 1938-08-23 Brewer Titchener Corp Folding table
US2241881A (en) * 1939-07-29 1941-05-13 Ferguson Brothers Mfg Company Folding chair
US2465003A (en) * 1946-06-07 1949-03-22 Fred A Burris Collapsible chair
US2633901A (en) * 1950-06-27 1953-04-07 Glenn H Norquist Rung assembly for folding chairs
US3120976A (en) * 1962-03-19 1964-02-11 Rem Corp Folding furniture article
US3227243A (en) * 1964-01-06 1966-01-04 Hamilton Cosco Inc Step stool
US3695567A (en) * 1970-10-21 1972-10-03 Krueger Metal Products Folding table leg
US3765718A (en) * 1972-01-10 1973-10-16 C Chen Folding chair
US4542558A (en) * 1981-09-18 1985-09-24 Fa. ED. Schwarachter GmbH & Co. KG Unhingeable door hinge joint having a hinge pin with a nonrotatable portion and a relatively rotatable portion
US5537872A (en) * 1992-06-06 1996-07-23 Lucas Industries Public Limited Company Angular rate sensor
US6056353A (en) * 1998-11-16 2000-05-02 Meara; Laura Folding adjustable chair to accommodate joint dysfunction

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110061573A1 (en) * 2006-07-21 2011-03-17 Meco Corporation Folding table and chair
WO2010078550A2 (fr) * 2009-01-05 2010-07-08 Meco Corporation Table et chaise pliantes
WO2010078550A3 (fr) * 2009-01-05 2010-10-14 Meco Corporation Table et chaise pliantes
USD734630S1 (en) 2014-01-27 2015-07-21 Carl William Bolton Portable foldable picnic table
US11503903B2 (en) * 2019-11-27 2022-11-22 Gary Haddy Portable folding table
US20230080448A1 (en) * 2019-11-27 2023-03-16 Gary Haddy Portable folding table
US11793305B2 (en) * 2019-11-27 2023-10-24 Gary Haddy Portable folding table

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2008011185A9 (fr) 2009-01-15
EP2153755A2 (fr) 2010-02-17
WO2008011185A3 (fr) 2008-11-27
EP2043483A4 (fr) 2010-08-18
EP2043483A2 (fr) 2009-04-08
WO2008011185A2 (fr) 2008-01-24
EP2153755A3 (fr) 2010-04-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20110061573A1 (en) Folding table and chair
US6905166B2 (en) Picnic table
US20090114127A1 (en) Folding table and chair
US5210888A (en) Portable tent--cot
US9763513B2 (en) Locking mechanism for a folding table
US8720990B2 (en) Combination bench and table
US20070056485A1 (en) Foldable frame structure for foldable table
US20080042475A1 (en) Folding table and chair
US7740309B2 (en) Folding chair
US8899673B2 (en) Portable folding and reclining chair
US7954890B2 (en) Folding chair
US7017991B1 (en) Folding lounge chair
US20090151608A1 (en) F0lding table with nesting legs
US11819121B2 (en) Locking mechanism for a folding table
US20040056517A1 (en) Portable folding chair
US20230263303A1 (en) Convertible Adirondack-Style Chair
US20090179464A1 (en) Folding table and chair
US20060145519A1 (en) Transformable furniture
US20120139310A1 (en) Stool
US20070001488A1 (en) Multipurpose portable table
US20210387101A1 (en) Folding climber
US20020000740A1 (en) Folding upholstered furniture
JPH0744172Y2 (ja) リバーシブルテーブル
KR20200049097A (ko) 야외용 원목 테이블
KR102549053B1 (ko) 테이블이 구비된 캠핑 장치

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: MECO CORPORATION, TENNESSEE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WRIGHT, DOUGLAS G.;REEL/FRAME:020081/0032

Effective date: 20071015

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION