US2831741A - Folding table - Google Patents

Description

K. H. WILSON FOLDING TABLE Aprl 22, 1958 5 Sheets-Shee t 1 Original Filed N'ov. 6, 1956 ////////V/WV J IN VENTOR.

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ATTF/VEVJ Aprii 22, 1958 K; H. WILSON FOLDING TABLE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Nov. 6, 1956 W %Rm m %W W JA April 22, 1958 K. H. wLsoN 3 17 FOLDING TABLE Original Filed Nov. 6, 1956 3 sneets-sh'et 5 4 & 5

FOLDING TABLE Kermit H. Wilson, Minneapolis, Minn.

Continuation of application Serial No. 629,647, November 6, 1956. This application October 25, 1957, Serial No. 692,965

9 Claims. (Ci. 311--92) My invention relates generally to table structures; and, more particularly, it relates to tables which are easily folded and are portable when folded. This is a continuation of my copending application, Serial No. 620,647, filed November 6, 1956, entitled Folding Table, now abandoned.

My invention relates to a table structure similar to that disclosed and claimed in my United States Patent No. 2,747,958, issued May 29, 1956, and entitled "Folding Sectional Table, and an object of my invention is to provide a table structure which will accomplish the functions of my aforementioned patented table but which at the same time will be a lower cost structure. Thus, it is an important object of my invention to provide a novel and improved table structure which .is smoothly and instantly folded or unfolded between an operative position and a compact storage position, which is highly stable in its operative position yet completely portable in its folded position, and which is cheaper and easier to manufacture than any similar table now known to me.

It is another object of my invention to provide a lower cost, commercially desirable, high quality table which is rugged in construction, durable in use, and simply and safely operated.

A further object of my invention is to provide a table of the type described which has the table top sections adjustably hinged together to allow minimum safety for handling by children; whereby, at one position of the adjustable hinge connection between the table top sections, the table structure is completely pinch proof, and at another position of the adjustable hinge connection, the table sections closely adjoin one another.

The above and other objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent in the course of the following specification and claims, reference being made to the drawings wherein:

Fig. l is a view in top plan of my novel and improved table structure, some parts being broken away and some parts being shown in section;

Fig. 2 is a view in side elevation of the structure shown in Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a View in side elevation of my novel and improved table structure showing it in a position intermediate its operative position and its folded storage position;

Fig. 4 is a view in side elevation of my table structure showing it in its folded storage position;

Fig. 5 is a view in end elevation, with some parts broken away, of the structure shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary View in side elevation, some parts 'being broken away and some parts being shown in section, of a portion of the structure of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary View, partly in vertical section and partly in side elevation, taken on the line 7--7 of Fig. l, showing one position of the adjustable hinge connection of my invention;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 but showing a second position of the adjustable hinge connection of my table structure;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary View, partly in vertical section and p'artly in elevation, taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 5; and

Fig. lO is a view similar to Fig. 9 but showing a modification of these elements of my table structure.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, wherein' like parts will be indicated by the same numeral, my*

novel and improved table structure has a table -top comprising a pair of like, longitudinally-extending, generally rectangular table top sections 15 and 16 which may be formed of any suitable material, such as wood, metal or the like. A pair of U-shaped frame members 17 and 18 of structural metal, which may be angle iron, chanr nel shaped or the like, are each rigidly anchored, by screws or the like, to the underside of a different -one of the table top sections 15 and 16. To further aid in mounting table top sections 15 and 16, I provide a pair of longitudinally-extended, angle iron mounting strips 19 and 20, each `adjacent the inner end of a different one of the table top sections 15 and 16. Referring to the detail of Fig. 7, mounting strips 19 and 20 each have a fiange portion 21 which is parallel to and overlies its respective top section, 15 or 16, and a depending fiange portion 22 which abuts the inner edge of its respective table top section 15 or 16, and which projects below its respective table top section to extend between the free ends of its asscciated U-shaped frame member, 17 or 18. Mounting strips 19 and 20 are anchored in position by being welded t-o frame members 17 and 18, respectively; and table top sections 15 and 16 may be mounted by first sliding the inner end of each thereof under the fiange tive mounting strips, 19 or 20, and then each of the table top sections 15 or 16 is then connected to its respective mounting frame, 17 or 18.

Associated with and extending longitudinally of each i of the table top sections 15 and 16 are a pair of laterally spaced mounting bars 23, preferably formed of angle iron, each of which is rigidly connected, by welding or the like, at one end to the transverse central portion of its associated U-shaped frame member 17 or 18 and at its other end to the associated mounting strip 19 or 20. The normally horizontal flange portion 24 of each of the mounting bars 23 abuts the underside of its associated table top section, 15 or 16, and may be connected thereto by screws or the like; and the depending normally vertical flange portion 25 forms a mounting fiange which will be mentioned further subsequently.

I provide a hinge means 'for pivotally connecting adjacent inner ends of table top sections 15 and 16 which comprises two pair of L- shapedrigid hinge elements 26 and 27. The two rigid hinge elements 26 are rigidly anchored to mounting strip 20, by welding or the like, in laterally spaced relationship, each laterally outwardly of a different one of the mounting bars 23 -but inwardly of the lateral edges of its asso'ciated table top section 16. The two hinge elements 27 are similarly anchored to mounting strip 19, each being disposed in adjacent side =by side relationship with a difierent one of the hinge elements 26. In additon, rigid struts 27a anchored bywelding or the like, each at one end -to a different one of the hinge elements 26 and 27 and at the other end to a different one of the mounting bars 23, aid in sup porting hinge elements 26 and 27.` Each of the hinge elements 26 and 27 have a portion, identified by the numeral 28 with respect to hinge elements-26 and by the,

numeral 29 with respect to hinge elements 27, which is disposed below its respecting mounting strip 19 or 20 and projects longitudinally outwardly of its respective top section or 16. Hinge element portions 28 and 29 are disposed generally vertically and each projects generally arallel to its respective top section 15 or 16; and each have a pair of spaced apertures 30 and 31 formed therein which likewise are disposed in planes Parallel to the top section, 15 or 16, to which that hinge portion is connected. I provide a pair of connecting pivot pins 32, each associated with a di'lterent pair of the two pair of hinge elements 26 and 27. Referring in particular to Figs. 7 and 8, connecting pivot pins 32 are adjustable with respect to hinge elements 26 and 2'7 so that they may be connected together in either one of two positions. When connecting pins 32 extend through apertures 31 of hinge elements 26 `and 27 as shown in Fig. 7, hinge elements 26 and 27 are pivotally connected together so that table top sections 15 and 16 will closely adjoin each other at their normal operative horizontal positions. When hinge elements 26 and 27 are connected together in this manner, as shown in Fig. 7, there is a possiblity during unfolding movements of the table structure that a small child might pinch his finger 'between the table top sections 15 and 16. I provide the adjustable hinge elements in order to make my table structure foolproof so that a small child can operate it without the danger of pinching his fingers during unfolding movements of the table. Therefore, when hinge elements are connected together by extending pivot pins 32 through apertures 30, as shown in Fig. 8, the inner ends of table top sections 15 and 16 are hinged in extended relati'onship with respect to the horizontal pivot axis defined by axially aligned pins 32 se that the inner ends of table top sections 15 and 16 are spaced in their normal horizontal operative position; and there is absolutely no danger of a small child pinching his finger between the inner ends of the table top sections 15 and 16.

An intermediate floor engaging leg structure, indicated generally by the numeral 33, is generally of an H-shape and comprises a pair of 'laterally spaced, arallel, generally vertically disposed leg members 34 and a generally horizontally disposed connecting bar or shaft-like portion 35 which is rigidly anchored by Welding or the like at one end to one of the leg members 34 intermediate the ends of the latter and at its opposite end to the other of the leg members 34 intermediate the ends thereof.

Leg members 34 and connecting bar 35 of intermediate leg structure 33 are all preferably formed of tubular steel;'

and the upper ends of leg members 34 are fiattened and apertured to receive connecting pivot pins 32. Thus, each of the pivot pins 32 extends through one of the hirge elements 26, one of the hinge elements 27, and one of the Iza leg members 3 3. Each of the pivot pins 32 may be headed at one end and releasably maintained in position by a cotter pin or the like at its other end so that the position thereof may be easily changed with respect to hinge elements 26 and 27 as aforementioned. Intermediate leg structure 33 is thus pivotally connected at the top thereof to top sections 15 and 16, by connccting pins 32 and hinge elements 26 and 27, on an axis Coincidental With the hinge axis of top sections 15 and 16. Intermediate leg structure 32 freely depends from its connection to table top sections 15 and 16.

I provide a pair of outer leg structures, each indicated by the general reference numeral 36. Preferably, as shown, outer leg structures 36 each comprise a pair of laterally spaced oppositely disposed leg members 37 and a cross member 38 rigdly joi'ned to leg members 37 by welding or the like. Each of the outer lcg structures 36 is pivotally connected to a different one of the table top sections 15 and 16 intermediate the outer free end and iner end thereof; and specifical-ly, the upper end of posed shaft 45.

numeral 40, to provide portability of my table structure when it is in its folded inoperative position and to facilitate folding and unfolding thereof. It should -be noted that lower ends 39 are outturned generally longitudinally of the table top sections 15 and 16 and, as shown in Fig. 4, project beyond the vertical planes confining table top sections 15 and 16 when my table structure is in its inoperative folded position. This provides extreme stability of my table structure in its inoperative position. In this regard it should be noted that each of the outer leg structures 36 is pivotally connected to its associated table top section, 15 or 16, a distance from the outer free end thereot which is less than the distance between said pivotal connection and the outturned ends 39 of leg members 37. Thus, during folding movements of my table structure, table top sections 15 and 16 pass over outturned ends 39 to be disposed in generally parallel side by side relationship to one another, shown in Fig. 4, with outturned ends 39 underlying the outer free ends of top sections 15 and 16.

I provide control arm structure comp'isng a pair of like rigid arms 41 disposed in laterally spaced pa'allel relationship and connected together by `a generally horizontally connecting element 42, rigidly anchored by welding or the like at its opposite ends to arms 41; and comprising a pair of like rigid arms 43 disposed in laterally spaced parallel relationship and connected together by a similar connecting element 44, rigidly anchored by welding or the like at its opposi'te end-s to arms 43. Arms 41 are associated With table top section 15 and arms 43 are associated with table top section 16. Arms 41 and arms 43 are pivotally connected together adjacent and downwardly spaced from the pivotal connection between top sections 15 and 16 by a generally horizontally dis- Arms 43 at their ends 46 are rgidly anchored to shaft by welding or the like; and arms 41 at their ends 47 are rigidly anchored by welding or the 'like to hearing collars 48 which are journalled on shat 45, each adjacent a difierent one of the arms 43. Arms 41 at their opposite ends 49 are pivotally connected by pins or the like to fianges 25 of bars 23 intermediate the pivotal connection of outer leg structure 36 to the same mounting -bars 23 and the inner end of table top section 15; whereby, arms 41 are pivotally connected to table top section 15 intermediate the pivotal connection of outer leg structure 36 to table top section 15 and the pivotal connection between table top ' sections 15 and 16. Similarly, arms 43 are pivotally connected at their ends 50, by pins or the like, to the bars 23 associated with table top section 16 intermediate the outer leg structure 36 connected to the same bars 23 and the inner end of table top section 16, so that arms 43 are pivotally anchored te table top section 16 at their ends 50 intermediate the pivotal connection of outer leg structure 36 to table top section 16 and the pivotal connection between top sections 15 and 16. Preferably, shaft 45 underlies connecting bar 35 of intermediate leg structure 33 between leg member 34 thereof and is disposed in generally com mon vertical planes with the pivotal connection between table top sections 15 and 16, defined by axially aligned connecting pins 32.

Yielding resilient means comprising a torsion spring 51 is adapted to urge control arms 41 and 43 in a direction generally toward each other or in a direction to move the table top sections 15 and 16 to their upstanding general-ly vertical storage positions. Referring to the detail of Fig. 6, it should be noted that one of the hearing collars 48 is elongated; and torsion spring 51 encompasses this elongated hearing collar 48. End 52 of torsion spring 51 is received in a slot 53 formed in the end of shaft 45 adjacent the elongated bearing collar 48; and the other end 54 of torsion spring 51 is hooked around arm 41 anchored to the elongated hearing collar 48.

I provide a pair of rigid control links 55; each is pivotally connected to a longitudinal intermediate portion of =a diiferent one of -the control arm structures, one comprising arms 41 and the other arms 43, and to a longi- -tudinally intermediate portion of a difierent one of the outer leg structures 36 to control the pivotal movement of the outer leg structures 36. Specifically, one end of each of the control links 55 is pivotally connected to a different one of -the cross members 38 by means of a hearing collar or sleeve 56, which is rigidly anchored by welding or the like to its associated control. link 55 and is journalled on its respective cross member 38; and the other end of each of the control links 55 is pivotally connected to connecting element 44 or 42, depending upon whether it is associated with control arms 43 or 41, by means of `a hearing collar or sleeve 57, which is rigidly anchored by welding or the like to its associated control link 55 and journalled on its respective converting element, either 44 or 42. Control links '55 act to control the pivotal swinging movements of outer leg structures 36 so that they are always maintained upright during folding movements of the table structure.

Control arms 41 and 43 defined a variable V-shape, the vertex of which is defined by shaft 45; and they are swingable inwardly about the generally horizontal axis defined by shaft 45 to guide and support the movement of table top sections 15 and 16 from their operative horizontal positions as shown in Fig. 2 to their inoperative storage positions as shown in Fig. 4. An intermediate position of my table structure between its normal operative position and its inoperative storage positions is shown in Fig. 3.

The movement of table top sections 15 and 16 from their operative horizontal position to their inoperative storage position is eected by an operator standing at one end of the table who by placing his hands on the outer edge of one of the table top sections and pressing down smartly will cause the table to begin to fold. The table top sections 15 and 16 are then pushed together until folding action is completed. The movements of each of the table top sections 15 and 16 from its operative to its inoperative position is a rotational or angular movement generally about the pivot aXis of its 'associated or respective outer leg structure 36 at the same time the aforesaid pivot axis moved horizontally inwardly. .The inner ends of table top sections 15 and 16 move generally directly vertically upwardly during folding movements of my table structure and freely depending intermediate leg structure 33 is moved generally vertically upwardly therewith between the positions shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4.

During unfolding movements of my table structure, that is, from the position shown in Fig. 4 to its operative position shown in Fig. 2, it is desirable to provide some means of guiding intermediate leg structure 33 to a proper vertical position; and further, it is almost essential to provide some means to prevent lateral movement of the intermediate leg structure 33 when it is in its floor engaging position as shown in Fig. 2. With respect to the preferred form of my table structure as shown in Figs. l-9, ends 47 of control arms 41 and ends 46 of control arms 43 are notched, as particularly shown in the detail of Fig. 9, so that each arm 41 cooperates With the adjacent arm 43 to define an upwardly opening channel, indicated by the numeral 58, at the operative position of my table structure which overlies shaft 45 and is adapted to receive and embrace connecting bar 35 as intermediate leg structure 33 is moved from its raised position shown in Fig. 4 to its floor engaging position shown in Fig. 2. It should be noted that if intermediate leg portion 33 is laterally offset or angularly disposed with respect to its proper vertical position during unfolding movements of my table structure, either control arms 41 or control arms 43, depending upon to which side intermediate leg structure 33 is angularly disposed, will engage connecting bar 35 and guide it into the slot or channel 58.

Referring to a modification disclosed in Fig. 10, instead of ,notching arms 41 and 43 to define the channel 58 as 6 aforementioned; =I provide an inverted U-shaped member 59 which partially encompasses connecting bar '35, as shown in Fig. 10, and is rigidly anchored thereto by welding or the like. U-shaped member 59 defined a downwardly opening channel or slot, indicated by the numeral 60, which is adapted to receive and embrace shaft 45 as intermediate leg structure 33 is moved from its raised position of Fig. 4 to its floor engaging position of Fig. 2. The interfitting relationship of U-shaped member 59 and shaft 45 will prevent objectionable lateral movement of intermediate leg structure 33 and provide rigidity in my table structure at its operative position. -It should be noted that the open or lower ends, indicated by the numeral 61 of U-shaped member 59 are flared to aid in guiding shaft 45 into the channel 60. It might be noted that intermediate leg structure 33 could possibly be laterally ofl-set during -unfolding movements of my table structure to such an extent that U-shaped member 59 might miss or not engage shaft 45. This extent of lateral oil-set or angular disposition of intermediate leg structure 33 is not usua-l or expected; but because of such possibility, the preferred structure of Fig. 1 and Fig. 9 is more desirable because no matter what the oli-set of intermediate leg -structure 33, it will be properly guided into the slot or channels 58.

The lower or floor engaging ends of leg portions 34 of intermediate leg structure 33 are provided with friction feet 62 which engage the floor `on which the table structure is supported to tend to restrain my table structure against movement when it is in its operative position. When table top sections are in their inoperative storage position, however, floor engaging feet 62 are raised upwardly from the floor, as shown in Fig. 4, and the caster equipped outer leg structures 36 provide my novel and improved table structure to be easily portable; wherein, it may be quickly and easily moved to a suitable storage position Where it occupies a minimum of space.

My invention has been built and tested and found to accomplish all of the aforementioned objectives and' advantages. It has proved to be a highly desirable commercial product. It Will be obvious to those skilled in the art that my invention may be modified in respects other than the single modification herein disclosed and that this disclosure is intended to be illustrative only; therefore, I intend to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Whatlclaim is:

1. In a portable folding table, a pair of table top sections, hinge means pivotally connecting adjacent inner ends of said sections for relative swinging movements of said top sections from' horizont-al aligned operative positions to generally parallel upstanding inoperative positions, a pair of outer leg structures each pivotally con nected to a different one of the table top sections intermediate the outer free end and inner end of its associated top section, intermediate floor engaging leg structure pivotally connected adjacent the top thereof to said top sections in proximity with the aXis of said hinge means, control arm structure comprising a pair of rigid arms pivotally connected together adjacent and downw-ardly spaced from the pivotal connection between said top sections and each pivotally anchored to a different one of the top sections intermediate the pivotal connection of the outer leg structure of that respective table top section and the pivotal connection between adjacent top sections, said intermediate leg structure and said control arm structure defining relatively movable male and female portions engageable in interfitting relationship to prevent lateral movement of said intermediate leg structure in its floor engaging position, and a pair of rigid control links each pivotally connected to a longtudinally intermediate portion of a different one of said arms and to a longitudinally intermediate portion of a different one of said outer leg structures; whereby, upon folding movements of said table said outer leg structurestmove relatively toward one another in upright positions and said intermediate leg .-7. structure moves from a floor engagng position generally vertically upwardly with the adjacent connected ends of said table top section to a position upwardly spaced ;from the floor.

2. The structure defined in claim l in which said hinge means comprises a pair of rigid hinge elements each rigdly anchored to a diiferent one of said top sections adjacent its inner end, and means -adjustable With respect to said rigid hinge elements for pivotally connecting said rigid hinge elements in a plurality of positions spaced in planes parallel to said table top sections.

'3. The structure defined in claim 1 in which said hinge means comprises a pair of rigid hinge elements each rigidly anchored to a different one of said top sections adjacent its inner end and depending theretrom. said hinge elements each having a portion projecting iongitudinally outwardly of its respective top section having a plurality of spac-:d apertnres formed therein which are disposed in planes parallel to its respective top section,

said portions being disposed in side by side relationship,

and a horizontally disposed connecting pin extending through an aperture of each hinge element to pivotally connect said hinge elements for swinging movements about the axis thereof, said connecting pin being adjustable With respect to said hinge elements by a selective variation of the apcrtures through which it extends; whereby the inner ends of said table top sections may be hinged in retracted or extended positions with respect to the horizontal pivot axis defined by said connecting pin.

4. In a portable folding table, *a pair of table top sections, hinge means pivotally connecting acljacent inner ends of said sections for relative swinging movements of said top sections from horizontal aligned operative positions to generally parallel upstanding inoperative positions, a pair of outer leg structures each pivotally connected to a different one of the table top sections intermediate the outer free end and inner end of its associated top section, intermediate floor engaging leg structure pivotally connected adjacent the top thereof to said top sections in proximity With the axis of said hinge means for movement with said top sections between a floor engaging position and a raised position upwardly spaced from the floor, control arm structure comprising a pair of rigid arms pivotally connected together adjacent and downwardly spaced from the pivotal connection between said top sections and each pivotally anchored to a difierent one of the top sections intermediate the pivotal connection of the outer leg structure of that respective table top section and the pivotal connection between adjacent top sections, as between said control structure and said intermediate leg structure one comprising structure defining a channel adapted to receive and embrace a horizontally disposed shaft like portion of the other when said intermediate leg structure is in its floor engaging position to prevent lateral movement of said intermediate leg structure in its floor engaging position, and a pair of rigid control links each pivotally connected to a longitudinally intermediate portion of a different one of said arms and to a longitudinally intermediate portion of a difierent one of said outer leg structures.

5. In a portable folding table, a pair of table top sections, hinge means pivotally connectng adjacent inner ends of said sections for relative swingng movements of said top sections from horizontal aligned operative positions to generally parallel upstanding inoperative positions, a pair of outer leg structures each pivotally connected to a different one of the table top sections intermediate the outer free end and inner end of its asso- :ciated top section, intermediate floor engaging leg structure pivotally connected adjacent the top thereot to said top sections in proximity with the axis of said lsi-nge means for movement With said top sections between a floor engaging position and a raised position upwardly spaced 'from the floor, said intermediate leg structure .comprising a generally horizontally disposed connecting bar rigidly anchored to oppositely disposed intermediate portii) tons of said leg structure in overlying relationship with said arms, control arm structure comprising a generally horizontal shaft underlying said connecting bar in generally common vertical planes therewith and a pair of rigid arms connected to said shaft for relative pivotal swinging movements about the axs thereof and extending generally upwardly and outwardly therefrom each to be pivotally anchored to a dilterent one of the top sections intermediate the pivotal connection of the outer leg structure of that respective table top section and the pivotal connection between adjacent top sections, as between said control structure and said intermediate leg structure one comprising structure defining a channel adapted to receive and embrace a horizontally disposed sh-aft-like portion .E the other when said intermediate leg structure is at its floor engaging position to maintain said intermediate leg structure against lateral movements in its floor engaging position, and a pair of rigid control links each pivotally connected to a longitudinally intermediate portion of a different one of said arms and to a longitudinally intermediate portion of a different one of said out leg structures.

6. The structure dfilu in claim 5 in which the structure dcning said channel is an invertcd U-shaped member rigid With said connecting bar and defining a downwardly opening channel adapted to receive and cmbrace said shatt as said intermediate leg structure is moved from its raised position to its floor engaging position.

7. The structure defined in claim 5 in which said arms are notched adacent said shaft to define an upwardly opening channel overlying said shaft which is adapted to receive and embrace said connecting bar as said intermediate leg structure is moved from its raised position to its floor engaging position.

8. In a portable folding table, a pair of table top sections, a pair of rigid hinge elements each rigidly ancho'ed to a different one of adjacent inner ends of said top sections, and means adjustable With respect to said rigid hinge elements for pivotally connecting said hinge elements in a plurality of positions spaced in planes parallel to said table top sections, Whereby adjacent inner ends of said top sections are pivotally connected for relative swnging movements of said top sections between horizontal aligned operative positions and generally parallel upstanding inoperative positions and the inner ends of said table top sections may 'oe hinged in rctracted or extended positions with respect to the horizontal pivot axis of said table top sections to achieve variable spacing between adjacent ends of the table top sections, a pair of outer leg structures each pivotally connected to a different one of the table top sections intermediate the outer free end of its associated top section and the pivotal connection between said top sections, means connecting the table top sections for common movements between their operative and inoperative positions and for sup porting the pivotally connected inner ends ot said table top sections at their operative positions; said means comprising a pair of like rigid control arms each pivotally connected adiacent an upper end thereof to a difierent one of said table top `sections intermediate the pivotal connection of the outer leg structure of that respective table top section and the pivotal connection between said table top sections and having their lower ends pivotally `connected together for relative pivotal swinging movements thereof through a field of movement Wherein said control arms form a variable angle V-shape with the lower ends ot said control arms being disposed downwardly spaced from the plvotal connection between said top sections, and cor-engageable intermediate log means associated with the pivotally connected ends of sai-d control arms; and a pair of rigid contro-l links each pivotally connected to a. longitudinal intermediate portion of a different one of said control arms and to a longitudina'lly intermediate portion of a difierent one of said outer leg structures to maintain the outer leg structures in generally vertical positions at all positions of the table top sections.

9. In a portable folding table, a pair of table top sections, a pair of rgid hinge elements each rigidly anchored to a different one of adjacent inner ends of said top sections, and depending therefrom, said hinge elements each having a portion prcjecting longitudinally outwardly of its respective top section and having a plurality of spaced apertures formed therein which are disposed in planes parallel to its respective top section, said portions being disposed in side by side relationship, a generally horizontally disposed connecting pin extending through an aperture of each hinge element to pivotally connect said hinge elements for swinging movements about the axis thereof, said connecting pin being adjustable With respect to said hinge elements by a selective variation of the apertures through which it extends, whereby adjacent inner ends of said top sections are pivotally connected for relative swinging movements of said top sections between horizontal aligned operative positions and generally parallel upstandng inoperative positions and the inner ends of said table top sections may be hinged in retracted or extended positions with respect to the horizontal pivot axis defined by said connecting pin to achieve variable spacing between adjacent ends of the table top sections, a pair of outer leg structures each pivotally connected to a dilferent one of the table top sections intermediate the outer free end of its associated top section and the pivotal connection between said top sections, means connecting the table top sections for common movements between their operative and inoperative positions and for supporting the pivotally connected inner ends of said table top sections at the variable angle V-shape with the lower ends of said control arms being disposed downwardly spaced from the pivotal connection between said top sectionsgand oor-engageable intermediate leg means associated with the pivotally connected ends ot' said control arms; and a pair of igid control links each pivotally connected to a longitudnal intermediate portion of a different one of said control arms and to a longitudinally intermediate portion of a different one of said outer leg structures to maintain the outer leg structures in generally vertical positions at all positions of the table top sections.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 586,112 Beloin July 13, 1897 2,260,478 Peter Oct. 28, 1941 2,421,127 Peckham May 27, 1947 2,650,146 Mugler Aug. 25, 1953 2,721,778 Wilson Oct. 25, 1955 2,730,417 Mitchell Jan. 10, 1956 2,747,958 Wilson May 29, 1956 2,764,460 Nelson Sept. 25, 1956 2,811,400 James Oct. 28, 1956

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