WO2009016621A1

WO2009016621A1 - Extendable table

Info

Publication number: WO2009016621A1
Application number: PCT/IL2008/001039
Authority: WO
Inventors: Efraim Haimoff; Nisim Eliyahu
Original assignee: Keter Plastic Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-08-01
Filing date: 2008-07-28
Publication date: 2009-02-05

Abstract

The invention provides a table comprising a table top assembly, including: a first table end segment and a second table end segment, each arranged at opposed ends of said table; at least one central table segment disposed generally intermediate with respect to said first and second table end segments, said table end segments each being displaceable from a retracted position in abutment with one said fixed table segment to an extended position spaced thereform to form a space; and at least one removable extension table segment configured for being removably positioned in each said space. A modular system is also provided for enabling assembly of a plurality of table configurations, based on any desired combination of: movable table end segments; fixed central table segments; extension table segments adapted for being inserted into spaces created when moving said table end segments to a said extended position; and leg assemblies.

Description

EXTENDABLE TABLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to extendable/retractable tables and to variable length tables.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Extendable tables configured to provide a table top of variable lengths are known.

For example, US 5,799,571 discloses a positioning device for an extendable table, including a plurality of stops having a plurality of holes defined therein and a central plate having a plurality of bosses formed on two opposed side faces thereof.

US 4,794,869 discloses a table comprising two semi-elliptical plates, table legs, two posts, and an engaging plate formed of a first plate and a second plate hinged together. US 5,577,450 discloses a variable-length table has a tabletop assembly which includes two leg mounting boards, two guide beams that interconnect the leg mounting boards, two connecting beam sets, two fixed tabletop units and a removable tabletop unit. Each connecting beam set includes two connecting beams disposed respectively on two sides of a corresponding one of the guide beams, and mounted slidably thereto. Each fixed tabletop unit is mounted on a respective one of the connecting beams of each of the connecting beam sets. The removable tabletop unit includes a board member that is to be disposed removably between the fixed tabletop units when the fixed tabletop units are pulled apart so as to obtain a longer table length, and an opposite pair of flanges that are mounted foldably on the board member thereof and that cooperate with flanges of the fixed tabletop units so as to conceal the guide beams and the connecting beam sets when the longer table length is obtained. The removable tabletop unit can be concealed fully within a space formed between the leg mounting boards and the board member of the fixed tabletop units when the fixed tabletop units are pushed toward each other to obtain a shorter table length. US 5,806,437 discloses a table having first and second extendable bar structures positioned parallel to each other. A first table end segment is secured to the first outer ends of the extendable bar structures, and a second table end segment is secured to the second outer ends of the extendable bar structures. First and second crossing bars are connected to and extend between the first and second extendable bar structures. A rod is connected between the first and second crossing bars, and a plurality of removable table segments are positioned between the first and second table end segments. Each removable table segment is rotatably coupled to the rod to facilitate storage of each removable table segment under the first and second table end segments.

US 4,553,485 discloses an extension table with single leg, and in particular to one comprising two movable top sections, and includes two detachable leaves can be folded up and placed therein, and some accessories. The detachable leaves can be placed within the table by means of guidances provided under the movable top sections in association with guide pins and supporting plates of the detachable leaves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention, a table is provided comprising a table top assembly, including: a first table end segment and a second table end segment, each arranged at opposed ends of said table; at least one central table segment disposed generally intermediate with respect to said first and second table end segments, said table end segments each being displaceable from a retracted position in abutment with one said fixed table segment to an extended position spaced thereform to form a space; at least one removable extension table segment configured for being removably positioned in each said space. Optionally, at least one said extension segment is configured for being folded and stowed under at least one of said table end segments and said fixed table segments when said table end segments are in abutment with said at least one fixed table segment.

Further optionally, said table top assembly may further comprise a retraction/extension mechanism particularly for enabling synchronized movement of said table end segments between said retracted position and said extended position. The synchronized retraction/extension mechanism may comprise, for example, a rack and pinion arrangement, including at least one pinion wheel mounted for rotation in said central table segment, and a corresponding pair of racks engaged with said pinion wheel, wherein each rack of said pair is affixed to one or another of said end segments. Alternatively, said table top assembly may comprise a non-synchronized retraction/extension mechanism for enabling independent movement of each of said table end segments between a respective said retracted position and a respective said extended position.

Further optionally, at least one of said a first table end segment, said second table end segment, said central table segment and said removable table segment comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs and webs. Further optionally, the table may comprise a sliding arrangement for facilitating sliding movement of said end segments between said retracted position and said extended position.

Further optionally, at least one of said a first table end segment, said second table end segment, said central table segment and said removable table segment is a component made from a plastic material.

In illustrated embodiments, the table further comprises a leg assembly, wherein said central table segment is fixed to said leg assembly. Optionally, the leg assembly may comprise a pair of generally upright leg units. Further optionally, each leg unit may comprise an inverted U-shaped configuration, comprising a pair of transversely spaced leg posts joined together at their top ends by a leg mounting beam. Further optionally, the leg assembly is a component made from a plastic material.

Optionally, an injection molding process is used for manufacturing said component made from a plastic material.

Furthermore, according to at least this aspect of the invention, at least one feature is provided for at least some embodiments thereof, including one or more of the following: the table top assembly does not require a static base plate under the retracting end segments, as is commonly found with prior art extendible tables; - the central segment allows equipment, accessories etc to remain in position on the table during extension/retraction - for example a centrally-disposed umbrella, telephone speaker, computer terminal and so on. - A -

According to a second aspect of the invention, a table is provided comprising a plurality of components, including: a first table end segment and a second table end segment arranged at opposed ends of said table; said table end segments each being displaceable from a retracted position in proximity to one another to an extended position spaced thereform to form at least one space; at least one removable extension table segment configured for being removably positioned in the or each said space; a leg assembly; wherein at least one said component is made from a plastic material.

In at least one embodiment, most or all the components of the table are made from a plastic material.

Optionally, the table may further comprise another said component in the form of at least one central table segment, wherein in said retracted position, each said table end segment is in abutment with said central table segment.

According to at least this aspect of the invention, a retractable/extendible table may be manufactured in a relatively simple and economic manner.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a modular system is also provided for enabling assembly of a plurality of table configurations, based on any desired combination of: movable table end segments; fixed central table segments; extension table segments adapted for being inserted into spaces created when moving said table end segments to a said extended position; and leg assemblies. In one embodiment, a modular system is provided for constructing a plurality of table configurations, comprising a plurality of modular units including: a plurality of first modular units, each comprising a table end segment adapted for being reversibly moved from a retracted position to an extended position when assembled in a table top assembly; a plurality of second modular units, each comprising a central table segment adapted for being fixed in position when assembled in a table top assembly; a plurality of third modular units, each comprising an extension table segment adapted for being inserted into spaces created when moving said table end segments to a said extended position; and a plurality of fourth modular units, each comprising a leg assembly; wherein said system enables said modular units to be assembled to form an extendible/retractable table, comprising at least two said table end segments, at least one said extension table segment, and a said leg assembly, wherein said table end segments are displaceable from said retracted position in proximity to one another to said extended position spaced thereform to form at least one said space and wherein said at least one extension table segment is configured for being removably positioned in the or each said space.

Optionally, a plurality of said modular units including at least two said table end segments, at least one said extension table segment, at least one central table segment, and a said leg assembly may be assembled to form an extendible/retractable table, wherein said table end segments are displaceable from said retracted position in proximity to one another and in abutment with said at least one central table segment to said extended position wherein each said end segment is spaced from at least one said central segment to form two said spaces, and wherein said at least one extension table segment is configured for being removably positioned in each said space.

Further optionally, the modular system may comprise a plurality of retraction/extension mechanism for enabling synchronized movement of said table end segments between said retracted position and said extended position. Optionally, the retraction/extension mechanism may comprise a rack and pinion arrangement, including at least one pinion wheel mountable for rotation with respect to a said central table segment, and a corresponding pair of racks engageable with respect to said pinion wheel, wherein each rack of said pair is affixed to one or another of said end segments in said assembled table. Optionally, at least one said modular unit is a component made from a plastic material. Further optionally, an injection molding process is used for manufacturing said component made from a plastic material.

According to at least this aspect of the invention, many different configurations for a retractable/extendible table may be manufactured in a relatively simple and economic manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a top isometric view of a table according to a first embodiment of the invention, in retracted mode.

Fig. 2 is a bottom isometric view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, in retracted mode.

Fig. 3 is a top isometric view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, in extended mode. Fig. 4 is a bottom isometric view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, in extended mode.

Fig. 5 is a partial bottom isometric view of the embodiment of Fig. 2, in greater detail.

Fig. 6 is a partial bottom isometric view of the embodiment of Fig. 4, in greater detail.

Fig. 7 is a top isometric view of a table according to a second embodiment of the invention, in retracted mode.

Fig. 8 is a bottom isometric view of the embodiment of Fig. 7, in retracted mode. Fig. 9 is a top isometric view of the embodiment of Fig. 7, in extended mode.

Fig. 10 is a bottom isometric view of the embodiment of Fig. 7, in extended mode.

Fig. 11 is a top isometric view of a table according to a third embodiment of the invention, in retracted mode. Fig. 12 is a bottom isometric view of the embodiment of Fig. 11, in retracted mode.

Fig. 13 is a top isometric view of the embodiment of Fig. 11, in extended mode. Fig. 14 is a bottom isometric view of the embodiment of Fig. 11, in extended mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figs. 1 to 6, an extendible table according to a first embodiment of the invention, designated with the reference numeral 100, comprises a table top assembly 50 and a leg assembly 20. The leg assembly 20 comprises a pair of generally upright leg units 30. In the illustrated embodiment, each leg unit 30 comprises an inverted U-shaped configuration, comprising a pair of transversely spaced leg posts 32 joined together at their top ends by a leg mounting beam 34. The leg units 30 are longitudinally spaced, i.e., along the axial direction in which the table 100 may be selectively extended or retracted, via a pair of transversely spaced parallel support beams 38, which also act as rails or guiding tracks.

The table top assembly 50 comprises a number of components, in particular a plurality of table segments or boards, including fixed central table segment 60, two end table segments 70, two extension table segments 80 and retraction/extension mechanism 90. The central table segment 60 comprises a generally flat upper surface 62 and optionally comprises downwardly depending flanges 64 at the longitudinal edges 66 thereof, and is securely and immovably fixed to the beams 38 at a generally central position with respect thereto.

The beams 38 and the upper parts of the leg units 30, in particular the leg mounting beams 34, may be interconnected to form a rectangular frame. Alternatively, one or a plurality of cross-beams may be provided and connected to the beams 38 to form a frame. In variations of this embodiment, such frames may be connected to any leg configuration desired, for example a plurality of independent leg posts, or a central leg post etc, or indeed enable the table top assembly to be mounted onto a pillar or other support, and thus also enables the table top assembly to be marketed as an article of manufacture independently from the legs.

Optionally, the central table segment 60 may comprise an aperture 61, for inserting therethrough an umbrella for example, when the table 100 is configured for outdoor use, for example. Alternatively, the central table segment 60 may comprise any number of apertures, brackets, fixtures and so on for mounting thereto any desired equipment which may be desired to be retained at the central portion, for example, a telephone speaker where the table 100 is configured for use as an extendible boardroom table, for example. Each end table segment 70 comprises a generally flat upper surface 72 and optionally comprises downwardly depending flanges 74 at the outer facing edges 76 thereof. As best seen in Fig. 4, each end table segment 70 further comprises a pair of beams 78 that are configured for sliding along the longitudinal direction with respect to a corresponding portion of support beams 38. For this purpose, the support beams 38 may optionally comprise rollers which can engage and turn with respect to suitable rail surfaces comprised on the beams 78; or alternatively the beams 78 may comprise rollers that roll over beams 38. Alternatively, beams 78 and 38 may have any suitable complementary engagement surfaces that facilitate such sliding, or any other arrangement that allows sliding of the end table segments 70 with respect to beams 38.

In this embodiment, and referring to Figs. 5 and 6 in particular, the retraction/extension mechanism 90 comprises a pair of gears or pinions 94, and two pairs of racks 92 each pair of which is securely and respectively connected to an end table segment 70 and meshed or coupled with the pinions 94, such that each pinion 94 is diametrically meshed with one rack of each said pair of racks, and thus operatively connected to each of the two end table segments 70. The pinions 94 are mounted for rotation to the underside of central table segment 60 in transversely spaced relationship, via brackets 95. Of course, additional pinions may optionally be meshed with the respective racks in a similar manner to pinions 94, mutatis mutandis. The mechanism 90 may further comprise suitable stops (not shown) to prevent the racks 92 from being pulled out of engagement with the pinions 94. In other variations of this embodiment the table may be provided with a single pinion and a pair of racks, each of which is attached to one or the other of the end segments 70; the pinion may be centrally fixed to the central segment 60 with the racks displaced generally laterally uniformly, or alternatively the pinion and racks may be provided as a unit on one side of the table, and optionally guides may be provided on the other side to enhance stability when extending/retracting the end segments 70.

In operation, a user may pull one of the end table segments 70 in a direction away from the central table segment 60 via the guiding and sliding engagement between the beams 38 and 78, and the corresponding racks 92 of this end table segment 70 are correspondingly pulled out with the end table segment 70, turning both pinions 94 such as to cause the other pair of racks 92 to translate in the opposite longitudinal direction, thereby also displacing the other end table segment 70 from the central table segment 60 substantially simultaneously. This action opens up a pair of spaces A, each defined between the corresponding end table segment 70 and the central table segment 60, and into each of which an extension table segment 80 may be inserted to provide a continuous table top surface together with surfaces 62 and 72, which optionally may be smooth or alternatively comprise a design, for example a grid design as best seen in Fig. 3.

Each extension table segment 80 comprises a generally flat upper surface 82, at least when in the deployed position, and optionally comprises downwardly depending flanges 88 at the longitudinal edges 86 thereof Referring particularly to Figs. 3, 5 and 6, each extension table segment 80 consists of a rotating plate arrangement comprising two plates 81a, 81b, hinged together along a longitudinal hinge 83. For decreasing the size of the table 100, one of the plates 81a is rotated via hinge 83 to lie on top of the other plate, 81b and the folded configuration is rotated 180 degrees via pivot 85 that is provided on the undersides on one or both of the end table segment 70 and central table segment 60, thereby accommodating the folded plate in the space A between the beams 38, and the end table segments 70 can be pushed towards the central table segment 60. Optionally, the pivot 85 is integrally formed on a strut 98 that is clipped or otherwise mounted between the beams 38 or the underside of the end segments 70 or to the leg units 30 in any suitable manner, in a position close to the transverse edge 77 of the corresponding end segment 70.

A pair of L-shaped stops 89 may be provided on the lower side of the table, in particular on the central segment 60, for each of the extension table segments 80 to enable the table segments 80 to rest thereon in the stowed away position illustrated in Fig. 5. The stops 89 for each pair may be formed one on the underside of an end table segment 70, and one on the underside of the central table segment 60.

Alternatively, the table may be configured for comprising a plurality of extension table segments longitudinally arranged in juxtaposed manner so as to be inserted together in one or another of the spaces A. Optionally, each one of the plurality of extension table segments may be operated independently, enabling the space A to be varied in increments corresponding to the width of the extension table segments. Further optionally, at least one said extension table segments may be stowed under the central segment 60 when the table is in retracted mode; in such a case, the table is further configured for translating the extension table segment from a position under the central segment 60 to a position under the space A. Similarly, at least one said extension table segments may be stowed under the table in underlying relationship with both the central segment 60 and an end segment 70 when the table is in retracted mode, mutatis mutandis.

Alternatively, at least one each extension table segment 80 may be fully removable and replaceable with respect to the table end table segments and central table segment 60.

The flanges 64, 74, 88 assist in concealing the rails, guide beams etc and enhancing the appearance of the table when in the retracted, shorter configuration.

Referring to Fig. 1 in particular, the mutually facing transverse edges 77, 67 of the end table segment 70 and central table segment 60 may optionally comprise a plurality of facing pairs of projections and complementary facing cavities (not shown), such that each projection (which may be comprised on one of edge 77 or edge 67) is received in the facing cavity (which may be comprised on the other one of edge 77 or edge 67), when the table is in retracted mode, and the end table segments 70 are in adjacent abutment with the central table segment 60.

Similarly, and referring to Fig. 3 in particular, each extension table segment 80 may comprise at its transverse edges 84, 85 a similar arrangement of projections and/or cavities, such that when the table 100 is in extended mode, the projections may be received in complementary cavities in facing pairs of edges 84, 77, and facing pairs of edges 85, 67.

Optionally, the various components of the table assembly 50 may be interlocked by means of lateral clips 95, each of which comprises a first lock element and a separate second lock element which reversibly engage. Each of the components 70, 60, 80 comprises a number of first or second lock element enabling interlocking with a second or first lock element that is comprised in another said component so as to enable the end table elements 70 to reversibly lock with respect to the central segment 60 when in the retracted mode, or to enable each of the extension table segments 80 to reversibly lock with respect to the central segment 60 and the corresponding end table element 70.

The components 60, 70, 80 may optionally comprise a plurality of strengthening ribs 96 and webs 97 formed in any desired pattern on the underside thereof. In variations of this embodiment, the mechanism 90 may be replaced with any other suitable mechanism that allows synchronized and simultaneous extensions of the two end table segments 70. In yet variations of this embodiment, the mechanism 90 may be replaced with any suitable mechanism or arrangement that allows the end table segments 70 to be independently pulled in or out with respect to the central table segment 60.

The leg units 30 may be formed as an integral item, or from several elements joined together in any suitable manner. According to one aspect of the invention, the leg units 30 are made from a suitable plastic, for example a durable plastic material that optionally is suitable for outside use and is thus not affected adversely by normal weather conditions during the expected life of the product.

Similarly, according to the illustrated embodiment, some of the components of the table top assembly 50, in particular the central table segment 60 and two end table segments 70 may be formed as an integral item, or from several elements joined together in any suitable manner, while other components such as the two extension table segments 80 and retraction/extension mechanism 90 may be formed from several elements joined or assembled together in any suitable manner. According to one aspect of the invention, the components of the table top assembly 50 are made from a suitable plastic, for example a durable plastic material that optionally is suitable for outside use and is thus not affected adversely by normal weather conditions during the expected life of the product.

Alternatively, some of these components, for example the retraction/extension mechanism 90, may be made from a different material, metal, for example. According to one aspect of the invention, the leg units and one or more of the components of the table top assembly may be manufactured using an injection molding manufacturing process. Alternatively, other processes may be used.

In other embodiments, the leg units may be replaced with other configurations, for example a single post may be provided onto which the central table segment 60 is fixed, having a bottom base or a plurality of toes for stability.

A second embodiment of the invention, and referring to Figs. 7 to 10, is directed to a table 200 comprising all the elements of the first embodiment as described herein, mutatis mutandis, and includes leg assembly 120 comprising a pair of generally upright leg units 130, and a table top assembly 150 comprising two end table segments 170, and two extension table segments 180, similar to the corresponding components labeled 20, 30, 50, 70, 80, respectively, for the first embodiment, mutatis mutandis. However, in the second embodiment, the table 200 comprises a central table segment 170' formed from two central table segments 70, as described for the first embodiment, which are adjacently joined to one another (or integrally formed thus) to provide the table 200 with longer extended and retracted lengths with respect to that of the first embodiment.

Correspondingly, while the table 200 comprises a retraction/extension mechanism 190 similar to the retraction/extension mechanism 90 of the first embodiment, mutatis mutandis, the beams 138 and racks 192 of the second embodiment are correspondingly longer than beams 38 and racks 92 of the first embodiment.

Optionally, the longitudinal length of the end table segments 170 may be correspondingly reduced so that the overall extended and retracted lengths of table 200 are the same as with respect to the extended and retracted lengths of table 100 of the first embodiment.

Operation of the table 200 according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, mutatis mutandis.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, and referring to Figs. 11 to 14, a table 300 is provided comprising all the elements of the first embodiment as described herein, mutatis mutandis, and includes leg assembly 220 comprising a pair of generally upright leg units 230, and a table top assembly 250 comprising two end table segments 270, and an extension table segment 280, similar to the corresponding components labeled 20, 30, 50, 70, 80, respectively, for the first embodiment, mutatis mutandis. However, in the third embodiment, the table 300 does not comprise a central table segment or the retraction/extension mechanism of the first embodiment, mutatis mutandis, the beams 238 of the third embodiment may be correspondingly shorter than beams 38 of the first embodiment.

Thus, in the third embodiment, a user may independently pull the end table segments 270 in a direction away from one another via the guiding and sliding engagement between the beams 238 and 278, opening up a single space between the two end table segments 270, and into which an extension table segment 280 may be inserted to provide a continuous table top surface together with the surfaces of the end segments 270. The extension table segment 280 may be similar to extension table segment 80 as described for the first embodiment, mutatis mutandis.

Optionally, the longitudinal length of the end table segments 270 may be correspondingly reduced so that the overall extended and retracted lengths of table 300 are the same as with respect to the extended and retracted lengths of table 100 of the first embodiment.

As with the first embodiment, the leg units and one or more of the components of the table top assembly may be manufactured from a suitable plastic material, for example using an injection molding manufacturing process, or alternatively, other manufacturing processes may be used therefor.

Optionally, embodiments having an even longer longitudinal length than that of the second embodiment may be provided by forming the corresponding central table segment with a larger number of said central table segments 60 of the first embodiment. This enables a manufacturer to provide a range of table sizes (extended and retracted lengths) using essentially the same general components (leg assembly, end table segments, and extension table segments) which can be manufactured as modular items and assembled in the combinations desired. A range of the support beams and racks may be manufactured to cater for the different sized tables, or alternatively the support beams and racks may be manufactured in one size suitable for the largest sized table, and if necessary cut in size, to enable the same to be used with smaller sized tables. Furthermore, the same modular items may be used for manufacturing the third embodiment, wherein the one or more central table segments are omitted, and appropriately sized support beams may be manufactured therefor.

It is to be noted that the word "comprising" as used throughout the appended claims is to be interpreted to mean "including but not limited to".

While there has been shown and disclosed example embodiments in accordance with the invention, it will be appreciated that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A table comprising a table top assembly, including: a first table end segment and a second table end segment, each arranged at opposed ends of said table; at least one central table segment disposed generally intermediate with respect to said first and second table end segments, said table end segments each being displaceable from a retracted position in abutment with one said fixed table segment to an extended position spaced thereform to form a space; at least one removable extension table segment configured for being removably positioned in each said space.

2. A table according to claim 1, wherein at least one said extension segment is configured for being folded and stowed under at least one of said table end segments and said fixed table segments when said table end segments are in abutment with said at least one fixed table segment.

3. A table according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein said table top assembly further comprises a retraction/extension mechanism for enabling synchronized movement of said table end segments between said retracted position and said extended position.

4. A table according to claim 3, wherein said retraction/extension mechanism comprises a rack and pinion arrangement, including at least one pinion wheel mounted for rotation in said central table segment, and a corresponding pair of racks engaged with said pinion wheel, wherein each rack of said pair is affixed to one or another of said end segments.

5. A table according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of said a first table end segment, said second table end segment, said central table segment and said removable table segment comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs and webs.

6. A table according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a sliding arrangement for facilitating sliding movement of said end segments between said retracted position and said extended position.

7. A table according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of said a first table end segment, said second table end segment, said central table segment and said removable table segment is a component made from a plastic material.

8. A table according to claim 7, wherein an injection molding process is used for manufacturing said component made from a plastic material.

9. A table according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said table comprises a leg assembly and said central table segment is fixed to said leg assembly.

10. A table according to claim 9, wherein said leg assembly comprises a pair of generally upright leg units.

11. A table according to claim 10, wherein each leg unit comprises an inverted U- shaped configuration, comprising a pair of transversely spaced leg posts joined together at their top ends by a leg mounting beam.

12. A table according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein said leg assembly is a component made from a plastic material.

13. A table according to claim 12, wherein an injection molding process is used for manufacturing said component made from a plastic material.

14. A table comprising a plurality of components, including: first table end segment and a second table end segment arranged at opposed ends of said table; said table end segments each being displaceable from a retracted position in proximity to one another to an extended position spaced thereform to form at least one space; at least one removable extension table segment configured for being removably positioned in the or each said space; a leg assembly; wherein at least one said component is made from a plastic material.

15. A table according to claim 14, further comprising another said component in the form of at least one central table segment, wherein in said retracted position, each said table end segment is in abutment with said central table segment.

16. A modular system for constructing a plurality of table configurations, comprising a plurality of modular units including: a plurality of table end segments adapted for being reversibly moved from a retracted position to an extended position when assembled in a table top assembly; a plurality of central table segments adapted for being fixed in position when assembled in a table top assembly; a plurality of extension table segments adapted for being inserted into spaces created when moving said table end segments to a said extended position; and a plurality of leg assemblies; wherein said system enables at least two said table end segments, at least one

5 said extension table segment, and a said leg assembly to be assembled to form an extendible/retractable table, wherein said table end segments are displaceable from said retracted position in proximity to one another to said extended position spaced thereform to form at least one said space and wherein said at least one extension table segment is configured for being removably positioned in the or

10 each said space.

17. A modular system according to claim 16, wherein said system enables at least two said table end segments, at least one said extension table segment, at least one central table segment, and a said leg assembly to be assembled to form an

15 extendible/retractable table, wherein said table end segments are displaceable from said retracted position in proximity to one another and in abutment with said at least one central table segment to said extended position wherein each said end segment is spaced from at least one said central segment to form two said spaces, and wherein said at least one extension table segment is configured for being removably positioned in each said

20 space.

18. A modular system according to claim 16, further comprising a plurality of retraction/extension mechanism for enabling synchronized movement of said table end segments between said retracted position and said extended position.

19. A modular system according to claim 18, wherein said retraction/extension 25 mechanism comprises a rack and pinion arrangement, including at least one pinion wheel mountable for rotation with respect to a said central table segment, and a corresponding pair of racks engageable with respect to said pinion wheel, wherein each rack of said pair is affixed to one or another of said end segments in said assembled table.

30 20. A modular system according any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein at least one said modular unit is a component made from a plastic material.

21. A modular system according to claim 20, wherein an injection molding process is used for manufacturing said component made from a plastic material.