Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02690422 2010-01-18
TITLE: FOLDING TABLE
FIELD
[0001] The disclosure relates to folding tables.
INTRODUCTION
[0002] The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is
prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the
art.
[0003] United States Patent 6,848,370 (Stanford) discloses pivotable
folding utility table that includes a table top having a pair of support
pedestals
pivotally attached thereto. A first pivotal support brace includes a distal
end and a
proximal end attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support
brace includes a distal end and a proximal end attached to the second support
pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces are
pivotally attached to a retaining assembly preferably mounted in relation to
the
table top. Specifically, the retaining assembly includes a cross-brace member
operably disposed through openings formed in the distal ends of the first and
second pivotal support braces, thus providing a pivotal engagement in relation
to
the table top. Alternatively, a second retaining assembly including a cross-
brace
member may be mounted in relation to the table top. The distal end of the
first
pivotal support brace pivotally engages the first retaining member and the
distal
end of the second pivotal support brace pivotally engages the second retaining
member. In addition, the first and second support pedestals may comprise at
least one support leg. Each support leg of the first and second support
pedestals
are laterally offset from each other so as to permit an offset displacement of
the
support legs when the support pedestals are disposed in a collapsed position.
SUMMARY
[0004] The following summary is provided to introduce the reader to the
more detailed discussion to follow. The summary is not intended to limit or
define
the claims.
[0005] According to one aspect, a table top assembly for a folding table is
provided. The table top assembly comprises a first table top portion and a
second table top portion. The first and second table top portions each
comprise
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an upper surface, a lower surface, an inner end, and an opposed outer end. A
first frame is mounted to the lower surface of the first table top portion.
The first
frame comprises a first inner end portion adjacent the inner end of the first
table
top portion. A second frame is mounted to the lower surface of the second
table
top portion. The second frame comprises a second inner end portion adjacent
the inner end of the second table top portion. At least one pivot joint
pivotably
connects the first inner end portion to the second inner end portion about a
pivot
axis. The the table top assembly is reconfigurable between a folded
configuration wherein the lower surfaces are pivoted towards each other about
the pivot axis, and an in-use configuration wherein the lower surfaces are
pivoted
away from each other about the pivot axis and the upper surfaces are generally
co-planar.
[0006] The first frame may extend about the periphery of the lower surface
of the first table top portion, and the second frame may extend about the
periphery of the lower surface of the second table top portion.
[0007] The first and second table top portions may be generally
rectangular, and may each further comprise a left side and an opposed right
side
extending between the inner end and the outer end thereof. The first frame may
comprise a first inner cross bar extending across the lower surface of the
first
table top portion adjacent the inner end of the first table top portion, a
first outer
cross bar extending across the lower surface of the first table top portion
adjacent
the outer end of the first table top portion, a first right side bar extending
along
the lower surface of the first table top portion adjacent the right side of
the first
table top portion, and a first left side bar extending along the lower surface
of the
first table top portion adjacent the left side of the first table top portion.
The first
inner cross bar and first outer cross bar may each extend between and be
mounted to the first right side bar and first left side bar. Similarly, the
second
frame may comprise a second inner cross bar extending across the lower surface
of the second table top portion adjacent the inner end of the second table top
portion, a second outer cross bar extending across the lower surface of the
second table top portion adjacent the outer end of the second table top
portion, a
second right side bar extending along the lower surface of the second table
top
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portion adjacent the right side of the second table top portion, and a second
left
side bar extending along the lower surface of the second table top portion
adjacent the left side of the second table top portion. The second inner cross
bar
and second outer cross bar may each extend between and be mounted to the
second right side bar and second left side bar.
[0008] The first right side bar and first left side bar may each comprise a
first end portion at the first inner end portion of the first frame, and the
second
right side bar and second left side bar may each comprise a second end portion
at the second inner end portion of the second frame. The at least one pivot
joint
may comprise a first pivot joint mounted to and between the first end portion
of
the first right side bar and the second end portion of the second right side
bar.
The at least one pivot joint may further comprise a second pivot joint mounted
to
and between the first end portion of the first left side bar and the second
end
portion of the second left side bar.
[0009] The first and second pivot joints each comprise a first bracket
secured to one of the first end portion of the first left side bar and the
first end
portion of the first right side bar, a second bracket secured to one of the
second
end portion of the second left side bar and the second end portion of the
second
right side bar, and a pivot pin inserted through the first bracket and the
second
bracket.
[0010] The table top assembly may further comprise a locking assembly
for securing the table top assembly in the in-use configuration. The locking
assembly may comprise a first inner cross bar extending across the lower
surface of the first table top portion adjacent the inner end of the first
table top
portion. The first inner cross bar may comprise a first aperture defined
transversely therethrough. The locking assembly may further comprise a second
inner cross bar extending across the lower surface of the second table top
portion adjacent the inner end of the second table top portion. The second
inner
cross bar may comprise a second aperture defined transversely therethrough
and co-linear with the first aperture when the table top assembly is in the in-
use
configuration. The locking assembly may further comprise a pin having an
insertion portion and a locking portion. The insertion portion may be
insertable
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into the first aperture and the second aperture to prevent pivoting of the
lower
surfaces towards each other. A clip may be mounted to one of the first table
top
portion and the second table top portion. The locking portion may be removably
securable to the clip when the insertion portion is inserted into the first
aperture
and the second aperture to maintain the insertion portion in the first
aperture and
the second aperture.
[0011] According to another aspect, a table top assembly for a folding
table is provided. The table top assembly comprises a first table top portion
and
a second table top portion. The first and second table top portions each
comprise an upper surface, a lower surface, an inner end, and an opposed outer
end. The inner ends are positioned adjacent each other, and the first and
second
table top portions are pivotably connected together about a pivot axis such
that
the table top assembly is reconfigurable between a folded configuration
whereein
the lower surfaces are pivoted towards each other about the pivot axis, and an
in-
use configuration wherein the lower surfaces are pivoted away from each other
and the upper surfaces are generally co-planar. The table top assembly further
comprises a locking assembly for securing the table top assembly in the in-use
configuration. The locking assembly comprises a first bar mounted to and
extending across the lower surface of the first table top portion adjacent the
inner
end of the first table top portion. The first bar comprises a first aperture
defined
transversely therethrough. A second bar is mounted to and extends across the
lower surface of the second table top portion adjacent the inner end of the
second table top portion. The second bar comprises a second aperture defined
transversely therethrough and co-linear with the first aperture when the table
top
assembly is in the in-use configuration. The locking assembly further
comprises
a pin having an insertion portion and a locking portion. The insertion portion
is
insertable into the first aperture and the second aperture to prevent pivoting
of
the lower surfaces towards each other. A clip is mounted to one of the first
table
top portion and the second table top portion. The locking portion is removably
securable to the clip when the insertion portion is inserted into the first
aperture
and the second aperture to maintain the insertion portion in the first
aperture and
the second aperture.
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[0012] The insertion portion may be securable to the clip to store the pin
when the table top assembly is in the folded configuration.
[0013] The clip may be mounted to or integral with one of the first bar and
second bar.
[0014] The table top assembly may further comprise a first frame mounted
to the lower surface of the first table top portion. The first bar may be a
part of
the first frame. The table top assembly may further comprise a second frame
mounted to the lower surface of the second table top portion. The second bar
may be a part of the second frame.
[0015] The insertion portion and locking portion may form an L-shape.
[0016] The locking portion may be snapably securable to the clip.
DRAWINGS
[0017] Reference is made in the detailed description to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective illustration of a folding table including a
table top assembly, wherein the table top assembly and legs are in an in-use
configuration;
[0019] Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the folding table of Figure 1,
wherein the table top assembly is in the in-use configuration, and the legs
are in
a folded configuration;
[0020] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the region shown in Box 3 in Figure
2, showing the table top assembly in the in-use configuration, and unlocked;
and
[0021] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the region shown in Box 3 in Figure
2, showing the table top assembly in the in-use configuration, and locked.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Various apparatuses or methods will be described below to provide
an example of each claimed invention. No example described below limits any
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claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or
apparatuses that are not described below. The claimed inventions are not
limited
to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or
process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the
apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process
described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Applicant
reserves the right to claim such apparatuses or processes in other
applications.
[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an example of a folding table 100 is shown.
The folding table 100 comprises a table top assembly 102, which is supported
by
first 104 and second 106 leg assemblies. As will be described in further
detail
hereinbelow, the folding table 100 is reconfigurable between an in-use
configuration, shown in Figure 1, and a folded configuration (not shown).
Particularly, the table top assembly 102 of the folding table 100 is
reconfigurable
between an in-use configuration, shown in Figures 1 and 2, and a folded
configuration (not shown), and the leg assemblies 104, 106 are reconfigurable
between an in-use configuration, shown in Figure 1, and a folded
configuration,
shown in Figure 2.
[0024] Referring to Figure 2, the table top assembly comprises a first table
top portion 108 and a second table top portion 110. The first 108 and second
110
table top portions are fabricated by blow molding, as is known in the art. The
first
108 and second 110 table top portions each comprise an upper surface 112, 114,
respectively, (shown in Figure 1), and an opposed lower surface 116, 118,
respectively, spaced from the upper surfaces 112, 114.
[0025] Referring still to Figure 2, in the example shown, the first 108 and
second 110 table top portions are generally rectangular, and each comprise an
inner end 120, 122, respectively, and an opposed outer end 124, 126,
respectively. The first and second table top portions each further comprise a
right side 128, 130, respectively, and an opposed left side 132, 134,
respectively,
extending between the respective inner ends 120, 122, and outer ends 124, 126.
The first 108 and second 110 table top portions are mounted together such that
the inner ends 120, 122 are adjacent each other. When the table top assembly
102 is in the in-use configuration, shown in Figures 1 and 2, the inner ends
120,
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122, of the first 108 and second 110 table top portions are positioned
adjacent
and facing each other, so that the upper surfaces 112, 124 are generally
coplanar, and the first 108 and second 110 table top portions form a table
top.
When the table top assembly 102 is in the folded configuration (not shown),
the
lower surfaces 116, 118 are pivoted towards each other, such that the lower
surfaces 116, 118 are in facing relation, the outer ends 124, 126 are adjacent
each other.
[0026] The terms "left" and "right" are used herein for simplicity with
reference to the drawings, and in alternate examples the left side and right
side
may also be referred to as a first side and a second side. Further, in
alternate
examples, the first 108 and second 110 table top portions may be any other
suitable shape, such as square, or semi-circular, for example, and may not
necessarily include sides that are distinct from the ends.
[0027] Referring still to Figure 2, the lower surfaces 116, 118 may
comprise one or more contoured features. In the example shown, the lower
surfaces comprise a plurality of depressions 136 for providing increased
strength
to the table top. Further, the lower surfaces each comprise a raised
periphery,
138, 140, respectively, extending along the left sides 132, 134 and right
sides
128, 130, and along the outer ends 124, 126. The raised peripheries 138, 140
each have a pair of beveled portions 143, 145 (shown in Figures 3 and 4),
respectively, at the inner ends 120, 122 of the table top portions 108, 110,
for
accommodating folding of the table top assembly 102. In alternate examples,
the
lower surfaces 116, 118 may comprise additional contoured features, such as
ribs, or may not comprise any contoured features.
[0028] Referring still to Figure 2, the table top assembly further comprises
a first frame 142 mounted to the lower surface 116 of the first table top
portion
108, and a second frame 144 mounted to the lower surface 118 of the second
table top portion 110. The first 142 and second 144 frames provide support to
the first 108 and second table top 110 portions, respectively. The first 142
and
second 144 frames may be mounted to the first 108 and second 110 table top
portions, respectively, in any suitable manner, such as with one or more
fasteners.
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[0029] In the example shown, the first 142 and second 144 frames are
each generally rectangular, and extend about the periphery of the first 108
and
second 110 table top portions, respectively. Specifically, the first frame 142
comprises a first inner cross bar 146 and a first outer cross bar 148. The
first
inner cross bar 146 extends across the lower surface 116 of the first table
top
portion 108 adjacent the inner end 120 of the first table top portion 108, and
the
first outer cross bar 148 extends across the lower surface 116 of the first
table
top portion 108 adjacent the outer end 124 of the first table top portion 108.
The
first frame further comprises a first right side bar 150 and a first left side
bar 152.
The first right side bar 150 extends along the lower surface 116 of the first
table
top portion 108 adjacent the right side 128 of the first table top portion
108, and
the first left side bar 152 extends along the lower surface 116 of the first
table top
portion 108 adjacent the left side 132 of the first table top portion 132. The
first
inner cross bar 146 and first outer cross bar 148 each extend between and are
mounted to the first right side bar 150 and first left side bar 152.
[0030] Similarly, the second frame 144 comprises a second inner cross
bar 154 and a second outer cross bar 156. The second inner cross bar 154
extends across the lower surface 120 of the second table top portion 110
adjacent the inner end 122 of the second table top portion 110, and the second
outer cross bar 156 extends across the lower surface 120 of the second table
top
portion 110 adjacent the outer end 126 of the second table top portion 110.
The
second frame 144 further comprises a second right side bar 158 and a second
left side bar 160. The second right side bar 158 extends along the lower
surface
118 of the second table top portion 110 adjacent the right side 130 of the
second
table top portion 110, and the second left side bar 160 extends along the
lower
surface of the second table top portion 110 adjacent the left side 134 of the
second table top portion 110. The second inner cross bar 154 and second outer
cross bar 156 each extend between and are mounted to the second right side bar
158 and second left side bar 160.
[0031] The cross bars and side bars may be mounted together in any
suitable manner. In the example shown, the first inner cross bar 146 is welded
to
the first left side bar 152 and the first right side bar 150, and the second
inner
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cross bar 154 is welded to the second left side bar 160 and second right side
bar
158. Further, as will be described in further detail hereinbelow, the first
outer
cross bar 148 is rotatably mounted between the first left side bar 152 and
first
right side bar 150 so that the first outer cross bar 148 may be rotated about
its
longitudinal axis to move the first leg assembly 104 between its folded
configuration and its in-use configuration. Similarly, the second outer cross
bar
156 is rotatably mounted between the second left side bar 160 and second right
side bar 158 so that the second outer cross bar 156 may be rotated about its
longitudinal axis to move the second leg assembly 106 between its folded
configuration and its in-use configuration.
[0032] As mentioned hereinabove, the leg assemblies 104, 106 are
reconfigurable between an in-use configuration, shown in Figure 1, and a
folded
configuration, shown in Figure 2. When the leg assemblies 104, 106 are in the
in-use configuration, they extend generally transversely from the lower
surfaces
116, 118, respectively to support the table top assembly. When the leg
assemblies 104, 106 are in the folded configuration, they extend generally
parallel to the lower surfaces 116, 118.
[0033] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, each leg assembly 104, 106
comprises a pair of legs 162, 164, respectively, extending from the first 148,
and
second 156 outer cross bars, respectively. The pairs of legs 162, 164 may be,
for example, welded to the first 148 and second 156 outer cross bars,
respectively. Each leg assembly 104, 106 further comprises a supporting strut
166, 168, respectively. The supporting strut 166 of the first leg assembly 104
has
an inner end portion 170 mounted to the lower surface 116 of the first table
top
portion 108 adjacent the inner end 120 of the first table top portion 108, and
a
forked outer end portion 172 mounted to the pair of legs 162 of the first leg
assembly 104. The supporting strut 168 of the second leg assembly 106 has an
inner end portion 174 mounted to the lower surface 118 of the second table top
portion 110 adjacent the inner end 122 of the second table top portion 110,
and a
forked outer end portion 176 mounted to the pair of legs 164 of the second leg
assembly 106. The forked outer end portions 172, 176 are pivotably mounted to
the respective inner end portions 170, 174.
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[0034] In order to move the leg assemblies 104, 106 between the in-use
configuration and the folded configuration, the first 148 and second 156 outer
cross bars may be rotated about their longitudinal axes to move the leg
assemblies 104 106 between their folded configuration and their in-use
configuration. Specifically, to move the leg assemblies 104, 106 from the in-
use
configuration to the folded configuration, the first 162 and second 164 pairs
of
legs may be pivoted inwardly towards the lower surfaces 116, 118 of the first
108
and second 110 table top portions, respectively. Simultaneously, the forked
outer end portions 172, 176 of the struts 166, 168 may be folded towards
inwardly towards the respective inner end portions 170, 174 of the struts.
[0035] When the leg assemblies 104, 106, are in the folded configuration,
the table top assembly 102 may be reconfigured between the in-use
configuration, shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the folded configuration (not
shown). Referring to Figure 2, in order to reconfigure the table top assembly
102, at least one pivot joint is provided. In the example shown, first 178 and
second 180 pivot joints are provided. The pivot joints 178, 180 pivotably
connect
the first frame 142 to the second frame 144. Specifically, the first frame 142
has
a first inner end portion 182 adjacent the inner end 120 of the first table
top
portion 108, and the second frame 144 has a second inner end portion 184
adjacent the inner end 122 of the second table top portion 110. The pivot
joints
178, 180 pivotably connect the first inner end portion 182 to the second inner
end
portion 184 about a pivot axis 186, which is generally horizontal when the
table
100 is in use. In the folded configuration, the lower surfaces 116, 118 are
pivoted
towards each other about the pivot axis 186, and in the in-use configuration,
the
lower surfaces 116, 118 are pivoted away from each other about the pivot axis
186 and the upper surfaces 112, 114 are generally co-planar.
[0036] Referring to Figure 3, the pivot joints 178, 180 may be connected to
any section of the inner end portions 182, 184 of the first and second frames
142,
144. In the example shown, the first right side bar 150 and first left side
bar 152
each comprise a first end portion 188, 190 (shown in Figure 2), respectively,
at
the first inner end portion 182 of the first frame 142. The first end portions
188,
190, each extend proud of the first inner cross bar 146. Similarly, the second
CA 02690422 2010-01-18
right side bar 158 and second left side bar 160 each comprise a second end
portion 192, 194 (shown in Figure 2) at the second inner end portion 184 of
the
second frame 144. The second end portions 192, 194 each extend proud of the
second inner cross bar 154. The first pivot joint 178 is mounted to and
between
the first end portion 188 of the first right side bar 150 and the second end
portion
192 of the second right side bar 158. The second pivot joint 180 is mounted to
and between the first end portion 190 of the first left side bar 152 and the
second
end portion 194 of the second left side bar 152.
[0037] In alternate examples, the pivot joints 180, 182 may be connected
elsewhere to the inner end portions 182, 184 of the frames 142, 144, such as
the
first inner cross bar 146 and the second inner cross bar 154.
[0038] Referring still to Figure 3, in the example shown, the first pivot
joint
178 comprises a first bracket 196 secured to the first end portion 188 of the
first
right side bar 150, and a second bracket 198 secured to the second end portion
192 of the second right side bar 158. The first bracket 196 comprises first
200
and second 202 links, which are welded to the first end portion 188 of the
first
right side bar 150, and which extend towards the second bracket 198. The
second bracket 198 comprises first 204 and second links 206, which are welded
to the second end portion 192 of the second right side bar 158, and which
extend
towards the first bracket 196. The links 200, 202 of the first bracket 196are
received within a space defined by the links 204, 206 of the second bracket
198.
A pivot pin 208 is inserted through the links 200-206, generally perpendicular
to
the first 150 and second 158 right side bars, and defines the pivot axis 186.
The
second pivot joint 180 is configured similarly to the first pivot joint 178,
and will
not be separately described in detail herein. The first 108 and second 110
table
top portions are pivotable about the pivot pins to reconfigure the table top
assembly 102 between the folded configuration and the in use configuration.
[0039] Referring still to Figure 3 and also to Figure 4, the table top
assembly 102 further comprises a locking assembly 210, for securing the table
top assembly 102 in the in-use configuration. The locking assembly 210
comprises a first bar 212 mounted to and extending across the lower surface
116
of the first table top portion 108 adjacent the inner end 120 of the first
table top
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portion 108, and a second bar 214 mounted to and extending across the lower
surface 118 of the second table top portion 110 adjacent the inner end 122 of
the
second table top portion 110. In the example shown, the first inner cross bar
146
is the first bar 212, and the second inner cross bar 154 is the second bar
214.
However, in alternate examples, the first bar 212 and second bar 214 may be
separate from the first inner cross bar 146 and second inner cross bar 154.
[0040] Referring still to Figures 3 and 4, the first bar 212 comprises a first
aperture 216 defined transversely therethrough, and the second bar 214
comprises a second aperture 218 defined transversely therethrough. The
second aperture 218 is aligned with the first aperture 216 and is co-linear
with the
first aperture 216 when the table top assembly 102 is in the in-use
configuration.
[0041] Referring still to Figures 3 and 4, the locking assembly 210 further
comprises a pin 220. The pin comprises an insertion portion 222, and a locking
portion 224. In the example shown, the locking portion 224 extends generally
perpendicular to the insertion portion 222, so that the pin 220 is generally L-
shaped. Referring to Figure 4, the insertion portion 222 is insertable into
the first
aperture 216 and second aperture 218 to prevent pivoting of the lower surfaces
116,118 towards each other.
[0042] Referring still to Figures 3 and 4, the locking assembly 210 further
comprises a clip 226, which may be mounted to one of the first table top
portion
108 and the second table top portion 110. The locking portion 224 is removably
securable to the clip 226 when the insertion portion 222 is inserted into the
first
aperture 216 and the second aperture 218, to maintain the insertion portion
222
in the first aperture 216 and the second aperture 218. In the example shown,
the
clip 226 is mounted to the first table top portion 108 via the first inner
cross bar
146. Specifically, in the example shown, the clip 226 is integral with the
first
inner cross bar 146. The clip 226 comprises a generally U-shaped member,
having first 228 and second 230 opposed walls and a recess defined
therebetween. The locking portion 224 is snapably receivable in the recess.
[0043] In alternate examples, the clip 226 may be of another configuration,
and may not be integral with the first inner cross bar 146. For example, the
clip
226 may be mounted to one of the first lower surface 116 and the second lower
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surface 118, or may be separately formed from and mounted to one of the first
inner cross bar 146 and second inner cross bar 154.
[0044] Referring back to Figure 4, in order to unlock the table top
assembly 102 from the in-use configuration, the insertion portion 222 of the
pin
220 may be removed from the first 216 and second 218 apertures. The insertion
portion 222 may be secured to the clip 226 to store the pin 220 when the table
top assembly 102 is in the folded configuration.
[0045] It will be appreciated that in Figure 2, the locking assembly has
been omitted for simplicity. Further, in Figure 3, the contours of the lower
surface
of the table top, as well as the leg assemblies, have been omitted for
simplicity.
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