WO2004058004A2

WO2004058004A2 - Table with leaves

Info

Publication number: WO2004058004A2
Application number: PCT/IB2003/006453
Authority: WO
Inventors: Liangxian Li; Shenghao Jin; Wen Ai
Original assignee: Lifetime Hong Kong, Ltd.
Priority date: 2002-12-28
Filing date: 2003-12-23
Publication date: 2004-07-15
Also published as: MXPA05006950A; CA2507426A1; AU2003300688A1; AU2003300688A8; WO2004058004A3

Abstract

A table is provided having a primary table assembly, a first leaf assembly and a second leaf assembly. The primary table assembly includes a first and second leg assembly configured to support a primary table top. The first leaf assembly and second leaf assembly include a leaf table top having a leaf support assembly configured to allow the leaf table top to be selectively positioned between a use position and a storage position. The leaf support assembly includes a support member and a pair of pivot members. The support member can be connected to a cross bar disposed in a pair of retaining apertures formed on the bottom surface of the leaf table top at an outer edge thereof. A pair of hinge connectors is formed on an inner edge of the leaf table top to pivotally connect with the leg assembly.

Description

TABLE WITH LEAVES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [001] This application claims priority to and benefit of Chinese Patent

Application No. 02293819.2, filed December 25, 2002 and entitled "Folding Table," which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[002] The present invention generally relates to furniture and, in particular, to a table with leaves.

Description of Related Art

[003] Increasingly high functional requirements are being placed on modern furniture. These functional requirement include ease of assembly, cost of manufacturing, weight of the furniture for portability purposes, storability, and durability.

[004] In many cases, it is desirable to have expandable furniture which can be made larger depending on the particular use. Thus, tables having leaves have been developed. Two type of leaves exist - those which are discrete from the table and configured to be placed in the middle of the table, and those which are hingedly attached on the outer edge of the table. The latter is often referred to as a "drop-leaf table.

[005] A conventional drop-leaf table is illustrated in Figure 1. The table includes a table top assembly 1, a first leg assembly 2, a second leg assembly 3, a first leaf 4, a second leaf 5, first support elements 6, second support elements 7, first hinge elements 8, and second hinge elements 9. The top ends of the first leg assembly 2 and the second leg assembly 3 are connected to the table top assembly 1. [006] The first hinge elements 8 are connected between the edge of the table top assembly 1 and the edge of the first leaf 4. Likewise, the second hinge elements 9 are connected between the edge of the table top assembly 1 and the edge of the second leaf 5. The first support elements 6 and the second support elements 7 are pivotally disposed on the lower surface of the table top assembly 1 at the outer edges thereof. [007] When it is desired to open and use the first leaf 4 and the second leaf 5, the first hinge elements 8 and the second hinge elements 9 are used to open the first leaf 4 and the second leaf 5, respectively. In addition, the first support elements 5 and the second support elements 6 are rotated such that they are perpendicular to the table edge. The first support elements 6 and the second support elements 7 thus used to support the first leaf 4 and the second leaf 5 in the open or use position. [008] However, the conventional table having leaves as described above has various disadvantages. First, the hinge and support structure of the leaves 4 and 5 is not sufficient to bear the load that is often applied to the leaves. When the leaves 4 and 5 bear stress, all of the stress is converted into shearing stress on the first support element 6 or the second support element 7. Thus, the first and second support elements 6, 7 often become damaged such that they are not able to sufficiently bear the loads maintained on the leaves 4, 5, making the table unsafe. [009] Second, the first hinge elements 8 and the second hinge elements 9 being connected to the edges of the table top assembly 1 and the leaves 4, 5 tend to become weak and even breakdown after repeated use. This is partly in due to the fact that the hinge elements 8, 9 experience stress as the support elements 6, 7 weaken. [010] Third, the support element 6, 7 tend to be hinged directly to the bottom surface of the table top assembly. The connection can thus easily break away from the table top.

[011] Finally, the individual support elements 6, 7 must be manually rotated by the user. This can be inconvenient and difficult at times, when working with small rotatable parts, and can also cause the user's fingers to be pinched.

[012] Thus, it would be an advantage to provide a table with leaves which addresses these shortcomings in the art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [013] The present invention is directed to a table having leaves. According to one aspect of the invention, a table includes a primary table top having a top surface and a bottom surface extending between a first end and a second end; a first leg assembly connected to the first end of the table top; a first leaf table top having a top surface and a bottom surface extending between an outer edge and an inner edge, wherein the inner edge of the first leaf table top is in pivotal relation to the first end of the primary table top; and a first leaf support assembly having a first end pivotably connected to the first leg assembly and having a second end connected to the bottom surface of the first leaf table top, wherein the first leaf table top is selectively positionable between a use position and a fully folded position. [014] A second leaf table top and a second leaf support assembly may be disposed on the opposing end of the primary table top. It will be appreciated that the following aspects described with relation to the first leaf table top will also be mirrored in the second leaf table top.

[015] The table may further include a first hinge connector formed on the inner edge of the bottom surface of the first leaf table top. The first hinge connector includes a first projecting member and a second projecting member. The first projecting member and second projecting member are pivotably connected to the first leg assembly.

[016] A cross bar may be connected near the outer edge of the bottom surface of the first leaf table top. A first retention aperture and a second retention aperture are formed on the bottom surface of the first leaf table top, wherein opposing ends of the cross bar are disposed in the first retention aperture and second retention aperture. The second end of the first leaf support assembly is connected to the cross bar. [017] The first leaf support assembly may further include a support member having a first end and a second end; a first pivot rod having a first end and a second end; and a second pivot rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first pivot rod and the first end of the second pivot rod are pivotally connected to the first end of the support member, the second end of the first pivot rod and the second end of the second pivot rod are pivotally connected to the first leg assembly, and the second end of the support member is connected to the bottom surface of the first leaf table top.

[018] The table assembly may include a first table leg and a second table leg, wherein the second end of the first pivot rod is pivotally connected to the first table leg and the second end of the second pivot rod is pivotally connected to the second table leg. The support member may have a U-shaped configuration. At least one locking member is slidably disposed over the support member. [019] The table top can be constructed of blow-molded plastic. The first leaf table top can be constructed of blow-molded plastic.

[020] The table further includes a frame assembly connected to the bottom surface of the table top, the frame assembly including pair of spaced apart side rails; a pair of spaced apart end rails; and a pair of spaced apart cross bars connected to the bottom surface of the primary table top.

[021] The first table leg assembly is connected to one end of the pair of spaced apart end rails. The first table leg assembly includes a support assembly configured to assist the first table leg assembly in being selectively positioned between a use position and a folded position. A first connecting block and a second connecting block formed on the bottom surface of the primary table top, the first connecting block and second connecting block having a pair of grooved configured to receive the pair of spaced apart cross bars. An end of the support assembly is pivotally connected to one of the pair of spaced apart cross bars.

[022] The table having leaves according to aspects of the invention thus bears stress in a rational manner along the entire leaf table top and the connections to the primary table top are durable. In addition, the leaves are easily folded and stored in relation to the table.

[023] These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [024] To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[025] Figure 1 is a lower perspective view of a conventional table with leaves.

[026] Figure 2 is an upper perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a table having leaves, illustrating the leaves in the extended or use position. [027] Figure 3 is a perspective drawing of the embodiment of Figure 2 with the leaves in the folded position.

[028] Figure 4 is a perspective drawing of the underside of the table of Figure 2, with the leaves in the use position.

[029] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a table leaf in the use position.

[030] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a table of the present invention in the folded position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [031] With reference to Figure 2, an exemplary table is illustrated incorporating features of the present invention. Notably, the table has a pair of leaves on opposing sides thereof, which leaves are selectively positionable to increase the surface area of the table top. This type of table is also known as a "drop-leaf table. In addition, the leaves are foldable to reduce the surface area of the table top or and can be positioned in a fully folded position for storage.

[032] As shown in Figure 2, the table includes a table top assembly 1, a first leaf assembly 2, a second leaf assembly 3, a first leg assembly 4, and a second leg assembly 5. In addition, as shown in Figure 3, the table also includes a first leaf support assembly 6 and a second leaf support assembly 7.

[033] Turning to Figure 3, the table top assembly 1 includes a table top 11 having a top surface, a bottom surface extending between a first end and a second end. Preferably, the table top 11 is a blow-molded plastic structure. A first lip 111 is formed on the outer edge of one side of table top 11. Similarly, a second lip 112 is formed on an opposing side of the table top. A plurality of retention members are disposed along the length of one side of the table top and spaced apart from the first lip 111. The space provided between the lip 111 and retention members is available to receive portions of a frame assembly. Similarly, a plurality of retention members are disposed along the opposing side of the table top 11 to cooperate with second lip 112 to hold structures of the frame assembly. In addition, a first connection block 113 and a second connection block 114 are formed at a central location on the bottom surface of the table top 11.

[034] The table top assembly 1 also includes a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a first side rail 12, a second side rail 13, a first cross bar 16, a second cross bar 17, a first end rail 14, and a second end rail 15. The first side rail 12 and the second side rail 13 of the table top assembly 1 are spaced apart and connected to the first lip 111 and the second lip 112 of the table top 11 , respectively. The first cross bar 16 and the second cross bar 17 are spaced apart and have opposing ends connected to the first side rail 12 and the second side rail 13. The first connection block 113 and the second connection block 114 include grooves configured to receive portions of cross bars 16, 17. The first end rail 14 has opposing ends that are pivotally coupled with the first side rail 12 and the second side rail 13. Similarly, the second end rail 15 is also pivotally coupled with the first side rail 12 and the second side rail 13.

[035] With reference now to Figure 4, the first leg assembly 4 and second leg assembly 5 are connected to the frame assembly. The first leg assembly 4 includes a first leg 41, a second leg 42, a cross bar 43, a support assembly 44, and a locking ring 45. The first leg 41 and the second leg 42 are connected to the first end rail 14. The first cross bar 43 is connected to the first leg 41 and the second leg 42. [036] The first support assembly 44 includes a first V-shaped support frame 441 and a first connecting rod 442. The bifurcated end of the first V-shaped support frame 441 is pivotably attached at a first hole 411 of the first leg 41 and at a second hole 421 of the second leg 42. The converging end of the first V-shaped support frame 441 is pivotably attached to a first end of the first connecting rod 442. The opposing end of the first connecting rod 442 is pivotably attached to first cross bar 16. The locking ring 45 fits around the first connecting rod 442.

[037] The structure of the second leg assembly 5 and the principles of its use are the same as for the first leg assembly 4. The second leg assembly 5 includes a third leg 51, a fourth leg 52, a second cross bar 53, a second support assembly 54, and a locking ring 55. The third leg 51 and the fourth leg 52 are connected to the second end rail 15. The cross bar 53 is connected to the third leg 51 and the fourth leg 52. [038] The support assembly 54 mirrors the structure of support assembly 44.

That is, the bifurcated end of the second V-shaped support frame 541 is pivotably attached at a third hole 511 on the third leg 51 and at a fourth hole 521 of the fourth leg 52. The converging end is pivotably attached to a first end of the second connecting rod 542. The second connecting rod 542 is pivotably attached to the second cross bar 17. The locking ring 55 fits around the second connecting rod 542. [039] Because the cross bars 16, 17 are connected to side rails 12, 13 and also retained by connection block 113, 114, the first and second connecting rods 442, 542 of first and second support assemblies 44, 54 are restricted from axial movement. [040] Preferably, the first leg assembly 4 and second leg assembly 5 are selectively foldable. Thus, when one needs to open the folding table for use, one only needs to open the first and second leg assemblies and use the locking rings 45, 55 to secure the first support assembly 44 and the second support assembly 54. [041] With reference still to Figure 4, the leaf assemblies 2 and 3 will now be described in more detail. First leaf assembly 2 includes a first leaf table top 21 having a top surface and a bottom surface. Preferably, the first leaf table top 21 is a blow- molded, plastic structure. Figure 5 shows greater detail of leaf assembly 2, in particular, which detail is also applicable to leaf assembly 3. The first leaf table top 21 includes a first retaining aperture 211, a second retaining aperture 212, a first hinge connector 213, and a second hinge connector 214. The retaining apertures 211, 212 are located on the bottom surface of the first leaf table top 21 while the hinge connectors 212, 213 are located on an inner edge of the first leaf table top 21 that is configured to be placed adjacent the table top 11. The retaining apertures 213, 214 are located on a side of the first leaf table top 21 opposite the hinge connectors 212, 213. The first end rail 22 is pivotally coupled to the first retaining aperture 211 and the second retaining aperture 212.

[042] A second leaf assembly 3 includes a second leaf table top 31. The structure and couplings of the second leaf table top 31 are the same as those of the first leaf table top 21. That is, the second leaf assembly 3 includes a third retaining aperture 311, a fourth retaining aperture 312, a third hinge connector 313, and a fourth hinge connector 314. A second cross bar 32 is pivotally coupled to the third retaining aperture 311 and the fourth retaining aperture 312.

[043] The first hinge connector 213 has a first projecting member 2131 and a second projecting member 2132. The second hinge connector 214 has a third projecting member 2141 and a fourth projecting member 2142. The third hinge connector 313 has a fifth projecting member 3131 and a sixth projecting member 3132. The fourth hinge connector 314 has a seventh projecting member 3141 and an eighth projecting member 3142.

[044] The first projecting member 2131 and the second projecting member 2132 of the first hinge connector 213 are pivotably connected at a first pivot hole 413 of the first leg 41. As shown in Figure 3, the space between projecting members 2131 and 2132 is configured to receive a portion of first leg 41 when the first hinge connector 213 is placed a partially or fully folded position. Similarly, the second hinge connector 214, the third hinge connector 313, and the fourth hinge connector 314 are each pivotably connected at a second pivot hole 423 of the second leg 42, a third pivot hole 513 of the third leg 51, and a fourth pivot hole 523 of the fourth leg 52, respectively. [045] A first leaf support assembly 6 includes a U-shaped support member 61, a first pivot bar 62, a second pivot bar 63, a first locking ring 64, and a second locking ring 65. The first leaf support assembly 6 also includes a cross bar 22. [046] The two free ends of the U-shaped support member 61 are connected to the first cross bar 22. The left and right sides of the other end are pivotably connected to a first end of the first pivot bar 62 and a first end of the second pivot bar 63. The second ends of the first pivot bar 62 and the second pivot bar 63 are pivotably connected to the first pivot hole 412 of the first leg 41 and to the second pivot hole 422 of the second leg 42. The first locking ring 64 and the second locking ring 65 fit around the first pivot bar 62 and the second pivot bar 63, respectively. [047] The second leaf support assembly 7 is similar in structure to the first leaf support assembly 6. The second leaf support assembly 7 includes a U-shaped support member 71, a first pivot bar 72, a second pivot bar 73, a first locking ring 74 and a second locking ring 75, and a cross bar 32. The first pivot bar 72 is pivotably connected to the leg 52 of the second leg assembly 5 at pivot hole 512 and the second pivot bar 73 is pivotably connected to the leg 51 at pivot hole 513. [048] The first leaf support assembly 6 and the first and second legs 41, 42 of the first leg assembly 4 cooperate to enable first leaf table top 21 to be selectively positionable between a use position (Figure 2, 4 and 5), to a partially folded position (Figure 3), to a fully folded position (Figure 6). Similarly, the second leaf support assembly 7 and second leg assembly 5 cooperate to enable second leaf table top 31 to be folded.

[049] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A table comprising: a primary table top having a top surface and a bottom surface extending between a first end and a second end; a first leg assembly connected to the first end of the table top; a first leaf table top having a top surface and a bottom surface extending between an outer edge and an inner edge, wherein the inner edge of the first leaf table top is in pivotal relation to the first end of the primary table top; and a first leaf support assembly having a first end pivotably connected to the first leg assembly and having a second end connected to the bottom surface of the first leaf table top, wherein the first leaf table top is selectively positionable between a use position and a fully folded position.

2. The table as recited in claim 1, further comprising a first hinge connector formed on the inner edge of the bottom surface of the first leaf table top.

3. The table as recited in claim 2, wherein the first hinge connector comprises a first projecting member and a second projecting member.

4. The table as recited in claim 3, wherein the first projecting member and second projecting member are pivotably connected to the first leg assembly.

5. The table as recited in claim 1, further comprising a cross bar connected near the outer edge of the bottom surface of the first leaf table top.

6. The table as recited in claim 5, further comprising a first retention aperture and a second retention aperture formed on the bottom surface of the first leaf table top, wherein opposing ends of the cross bar are disposed in the first retention aperture and second retention aperture.

7. The table as recited in claim 5, wherein the second end of the first leaf support assembly is connected to the cross bar.

8. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein the first leaf support assembly further comprises: a support member having a first end and a second end; a first pivot rod having a first end and a second end; and a second pivot rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first pivot rod and the first end of the second pivot rod are pivotally connected to the first end of the support member, the second end of the first pivot rod and the second end of the second pivot rod are pivotally connected to the first leg assembly, and the second end of the support member is connected to the bottom surface of the first leaf table top.

9. The table as recited in claim 8, wherein the table assembly further comprises a first table leg and a second table leg, wherein the second end of the first pivot rod is pivotally connected to the first table leg and the second end of the second pivot rod is pivotally connected to the second table leg.

10. The table as recited in claim 8, wherein the support member comprises a U-shaped configuration.

11. The table as recited in claim 8, further comprising at least one locking member slidably disposed over the support member.

12. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein the table top is constructed of blow-molded plastic.

13. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein the first leaf table top is constructed of blow-molded plastic.

14. The table as recited in claim 1, further comprising a frame assembly connected to the bottom surface of the table top, the frame assembly comprising: a pair of spaced apart side rails; a pair of spaced apart end rails; and a pair of spaced apart cross bars, wherein the side rails, the end rails, and the cross bars are connected to the bottom surface of the primary table top.

15. The table as recited in claim 14, wherein the first table leg assembly is connected to one of the pair of spaced apart end rails.

16. The table as recited in claim 14, wherein the first table leg assembly comprises a support assembly configured to assist the first table leg assembly in being selectively positioned between a use position and a folded position.

17. The table as recited in claim 16, further comprising a first connecting block and a second connecting block formed on the bottom surface of the primary table top, the first connecting block and second connecting block comprising a pair of grooved configured to receive the pair of spaced apart cross bars.

18. The table as recited in claim 17, wherein an end of the support assembly is pivotally connected to one of the pair of spaced apart cross bars.