Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02455869 2004-02-20
4
FOLDING ROLL-AWAY TABLE
This application is a divisional application of co-pending application
2,322,054, filed
October 3, 2000.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This.invention relates to tables, and more particularly to a folding roll-
away table assembly in which a pair of table sections are foldably
interconnected with
S each other and are movable between a folded, storage position and an
unfolded,
operative position.
Folding sectional roll-away table assemblies are commonly used in
applications where table space is required on an intermittent basis. One
common
application is school cafeterias, gymnasiums or mufti-purpose rooms, which
require
table space for eating or other activities at certain times, and which are
often used at
other times for activities which do not require table space. Folding sectional
tables are
commonly used in such applications, and can be quickly folded and rolled away
for
storage in order to clear the area for uses in which table space is not
required. Typically,
folding sectional tables of this type have a frame which carries a
predetermined number
of seats or benches, so that it is not necessary to set up and knock down
chairs when
table space is required.
Numerous folding table assemblies are known in the art, and various
folding mechanisms and assist arrangements are known for providing movement of
the
table assembly between its folded, storage position and its unfolded,
operative position.
For example, it is known to provide one or more torsion bars interconnected
with the
frame or legs of the table. In the past, however, torsion bar assist
assemblies have
required a separate mounting arrangement interconnected with the frame, which
adds to
the cost and complexity of the frame.
Prior art folding sectional tables have required a user to exert an upward
force on the table sections as the table sections are being lowered toward the
unfolded,
operative position, in order to prevent the table sections from unfolding too
quickly after
the table sections have attained a predetermined position during downward
movement.
CA 02455869 2004-02-20
As can be appreciated, the table sections are quite heavy, and unrestrained
downward
movement can cause undesirably fast opening of the table.
In addition, prior art folding sectional tables include a latch arrangement
for selectively maintaining the table assembly in its folded, storage
position. The latch
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CA 02455869 2004-02-20
arrangement includes a latch member located at the center of one of the table
sections,
which is engageable with a catch member mounted to the other of the table
sections. In
order to unfold the table sections, the user has been required to reach into
the center of
the folded table assembly and to lift or move the latch member out of
engagement with
the catch member. This is a somewhat complicated motion, in that the user must
then
withdraw his or her hand from inside the folded table assembly and operate the
table
assembly for movement toward its unfolded, operative position.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved folding
sectional table assembly which is extremely easy to operate and which provides
controlled movement between its unfolded, operative position and its folded,
storage
position. It is a further object of the invention to provide such a table
assembly which
incorporates a cushioning system for providing controlled downward movement of
the
table assembly from its folded, storage position toward its unfolded,
operative position.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a table assembly which
incorporates a unique torsion bar mounting arrangement which does not require
a
separate structure for interconnecting torsion bars with the table frame. Yet
another
object of the invention is to provide such a table assembly which combines the
advantages of a torsion bar system for aiding in folding of the table
assembly, and the
advantages of a pneumatic cylinder arrangement for cushioning the table
assembly
during unfolding and for assisting in moving the table assembly away from its
unfolded,
operative position and toward its folded, storage position. A still further
object of the
invention is to provide such a table assembly which utilizes a unique latch
arrangement
which is easy to operate and which eliminates complicated movements in
unlatching the
table sections and moving the table sections away from the folded, storage
position and
toward the unfolded, operative position.
The invention is incorporated into a folding table assembly which includes
first and second table sections, each of which includes a table top and a
frame including
a leg arrangement for supporting the table top above a supporting surface.
Each table
section further includes one or more hinge members, and the hinge members of
the table
sections axe pivotably interconnected with each other for providing pivoting
movement
of the table sections between the unfolded, operative position and the folded,
storage
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position. The leg arrangement of each table section is pivotably
interconnected with the
table section so as to be movable toward the table section when the table
assembly is
moved toward its folded, storage position, and movable away from the table top
to an
extended position when the table assembly is moved toward its unfolded,
operative
position.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a combination torsion bar
system and pneumatic cylinder arrangement functions to assist in moving the
table
assembly from its folded, storage position toward its unfolded, operative
position, and to
cushion the table assembly during movement toward its unfolded, operative
position.
One or more torsion bars are interconnected with at least one of the table
sections, and
torque is imparted to the torsion bars as the table section is moved so as to
place the
table assembly in its unfolded, operative position. Energy is thus stored in
the torsion
bars when the table assembly is in its unfolded, operative position, and
assists in moving
the table assembly toward its folded, storage position when an upward force is
exerted
on either table section. In a preferred form, the leg arrangement includes at
least one
upper cross-member which is pivotable relative to the table top, and the
torsion bar is
mounted within an internal passage defined by the upper cross-member. In
addition, at
least one extendible and retractable pneumatic cylinder assembly is
interconnected
between one of the leg arrangements and the hinge arrangement. The pneumatic
cylinder assembly is oriented such that movement of the table assembly to its
folded,
storage position functions to move the cylinder assembly to an extended
position, and
movement of the table assembly to its unfolded, operative position functions
to move
the cylinder assembly to a retracted position. The cylinder assembly is
operable to
control the rate of lowering of the table sections as the table assembly is
moved to its
unfolded, operative position, to ensure that the table sections are lowered at
a relatively
slow, controlled speed. In addition, the cylinder assembly includes a spring
for urging
the cylinder assembly toward its extended position from its retracted
position, to assist
in raising the table sections when the table assembly is moved from its
unfolded,
operative position toward its folded, storage position.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the torsion bar system
is preferably interconnected with and extends between a pair of structural
apron
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members to which the table top is mounted. As noted above, the torsion bar is
preferably received within an upper cross-member defined by the leg
arrangement of a
table section. The.upper cross-member of the leg arrangement is pivotably
mounted
between the structural apron members by means of a pair of pivot hubs, one of
which is
mounted to each of the structural apron members. In one form, each pivot hub
includes
a mounting flange member adapted to be secured to the structural apron member,
and a
sleeve connected to the mounting flange member and extending therefrom toward
the
opposite structural apron member. One of a pair of ends of the upper cross-
member is
received within each sleeve, for pivotably mounting the leg arrangement to and
between
the structural apron members. A torsion bar retainer is mounted to one of the
sleeves,
and the torsion bar is non-rotatably engaged with the torsion bar retainer. At
a location
spaced from the torsion bar retainer, the torsion bar is engaged with a
torsion bar driver
mounted to the upper cross-member, such that pivoting movement of the upper
cross-
member caused by movement of the leg arrangement functions to impart torque to
the
torsion bar as the table section is lowered. With this arrangement, the
torsion bar assist
mechanism is essentially incorporated into the Ieg arrangement and
interconnected with
the structural apron members, for providing an efficient torsion bar mounting
arrangement and for concealing the torsion bar system.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a folding sectional
table incorporates a pneumatic cylinder assist and cushioning arrangement. The
table
sections are interconnected by means of at least one pair of hinge members
which are
pivotably interconnected with each other via a pivot pin. A foldable leg
arrangement is
located adjacent at least one of the hinge members, and an extendible and
retractable
pneumatic cylinder assembly is interconnected between the leg arrangement and
the
hinge arrangement. In a preferred form, the cylinder assembly is pivotably
mounted at a
first end to the hinge arrangement and at a second end to the leg arrangement.
The first
end of the pneumatic cylinder assembly is preferably pivotably mounted at a
location
coincident with the pivot axis defined by the pivot pin which pivotably
interconnects the
pivot members. The second end of the pneumatic cylinder assembly is pivotably
interconnected with the leg arrangement. In embodiments incorporating more
than one
pair of hinge members, a pneumatic cylinder assembly is preferably
interconnected with
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CA 02455869 2004-02-20
each pair of hinge members. The pneumatic cylinder assemblies are operable to
cushion
movement of the table assembly as the table assembly is moved toward its
unfolded,
operative position. The cylinder assemblies are especially beneficial in
relatively heavy
table assemblies, such as table assemblies with table tops having a relatively
long length
or in table assemblies incorporating fixed seating structures.
The invention further contemplates a latch arrangement for a folding
sectional table assembly. The latch arrangement includes a latch member
mounted to
one of the table sections and a catch member mounted to the other table
section. The
latch member is movable between an engaged position in which the latch member
engages the catch member to maintain the table assembly in its inoperative,
folded
position, and a disengaged position in which the latch member is disengaged
from the
catch member to enable the table assembly to be moved away from its folded,
storage
position toward its unfolded, operative position. The latch member is
preferably
pivotably mounted to a cross-member located adjacent the underside of the
table top,
such as a cross-member associated with a leg arrangement. Movement of the
latch
member from its engaged position toward its disengaged position is caused by
operation
of an actuator member, which preferably includes an actuator area located
adjacent each
of a pair of opposite sides defined by the table top so as to enable operation
of the latch
arrangement from either side of the table assembly, without reaching between
the folded
table sections. The actuator member is preferably in the form of a rod
pivotably
mounted to and between the structural apron members at a location offset from
the
pivotable mounting of the latch member. The rod includes first and second
engagement
areas located one adjacent each of the structural apron members, with an
intermediate
actuating section therebetween which is engageable with the latch member. The
intermediate actuating section is received within a slot defined by the latch
member and
is offset from the actuator areas, such that pivoting movement of the actuator
member
causes engagement of the actuator section with a wall of the latch member
defining the
slot, to move the actuator member away from its engaged position. In a
preferred form,
a spring is interconnected with the latch member for biasing the latch member
toward its
engaged position, such that the latch member automatically engages the catch
member
as the table assembly is moved to its folded, storage position.
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v
The various features of the invention can be employed separately to
provide advantages in operation over the prior art. In a particularly
preferred form,
however, the various features are combined so as to provide a table assembly
with a
number of advantages over the prior art.
Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be
made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying
out the invention.
In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a folding sectional table constructed
according to the invention, showing the table assembly in an unfolded,
operative
position;
Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the frame of the table assembly of Fig. 1 in
an unfolded, operative position;
Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing the frame in a folded, storage
position;
Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of the table assembly of Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 is a side elevation view of the table assembly of Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 is a partial section view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 7 is an enlarged partial side elevation view of a hinge arrangement
interconnecting the table sections of the folding table assembly of Fig. 1;
Fig. 8 is a side elevation view similar to Fig. S, showing the table
assembly in a folded, storage position;
Fig. 9 is an enlarged partial section view of the hinge arrangement of Fig.
7 in combination with a linkage arrangement, showing the table assembly in the
folded,
storage position;
Fig. 10 is a partial section view taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 7;
Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 7, showing operation of a locking bar for
selectively retaining the table assembly in the unfolded, operative position;
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Fig. 12 is an exploded partial isometric view showing the torsion bar
mounting arrangement and the latch arrangement incorporated into the table
assembly of
Fig. l;
Fig. 13 is a partial section view taken along line 13-13 of Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 is a partial section view taken along line 14-14 of Fig. 13;
Fig. 15 is a partial section view taken along line 15-15 of Fig. 13;
Fig. 16 is a partial side elevation view illustrating the latch member
incorporated into the table assembly of Fig. 1;
Fig. 17 is a partial isometric view illustrating the latch member of Fig. 16
in combination with a catch member;
Fig. 18 is a partial section view showing operation of the latch member
and catch member of Fig. 17 for maintaining the table assembly in the folded,
storage
position;
Figs. 19a-19c are schematic top plan views illustrating different torsion
bar configurations for a table assembly such as that of Fig. 1;
Fig. 20 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a frame for a
folding sectional table constructed according to the invention, shown in an
unfolded,
operative position; and
Fig. 21 is a view similar to Fig. 20 showing the frame in a folded, storage
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a sectional table assembly 30 constructed
according to the invention generally includes a pair of pivotable table
sections 32a and
32b, which are essentially mirror images of each other and are pivotably
interconnected
with each other in a manner to be explained for movement between a folded,
storage
position and an unfolded, operative position. Except as described below, table
sections
32a and 32b are identical in construction and contain identical components,
and like
reference characters will be used to describe the components of table sections
32a and
32b, with the modifier "a" and "b" being used to refer to components
associated with
table sections 32a and 32b, respectively. Except as expressly set forth
hereafter, the
description of table section 32a applies equally to table section 32b, and
vice versa.
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Table section 32a includes a table top 34a and a frame assembly 36a.
Table top 34a is of conventional construction, and is secured to a pair of
spaced, parallel
structural apron members 38a forming a part of frame assembly 36a. Frame
assemblies
36a and 36b are pivotably interconnected with each other for movement between
an
unfolded, operative position as shown in Fig. 2, and a folded, storage
position as shown
in Fig. 3.
In addition to apron members 38a, frame assembly 36a includes a pair of
structural cross-members 40a extending between the ends of apron members 38a.
Cross-members 40a are rigidly mounted to apron members 38a in any satisfactory
manner such as by welding, to form a rigid rectangular structure to which the
underside
of table top 34a is secured.
Frame assembly 36a further includes an inner leg assembly 44a and an
outer leg assembly 46a. Inner leg assembly 44a includes an upper horizontal
tubular
member 48a and a pair of depending leg members SOa, each of which is mounted
at its
upper end to upper horizontal tubular member 48a. Each leg member SO includes
an
outwardly extending horizontal base section 52a which extends ourivardly
beyond the
sides of table top 34a, and an intermediate cross-member 53a which extends
between
and is interconnected at its ends with leg members 72a. An upstanding seat
support
member 54a is secured to the outer end of base section 52a, and is
interconnected with a
seat frame 56a by means of a horizontal connector member 58a. Seat frame 56a
includes a lower base-member 60a interconnected with end uprights 62a and
intermediate uprights 64a. A seat support plate 66a is mounted to the upper
end of each
of uprights 62a and 64a, and a seat member, such as a bench 68a, is
interconnected with
seat support plates 66a. Alternatively, it is understood that separate seats
may be
mounted to each of seat support plates 66a in place of bench 68a, when
individual seats
are desired.
Outer leg assembly 46a is constructed similarly to inner leg assembly 44a,
including an upper horizontal tubular member 70a and a pair of depending leg
members
72a. A base section 74a is interconnected with and extends outwardly from the
lower
end of each depending leg member 72a. A seat support member 76a is mounted to
the
outer end of each base section 74a, extending upwardly therefrom and
interconnected
CA 02455869 2004-02-20
with seat frame 56a via a connector member 78a. A lower cross-brace member 80a
extends between and interconnects base sections 74a, and is connected at each
end to
seat support member 76a below base section 74a. A caster assembly 82a is
interconnected with each seat support member 76a via a caster mounting bracket
84a.
An intermediate cross-member 86a extends between and is interconnected at its
ends
with leg members 72a.
Referring to Figs. 3 and 5-7, a pair of hinge plates 90a are rigidly mounted
to the inner one of cross-members 40a of frame assembly 36a. Similarly, a pair
of hinge
plates 90b are rigidly mounted to the inner one of cross-members 40b of frame
assembly
36b. Each hinge plate 90a is located adjacent one of hinge plates 90b, with
each such
set of hinge plates being located adjacent one side of table assembly 30. A
hinge pin 94,
in the form of a bolt or the like, extends through aligned openings in hinge
plates 90a
and 90b. Hinge pins 94 define a pivot axis about which frame assembly 36a and
36b are
pivotable relative to each other, for providing pivoting movement between the
unfolded,
operative position of Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5, and the folded, storage position of
Figs. 3 and 8.
Referring to Fig. 7, hinge plate 90a includes an upper edge from which a
tab 96a extends upwardly. Similarly, hinge plate 90b defines an upper edge
from which
a tab 96b extends upwardly. When table assembly 30 is in its unfolded,
operative
position, tabs 96a and 96b are spaced slightly apart from each other. A
locking rod 98 is
pivotably interconnected with apron members 38b of table section 32b via end
mounting
sections 100. When table assembly 30 is in its unfolded, operative position,
locking rod
98 is located in the space between tabs 96a and 96b, for preventing
inadvertent
movement of frame assemblies 36a and 366 away from the unfolded, operative
position
in the event an inadvertent upward force is applied to either frame assembly.
As shown
in Fig. 10, each end mounting section 100 includes an inwardly extending
mounting
shaft section 102 which extends through an opening in one of apron members
38b, for
providing pivoting movement of locking rod 98 about a pivot axis defined by
mounting
shaft sections 102. As shown in Fig. 11, locking rod 98 is movable out of the
space
between tabs 96a and 96b, for allowing relative movement between hinge plates
90a and
90b in order to enable table sections 32a and 32b to be moved away from the
unfolded,
operative position toward the folded, storage position.
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CA 02455869 2004-02-20
As shown in Fig. 6, upper bars 104a, 104b are rigidly mounted to cross-
members 40a, 40b, respectively. Lower bars 106a, 106b are rigidly mounted to
intermediate cross-members 53a, 53b, respectively. A link 108a is pivotably
mounted at
an upper end to upper bar 104a, and is pivotably mounted at a lower end to
lower bar
106b. Similarly, a link 108b is pivotably mounted at an upper end to upper bar
104b
and at a lower end to lower bar 106a. A tie bar 1 10a is pivotably mounted at
an inner
end to lower bar 106a and link 108b, and is pivotably mounted at an outer end
to a tab
112a (Fig. 5) secured to intermediate cross-member 86a. Similarly, tie bar 1
lOb is
pivotably mounted at an inner end to lower bar 106b and link 108a, and at an
outer end
to a tab 112b secured to intermediate cross-member 86b.
Referring to Fig. 2, upper horizontal tubular member 48a of inner leg
assembly 44a is interconnected with apron members 38a via hub assemblies 114a,
116a.
Similarly, hub assemblies 114a and 116a are interposed between upper
horizontal
tubular member 70a of outer leg assembly 46a and apron members 38a.
As shown in Figs. 13-15, hub assembly 114a includes a mounting flange
member 118a and a sleeve 120a secured to mounting flange member 118a.
Similarly,
hub assembly 116a includes a mounting flange member 122a and a sleeve 124a
secured
thereto. One end of upper horizontal tubular member 70a is received within
sleeve
120a, and the opposite end of upper horizontal tubular member 70a is received
within
sleeve 124a. Upper horizontal tubular member 70a is pivotable relative to
sleeves 120a
and 124a, so as to provide pivoting movement of outer leg assembly 46a
relative to
apron members 38a and table top 34a. Upper horizontal tubular member 48a of
inner
leg assembly 44a is mounted to hub assemblies 1 I4a and I I6a at the inner
ends of apron
members 3 8a in the same manner, for providing pivoting movement of inner leg
assembly 44a relative to apron members 38a and table top 34a.
Referring to Fig. 13, upper horizontal tubular member 70a defines an
internal passage within which a torsion bar 126 is received. A torsion bar
retainer 128 is
mounted to mounting flange member 118a, extending inwardly therefrom within
the
passage defined by sleeve 120a. A torsion bar driver I30 is mounted within the
internal
passage defined by upper horizontal tubular member 70a in the vicinity of
sleeve 124a,
opposite torsion bar retainer 128. Torsion bar 126 defines a non-circular
cross-section,
CA 02455869 2004-02-20
such as a hexagonal cross-section as illustrated, and torsion bar retainer 128
includes a
mating non-circular passage 132 within which one end of torsion bar 126 is
received, for
non-rotatably mounting torsion bar 126 to hub assembly 114a. Torsion bar
driver 130
similarly defines an opening having a non-circular cross-section corresponding
to that of
torsion bar I26. With this arrangement, pivoting movement of outer leg
assembly 46a
relative to structural apron members 38a upon movement of table sections 32a,
32b
toward the unfolded, operative position functions to twist torsion bar 126 so
as to store
energy, which assists in raising table sections 32a, 32b when moving table
sections 32a,
32b away from the unfolded, operative position toward the folded, storage
position.
Each apron member 38a defines a web 136a, an upper flange 138a and a
lower flange 140a. Mounting flange 118a of hub assembly 114a defines a pair of
threaded passages, and threaded fasteners such as screws 142 extend through
openings
in apron web 136a and into the threaded passages of mounting flange member
118a for
securing hub assembly 114a in position relative to apron member 38a.
Similarly,
mounting flange member 122a of hub assembly 116a includes a pair of threaded
passages, and threaded fasteners such as screws 142 extend through openings in
web
136a and into the threaded passages of mounting flange member 122a for
securing hub
assembly 116a in position relative to apron member 38a. With this arrangement,
the
presence of a torsion bar assist mechanism is concealed between apron members
38a,
for simplifying assembly and for providing a more aesthetically desirable
torsion bar
mounting arrangement.
Referring to Fig. 6, a pneumatic cylinder assembly 146a is interconnected
between one of depending leg members 50a and one set of hinge plates 90a, 90b.
Pneumatic cylinder assembly 146a includes a cylinder 148a and a rod 150a.
Cylinder
148a is pivotably interconnected with hinge plates 90a, 90b at hinge pin 94,
and rod
150a is pivotably mounted to leg member 50a by a tab 152a and a pivot pin
154a.
Similarly, cylinder assembly 146b is interconnected in the same manner between
one of
depending leg members 50b and the other set of hinge plates 90a, 90b. Cylinder
assemblies 146a, 146b are pneumatic cushioning cylinder assemblies which are
spring
biased toward an extended position, such as is available from Suspa of Grand
Rapids,
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CA 02455869 2004-02-20
Michigan under Part Nos. 37-3351, 37-3352, 37-3353, 37-3354 and 37-3355,
selected
according to the size and weight of the components of table assembly 30.
Figs. 16-18 illustrate a latch arrangement for selectively maintaining table
assembly 30 in its folded, storage position of Figs. 3 and 8. Generally, the
latch
arrangement includes a latch member 158 and a catch member 160. Catch member
160
includes a pair of tabs 162 rigidly mounted to upper horizontal tubular member
70a of
frame assembly 36a. A catch rod 164 extends between and is mounted at its ends
to tabs
162.
Latch member 158 is pivotably mounted at an inner end to a pivot pin 166
which extends between a pair of tabs 168 rigidly fixed to upper horizontal
tubular
member 70b of frame assembly 36b. Pivot pin 166 extends through a torsion
spring
170, which is interconnected between one of tabs 168 and latch member 158 for
biasing
latch member 158 downwardly, or counterclockwise with reference to Figs. 16-
18.
Latch member 158 includes an axially extending slot 172, and a hook 174 at its
outer
end defining a notch 176. A ramped end edge 178 is located outwardly of hook
174.
An actuator member, shown generally at 180, is interconnected between
actuator member 158 and apron members 38b for pivoting actuator member 158
upwardly or counterclockwise about pivot pin 166. Actuator member 180 includes
a
pair of end actuator areas 182, each of which is located outwardly of one of
apron
members 3 8b. A mounting section 184 extends inwardly from each end actuator
area
182 through an opening formed in each apron member 38b for providing pivoting
movement of actuator member 180 relative to apron members 3 8b. Actuator
member
180 further includes a central area 186 including an actuator section 188,
which extends
parallel to mounting sections 184, and a pair of connector sections 190 which
extend
between actuator section 188 and mounting sections 184. With this
construction,
actuator section 188 is laterally offset from the pivot axis of actuator
member 180 as
defined by the longitudinal axes of mounting sections 184.
Actuator section 188 is disposed within slot 172 of latch member 158.
Upon manual engagement of either of end actuator areas 182 and manipulation
thereof
so as pivot actuator member 180 in a clockwise direction as shown in phantom
in Fig.
18, actuator section 188 of actuator member 180 engages the upper wall of slot
172 for
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CA 02455869 2004-02-20
moving latch member 1 S 8 in a clockwise direction about pivot pin 166, to a
position in
which latch member 1 S 8 is disengaged from catch rod 164. Releasing end
engagement
areas 182 of actuator member 180 causes counterclockwise pivoting movement of
latch
member 1S8 and actuator member 180 under the influence of torsion spring 170.
In operation, table assembly 30 functions as follows. When table
assembly is in its folded, storage position, the user manipulates end actuator
areas 182 of
actuator member 180 to disengage latch member 1S8 from catch rod 164 as
described
above. The user than exerts a downward force on either or both of table
sections 32a or
32b, which causes table sections 32a and 32b to pivot about pivot pins 94 away
from the
folded, storage position. This movement causes caster assemblies 82a, 82b to
move
outwardly away from each other, and table sections 32a, 32b are lowered toward
the
floor or other supporting surface. During such downward movement of table
sections
32a, 32b, tie bars 110a, 110b function to bring inner leg assemblies 44a, 44b
downwardly and to maintain a parallel relationship between inner leg
assemblies 44a,
44b and outer leg assemblies 46a, 46b, respectively. During such downward
movement
of table sections 32a, 32b, torsion is applied to torsion bars 126 by torsion
bar drivers
130, to store energy in torsion bars 126 tending to resist such downward
movement.
However, the weight of the components of table sections 32a, 32b overcomes any
such
resistance, such that table sections 32a, 32b continue to be lowered toward
the floor.
As table sections 32a, 32b approach the fully lowered position of Fig. 2,
pneumatic cylinder assemblies 146a, 146b function to cushion such downward
movement of table sections 32a, 32b by the cushioning properties of cylinder
assemblies
146a, 146b, in order to prevent the rapid downward movement of table sections
32a, 32b
which may otherwise occur. Cylinder assemblies 146a, 146b function to
gradually
lower table sections 32a, 32b by gravity or with the assistance of an
operator, although
the cushioning properties of cylinder assemblies 146a, I46b prevent movement
beyond
a predetermined rate. As table sections 32a, 32b are moved together, locking
rod 98 is
received between tabs 96 for maintaining table sections 32a, 32b in the
unfolded,
operative position of Fig. 2.
When it is desired to raise table assembly 30 for folding and storage
purposes, the user manipulates end mounting sections 100 of locking rod 98 to
move
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locking rod 98 upwardly from between tabs 96, as shown in phantom in Fig. 1 I
. The
user then applies an upward force on either or both of table sections 32a,
32b, causing
pivoting movement about hinge pins 94. Hydraulic cylinder assemblies 146a,
146b,
which are spring biased toward an extended position, assist in such movement,
as do
torsion bars 126. With this arrangement, the dual assist provided by hydraulic
cylinder
assemblies 146a, 146b and torsion bars 126, makes it relatively easy to lift
table sections
32a, 32b, to significantly ease the burden on a user in moving table sections
32a, 32b to
the folded, storage position.
As table sections 32a, 32b approach the folded, storage position, angled
end edge 178 of latch member 158 approaches catch rod 164 of catch member 160.
Continued movement of table sections 32a, 32b together results in engagement
of
angled end edge I78 with catch rod 164, such that latch member 158 is pivoted
in a
clockwise direction until catch rod 164 clears hook 174 of latch member I58.
When this
occurs, latch member 158 is moved in a counterclockwise direction under the
influence
1 S of torsion spring 170, to engage catch rod 164 within notch 176. With this
arrangement,
engagement of latch member 158 with catch member 160 functions to retain table
sections 32a, 32b together in the folded, storage position.
When it is desired to subsequently move table sections 32a, 32b to the
unfolded, operative position, the user manipulates end actuator areas 182 of
actuator
member 180, from either side of table assembly 30, so as to rotate latch
member I58
clockwise and to disengage catch rod 164 from notch 176. Once table sections
32a, 32b
are moved slightly apart, the user releases engagement with the end actuator
area I82
and moves table sections 32a, 32b downwardly as described above.
Referring to Figs. 19a-19c, it can be appreciated that any number of
torsion bars 126 may be incorporated into a table assembly. Referring to Fig.
19a, a
table assembly 30' incorporates two torsion bars 126 and associated hub
mounting
arrangements, with each torsion bar 126 being associated with an outer leg
assembly.
Fig. 19a illustrates two torsion bars 126, Fig. 19b illustrates three torsion
bars 126, and
Fig. 19c illustrates four torsion bars 126. Figs. 19a-19c illustrate table
sections 32a, 32b
schematically, and it is understood that more torsion bars 126 are used for
larger table
I4
CA 02455869 2004-02-20
sections 32a, 32b or table sections with fixed seating, and fewer torsion bars
126 are
used with smaller table sections 32a, 32b or table sections without fixed
seating.
When an upper horizontal tubular member, such as 48, 70, does not
include a torsion bar 126, the upper horizontal tubular member is pivotably
mounted
between the apron sections, such as 38a, in the same manner as shown and
described
above, i.e. utilizing hub assemblies such as 114, 116. Torsion bar 126 is
omitted, as are
torsion bar retainer 128 and torsion bar driver 130. In all other respects,
however, the
pivotable mounting of the leg arrangement is the same as shown and described
previously.
Figs. 20 and 21 illustrate a folding sectional table assembly 194 which
includes a pair of table sections 196a, 196b pivotably interconnected together
for
movement between an unfolded, operative position of Fig. 20 and a folded,
storage
position of Fig. 21. Table sections 196a and 196b are generally similar in
construction
to table sections 32a, 32b, respectively, and like reference characters will
be used where
possible to facilitate clarity. Table sections 196a, 196b differ from table
sections 32a,
32b, respectively, in that table sections 196a, 196b have a somewhat different
leg
structure and do not include a seat frame such as 56 and associating seating
components.
Table section 196a includes an outer leg assembly 198a which includes a
central leg member 200a and a lower base member 202a. A caster assembly 84a is
mounted to each of a pair of caster mounting arms 204a, each of which is
secured to an
end of lower base member 202a. The upper end of central leg member 200a is
rigidly
fixed to upper horizontal tubular member 70a, and is pivotable therewith
relative to
apron members 38a.
An inner leg member 206a is mounted to upper horizontal tubular member
48a, and a foot 208a is mounted to the lower end of leg member 206a. Leg
members
200a, 206a are interconnected together via tie bar 110a, and a linkage
arrangement
similar to that illustrated in Fig. 6 is interconnected between the frame
assembly of each
table section and the inner leg member 206 and tie bar 110 of the opposite
table section.
Because table assembly 194 does not include any seating components, the
overall weight of table assembly 194 is significantly less than that of a
table assembly
such as 30. Due to this lesser weight, table assembly 194 does not incorporate
CA 02455869 2004-02-20
pneumatic cylinder assemblies such as 146, since the lesser weight of the
table sections
I96a, 196b has been found to be more easily managed by a user in lowering
table
sections 196a, 196b in lowering and raising table sections 196a, 196b. In all
other
respects, however, construction and operation of table assembly 194 is the
same as
described previously with respect to table assembly 30.
It can thus be appreciated that the folding sectional table assembly of the
present invention incorporates a number of features which enhance operation
and
assembly. The combination of pneumatic cylinders and torsion bars greatly
enhances
operation of heavy table assemblies such as those which include seats, both in
cushioning downward movement of the table sections to the unfolded, operative
position
and in raising of the table sections for movement toward the folded, storage
position.
The torsion bar mounting arrangement is combined with the pivotable leg
mounting, so
as to conceal the torsion bar arrangement and to simplify assembly. In
addition, the
same basic leg mounting arrangement is used for all leg assemblies, and
torsion bars can
be selectively employed in desired ones of the leg assemblies according to the
overall
weight of the table sections. The pneumatic cylinder assemblies act directly
at the hinge
point between the table sections, providing effcient and effective cushioning
and assist
during lowering and raising of the table sections. The latch arrangement
provides a
convenient and reliable mechanism for automatic engagement as the table
sections are
moved toward the folded, storage position, and can be accessed from either
side of the
table for disengaging the latch member when it is desired to lower the table
sections.
Various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as being within
the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly
claiming the
subject matter regarded as the invention.
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