WO2008003998A1

WO2008003998A1 - Foldable table

Info

Publication number: WO2008003998A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/050372
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank Kent
Original assignee: Frank Kent
Priority date: 2006-07-03
Filing date: 2007-07-02
Publication date: 2008-01-10
Also published as: GB0613034D0; CN101511224A

Abstract

The invention relates to a foldable table structure comprising two leg structures (3) connected to a non-collapsible supporting frame (1), each 5 leg structure (3) being independently pivotable between folded and deployed positions. When in the deployed position, a cross-piece (8) of each leg structure (3) contacts and continuously supports a worktop surface (9) (see Fig. 6) mounted on the supporting frame (1) across its width. During movement from their folded to their deployed positions, the 10 cross-piece (8) of each leg structure (3) is displaced in a length direction towards the centre of the table to provide superior rigidity, stability and load bearing characteristics. A foldable table system comprising a plurality of foldable table structures connected together is also disclosed.

Description

Foldable Table

The present invention relates to foldable tables and particularly, but not exclusively, to light-weight and compact foldable tables having relatively thin worktops and improved load bearing capacity.

Foldable tables which are light-weight and compact are well known. For example, such tables are often composed of two or three separate supporting frames and a corresponding number of worktop sections hinged together such that, when fully deployed, they present a relatively long worktop surface. Such tables are most commonly used as wallpaper pasting tables where a long surface is required on which to unroll wallpaper.

A disadvantage of such hinged multiple worktop tables is that only one leg frame is provided on each supporting frame such that, even if they were separable, the individual table sections could not function as a table. When folded, each leg frame nests within its corresponding supporting frame.

Alternative wallpaper table constructions are known wherein a plurality of individual single-span tables are temporarily linked together, each individual table having two leg frames and being capable of functioning as an independent table. In the context of the present invention, an individual single-span table is one having a supporting frame and a worktop, neither of which may be folded or otherwise divided to present a smaller overall construction. An advantage of temporarily linked individual single-span tables is that they may be linked in a variety of configurations suitable for purposes other than wallpapering, and of course they may be used separately as conventional tables. A further advantage associated with the aforementioned prior art tables is that they are light-weight and relatively cheap to produce. Such tables are provided with supporting frames which support a relatively thin worktop but which are sufficiently strong to function adequately as tables for pasting wallpaper. The legs of such tables are foldable such that they nest within a volume defined by their supporting frames and the underside of the worktops and therefore they are relatively compact when folded.

However, inherent in the design of the aforementioned tables is a lack of rigidity and stability. Hence, such tables are incapable of supporting significant loads and are therefore clearly unsuitable for operations more robust than wallpaper pasting.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a foldable table structure comprising a non-collapsible supporting frame having length and width dimensions for supporting a worktop surface; and at least two leg structures connectable to the supporting frame; each leg structure being independently pivotable between folded and deployed positions wherein, when in the deployed position, each leg structure is positioned such that it would contact and continuously support a worktop surface to be mounted on the supporting frame across a portion of its width; and wherein, during movement from their folded to their deployed positions, the portion of each leg structure capable of contacting and supporting a worktop surface is displaced in a length direction towards the centre of the table.

Preferably, each leg structure is adapted to contact and continuously support a loaded worktop surface to be mounted on the supporting frame against downward deflection. Preferably, each leg structure being adapted to contact and continuously support a worktop surface to be mounted on the supporting frame across substantially its entire width.

Preferably, each leg structure comprises two legs connected by a cross bar, the cross bar facilitating the continuous support of a worktop surface to be mounted on the supporting frame across a portion of its width.

Preferably, the opposing distal ends of each cross bar are connected to opposing lateral sides of the supporting frame.

Preferably, the length of each leg structure is at least 80% of the length of the supporting frame.

Preferably, the displacement in the length direction towards the centre of the table begins from a position proximate to an extreme distal end of the table.

Preferably, the extent of the displacement is adapted to cover 20-40% of the length of the table.

Most preferably, the extent of the displacement is adapted to cover 30- 35% of the length of the table.

Preferably, a double-axis strut member connects each leg structure to the supporting frame.

Preferably, the double-axis strut member is connected to the supporting frame at a position at, or proximate to, an extreme distal end of the table. Preferably, the respective positions of each strut member, each leg structure and the supporting frame define an isosceles triangle when the leg structures are in their deployed position.

Preferably, each leg structure is inclined at an angle of 65-78 degrees from the horizontal when in its deployed position.

Most preferably, each leg structure is inclined at an angle of 68-72 degrees from the horizontal when in its deployed position.

Preferably, the respective leg structures overlap in the length direction when in their folded positions.

Preferably, the non-collapsible supporting frame supports a worktop surface.

Preferably, the non-collapsible supporting frame and the underside of the worktop surface define a volume within which the leg structures are accommodated when in their folded position.

Preferably, table connecting assemblies are provided around the periphery of the supporting frame to facilitate connection to a further foldable table.

Preferably, each table connecting assembly comprises an axially displaceable and pivotable peg member, and/or a peg receiving aperture.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a foldable table system comprising a plurality of foldable tables according to first aspect connected together. Preferably, the foldable table system comprises a plurality of foldable tables each having a connecting assembly provided by an axially displaceable and pivotable peg member, and/or a peg receiving aperture; and wherein the peg member of one table is displaceable such that it is receivable within the peg receiving aperture of an adjacent table to facilitate their mutual connection.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is side view of a first prior art table of the type comprising two independently foldable leg frames braced by inwardly directed strut members;

Fig. 2 is a side view of a second prior art table comprising two mutually hinged foldable leg frames;

Fig. 3 is a side view of a foldable table according to the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the foldable table of Fig. 3 in a partially folded condition;

Fig. 5a is a side view of the foldable table of Fig. 3 in a fully folded condition;

Fig. 5b is view of the foldable table of Fig. 5a from beneath showing the overlapping arrangement of the leg structures; Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the slidable connection between the cross-piece of the leg structure and the supporting frame;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of a locking mechanism for locking the legs in their deployed position;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of a connecting assembly provided on the corner of the supporting frame;

Fig. 9 is a side view of the connecting assembly of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a side view of two adjacent tables linked together by their connecting assemblies;

Fig. 11 is a side view of a table accessory which is attachable to the connecting assembly;

Fig . 12 is a plan view of the table accessory of Fig . 11 ;

Fig. 13 is a plan view showing the connecting assemblies of two adjacent tables before they are connected;

Fig. 14 is a plan view of the tables of Fig. 13 connected by a plate element;

Fig. 15 is a side view of the plate element of Fig. 14 connected to a horizontally orientated loading bar;

Fig. 16 is a side view of one end of the loading bar of Fig. 15 in a vertical orientation and a work-piece support member connected thereto; Fig. 17 is a plan view of the loading bar of Fig. 16 showing apertures which facilitate the connection of the work-piece support member;

Fig. 18 is a side view of a table with a loading bar supporting a work-piece in a generally vertical orientation;

Fig. 19 is a side view of a table with a loading bar supporting a work-piece in a horizontal orientation; and

Fig. 20 is a plan view of three tables fitted together and having two loading bars supporting a large work-piece in a vertical orientation.

There are two common forms of individual single-span tables used for pasting wallpaper. A first type shown in Figure 1 shows an individual single-span table comprising a support frame of length 1000 mm, typically of extruded aluminium, which supports a thin worktop of approximately 4mm depth (not shown). The table is also provided with two leg-frames of length 840 mm attached to the extreme opposite ends of the support frame, the leg frames descending vertically and being indirectly joined to the support frame by two-part hinged struts at position inwardly of the ends of the supporting frame. Basic unit tables of this size are common and may be linked together to form wallpapering tables. However, such a configuration built with light-weight materials is limited in terms of its rigidity and stability. During testing it was found that a 20 kg building block placed in the centre of the worktop causes it to deflect downwardly by approximately 15mm.

A second type of individual single-span table commonly used in wallpaper pasting is shown in Figure 2. This table comprises a support frame and worktop similar to that shown in Fig. 1 but with the two-leg frames joined together at a mid point to form an "X" support for the support frame. The upper ends of the leg-frames are spaced from the extreme opposing ends of the table when in their fully deployed position and are capable of sliding outwards within the support frame towards the ends of the table when in their folded position. This alternative configuration suffers similar problems in terms of lack of rigidity and stability. In particular, the leg- frames are not sufficiently spaced from the extreme opposite ends of the table to prevent the downward deflection of the worktop when it is loaded with a 20 kg building block. Moreover, this configuration is much less stable than that of Fig. 1. Indeed, during testing it was determined that a 5 kg weight placed on a lateral end of the worktop was sufficient to topple the table. The stability of such tables can be increased by linking multiple such tables together.

As shown in Figures 3 - 5a/b, the foldable table of the present invention comprises a non-collapsible support frame (1) having an approximate length of 1000 mm, a relatively thin worktop (not shown) having a depth of approximately 4 mm, and two independently folding leg structures (3). The leg structures differ from those of the prior art by having a cross-piece (8) (see Fig. 6) adapted to abut the underside of the worktop in the deployed position and continuously support it across substantially its entire width. Each cross-piece (8) is slidably and non-releasably connected to the support frame (1). Additional cross-pieces (5, 6) connect the two legs of each leg structure (3) proximate their ground engaging ends. The cross-piece of the left hand leg structure (5) is fixed to its outermost side whereas the cross-piece (6) of the right hand leg structure (3) is fixed to its innermost side. Finally, lower cross-pieces (5, 6) are optionally connected by tensioning belt (7) acting to put the opposing leg structures (3) under tension by pulling them towards each other.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91 ) ISA/EP When the foldable table is fully deployed (as shown in Fig. 3) the leg structures (3) are inclined at a substantial inward angle to support the support frame (1) at positions towards a central portion of the table. The ground engaging ends of the leg structures (3) are positioned directly below the extreme opposite ends of the table and support the table at an approximate height of 840 mm (although this is variable by means of the telescopic leg members (3a). It has been determined that the foldable table of the present invention exhibits superior rigidity and stability characteristics when each deployed leg structure is inclined from the horizontal at an angle of 65-78 degrees, or more preferably 68-72 degrees (i.e. when each cross-piece (8) abuts the underside of the worktop at a position spaced from each extreme end of the table by approximately 200- 400 mm, or more preferably 300-350 mm).

The leg structures (3) are braced in their deployed position by a double axis strut members (4) which extends outwardly from the leg structures (3) to non-releasably connect them to the extreme opposing ends the support frame (1 ). Taken together, the strut members (4), the support frame (1) and the leg structures (3) define the boundaries of a substantially isosceles triangle. This arrangement contributed further to the superior rigidity and stability characteristics exhibited by the present invention.

Moreover, the tensioning belt (7) exerts a downward force at the connection points of the leg structures (3) and the support frame (1 ) and has the effect of slightly bowing the central portion of the support frame upwards. In combination with the fact that the cross-pieces (8) abut and support the underside of the worktop, the placing of the table under tension helps to considerably increase rigidity and prevent any significant downward deflection or sagging of relatively thin worktop in its central portion when a heavy load is placed on the table.

In the most preferred arrangement, the invention thus provides a table having a support frame (1) and worktop supported over three approximately equal distances, namely (i) at each opposing extreme end of the table by the outwardly inclined strut members (4); and (ii) and at two positions approximately one third of the way in from each opposing extreme end of the table by the inwardly inclined legs structures (3) and their corresponding cross-pieces (8). In this way, the invention ensures that the relatively thin worktop is not only supported around its periphery by the support frame (1 ) but also across its full width by the two cross- pieces (8) lying directly under the worktop.

During testing it was found that even when a 100 kg load of building blocks is placed in the central portion of the worktop (but not touching the peripheral support frame (1 ), there is no measurable deflection of the worktop downwards relative to the upper surfaces of the support frame (1 ). However, there was a slight deflection downwards (of the order of 2-3 mm) of the support frame (1 ) together with the worktop. However, in those circumstances where the table would be required to support such heavy loads the aforementioned tensioning belt (7) is used to create a downward force at the opposing end portions of the support frame (1 ) to bow the support frame (1 ) and worktop to such an extent that it resists and/or compensates for any downward deflection.

Similarly, a 100 kg load of building blocks was also placed at one lateral end of the worktop without toppling the table. 11 14/09/2007

As shown in Fig. 5a, supporting frame (1) and the underside of the worktop surface define a volume within which the leg structures (3) are fully accommodated when in their folded position. As shown in Fig. 5b, the respective leg structures (3) overlap in the length direction when in their folded positions. This is because the length of each leg structure (3) is at least 80% of the length of the supporting frame (1).

In use, during movement of the leg structures (3) from their fully folded position (see Figs. 5a and 5b) to their fully deployed position (see Fig. 3), the upper cross-piece (8) of each leg structure is displaced linearly towards the central portion of the table. The displacement of each cross- piece (8) begins proximate opposite extreme outer ends of the table (as best shown in Fig. 4) and ends a point approximately one third of the way along the length of the support frame (1) when in the fully deployed position.

It will be apparent from Fig. 4 that, during folding, the right hand leg structure (3) is pivoted independently of the left hand leg structure (3). The left hand leg structure (3) is pivoted inwards first to lie against the underside of the worktop, followed by the left hand leg structure (3) such that both leg structures (3) overlap with each other. During the folding motion, the upper cross-pieces (8) of the respective leg-structures (3) are released from their fully open positions to freely slide within the supporting frame (1) towards the opposing outer ends of the table. Conversely, when the table is fully deployed, the cross-pieces (8) of the leg-frames are displaced in the opposite direction towards the central portion of the table.

Fig. 6 illustrates the slidable connection of the upper cross-piece (8) within the support member (1). It is also apparent from Fig. 6 that the cross- piece (8) abuts against and supports the relatively thin worktop (9). The

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91 ) ISA/EP cross-piece (8) is in the form of a hollow tube having a plastics insert (13) fixed therein at its distal end. A plastics slider (10) is positioned within the support frame (1 ) and is connected to the plastics insert (13) by means of a nut (12) which extends through a threaded aperture (11) provided in the insert and slider respectively.

Whilst the cross-piece (8) shown in Fig. 6 directly abuts and supports the worktop (9), it is foreseen that the supporting function may also be achieved indirectly by positioning the top cross-piece (8) lower and providing spacer elements on the cross-piece to bridge any gap between cross-piece (8) and worktop (9).

It can also be seen that the slider elements (10) attached to each end of the cross-piece (8) are shaped to slide longitudinally within the support frame (1 ) but cannot pulled out of the channel in a lateral direction.

Accordingly, the cross-piece (8) also serves to hold together opposing sides of the support frame (1 ).

Fig 7 shows a slider element (10) locked into open position by a pivoting spring loaded lock (14) such that the correspondingly shaped profiles

(10a, 10b) can releasably interlock. The lock (14) is maintained at a fixed position within the support frame (1 ) to block the leg structures (3) against movement beyond a pre-determined fully open position and lock them in position.

It should be noted that in the context of the present invention an "independently pivotable leg structure" is one which is not axially or otherwise mechanically linked to another leg frame for folding purposes. Thus in the present invention, whilst it is necessary to fold one particular leg-structure (3) before the other because one nests in and overlaps with the other, the folding mechanism of each is entirely independent of the other. It should also be noted that in the exceptional cases where tensioning belts link the two leg frames together, apart from marginally changing the very final position of the leg-structures (3) relative to one another they play no continuing role in the folding function as once one leg structure (3) has been folded through approximately 10 mm there is no further mechanical tension between the two leg structures (3).

It is preferable from a point of view of compactness that the foldable table provided by the present invention should be approximately 1000 mm in length thus permitting the leg configuration to provide a standard working height of approximately 840 mm and yet still to fold away within the volume defined by the support frame (1 ) and the underside of the worktop. However, the present invention further provides means whereby a plurality of basic 1000 mm foldable tables may be linked together end to end to form a wallpaper pasting table. Of course, alternative configurations are also possible, e.g. L-shaped configurations. In order to achieve this, the support members (1 ) of the foldable table of the present invention are provided with connecting assemblies (see particularly Figs 8-11) forming an integral part of the supporting frame. The connecting assemblies comprise peg members (15) which may be employed to selectively interlock with correspondingly shaped apertures (2c) on an adjacent foldable table. When not required, the peg members (15) can be placed in a "parked position" within the support frame (1 ) when not required.

Figs. 8 and 9 show corner connector members (2) provided on the supporting frame (1 ), each having a back plate (2a) extending vertically over the depth of the supporting frame to the extent that their upper and lower ends correspond with the upper and lower surfaces of the support frame (1 ). A flange member projects from the back plate (2a) at a position between the upper and lower surfaces of the support frame (1) and has upper and lower surfaces (2b, 2f). Three locating apertures (2c) extend through the flange member. Inserts (2d) extend at mutually perpendicular angles from the back plate (2a) and fit within the hollow section of the support frame (1 ). A location point (2e) is provided in the corner connector members (2) and shaped to receive a nut. The strut member (4) is connected to the corner connector members (2) by a bolt (4a) received in the nut.

In Fig. 9, a peg member (15) is shown in "parked" position in which it performs no function but remains as an integral part of the table without obstructing anything and without protruding beyond the volume-footprint of the table wherein it is not being used. It may however be pushed up from below by one finger from where it protrudes below surface (2f) to release the shorter leg of the "U" shape from its aperture (2c) and then swivelled and pushed down to join engage it with another aperture (2c) in the corner connector member (2) of another table. This arrangement is illustrated in Fig. 10.

It can be seen in Fig. 10 that the middle flange section between surfaces (2b) and (2f) serve to hold the peg member (15) whilst the recess above surface (2b) serves to accommodate the upper portion of the peg member (15) so that it does not protrude above the worktop. The recess below surface (2f) provides access for a finger to manually push up the peg member (15) to allow it to be subsequently swivelled to a new position. In its function as a connecting element for two adjacent tables the peg member (15) has the advantage of being an easily accessible, instantly operable, integral part of the table which can be easily "parked" in a position that does not interfere with its working surface. Fig 11 is a side view of a clip (17) which may be fitted to the peg member (15) and Fig 12 is a schematic plan view of the clip. The clip (17) may serve to attach a table cloth to the table or combination of tables or it may serve to attach a plastic sack to one end of the table, said sack to serve as a rubbish bag as for example for the waste of vegetables being peeled on the table.

The strength, stability and mutual connectability of the foldable tables of the present invention permit them to be combined in configurations which facilitate their use in operations much more robust than wallpaper pasting. For example, the tables may be used to load heavy work-pieces such as panels of wood. Fig. 13 is a plan view of the corners of two tables placed together and Fig. 14 is the same view when a plate element (18) has been added and held in position by the peg member (15). Fig. 15 is a schematic side view of the same wherein raised portions (18a) of the plate element (18) provide the location point for an axis (20) which is fitted to a loading bar (19) here shown in a horizontal orientation above the table. The portion (18b) is a lip which abuts the vertical surface of a corner connector member (2).

Fig. 16 is a side view of one end of the loading bar (19) in a vertical orientation with a work-piece support member (21 ) which may be adjusted inwards and outwards by first tilting, then sliding, then lowering into a new position the teeth (21a) such that they engaging with a tooth (22) fitted to the loading bar (19). Plastics spacers (23) are fitted to the steel surface of the loading bar (19) to hold the work-piece away from the loading bar (19).

Fig. 17 shows the surface of the same end of the loading bar (19) with aperture (19a) adapted to receive and support the work-piece support member (21 ). Fig. 18 is a side view of a table with loading bar (19) fitted and in a generally vertical position, the support peg holding a work piece W (a panel of wood), the work-piece being held away from the surface of the loading bar (19) by the spacers (23).

Fig. 19 is a side view of the table when the loading bar (19) has been pivoted to lie horizontally on the worktop of the table.

Fig. 20 is a plan schematic view of three tables fitted together by plate elements (18) and peg members (15) with two loading bars (19) in a vertical position holding a standard 240cm x 120cm panel in a generally vertical orientation. When the loading bars (19) are pivoted the work piece panel is loaded onto the table in the position indicated by the doted lines (i.e. in a horizontal orientation). The spacers (23) on the loading bars (19) are supplemented by spacers (24) (see Fig 21 ) which may be placed anywhere on the worktop of the tables. The spacers (24) serve to hold the panel above the surface of the bars and the table such that a circular saw may be used to cut the panels without damaging the loading bars (19) or worktops. The spacers (24) may have a rubber base (24a) to prevent them slipping out of position. The foldable table system provided by this invention has sufficient rigidity, stability and strength characteristics to support the loading of large heavy panels and their cutting by a circular saw. The loading bars (19) also permit the easy ergonomic loading of panels from the vertical plane in which they are carried to a safe controlled descent to the horizontal work surface.

Modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A foldable table structure comprising: a non-collapsible supporting frame (1) having length and width dimensions for supporting a worktop surface (9); and at least two leg structures (3) connectable to the supporting frame (1 ); each leg structure (3) being independently pivotable between folded and deployed positions wherein, when in the deployed position, each leg structure (3) is positioned such that it would contact and continuously support a worktop surface (9) to be mounted on the supporting frame (1 ) across a portion of its width; and wherein, during movement from their folded to their deployed positions, the portion of each leg structure (3) capable of contacting and supporting a worktop surface (9) is displaced in a length direction towards the centre of the table.

2. A foldable table structure according to claim 1 , wherein each leg structure (3) is adapted to contact and continuously support a loaded worktop surface (9) to be mounted on the supporting frame (1 ) against downward deflection.

3. A foldable table structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each leg structure (3) is adapted to continuously support a worktop surface (9) to be mounted on the supporting frame (1 ) across substantially its entire width.

4. A foldable table structure according to any preceding claim, wherein each leg structure comprises two legs (3) connected by a cross bar (8), the cross bar (8) facilitating the continuous support of a worktop surface (9) to be mounted on the supporting frame (1) across a portion of its width.

5. A foldable table structure according to claim 4, wherein the opposing distal ends of each cross bar (8) are connected to opposing lateral sides of the supporting frame (1 ).

6. A foldable table structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of each leg structure (3) is at least 80% of the length of the supporting frame (1 ).

7. A foldable table structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the displacement in the length direction towards the centre of the table begins from a position proximate to an extreme distal end of the table.

8. A foldable table structure according to claim 7, wherein the extent of the displacement is adapted to cover 20-40% of the length of the table.

9. A foldable table structure according to claim 7, wherein the extent of the displacement is adapted to cover 30-35% of the length of the table.

10. A foldable table structure according to any preceding claim, wherein a double-axis strut member (4) connects each leg structure (3) to the supporting frame (1 ).

11. A foldable table structure according to claim 10, wherein the double-axis strut member (4) is connected to the supporting frame (1 ) at a position at, or proximate to, an extreme distal end of the table.

12. A foldable table structure according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the respective positions of each strut member (8), each leg structure (3) and the supporting frame (1 ) define an isosceles triangle when the leg structures (3) are in their deployed position.

13. A foldable table structure according to any preceding claim, wherein each leg structure (3) is inclined at an angle of 65-78 degrees from the horizontal when in its deployed position.

14. A foldable table structure according to any preceding claim, wherein each leg structure (3) is inclined at an angle of 68-72 degrees from the horizontal when in its deployed position.

15. A foldable table structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the respective leg structures (3) overlap in the length direction when in their folded positions.

16. A foldable table structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the non-collapsible supporting frame (1 ) supports a worktop surface (9).

17. A foldable table structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the non-collapsible supporting frame (1 ) and the underside of the worktop surface (9) define a volume within which the leg structures (9) are accommodated when in their folded position.

18. A foldable table structure according to any preceding claim, wherein table connecting assemblies (2) are provided around the periphery of the supporting frame to facilitate connection to a further foldable table.

19. A foldable table structure according to claim 18, wherein each table connecting assembly (2) comprises an axially displaceable and pivotable peg member (15), and/or a peg receiving aperture (2c).

20. A foldable table system comprising a plurality of foldable table structures according to any of claim 1 to 19 connected together.

21. A foldable table system according to claim 20, wherein the system comprises a plurality of foldable table structures each having a connecting assembly (2) provided by an axially displaceable and pivotable peg member (15), and/or a peg receiving aperture (2c); and wherein the peg member (15) of one table is displaceable such that it is receivable within the peg receiving aperture (2c) of an adjacent table to facilitate their mutual connection.

22. A foldable table structure as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to figures 3-19.

23. A foldable table system as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to figures 20 and 21.