US2055007A

US2055007A - Three-legged drop leaf chair-side table

Info

Publication number: US2055007A
Application number: US78629A
Authority: US
Inventors: Lawrence P Erpelding
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1936-05-08
Filing date: 1936-05-08
Publication date: 1936-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 1953-09-22

Description

Sept. 22,1936. L. P. ERPELDING 2,055,007

THREE-LEGGED DROP LEAF CHAIR SIDE TABLE Filed May 8, 1956 ATTORNEY5.

Patented Sept. 22, 1936 UNITED. STATES: PATENT OFFICE THREE-LEGGED DROP LEAF CHAIRLSIDE TABLE 1 Lawrence P. Erpelding, Indianapolis, Ind. v 7 Application May 8. 1936, Serial No. 78,629

SClaims. (01. 311- This invention relates to a three-legged table suitable for positioning adjacent the side of a chair, or the like, and adapted to support beverage receptacles and other articles.

The chief objectof this invention is to provide a table structure which is of knock-down character and which may be readily extended from the knock-down position tothe table forming position and which may be readily transported, whether in the knock-down or table forming condition.

Another object of the invention is to so arrange the parts of such a table structure that when collapsed or knocked down, the several parts occupy a minimum amount of space.

Another object of the invention is to construct a table of the aforesaid character of but a minimum number of parts.

The chief feature of the invention consists in the formation of a table structure, whereby the aforesaid objects are accomplished.

Another feature of the invention consists in providing a receptacle in the table top which is yieldingly retained therein, whether the table be knocked down or in table forming position but which may be readily separated from the table for cleaning purposes, said receptacle being so positioned with respect to the table top that when the top is arranged in collapsed positiomthe base of said receptacle does not interfere with the full collapse of the respective parts of the table into the minimum volume if the depth of said receptacle is of appreciable character.

Another feature of the invention consists in'v the provision of means whendesired, for-positively interlockingly connecting the movable leg to the tiltable table top when the table structure is in table forming position.

The full nature of the invention will be understood from the accompanying drawing and the following description and claims:

In the drawing, Fig. 1 is a rear view ofthe table structure in the collapsed or knock-down position. v

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a simplified form of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspectiveview of ,one form of positive interlock between the movable leg and the tiltable table top, said interlock including the movable, leg and stop. e r

Fig. 4 .is a side view of a modified form of leg stop and table and leg interlock.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 and of a modified form of the invention. K 4 1'Flg.f6 is a view similartovFigs. 4 and 5 and of a still further modifiedform of the-invention. Fig. 7 is a view'of a leg lock of'slightly different form from that shown; in Figs; 4, '5, and 6.

In the drawing, ill-indicates a leg, II another leg spaced therefrom. [2 indicates a third leg. 5 A pair of cross bars I 3 and I4 rigidly connect legs I0 and H together. The cross bar I4 is positioned near the top of the two legs and cross bar I3 is positioned intermediate the ends thereof and approximately'midway between the top and 10 bottom of the legs." 1 v A pair of hinges i5, herein, are shown having one leaf suitably secured to each of the legs l0 and Hand the other leaf is suitably secured to a table top I6, herein shown semi-circular in 15' outline. j V When in table forming position, the top lies in a plane at right angles to the plane of the legs l0 and II but due to the play in the hinges/it may betilted slightly above the'horizontal, the 20 purpose of which will be set forth hereinafter with respect to the forms of the invention shown in Figs, 3 and 4. Herein the legs 10 and H are shown extending upwardly beyond the plane of the table top whenin table forming position and such extensions are indicated by the numerals l1 and I8 for legs l0 and i I, respectively Such extended portions also are connected'by across bar I 9 and the latter serves as a handle for carry ing the table when it iseither in the knock-down 3 position or in the table. forming position;

Suitably secured to leg I2 is a cross bar 20 and also secured thereto in spaced relation to bar 20 is the cross bar ;2l. These two bars are Of-equal length and herein are shown pivotally 3 connected to the cross bars l4 and I 3, respectively. The pivotal connection includes a spacing washer 22,9. pivot member in the form of a. pin .23 which above the cross bar 14 is provided with the enlarged head 24. The pin at its lower end is en- 4 larged as at 26 beneath a washer 21 positioned on'the lower surface of the'cross bar. 7 The two pins 23 are in alignment and the axis of pivotal movement is immediately adjacent one leg. Herein, however, the axis of pivotal movement is 45 approximately one-seventh of the, width'of the spacing between legs I0 and I I. If desired, however, the cross bars 2| and 20 maybe connected to the cross bars l4 and I3 closer to the leg In or may be, in certain instances, pivotally con nected to brackets secured to the leg in. Asshown clearly in Fig. .1, the length of the cross bars 20 and 2| is less than the length of cross bars, l3 and I4 and leg lziwhen' collapsed 55 or in knock-down position, lies immediately adjacent leg 11.

In order to position the table structure in the minimum space or depth which is the thickness of the legs and 11 plus the thickness of the table top, one of the legs is notched and two of the cross bars are notched. Herein, since the leg 12 is positioned between legs 10 and 11, the leg 12 is notched as at 28 and the

cross bars

13 and 14 are notched as at 29. The width of the notch 28 is equal to the thickness or depth of the

cross bars

13 and 14. The width of the notch 29 is equal to the width of the leg 12 and the depths of said notches are approximately half of the thicknesses of the cooperating notched members so that when the movable leg structure is collapsed into the final knocked down position, the three legs lie in the same plane and all the cross bars lie in that plane.

As shown clearly in Figs. 1 and 2, there is provided upon the undersurface of the table top, a stop 30, which is adapted to abut against leg 12, when the latter is extended and limit the swinging movement of said leg, said swinging movement beingpermitted when the table top is tilted from the vertical position, or position parallel to the legs, into a horizontal position, or a position transverse to the legs. As shown clearly in Fig. l, the stop 30 is positioned so that it clears the cross bar 21 and the length of the stop is such that it does not project beyond the two outermost planes of the table structure when collapsed.

In Fig. 3 a modified form of stop, which has locking characteristics, is illustrated. In this form of the invention, the table top 116 includes the stop 130 depending therefrom and the movable or third leg 112 is recessed as at 131.

It will be remembered that mention was made hereinbefore of a slight play in the hinge structure and said slight play permits the table top to be elevated slightly above the horizontal, reference being had to the distance between the table top 1 I6 and the top of the leg 1 12 when the parts are being arranged in the table forming position. Such additional tilting movement permits the pin 130 to register with the opening or recess 131 and when such registration occurs the table top is lowered so that the pin seats in the recess 131.

In Fig. 4 a modified form of the invention is illustrated and in said figure, 216 indicates the table top and 212 the leg. In this form of the invention, the stop portion is indicated by the numeral 230 and comprises a downwardly directed portion of a strap having a base portion 233 and an inclined approach portion 232. Ascrew or similar member 234 secures the base portion 233 to the underface of the top 216. The top of the leg 212, preferably but not necessarily, is recessed as at 231 to accommodate the head 235 of the screw 234 or other anchorage means.

In this form of the invention, no care in looking the combination stop and interlock is required, because after the table top is elevated into approximately the horizontal position, the third and movable leg is pivoted into table forming position until it engages the approach portion 232 and continued swinging movement ofsaid third leg automatically tilts upwardly the table top beyond the horizontal until the leg drops into the groove formed between the approach portion and the stop 230, further pivoting movement of the leg then being prevented and return pivoting movement of the leg also being prevented; V

When the table is to becollapsed, the table top is no more than the thickness of the leg is tilted slightly above the horizontal until portion 232 lies in a plane immediately above the top of the leg 212, whereupon leg 212 may be swung on its pivotal support and into the collapsed position, and the top then lowered in collapsed position.

In Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing, there is illustrated a well 411 which consists of a hole formed in the table top, and frictionallyvforced therein is a receptacle having a flange 41 overlying the table top and provided with radial grooves 42 for cigarette support, or like purpose, a side wall 43 of any suitable depth, and a bottom or base 44. It is preferred that the depth of the side wall 43 10 or 11, plus the thickness of the table top. As shown clearly in Fig. 1, this receptacle is retained in thewell in the table top even when the table top is arranged in the knock-down position. The friction fit is such also that the receptacle readily may be forcibly ejected from the well whichpermits cleaning thereof. As shown clearly in 1, the position of the receptacle is such relative to the cross bars and the legs, when in collapsed position and as shown clearly in Fig. 2 the position of the receptacle is such relative to the cross bar 20 when the parts are in table forming position, that said receptacle offers no .interference to the movement of the several parts into table forming position or to the complete collapse thereof into the knock-down position.

In Fig. 5 of the drawing,a modified form of top and movable leg interlock is illustrated. In said figure 316 indicates the top, 312 the leg and 330 a spring clip anchored as at 334 to the bottom of the table top 316, and having its tongue portion yieldingly associated with the aperture 331 in the leg 312. The spring clip 330.has its spring end of spoon, formation, the same bein indicated as at 332 and it includes a bend portion 333, which imparts the resiliency to the fixture. This form of the invention differs from that shown in Figs. 3 and 4, wherein only lateral movement of the leg is prevented in that the present fixture not only prevents the same but also prevents upward movement of the table top relative to the leg, although in Fig. 3, if the pin 130 were of tapered character, it might be possible to have a friction taper fit which would accomplish the same purpose. However, this has the objection that after several engagements the size of the pin and hole would be such that this function would be lost, because it is desirable in the form of the invention shownin Fig. 3 that the top rest on the top of the leg. The free end of the clip 330 when it engages in the end of the recess 331 serves as a stop for limiting leg swinging movement.

In Fig. 6 a form of the, invention similar to that shown in Fig. 5 is illustrated, but in this form, the opening 43! in the leg 412 extends entirely through the leg and transversely thereof as distinguished fromthe opening.131, as shown in Fig. 3, which is in longitudinal alignment with the leg. The clip 430 is suitably secured to the table top 416 as at 434. It includes a shoulder or offset portion 433 which serves as a stop for limiting swinging movement of the leg. The free end of the clip terminates in the portion 432 and this is positioned on the opposite'side of. the leg 412 when associated therewith. The inherent resiliency in this clip normally holds down the table top to the leg 412.

I The angular end 432 of the clip which has a cam effect for ease of :pa'ssage'to' and fro through the slot, 'is normally heldin rigid relation, as

sociated cross bars when the structure is in shown, to lock the leg to the table and prevent swinging of the leg.

In Fig. 7 a modified form of the invention is illustrated. This form of the invention is shown at right angles to the form shown in Figs. 4 to 6, inclusive. The clip 530 includes anchorages 534 for connection to the bottom of the table top, not shown, and the clip includes two projecting portions 533 which have free ends directed towards each other in curved relation as at 532 for gripping the included portion 5l2a of the leg 5|2, formed as a result of the two recesses 53L A modified form of the aforesaid is a reversal thereof and such form would have a single opening 531 and the two portions 532 reversely directed and engaging the two opposite sides of the single opening 53L The two portions 533 he parallel to each other and at right angles to the base portion 533.

Integral with the base portion and as an extension thereof and bridging the gap between the two portions 533, is a portion 533a which serves as a stop to prevent further swinging movement of the leg beyond the predetermined position. The normal spacing between the two portions 532 when not associated with the leg is less than the width of the partition portion 512w. Furthermore, the top edges of the portions 532 are spaced from the bottom of the table top such that when the leg and the locking clip are associated together, the table top and leg are secured together and thus separation of the two is prevented, both swingingly and tiltingly, until the two are forcibly disassociated.

While the invention has been described in great detail in the foregoing specification and has been similarly illustrated, the aforesaid is to be considered illustrative and not restrictive in character. The several modifications mentioned hereinbefore, some of which have been illustrated and described in detail, and such other modifications as will readily suggest themselves to persons skilled in this art, are all considered to be within the broad scope of this invention, reference being had to the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:-

1. A collapsible, three-legged, chair-side table, including two legs, a plurality of spaced cross bars connecting said legs, a table top operatively hinged to said legs, a third leg, and a plurality of spaced cross bars pivotally mounted at one end upon the other cross bars and at the other end rigid with said third leg, one of said legs and the plurality of cross bars not directly connected thereto having cooperating notches for interfitting therebetween to permit top dropping without third leg or cross bar interference.

2. A collapsible, three-legged, chair-side table, including two legs, a plurality of spaced cross bars connecting said legs, a table top operatively hinged to said legs, a third leg, a plurality of spaced cross bars pivotally mounted at one end upon the other cross bars and at the other end rigid with said third leg, one of said legs and the plurality of cross bars not directly connected thereto having cooperating notches for interfitting therebetween to permit top dropping without third leg or cross bar interference, and a third leg stop secured to the underside of the top for third leg engagement and non-interferingly nestable between the pair of legs and asknock-down arrangement, said stop including a third leg receiving recess arrangement.

3. A collapsible, three-legged, chair-side table, including two legs, a plurality of spaced cross bars connecting said legs, a table top operatively hinged to said legs, a third leg, and a plurality of spaced cross bars pivotally mounted at one end upon the other cross bars and at the other end rigid with said third leg, one of said legs and the plurality of cross bars not directly connected thereto having cooperating notches for interfitting therebetween to permit top dropping without third leg or cross bar interference, the first mentioned pair of legs projecting above the plane of the top when extended, and a cross member between the projecting portions of said pair of legs and serving as a handle for carrying purposes whether the table is in knock-down or extended relation.

4. A device as defined by claim 1, characterized by one of the first mentioned cross bars being positioned near the top of the first mentioned pair'of legs, and another cross bar being positioned approximately midway between the top and bottom thereof, one of the second mentioned cross bars being secured to the third mentioned leg near the top thereof and another of the second mentioned cross bars being secured to the third leg between the top and bottom thereof.

5. A device as defined by claim 1, characterized by each group of cross bars including but two of the same and the second mentioned cross bars being pivotally supported upon the upper and lower surfaces of the lower and upper cross bars of the first mentioned group, the pivotal supports thereof being in alignment.

6. A device as defined by claim 1, characterized by the second mentioned cross bars being pivoted to the first mentioned cross bars near one leg thereof and the third leg when the table is collapsed being positioned immediately adjacent the other of the first mentioned pair of legs.

7. A device as defined by claim 1, characterized by the second mentioned cross bars being pivoted to the first mentioned cross bars near one leg thereof and the thirdleg when the table is collapsed being positioned immediately adjacent the other of the first mentioned pair of legs, and between the first mentioned pair of legs, the second mentioned cross bars being of lesser length than the first mentioned cross bars.

8. A collapsible, three-legged, chair-side table, including two legs, a pair of spaced cross bars connecting said legs, a table top operatively hinged to said legs, a third leg, and a pair of spaced cross bars pivotally mounted at one end immediately adjacent one of said pair of legs, the other ends of the second mentioned cross bars being rigid with said third leg, said second mentioned cross bars being of lesser length than the first mentioned cross bars, said first mentioned cross bars immediately adjacent the other of the first mentioned pair of legs and the third leg having cooperating notches permitting interfitting nesting of the notched cross bars and leg when collapsed, the table top when collapsed lying in a plane parallel to the collapsed supporting structure without interference therefrom.

LAWRENCE P. ERPELDING.