US2868597A

US2868597A - Extensible leaf support and lock means for an extendable table

Info

Publication number: US2868597A
Application number: US496805A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jerome L Morrison
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1955-03-25
Filing date: 1955-03-25
Publication date: 1959-01-13
Anticipated expiration: 1976-01-13

Description

JUL 13 1959 J. L. MORRISON 2,868,597-

,EXTENSIBLE LEAF SUPPORT AND Lcx MEANS FOR AN EXTENDABLE TABLE' Filed March 25, 1955 2 sheets-shez 1 e 'Ill'.m 'Il /ll ',llllllllllllrlllllllrl:

#Walen/54 `Ilan. 13, 1959 EXTEN J. L. MoRRlsoNv 2,868,597

SIBLE LEAF' SUPPORT AND LOCK MEANS FOR AN EXTENDABLE TABLE Filed March 25, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheerl 2 V.the table top member by various means.

United States Patent() EX'EENSEBLE LEAF SUPPORT AND LOCK MEANS FOR AN EXTENDABLE TABLE Jerome L. Morrison, Findlay, Ollio Application March 25, 1955, Serial N o. 496,805

14 Claims. (Cl. 311-55) This invention relates to an extendable table construction and, more particularly, to a table construction provided with extension leaves accommodated in retracted position beneath a table top and movable into extended position with their top surfaces ush with the table top surface.

Prior proposed extension tables have included table top members supported by a table frame and extension panels which were movable into the planar zone of Such prior means for moving a panel into the planar zone of the table top member usually required movement of the end panel outwardly from beneath the table top member in a horizontal plane, vertically lifting the end panel upwardly into the plane of the table top, and then locking the end panel in saidplane. Such prior proposed panelmoving means were usually made of metal and were not suitable for table constructions made entirely of wood. Such prior means often did not provide adequate support for an end panel in extended position `and imposed limitations in construction on the width or length of the panel.

This invention contemplates an extendable table construction which is particularly adapted for, although not limited to, an all wood table construction. The invention contemplates a table construction in which the extension leaves may be, for example, the same width as a table top and only slightly less than half the length of the table top so as to substantially double the length of a table. The invention contemplates such an extendable table wherein extension' leaves are moved into and out of extended position by a simple straight line motion in prior proposed devices.

It is, therefore, the primary object of this invention to disclose and provide an extendable table construction wherein the length of a table may be virtually doubled and wherein extension leaves are moved to and from retracted and extended positions in novel manner.

An object of this invention is to disclose and provide an extendable table construction wherein extension leaves are movable along an inclined plane to and from retracted and extended position.

Another object of this invention is to disclose and provide `a table construction wherein an extension leaf is supported in novel manner.

A further object of this invention is to disclose and provide an extendable table construction including an extension leaf which is tilted about a vfulcruni located centrally thereof to position the leaf in the planel of the table top.

A still further object of this invention is to disclose and provide an extendable table construction wherein an extension leaf is slidably supported to permit a straight line motion to extend or retract said leaf and which is also urged by a straight line motionin the plane of' the table top into locked position therewith. Y

Still another object of this invention is to disclose and y 2,868,597 Patented Jan. 13, 1959 firice mentioned above wherein novel means are provided forY securing an extension leaf in extendable position so that said leaf is positively restrained from upward, downward, and lateral movement with respect to the table top.

Generally speaking, this invention contemplates an extendable table construction provided with extension leaves for each end of the table. Each extension leaf is accommodated in retracted position beneath a table top having an inclined bottom surface. A table frame is provided with guide means which are parallel to said surface and which cooperate with leaf-supporting means for each extension leaf, said leaf-supporting means including a main extension arm slidable on said guide means for approximately half its length and a leaf-slide bar ixedly carried by each extension leaf and slidable relative to the main extension arm for approximately half the length of the extension leaf. When extended, the extension leaf is supported adjacent its central portion by the main extension arm and may be tilted thereabout so that the leaf may be horizontally pushed inwardly against the table top and into locked position therewith. A wedge means carried by the table frame is positionable between the main extension arm and the inner end of the leaf-slide bar to lock the leaf, said Wedge means being readily reieasable to permit retraction of the leaf to a position beneath the table top.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be readily apparent from the following description and drawings.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a perspective view of an extendable table construction embodying this invention, one end leaf being shown in extended position and the opposite end leaf being shown in retracted position.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sec-tional view taken in the plane indicated by line II-II of Fig. `1 and showing an extension leaf retracted.

Fig. 3 is a sectional View taken in the same plane as Fig. 2 showing the extension leaf partially withdrawn.

Fig. 4 is a framentary, sectional view taken in the same plane as Fig. 2sbowing the extension leaf in position of maximum withdrawal.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken in the same plane as Fig. 2 showing the extension leaf moved in final extended position. t Y

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary, enlarged view showing interengagement of the leaf-slide bar with the main extension arm in the relationship shown in Figs. 3 to 5.

Fig. 7 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view taken in the plane indicated by line Vil- VH of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a horizontal, transverse, sectional view taken in the plane indicated by line VIH-VIH of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary end view partly in section of a modification ofthe leaf-locking means, the table top 22, and legs 23. The legs and frame members 2l and 22 may be joined together in well known manner. `A table` top 24 is supported by the side frame members 21 centrallyof the table as at 25 and end extension leaves 26 are supported from the table frame as described in detail hereinafter. It is understood that although the tablerconstruction illustrates end extension leaves for the purpose of increasing the length of the table, this invention contemplates utilizing the same construction for extension of the width of a table if so desired. It will be noted in Fig. l` that end leaves 26 are slightly less than one-half the length of table top 24, the purpose being to achieve a maximum length of extendable table. lt is also understood that the construction described herein may be einployed with end leaves of lesser length than shown if desired.

The table frame including the fra-me members 2i, 22 and legs 23 may be constructed of suitable wood material and the frame may be of selected width, length, and heighth. Interbracing between side and end frame membersZl and 22 and the legs 23 to provide a rigid table frame is not illustrated because any well-known bracing may be used.

The table top 24 provides a at, planar, rectangular top surface 23 of uniform width and length suflcient to extend laterally and longitudinally beyond the table frame. The table top 24 is provided with a central, transverse, thickened support section 29 seated on and secured to side frame members 21 adjacent the mid section thereof. Outwardly from support section 29, bottom surfaces 3i) of the table top 24 may incline upwardly to opposite end portions of the table top. The bottom surfaces 30 are defined by shoulders at the center support section and by transverse end edges 31 of table top 24. At end edge 3i a relatively thin section of table top material is provided and longitudinal margins of the table top are spaced from the top edges of the side frame members and legs .23.

The extension leaf 26 at each end of the table is preferably of longitudinal tapered section with a thick outer end edge and a thin inner end edge so as to be readily accommodated beneath table top 24 in the space between the side frame members 2i and the top. If desired, each extension leaf 26 may' be cut from the table top material by cutting along a transverse inclined plane so as to provide an inclined bottom surface 3@ while at the same time .providing an extension leaf. The extension leaf 2.6 may be of the saine width as table top 24- and is of a length only slightly less than one half the length of the table top 24. Each leaf 26 may be preferably of a length sufficient to comfortably accommodate a table setting at opposite sides thereof. lt may be noted that when the table leaf 26 is in retracted position, the table 24B presents the appearance of having a table top of uniform thickness throughout its length. f I.

An important part of this invention is the manner 1n which each extension leaf 26 is supported for movement from retracted position to extended position. T he support means for each leaf 26 may include guide means cornprising guide rails 33 of wood secured to inner faces of side frame members 2l and inclined so as to be virtually parallel with adjacent bottom surface 3d on the table top.

Each guide rail 33 includes a rabbeted longitudinal top edge 34 which is positioned with respect to the associated side frame member l2l so as to slidably receive and laterally retain a complementary inwardly facing rabbeted bottom longitudinal edge of a extension arm 36.

Each main extension arm 36 may include an elongated strip of wood of suitable thickness to provide necessary strength and support for an end leaf 26 in extended position. Each main extension arm 36 includes a top inwardly facing rabbeted edge 37 presenting top guide faces therealong slidahly cooperable with a complementary downwardly and outwardly facing rabbeted longitudinal bottom edge 38 on a leaf-slide oar 39. The main extension-ann 36 extends through a suitable slot 4d provided in end framemember 22 adjacent each leg 23, said slot 40 being open at its top to receive also the leaf-slide bar 39. If desired, outer ends of main extension arms 36 at each end of the table may be interconnected transversely by a cross member 4l. Similarly, the inner ends of each pair of main extension arms may be transversely interconnected by an inner cross member 42 so that the pair of arms 36 at each end of the table may operate simultaneously.

Each extension arm 36 includes an outer upstanding end portion 44 and an inner upstanding end portion 45 to support and engage respectively the leaf 26 and the top 24. Outer end portion 44 is non-rabbeted and pr0 vides a stop to limit relative outward movement of leaf 26 with respect to the main arm 36, the outer end face of slide bar 39 abutting as at 46 upstanding portion 44. Interengaging means to releasably connect slide bar 39 with the main extension arm 36 may include an elongated bore 47 in end portion 44 to releasably slidably accommodate therewithin a forwardly extending pin 48 projecting from the opposed outer end of slide bar 39. The bottom face of each end leaf 26 may be provided with a pair of longitudinally extending tapered grooves 59 which slidably accommodate and guide the outer end portions l44 of the main extension arm 36 when leaf 26 is moved relative to the extension arm.

The inner end portion 4S of the arm 36 slidably contacts as at 49 the bottom surface 30 of the table top. The central support section 29 may be provided with a downwardly facing groove 5@ therein for accommodating end portion when leaf 26 is in retracted position. Intermediate its ends, the `rnain extension arrn 36 may be provided with a relatively short, longitudinally extending recess 52 in its uppermost edge portion for cooperably receiving a leaf-locking wedge element 6i).

Outward movement of extension arm 36 may be by contact of an inwardly projecting dowel rod 67 carried by arm 36 with the end frame member 22. Rod 67 is positioned inwardly of recess 52 a selected distance so that wedge element 6i) is restrained in non-locking position as described hereinafter.

Each leaf-slide bar 39 is ixedly secured to the bottom surface of end leaf 26 adjacent a side thereof and is provided with a downwardly facing, rabbeted, longitudinal edge 38 which lies parallel to the inclined bottom surface 30 on table top 24 when the leaf is in retracted position and in cooperable slidable engagement with extension arm 36.: Slide bar 39 is provided with an inner end portion 55 which projects inwardly beyond inner transverse edge 56 of end leaf 26.

the adjacent center support section 29 as at 57, Fig. 2. in extended position, the inner end portionS of each slide bar cooperates as at 58 with the bottom outer marginal face of the table top 24 to limit tilting of leaf 26. The top face of portion may be inclined to be complementary to bottom surface 36 of top 24.

Meansfor locking extension leaf 26 in extended position to prevent tilting thereof and to provide a steady and sturdy surface may comprise inthis example, a metal wedge element 60 having a top wedge face and pivotally mounted on pin 61 in a recess 62 provided in an inner top portion of a table leg 23 adjacent to and above guide rail 33. The wedge element 60 may be of any suitable shape and is illustrated here as being of generally triangular shape with pivot pin 6l at one of the apices of the triangle. The wedge element 60 is provided with a connection at 63 to one end-of a biasing spring 64, said biasing spring being turned about the pivot pin 61 and having its other' position ofthe leaf 26, recess 52 in arm 36 Vis opposite elementl 6,0 and permits the element to move `inwardly limited Inner end portion 55, when the leaf is -retracted, is accommodated beneath and cooperates with above arm 36 for ultimate positioning between slide-bar portion 55 and arm 36. This action is described hereinafter in more detail.

Operation of the extendable table construction described above isin general accomplished by withdrawing end leaf 26 in a straight line motion slightly upwardly inclined until the end leaf is positioned beyond the transverse end'edge of table top 24. The end leaf is then tilted slightly about end portion 44 of extension bar 36 and then pushed inwardly in a straight line motion in a horizontal plane to position inner` slide-bar portions 55 between transverse edge margins of the table top and wedge element 60.

To facilitate outward movement of the end leaf 26, a finger-hold recess 69 may be provided in the outer under surface of the leaf. `As the leaf is` pulled outwardly, slide bar 39" moves therewith since it is fixed thereto andrelative to main arm 36.` Slide bar 39 is guidedby the cooperable rabbmeted edges on the arm 36. When leaf 26 has been withdrawn slightly less than half its length, pin 48 moves into recess 47 in end portion 44 on arm 36 and the outer end of slide bar 39 contacts the inner face of upstanding end portion 44 (Fig. 3). The interlocked slide bar, end leaf and main extension arm are then drawn outwardly until dowel pin 67 on the main extension arm contacts the inner face of end frame member 22 (Fig. 4). At this position, inner edge 56 of the end leaf 26 may be spaced about one inch from edge 3l of the table top 24. A substantial part of slide bar portion55 is positioned beneath the transverse end margin of top 24. The recess 52 intermediate the ends of the main extension arm 36 is positioned opposite the wedge element 60 and the wedge element is biasedV inwardly over the bar 36. The inner face of end portion S5 is spaced slightly outwardly of the wedge element 60.

The leaf 26 is then slightly tilted about its support on the end portion 44 of the extension bar 36, said interlocking connection being relatively loose to permit such tilting. The amount of tilting required may be only a quarter of an inch in an exemplary model of thistable. Only sufficient tilting is required in order to align the top surface of leaf 26 with the top surface 28 of the table top 24 and to bring the top face of slide-bar portion 55 against surface 30 on top 24. After tilting the leaf, the leaf may then be pushed inwardly in a straight line and in the plane ofthe table top. As the leaf is pushed inwardly, the inner slide-bar portions 55 slip over the wedge element 60and into tight contact with surface 30 of top 24. The end leaf 26 and slide bar 39 may move slightly relative to the main extension, arm in order to urge the transverse edges of the leaf and table top into Contact. Such relative movement is4 not sufficient to disengage the interlocking pin 48 and recess 47.

.It will thus be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that end leaf 26 is firmly supported in extended position. The central portion of the leaf is supported by and locked to outer ends of the main extension arms 36, said extension arms being supported at approximately their central portion on the end frame member 22 and along guide rail 33. Tilting of the main extension arm isprevented by contact of the inner opstanding end portion 45 with the bottom face of the table top at a` point spaced well inwardly from the end of the table. Tilting of end leaf 26 in final position is prevented by the tight wedge engagement of the wedge element 60 with the inner slide-- bar portion 55.

Relative lateral displacement of end leaf 26 is limited with respect to the table top by Contact of the leaf-slide bars 39 with the main extension bar 36 andthe end frame member 22. The wedge element 6ft extending into the rabbeted edge portion of the slide bar also tends to limit anyrelative lateral movement as does likewise the interp locking pin 4S and recess 47.

To retract end leaf 26 from extended position, it may be first grasped and then drawn outwardly todisengage wedge element 60 from the inner slide-bar portion 55. The end leaf 26 is then tilted so that the slide` bar engages the guide faces on the main extension arm 36. The end leaf is then pushed inwardly in the same inclined plane in which it was first withdrawn. Upon moving inwardly, the inner end of the slide bar strikes wedge element 60 on face 66 and pushes the biased wedge element about pin 61 into recess 62. The end leaf is moved inwardly until slide-bar portion 55 strikes the upstanding end portion 45 of the main extension arm which then causes the main extension arm to move inwardly along the guide rail 33 until the leaf is fully retracted beneath the table top.

l'n Figs. 9 to ll inclusive is illustrated a modification of a leaf-locking means which may be substituted for wedge element 6) described above. The locking means includes a metal locking member 75 having an elongated base portion 76 of uniform width adapted to be secured in any suitable manner to the innerI face of the inner slide-bar portion 5S. The base portion 76 eX- tends slightly above a top inclined face 55a a selected distance so that when locking member is engaged with table top 24, leaf 26 will be positioned with its top surface flush with the top surface 28 of the table top. The base portion 76' carries at its top a table top engagement lug or hook portion 77 extending inwardly and in a plane normal to base portion 76. The 1nook portion 77 has a length greater than the width of base portion 76 and may terminate in a beveled end face 78. At the other end of base portion 76 may be provided a frame engagement bottom lug or portion '79, said bottom portion lying parallel to hook portion 77 and having a tapered end face 80.

The table top 24 may be provided with an elongated longitudinal recess 82 in its bottom surface adjacent to the path of travel of slide bar 39. The inner end of said recess 82 may be partially covered by a metal flat plate 83 secured in any suitable manner to top 24 with its bottom surface in the same plane as inclined bottom surface 30 of the table top. The end frame member 22 may be provided with a through slot S4 opening into slot 40 and with a recess 85 thereabove opening sidewardly and outwardly of frame member 22. It may be noted that the top end of slot itt in the frame member 22 may be slightly enlarged as at 35 to permit passage therethrough of the end of slide-bar portion S5 with the locking member '75 thereon.

Operation of this modified form of leaf-locking vice includes substantially the same movements as described Vabove in the prior embodiment'. End leaf 26, when withdrawn to maximum extended position, is disposed with slide bar end portion outwardly spaced from end frame member 22. ln this withdrawal, locking member 75 passes through the enlarged upper end of slot 4t) in the end frame and the bottom lug portion- 79 passes through slot S4. The top hook portion i7 passes over the top of end frame 22. The end leaf may then be tilted so as to bring its top surface tiush with theV table top surface and in so doing the hook portion '77 is moved into the elongated recess 82 in the bottom surface ofthe table top. Upon pushing the end leaf inwardly, hook portion 77 interengages with plate 83 and is received `between the plate 83 and the opposed wall of' recess S2. At the same time the bottom lug 79 is positioned in recess S5 in end frame member slot S4. lt may be noted that the beveled faces 'l't and 8l) on the

portions

77 and 79 respectively `are oppositely inclined so that asutlie locking member is urged into engagement the prevention of lateral and tilting displacement of end leaf 26.

The. extendable tableconstruction described above thus provides a means for supporting an end leaf in a novel, stable and steady manner. It is important to note that the end leaf is rmly supported at its mid portion 1n extended position by the main extension arms 36. The

main extension arms 36 are firmly supported by interengagement of substantially half the length of the arms with guide rails 33 and also with the table top through the upstandingv portions 45. Thus, vertical displacement of the main extension arms is positively limited and any tilting force applied to the extension arms as by a load applied to the outer end of the extension leaf is transmitted to the table top at an area spaced well inwardly from the end thereof. Loads applied on the end leaf at its inner end adjacent to the meeting edges of the table top and end leaf are firmly resisted by the wedging engagement of the locking means which transmit such forces to the table frame. The provision of an inclined bottom surface on the table top, together with guide means extending parallel thereto, simplifies withdrawal and retraction of an end leaf. T his design provides a table top of virtually uniform depth throughout its length when end leaves are in retracted position.

It is understood that various modifications may be made in the design of the extendable table construction disclosed above which may come within the spirit of this invention and all such modifications and changes coming within the scope of the appended claims are embraced thereby.

I claim:

l. in an extendable table construction, the combination of: a table frame including interconnected side, end and leg frame members; a table top supported centrally from said side members and provided with a bottom upwardly and outwardly inclined surface spaced from said members; an extension leaf of tapered section receivable between said top and said members in retracted position; leaf-supporting means operable to support said leaf in extended position and including a guide rail on each side member parallel to said inclined surface, an extension arm slidable on said rail and provided with upstanding end portions slidably engaging said table top and leaf respectively, a slide bar on said leaf slidable on said arm and limited in movement relative thereto by selective engagement with said arm end portions, said slide bar having an inner portion engageablel with the table top in leaf-extended position; and means to lock the leaf in extended position.

2. A table construction as stated in claim l including stop means on said extension arm engageable with the end frame member to limit movement of the arm during extension of the leaf.

3. A table construction as stated in claim l including interengaging means on said slide bar and on one of said upstanding end portions.

4. A table construction as claimed in claim l wherein said lock means includes a biased wedge element positionable between said slide bar and said extension arm.

5. In an extendable table construction, the combination of: a table frame including side, end and leg frame members; a table top supported centrally from said frame members and provided with a bottom upwardly and outwardly inclined surface spaced from said members; an extension leaf taperedsection positionable between said top and said members in retracted position; leaf-supporting means operable to support said leaf in extended position and including guide means on each side member parallel to said inclined surface and a main extension arm slidable on said guide means and slidably engaging said table top and leaf respectively, a slide bar carried by said leaf and slidable on said arm, interengagement means on said arm and on said slide bar selectively interlockable toA position said arm in supporting relation to said leafoutwardly of the table top, said slide bar having an inner `portion.engageable. with the table top in leaf-extended position; and means on said frame members and on said slide bar to lock the leaf in extended position.

6 In an extendable table construction, the combination of: a table frame including side, end and leg frame members; a table top supported centrally from said side members and provided with a bottom surface spaced from said members; an extension leaf positionable between said top and said members in retracted position; leaf-supporting means operable to support said leaf in extended position and including guide means on each side member, a movable main extension arm slidably mounted on said guide means, said leaf being provided with means slidable on said arm and having an inner portion engageable with said table top; interengagement means on said arm and on said slidable means on said leaf to position the arm in supporting relation to the leaf outwardly of the table top; and means on said inner portion and on said frame members to lock the leaf in extended position.

`7. In an extendable table construction,"the combination of: a table frame; a table top supported centrally from said frame and provided with a bottom upwardly and outwardly inclined surface spaced from said frame; an extension leaf of tapered section having a top surface complementary to said bottom inclined surface and receivable between said table top and said members in retracted position; leaf-supporting means operable to support said leaf in extended position and including guide means onsaid frame parallel to said inclined surface, a main extension arm slidable on said guide means and having upstanding end portions slidably engaging said table top and leaf respectively, a slide bar on said leaf slidable on said arm, said extension arm and said slide bar being relatively movable in paths parallelto said bottom inclined surface whereby said leaf maybe drawn from retracted position to extended position along a straight upwardly Ainclined path; means interlocking said leaf and said extension arm in extended position, said leaf being tiltable about one of said upstanding end portions on said arm in extended position; said slide bar having an inner portion positionable beneath said table top; locking means on said frame and on said inner slide bar portion eooperably engageable when said leaf is urged into final position after tilting whereby said leaf is held in non-tiltable extendable position.

8. In an extendable table construction, the combination of: a table frame; a table top supported centrally from said frame; an extension leaf positionable between said top and said frame in retracted position; leaf-supporting means operable to support said leaf in extended position and including relatively movable members, one of said members having an inner portion extending inwardly of the leaf; and means to lock the leaf in extended -position including a biased wedge element carried by said frame and engageable with said inner portion to hold said leaf against tilting in extended position.

9. In an extendable table construction, the combination of: a table frame; a table top supported centrally from said frame; an extension leaf positionable between said top and said frame in retracted position; leaf-supporting means operable to support said leaf in extended position and including relatively movable members, interengagement means on said movable members to position one member in supporting relation to the leaf outwardly of the table top, the other of said members having an inner portion extending inwardly of the leaf; and means to lock the leaf in extended position including a recess in said frame, a biased wedge element in said recess, said element being positionable in Vthe path of said inner portion to urge said portion against the table top l0. In an extendable table construction, the combination of: a table frame; a table top supported centrally from said frame; an extension leaf positionable between said top and said frame in retracted position; leaf-supporting means operable to support said leaf in extended position and Aincluding relatively movable members, nteresame? engagement means -on said members to position one member in supporting relation to the leaf outwardly of the table top, the other of said members having an inner portion extending inwardly of the leaf; and `means to lock the leaf in extended position including a locking member on the inner portion, and means on the table top and frame cooperably engageable with the locking member.

11. A table construction as claimed in claim 10 Wherein said locking member includes a hook portion extending above said inner portion, said table top being provided with a recess to lockably receive the hook portion when the leaf is urged into nal extended position.

12. A locking member for an extendable table construction comprising: an elongated base portion; parallel engagement lug portions at each end of said base portion and lying in planes normal to the plane of the base portion, one of said lug portions projecting beyond an edge of said base portion; said lug portions being provided at corresponding ends with beveled edge faces.

13. A locking means for anA extension leaf for an extendable table construction having a table top, table frame members and slidably extendable relatively movable leaf-supporting members, comprising in combination: a locking member carried at the inner end of one yof said slidable members, said locking member having a table top engagement portion and frame member engagement portion, said table top being provided with a recess to cooperably receive said top engagement portion, said end frame member having a recess to cooperably receive said frame engagement portion.

14. An extendable table bination therewith: a table top provided with a central, transverse, thickened support section, said top having upwardly and outwardly inclined bottom surfaces extending in opposite directions from said support section; and extension leaves positionable beneath said inclined bottom surfaces, each extension leaf having a tapered section With relatively thick outer portions and relatively thin inner portions, each leaf having a top surface lying in an inclined plane virtually parallel to said bottom surface when said leaf is in retracted position beneath said table top, each leaf being extendable by sliding movement parallel to the inclined plane defined by the bottom surfaces of the table top, and movable support means engageable by each leaf for movement in a path parallel to said inclined plane for positioning in supporting relation to the leaf outwardly of the table top.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNTED STATES PATENTS construction including in coml