Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TABLE WITH LEAVES
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[001 ] This application claims priority to and benefit of Chinese Patent
Application No. 02293819.2, filed December 25, 2002 and entitled "Folding
Table,"
which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[002] The present invention generally relates to furniture and, in particular,
to a
table with leaves.
Description of Related Art
[003] . Increasingly high functional requirements are being placed on modern
furniture. These functional requirement include ease of assembly, cost of
manufacturing, weight of the furniture for portability purposes, storability,
and
durability.
[004] In many cases, it is desirable to have expandable furniture which can be
made larger depending on the particular use. Thus, tables having leaves have
been
developed. Two type of leaves exist - those which are discrete from the table
and
configured to be placed in the middle of the table, and those which are
hingedly
attached on the outer edge of the table. The latter is often referred to as a
"drop-leaf'
table.
[005] A conventional drop-leaf table is illustrated in Figure 1. The table
includes a table top assembly 1, a first leg assembly 2, a second leg assembly
3, a first
leaf 4, a second leaf 5, first support elements 6, second support elements 7,
first hinge
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elements 8, and second hinge elements 9. The top ends of the first leg
assembly 2 and
the second leg assembly 3 are connected to the table top assembly 1.
[006] The first hinge elements 8 are connected between the edge of the table
top
assembly l and the edge of the first leaf 4. Likewise, the second hinge
elements 9 are
connected between the edge of the table top assembly 1 and the edge of the
second
leaf 5. The first support elements 6 and the second support elements 7 are
pivotally
disposed on the lower surface of the table top assembly 1 at the outer edges
thereof.
[007] When it is desired to open and use the first leaf 4 and the second leaf
S, the
first hinge elements 8 and the second hinge elements 9 are used to open the
first leaf 4
and the second leaf 5, respectively. In addition, the first support elements 5
and the
second support elements 6 are rotated such that they are perpendicular to the
table
edge. The first support elements 6 and the second support elements 7 thus used
to
support the first leaf 4 and the second leaf 5 in the open or use position.
[008] However, the conventional table having leaves as described above has
various disadvantages. First, the hinge and support structure of the leaves 4
and 5 is
not sufficient to bear the load that is often applied to the leaves. When the
leaves 4
and 5 bear stress, all of the stress is converted into shearing stress on the
first support
element 6 or the second support element 7. Thus, the first and second support
elements 6, 7 often become damaged such that they are not able to sufficiently
bear
the loads maintained on the leaves 4, 5, making the table unsafe.
[009] Second, the first hinge elements 8 and the second hinge elements 9 being
connected to the edges of the table top assembly l and the leaves 4, 5 tend to
become
weak and even breakdown after repeated use. This is partly in due to the fact
that the
hinge elements 8, 9 experience stress as the support elements 6, 7 weaken.
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[010] Third, the support element 6, 7 tend to be hinged directly to the bottom
surface of the table top assembly. The connection can thus easily break away
from
the table top.
[Ol l ] Finally, the individual support elements 6, 7 must be manually rotated
by
the user. This can be inconvenient and difficult at times, when working with
small
rotatable parts, and can also cause the user's fingers to be pinched.
[012] Thus, it would be an advantage to provide a table with leaves which
addresses these shortcomings in the art.
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BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[013] The present invention is directed to a table having leaves. According to
one aspect of the invention, a table includes a primary table top having a top
surface
and a bottom surface extending between a first end and a second end; a first
leg
assembly connected to the first end of the table top; a first leaf table top
having a top
surface and a bottom surface extending between an outer edge and an inner
edge,
wherein the inner edge of the first leaf table top is in pivotal relation to
the first end of
the primary table top; and a first leaf support assembly having a first end
pivotably
connected to the first leg assembly and having a second end connected to the
bottom
surface of the first leaf table top, wherein the first leaf table top is
selectively
positionable between a use position and a fully folded position.
[014] A second leaf table top and a second leaf support assembly may be
disposed on the opposing end of the primary table top. It will be appreciated
that the
following aspects described with relation to the first leaf table top will
also be
mirrored in the second leaf table top.
[O15] The table may further include a first hinge connector formed on the
inner
edge of the bottom surface of the first leaf table top. The first hinge
connector
includes a first projecting member and a second projecting member. The first
projecting member and second projecting member are pivotably connected to the
first
leg assembly.
[016] A cross bar may be connected near the outer edge of the bottom surface
of
the first leaf table top. A first retention aperture and a second retention
aperture are
formed on the bottom surface of the first leaf table top, wherein opposing
ends of the
cross bar are disposed in the first retention aperture and second retention
aperture.
The second end of the first leaf support assembly is connected to the cross
bar.
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[017] The first leaf support assembly may further include a support member
having a first end and a second end; a first pivot rod having a first end and
a second
end; and a second pivot rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the
first end
of the first pivot rod and the first end of the second pivot rod are pivotally
connected
to the first end of the support member, the second end of the first pivot rod
and the
second end of the second pivot rod are pivotally connected to the first leg
assembly,
and the second end of the support member is connected to the bottom surface of
the
first leaf table top.
[018] The table assembly may include a first table leg and a second table leg,
wherein the second end of the first pivot rod is pivotally connected to the
first table
leg and the second end of the second pivot rod is pivotally connected to the
second
table leg. The support member may have a U-shaped configuration. At least one
locking member is slidably disposed over the support member.
[019] The table top can be constructed of blow-molded plastic. The first leaf
table top can be constructed of blow-molded plastic.
[020] The table further includes a frame assembly connected to the bottom
surface of the table top, the frame assembly including pair of spaced apart
side rails; a
pair of spaced apart end rails; and a pair of spaced apart cross bars
connected to the
bottom surface of the primary table top.
[021] The first table leg assembly is connected to one end of the pair of
spaced
apart end rails. The first table leg assembly includes a support assembly
configured to
assist the first table leg assembly in being selectively positioned between a
use
position and a folded position. A first connecting block and a second
connecting
block formed on the bottom surface of the primary table top, the first
connecting
block and second connecting block having a pair of grooved configured to
receive the
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pair of spaced apart cross bars. An end of the support assembly is pivotally
connected
to one of the pair of spaced apart cross bars.
[022] The table having leaves according to aspects of the invention thus bears
stress in a rational manner along the entire leaf table top and the
connections to the
primary table top are durable. In addition, the leaves are easily folded and
stored in
relation to the table.
[023] These and other objects and features of the present invention will
become
more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may
be
learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[024] To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the
present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be
rendered by
reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the
appended
drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical
embodiments of
the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.
The
invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and
detail
through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[025] Figure 1 is a lower perspective view of a conventional table with
leaves.
[026] Figure 2 is an upper perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
table having leaves, illustrating the leaves in the extended or use position.
[027J Figure 3 is a perspective drawing of the embodiment of Figure 2 with the
leaves in the folded position.
[028] Figure 4 is a perspective drawing of the underside of the table of
Figure 2,
with the leaves in the use position.
[029] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a table leaf in the use
position.
[030] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a table of the present invention in
the
folded position.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[031] With reference to Figure 2, an exemplary table is illustrated
incorporating
features of the present invention. Notably, the table has a pair of leaves on
opposing
sides thereof, which leaves are selectively positionable to increase the
surface area of
the table top. This type of table is also known as a "drop-leaf' table. In
addition, the
leaves are foldable to reduce the surface area of the table top or and can be
positioned
in a fully folded position for storage.
[032] As shown in Figure 2, the table includes a table top assembly 1, a first
leaf
assembly 2, a second leaf assembly 3, a first leg assembly 4, and a second leg
assembly 5. In addition, as shown in Figure 3, the table also includes a first
leaf
support assembly 6 and a second leaf support assembly 7.
(033] Turning to Figure 3, the table top assembly 1 includes a table top 11
having a top surface, a bottom surface extending between a first end and a
second
end. Preferably, the table top 11 is a blow-molded plastic structure. A first
lip 111 is
formed on the outer edge of one side of table top 11. Similarly, a second lip
112 is
formed on an opposing side of the table top. A plurality of retention members
are
disposed along the length of one side of the table top and spaced apart from
the first
lip 111. The space provided between the lip 111 and retention members is
available
to receive portions of a frame assembly. Similarly, a plurality of retention
members
are disposed along the opposing side of the table top 11 to cooperate with
second lip
112 to hold structures of the frame assembly. In addition, a first connection
block 113
and a second connection block 114 are formed at a central location on the
bottom
surface of the table top 11.
[034] The table top assembly 1 also includes a frame assembly. The frame
assembly includes a first side rail 12, a second side rail 13, a first cross
bar 16, a
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second cross bar 17, a first end rail 14, and a second end rail 15. The first
side rail 12
and the second side rail 13 of the table top assembly 1 are spaced apart and
connected
to the first lip 111 and the second lip 112 of the table top 11, respectively.
The first
cross bar 16 and the second cross bar 17 are spaced apart and have opposing
ends
connected to the first side rail 12 and the second side rail 13. The first
connection
block 113 and the second connection block 114 include grooves configured to
receive
portions of cross bars 16, 17. The first end rail 14 has opposing ends that
are
pivotally coupled with the first side rail 12 and the second side rail 13.
Similarly, the
second end rail 15 is also pivotally coupled with the first side rail 12 and
the second
side rail 13.
[035] With reference now to Figure 4, the first leg assembly 4 and second leg
assembly 5 are connected to the frame assembly. The first leg assembly 4
includes a
first leg 41, a second leg 42, a cross bar 43, a support assembly 44, and a
locking ring
45. The first leg 41 and the second leg 42 are connected to the first end rail
14. The
first cross bar 43 is connected to the first leg 41 and the second leg 42.
[036] The first support assembly 44 includes a first V-shaped support frame
441
and a first connecting rod 442. The bifurcated end of the first V-shaped
support frame
441 is pivotably attached at a first hole 411 of the first leg 41 and at a
second hole 421
of the second leg 42. The converging end of the first V-shaped support frame
441 is
pivotably attached to a first end of the first connecting rod 442. The
opposing end of
the first connecting rod 442 is pivotably attached to first cross bar 16. The
locking
ring 45 fits around the first connecting rod 442.
[037] The structure of the second leg assembly S and the principles of its use
are
the same as for the first leg assembly 4. The second leg assembly S includes a
third
leg 51, a fourth leg 52, a second cross bar 53, a second support assembly 54,
and a
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locking ring 55. The third leg 51 and the fourth leg 52 are connected to the
second
end rail 15. The cross bar 53 is connected to the third leg 51 and the fourth
leg 52.
(038] The support assembly 54 mirrors the structure of support assembly 44.
That is, the bifurcated end of the second V-shaped support frame 541 is
pivotably
attached at a third hole 511 on the third leg 51 and at a fourth hole 521 of
the fourth
leg 52. The converging end is pivotably attached to a first end of the second
connecting rod 542. The second connecting rod 542 is pivotably attached to the
second cross bar 17. The locking ring 55 fits around the second connecting rod
542.
(039] Because the cross bars 16, 17 are connected to side rails 12, 13 and
also
retained by connection block 113, 114, the first and second connecting rods
442, 542
of first and second support assemblies 44, 54 are restricted from axial
movement.
[040] Preferably, the first leg assembly 4 and second leg assembly 5 are
selectively foldable. Thus, when one needs to open the folding table for use,
one only
needs to open the first and second leg assemblies and use the locking rings
45, 55 to
secure the first support assembly 44 and the second support assembly 54.
[041] With reference still to Figure 4, the leaf assemblies 2 and 3 will now
be
described in more detail. First leaf assembly 2 includes a first leaf table
top 21 having
a top surface and a bottom surface. Preferably, the first leaf table top 21 is
a blow-
molded, plastic structure. Figure 5 shows greater detail of leaf assembly 2,
in
particular, which detail is also applicable to leaf assembly 3. The first leaf
table top
21 includes a first retaining aperture 211, a second retaining aperture 212, a
first hinge
connector 213, and a second hinge connector 214. The retaining apertures 21 l,
212
are located on the bottom surface of the first leaf table top 21 while the
hinge
connectors 212, 213 are located on an inner edge of the first leaf table top
21 that is
configured to be placed adjacent the table top 11. The retaining apertures
213, 214
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are located on a side of the first leaf table top 21 opposite the hinge
connectors 212,
213. The first end rail 22 is pivotally coupled to the first retaining
aperture 211 and
the second retaining aperture 212.
[042] A second leaf assembly 3 includes a second leaf table top 31. The
structure and couplings of the second leaf table top 31 are the same as those
of the
first leaf table top 21. That is, the second leaf assembly 3 includes a third
retaining
aperture 311, a fourth retaining aperture 312, a third hinge connector 313,
and a fourth
hinge connector 314. A second cross bar 32 is pivotally coupled to the third
retaining
aperture 311 and the fourth retaining aperture 312.
[043] The first hinge connector 213 has a first projecting member 2131 and a
second projecting member 2132. The second hinge connector 214 has a third
projecting member 2141 and a fourth projecting member 2142. The third hinge
connector 313 has a fifth projecting member 3131 and a sixth projecting member
3132. The fourth hinge connector 314 has a seventh projecting member 3141 and
an
eighth projecting member 3142.
[044) The first projecting member 2131 and the second projecting member 2132
of the first hinge connector 213 are pivotably connected at a first pivot hole
413 of the
first leg 41. As shown in Figure 3, the space between projecting members 2131
and
2132 is configured to receive a portion of first leg 41 when the first hinge
connector
213 is placed a partially or fully folded position. Similarly, the second
hinge
connector 214, the third hinge connector 313, and the fourth hinge connector
314 are
each pivotably connected at a second pivot hole 423 of the second leg 42, a
third pivot
hole 513 of the third leg 51, and a fourth pivot hole 523 of the fourth leg
52,
respectively.
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[045] A first leaf support assembly 6 includes a U-shaped support member 61, a
first pivot bar 62, a second pivot bar 63, a first locking ring 64, and a
second locking
ring 65. The first leaf support assembly 6 also includes a cross bar 22.
[046] The two free ends of the U-shaped support member 61 are connected to
the first cross bar 22. The left and right sides of the other end are
pivotably connected
to a first end of the first pivot bar 62 and a first end of the second pivot
bar 63. The
second ends of the first pivot bar 62 and the second pivot bar 63 are
pivotably
connected to the first pivot hole 412 of the first leg 41 and to the second
pivot hole
422 of the second leg 42. The first locking ring 64 and the second locking
ring 65 fit
around the first pivot bar 62 and the second pivot bar 63, respectively.
[047] The second leaf support assembly 7 is similar in structure to the first
leaf
support assembly 6. The second leaf support assembly 7 includes a U-shaped
support
member 71, a first pivot bar 72, a second pivot bar 73, a first locking ring
74 and a
second locking ring 75, and a cross bar 32. The first pivot bar 72 is
pivotably
connected to the leg 52 of the second leg assembly 5 at pivot hole 512 and the
second
pivot bar 73 is pivotably connected to the leg S 1 at pivot hole 513.
[048] The first leaf support assembly 6 and the first and second legs 41, 42
of the
first leg assembly 4 cooperate to enable first leaf table top 21 to be
selectively
positionable between a use position (Figure 2, 4 and 5), to a partially folded
position
(Figure 3), to a fully folded position (Figure 6). Similarly, the second leaf
support
assembly 7 and second leg assembly 5 cooperate to enable second leaf table top
31 to
be folded.
[049] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described
embodiments are
to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The
scope of
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the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by
the
foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of
equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
