Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FOLDING TABLE
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0011 This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. Patent
Application
Serial No. 09/478,607 filed January 6, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0021 The present invention relates generally to folding tables. More
specifically, the
present invention concerns a portable, foldable table that is made of
lightweight material,
is sturdy and can be folded into a compact unit for easy carrying and storage.
2. Description of the Background of the Invention
10031 Some conventional folding tables comprise twin table top portions each
having a
surface and limb members which are pivotably connected to a supporting frame.
The
frame has two pairs of legs that are pivotably connected such that the two
pair of legs can
be transformed from an opened position, where the legs form a crisscross
pattern and the
twin table top portions form the flat surface, to a closed position, where the
legs are
collapsed into a vertical position and the twin table top portions are also
collapsed such
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that they are separated and substantially parallel to one another. Certain
forms of this
type of folding table have the disadvantage of being unstable and prone to
being
overturned because of frail connections between the limbs and the legs. For
instance,
when the table is bumped by a person walking past the table or getting up from
being
seated at the table, the limbs can be easily disconnected from the legs.
[0041 Another disadvantage of this type of folding table is that the table top
section is
usually a relatively small table top surface that can only support light items
placed on the
table. Generally, no support is provided across the span of the table top
surface to
prevent it from flexing or turning over if a heavy item is placed at the edge
of the table
top surface.
[0051 Accordingly, the need exists for a foldable, portable table having a
table top
surface that is strong enough to support a variety of sized items without
resulting in the
table top flexing or the table turning over.
[0061 There is also a need for a foldable, portable table having sturdy
pivotable
connections between the table top portions and the legs which provide for the
table not
being inadvertently collapsed when the table is bumped or when a heavy item is
placed
thereon.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0071 One embodiment of the present invention provides a folding table having
a
base member and first and second table top portions. The table may include at
least two
first arm members, each having a first end and a second end. Each of the first
arm
members is connected to and extends from the first table top portion at the
first end, and
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is pivotably connected to the base member at the second end. The table may
also include
at least two second arm members, each having a first end and a second end.
Each of the
second arm members is connected to and extends from the second table top
portion at the
first end, and is pivotably connected to the base member at the second end. In
one
embodiment the table may include a first rod member that is connected to and
extends
between the first arm members, and a first rib attached to at least one of
first and second
table top portions. The first rib is sized to engage the first rod member when
the table is
in its assembled position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0081 For the present invention to be readily understood and practiced,
several
embodiments of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the
following
figures wherein:
[0091 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a folding table of the present invention
in the
fully assembled position;
[00101 FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the folding table shown in FIG. 1;
[00111 FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the folding table shown in FIG. 1;
[00121 FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the folding table shown in FIG. l;
[00131 FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a first table top portion of the
folding
table of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, which includes a handle
portion;
[00141 FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a second table top portion of
the
folding table of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;
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[0015) FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the folding table of the present
invention
shown in FIG. I with a cut-away portion of the table illustrating the handle
portion;
[0016) FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the folding table shown in FIG. 7 taken
along
line 8-8;
[0017) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pair of outer legs of the folding
table of the
present invention shown in FIG. 1;
[0018) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pair of inner legs of the folding
table of the
present invention shown in FIG. 1;
[0019) FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a pivotable connection between the arm
members of the table top portions and the legs of the base member of the
folding table of
the present invention;
[0020) FIG. 12a is an exploded view of another embodiment of a pivotable
connection between the arm members of the table top portions and the legs of
the base
member of the folding table of the present invention;
[0021) FIG. 12b is a portion of the side plan view of the lug of the arm
members
shown in FIG. 12a;
[0022) FIG. 12c is a portion of the top plan view of the lug of the arm
members
shown in FIG. 12a;
[0023) FIG. 12d is a portion of the top plan view of another embodiment of the
lug of
the arm members of the present invention;
[0024) FIG. 13a is an enlarged view of a boss of the pivotable connection
between the
pair of inner legs and the pair of outer legs of the folding table of the
present invention
shown in FIG. 1;
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[0025) FIG. 13b is a sectional view of another embodiment of the pivotable
connection between the pair of inner legs and the pair of outer legs of the
folding table of
the present invention;
100261 FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a projection and receptacle connector of
the
folding table of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;
[0027) FIG. 15 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the projection
of the
folding table of the present invention;
[0028) FIG. 16 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the projection
of the
folding table of the present invention;
[0029) FIG. 17 is an elevational view of yet another embodiment of the
projection of
the folding table of the present invention;
[0030) FIG. 18a is a sectional view of another embodiment of a projection and
receptacle connector of the folding table of the present invention;
[0031) FIG. 18b is yet another embodiment of a projection and receptacle
connector
of the folding table of the present invention;
[0032) FIG. 19 is a partial side view of the folding table of the present
invention
shown in FIG.1 in the fully collapsed position;
[0033) FIG. 20 is a front view of the folding table of the present invention
shown in
FIG. I in the fully collapsed position;
[0034) FIG. 21 is side view of the folding table of the present invention show
in FIG.
I in the partially collapsed position;
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[00351 FIG. 22 is a partial side view of the folding table of the present
invention
shown in FIG. I in the partially collapsed position, wherein the projection
and receptacle
connectors are shown in hidden lines;
(00361 FIG. 23 is another embodiment of the folding table of the present
invention
having an additional slat member;
100371 FIG. 24 is a side plan view of another embodiment of the folding table
of the
present invention having a retractable brace with a living hinge, wherein the
retractable
brace is in the extended position;
[00381 FIG. 25a is an enlarged view of the retractable brace shown in FIG. 24
in the
extended position;
[00391 FIG. 25b is an enlarged view of the retractable brace shown in FIG. 24
in the
collapsed position;
100401 FIG 25c is an enlarged view of a portion of another embodiment of the
folding
table of the present invention having a retractable and detachable brace in
the collapsed
position;
[00411 FIG 25d is an enlarged view of a portion of the folding table of the
present
invention shown in FIG. 25c, wherein the brace is in the extended position;
100421 FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the folding
table of
the present invention having another type of retractable brace;
100431 FIG. 27a is a side plan view of the folding table shown in FIG. 26; and
100441 FIG. 27b is an enlarged view of the retractable brace of the folding
table of the
present invention shown in FIG. 26, wherein the retractable brace is in the
partially
contracted position;
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100451 FIG 28 is a partial cut-away side view of another embodiment of the
folding
table of the present invention in the fully assembled position;
[0046] FIG 29 is a partially cut-away side view of the folding table shown in
FIG. 28,
wherein the table is in the partially collapsed position;
[00471 FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the table of
the
present invention, shown in a partially assembled position;
10048] FIG. 31 is a bottom perspective view of the table of FIG. 30, shown in
an
assembled position;
[00491 FIG. 32 s a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the table of
the
present invention, shown in a partially assembled position;
[00501 FIG. 33 is a bottom perspective view of the table of FIG. 32, shown in
an
assembled position;
[00511 FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the table of
the
present invention, shown in a partially assembled position;
10052] FIG. 35 is a bottom perspective view of the table of FIG. 34, shown in
an
assembled position;
10053] FIG. 36 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the table of
the
present invention, shown in a partially assembled position;
[0054] FIG. 37 is a bottom perspective view of the table of FIG. 36, shown in
an
assembled position;
10055] FIG. 38 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the table of
the
present invention, shown in a partially assembled position; and
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[0056] FIG. 39 is a bottom perspective view of the table of FIG. 37, shown in
an
assembled position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00571 The present invention will be described below in terms of a foldable
table. It
should be noted that describing the present invention in terms of a foldable
table is for
illustrative purposes only and the advantages of the present invention may be
realized
using other structures and technologies. The same reference numerals are used
for similar
structure throughout this Detailed Description of the Invention.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. I through 4, FIG. I is a perspective view of the
folding
table 10 of the present invention in the fully assembled position; FIG. 2 is a
top plan view
of the folding table 10; FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the folding table 10
also in the fully
assembled position; and FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the folding table 10 in
the fully
assembled position. The folding table 10 of the present invention
substantially comprises
a table top 12 and a base member 14. The table top 12 substantially comprises
a first
table top portion 16 and a second table top portion 18 that together form a
substantially
continuous table top surface 20 having a plurality of slat members 22, all of
which are
shown in greater detail in FIGS. 5 through 8. The base member 14 substantially
comprises a pair of inner legs 24 connected by a first brace member 26 and a
pair of outer
legs 28 connected by a second brace member 30, all of which are shown in
greater detail
in FIGS. 9 and 10. The folding table 10 can be made of plastic material such
as resin,
wood or metal. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art that the
folding table 10 of the present invention can be made of several other
materials.
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Furthermore, although the table top 12 is substantially oblong shaped, it may
be many
sizes and shapes which will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[00591 FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the first table top portion 16
of the
folding table 10 of the present invention including a handle portion 32 and
fins 106,
which are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 7 and 8. The first table top
portion 16 includes
a first table top portion half section 34, two arm members 36, and the handle
portion 32.
The first table top portion half section 34 substantially forms a first
section of the table
top 12 and includes ribs 38 that extend along the underside thereof, wherein
the ribs 38
strengthen the table top 12. Each of the two arm members 36 have a first end
40 and a
second end 42, wherein the first ends 40 are connected to the first table top
portion 16
such that the arm members 36 extend from the first table top portion 16. The
two arm
members 36 are spaced apart from one another and are substantially parallel to
one
another. Each of the arm members 36 also include one receptacle 39, which is
described
in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 14 through 18. A first pair of
projections 37
and a second pair of projections 137 extend from the underside of the first
table top
portion 16. The first pair of projections 37 and the second pair of
projections 137 are
described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 14 through 18 below. The
handle
portion 32 is a formed rod member that is fixedly connected to the arm members
36 such
that the handle portion 32 is substantially perpendicular to the two arm
members 36. The
handle portion 32 has fins 106 connected thereto. The handle portion 32 is
illustrated in
greater detail in FIGS. 7 and 8. The arm members 36 also have pivotable
connectors 44,
shown in greater detail in FIG. 11, positioned on the exterior surface of the
arm members
36 such that the pivotable connectors 44 extend away from one another.
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[00601 FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the second table top portion 18
of the
folding table 10 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1. The second table
top portion
18 includes a second table top portion half section 46 and two aim members 48.
The
second table top portion half section 18 substantially forms a second section
of the table
top 12 and includes ribs 50 that extend along the underside of the second
table top portion
half section 46, wherein the ribs 50 strengthen the table top 12. The ribs 50
are sized and
proportioned in order that the ribs will engage the handle portion 32 when the
folding
table 10 is in the fully assembled position, as described in greater detail in
connection
with FIGS. 7 and 30-35. Each of the two arm members 48 have a first end 52 and
a
second end 54, wherein the first ends 52 are connected to the second table top
portion 18
such that the arm members 48 extend from the second table top portion 18. Each
of the
arm members 48 also includes one receptacle 49, as described in greater detail
in
connection with FIGS. 14 through 18 below. A first pair of projections 47 and
a second
pair of projections 147 extend from the underside of the second table top
portion 18. The
first pair of projections 47 and the second pair of projections 147 are
described below in
greater detail in connection with FIGS. 14 through 18. The two arm members 48
are
spaced apart from one another and are substantially parallel to one another.
It should be
noted that the arm members 48 are spaced a distance different than the
distance that the
arm members 36 are spaced from one another such that the pairs of arm members
36 and
48 can form a scissors pattern and can lie in the same horizontal plane when
the folding
table 10 is in the fully assembled position (FIGS. 3 and 4) and can lie in the
same vertical
plane when the folding table 10 is in the fully collapsed position (FIGS. 19
and 20). The
arm members 48 also have pivotable connectors 56, which are the same as
pivotable
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connectors 44, which will be described in greater detail in connection with
FIG. 11. The
pivotable connectors 56 are positioned on the interior of the arm members 48
such that
the pivotable connectors 56 extend toward one another.
[00611 FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the folding table 10 with part of
the table
eliminated such that the handle portion 32 and the fin 106 can be clearly
illustrated.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the folding table 10 shown in FIG. 7 taken along
line 8-8.
As noted above, the handle portion 32 extends between the arm members 36 of
the first
table top portion 16. The handle portion 32 may be a rod member having a
waffle shaped
cross-section (FIG. 8); however, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill
in the art that
many other configurations may be employed. The waffle configuration has a
plurality of
longitudinal inlets 108 in the surface of the handle portion 32. Fins or pins
106 may
extend radially from and be connected to the handle portion 32. The fins 106
may engage
the underside of the table top 12 when the table 10 is in the fully assembled
position such
that they support the table top 12 and prevent the table top from flexing when
several
items are placed on the table top 12 by the user. Alternatively, although not
illustrated,
the fins 106 may he connected to the underside of the table top 12 such that
when the
table 10 is in the fully assembled position, the fins 106 may engage and rest
upon the
handle portion 32. Yet another alternative that is not illustrated but may be
employed is
the handle portion 32 being offset such that when the table 10 is in the fully
assembled
position, the underside of the table top 12 will directly rest on the handle
portion 32. It
should be understood that the fins 106 may take many other forms. Additional
alternative
embodiments are described in connection with FIGS. 30-35.
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[00621 FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pair of the outer legs 28 of the
folding table
of the present invention shown in FIG. 1. The outer pair of legs 28 of the
folding table
10 substantially comprises legs 28 each having a first end 58, a second end
60, an
intermediate portion 68, and a second brace member 30 connecting the two legs
28. Each
of the legs 28 define a recess 72 at the intermediate portion 68 thereof which
opens
toward the inner portion of the legs 28 such that the recesses 72 face each
other. Each of
the legs 28 also define a receptacle 139 at the first end portion 58 and a
ledge member 69
or buttress at the intermediate portion 68.
[00631 FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pair of inner legs 24 of the
folding table
10 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1. The pair of inner legs 24 of the
folding table
10 substantially comprise legs 24 having a first end 62, a second end 64, an
intermediate
portion 70, and a first brace member 26 connecting the two legs 24. Each of
the legs 24
define a boss 74 at the intermediate portion 70 thereof, wherein the bosses 74
are on the
outer portion of the legs 24 and extend away from one another. Each of the
legs 24 also
define a receptacle 139 at the first end portion 62 and a ledge member 69 at
the
intermediate portion 70. The second ends 42 and 54 of the arm members 36 and
48
(FIGS. 5 and 6) are pivotably connected to the first ends 58 and 62 of the
legs 28 and 24
by the pivotable connectors 44 and 56, respectively. This pivotable connection
is
described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 11, 12a, 12b, 12c and
12d. The inner
pair of legs 24 are pivotably connected to the outer pair of legs 28 at their
intermediate
portions 70 and 68, respectively, by the bosses 74 which are pivotably
received within the
recesses 72. This pivotable connection is described in greater detail in
connection with
FIG. 13. Although the first and second brace members 26 and 30 are curved, the
first and
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second brace members 26 and 30 may take many shapes and sizes. For example,
the
brace members 26 and 30 can be linear members that connect to the legs 24 and
28 and
form a right angle therewith.
100641 FIG. 11 is an exploded view of pivotable connectors 44 and 56 which
connect
the arm members 36 and 48 and the inner and outer pairs of legs 24 and 28 of
the base
member 14 of the folding table 10 of the present invention. The pivotable
connectors 44
and 56 each comprise a lug 76 connected to the arm members second ends 42 and
54, and
an aperture 78 defined by the first ends 58 and 62 of the legs 24 and 28
thereof. The lugs
76 each have a plurality of protuberances 80 along the periphery thereof. The
aperture 78
has two slots 82 in alignment with one another to form one of a plurality of
channels 83
positioned around the periphery of the operative 78. The aperture 78 is sized
and
proportioned such that the lug 78 can be received within the aperture 78 when
the
protuberances 80 are aligned with the channels 83, but at no other time.
Accordingly,
when the protuberances 80 are aligned with the channels 83, the lug 76 is able
to enter the
aperture 78. The protuberances 80 must remain in alignment with the channels
83 until
the protuberances 80 completely pass through the channels 83, at which time
the arms 36
and 48 can rotate relative to the legs 24 and 28 and be locked into the fully
assembled
position (FIGS. 1 through 4). Although not illustrated, the present invention
may also
comprise lug members 76 having two diametrically opposed protuberances 80 and
the
base member 14 having two diametrically opposed channels 83 which receive the
diametrically opposed protuberances 80. However, the more channels 83 in each
of the
pairs of legs 24 and 28, the less plastic material is needed to make the pairs
of legs 24 and
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28, thus, the less shrinkage will result during the molding process and the
better fit
between the legs 24 and 28 and the arm members 36 and 48.
10065] FIGS. 12a, 12b and 12c illustrate another embodiment of the pivotable
connection between the arm members 36 and 48 and the legs 24 and 28. FIG. 12a
is an
exploded view of this pivotable connection between the arm members 36 and 48
and the
legs 24 and 28; FIG. 12b is a portion of the side plan of the lug 76 of the
arm members 36
and 48; and FIG. 12c is a portion of the top plan view of the lug 76 of the
arm members
36 and 48. The pivotable connectors 44 and 56 each comprise a lug 76 connected
to the
arm members second ends 42 and 54, and an aperture 78 defined by the legs 24
and 28 at
the first ends 58 and 62 thereof. In this embodiment, the lug 76 has a single
protuberance
80 at the periphery thereof. The protuberance 80 is tapered along its length
and height
such that it may be easily inserted within slot 82 (FIGS. 12b and 12c). The
aperture 78
has a single slot 82. The aperture 78 is sized and proportioned such that the
lug 78 can be
received within the aperture 78 when the protuberance 80 is aligned with the
slot 82, but
at no other time. Accordingly, when the protuberance 80 is aligned with the
slot 82, the
lug 76 is able to enter the aperture 78. The protuberance 80 must remain in
alignment
with the slot 82 until the protuberance 80 passes through the slot 82, at
which time the
arms 36 and 48 can rotate relative to the legs 24 and 28 and be locked into
the fully
assembled position (FIGS. 1 through 4). It should be noted that any number of
protuberances 80 and slots 82 can be used in the present invention.
100661 FIG. 12d is a portion of the top plan view of another embodiment of the
lug 76
of the arm members 36 and 48 of the present invention. In this embodiment the
protuberance 80 has a substantially linear portion 18 V that is angled
relative to the front
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surface 183' of the lug 76 and the surface 185 of the legs 24 and 28 (FIG.
12a). When this
embodiment is assembled, the lug 76 is received by the aperture 78, shown in
FIG. 12a,
such that the protuberance 80 is received within the slot 82 until the
protuberance 80
passes completely through the aperture 78. The arm members 36 and 48 are then
rotated
relative to the legs 24 and 28 such that the linear portion 181' of the
protuberance 80
engages the surface 185 (FIG. 12a) and rides up along the linear portion 181'
resulting in
the tightening of the connection between the legs 24 and 28 and the arm
members 36 and
48.
[0067J FIG. 13a is an enlarged view of the boss 74 of the pivotable connection
between the pair of inner legs 24 and the pair of outer legs 28 of the folding
table 10 of
the present invention. FIG. 13b is a sectional view of another embodiment of
the
pivotable connection between the pair of inner legs 24 and the pair of outer
legs 28 of the
folding table 10. Referring to FIG. 13a, the inner legs 24 each have a boss 74
extending
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the legs 24 at the
intermediate
portion 70 thereof. Each boss 74 has a bead 86 along the periphery thereof.
Each of the
outer legs 28 define a recess 72 that is sized and proportioned to receive the
boss 74 such
that the inner legs 24 and the outer legs 28 form an interference fit which
enables the
inner and outer legs 24 and 28 to pivot relative to one another and form a
crisscross
pattern, as shown in FIG. 1. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in
the art that the
boss 74 and bead 86 can take many shapes and sizes. For example, as seen in
FIG. 13b,
the bead 86 and the recess 72 may have complimentary tapered configurations.
The boss
74 is received within the recess 72 as it moves in the J direction and the
tapered bead 86
extends completely through the recess 72 defined by legs 28 such that the
shoulder 86' of
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the bead 86 engages the exterior surface 28' of the outer legs 28 which
prevents the boss
74 from moving in the direction opposite to the J direction thus, being
disconnected from
the outer legs 28 without applying substantial force. Thus, when the folding
table 10 is
opened and moves from a fully collapsed position (FIG. 20) to a fully
assembled position
(FIG. 1), the boss 74 and the outer legs 28 rotate relative to one another.
Please note that
the first table top portion 16, the second table top portion 18, the inner
pair of legs 24
with the first brace member 26, and the outer pair of legs 28 with the second
brace
member 30 can each be molded as unitary pieces by injection molding. However,
it
should be understood that each of the above noted unitary pieces can also be
formed of
several pieces. Furthermore, it will also be apparent to one of ordinary skill
in the art that
the folding table 10 of the present invention may be manufactured by other
methods and
materials.
[0068] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the projections 37 and 47
and
receptacles 39 and 49 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, of the first and second table
top portions
16 and 18 of the folding table 10 of the present invention. The projections 37
and 47 may
be cylindrical projections with a tapered end section 88, wherein the
projections 37 and
47 extend substantially perpendicular from the first and second table top
portions 16 and
18 and are fixedly connected thereto. The receptacles 39 and 49 are defined by
the arm
members 36 and 48. The projections 37 and 47 are sized and proportioned such
that they
may easily be received by the receptacles 39 and 49. The receptacles 39 and 49
are
spaced from the projections 37 and 47 such that when the folding table 10
moves from
the fully collapsed position (FIGS. 19 and 20) to the fully assembled position
(FIG. 1),
the projections 37 and 47 engage and are received within the receptacles 39
and 49.
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Thus, the projections 37 and 47 are moved toward the receptacles 39 and 49 in
the
direction A (FIG. 14) such that the projections 37 and 47 extend into the
receptacles 39
and 49 preventing the first and second table top portions 16 and 18 from
moving relative
to one another. The projections 37 and 47 and the receptacles 39 and 49 may be
sized
and proportioned to form an interference fit. The projections 37 and 47 and
the
receptacles 39 and 49 are described in greater detail in connection with FIGS.
21 and 22.
(0069) FIG. 15 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the projections
37
and 47 of the folding table of the present invention. In this embodiment, the
projections
37 and 47 are substantially cylindrically shaped and extend from the first and
second table
top portions 16 and 18. The projections 37 and 47 have an angled rib 90 on the
end
thereof that has a larger diameter than the receptacles 39 and 49. The
receptacles 39 and
49 take the same form of that shown in FIG. 14 and are sized and proportioned
to receive
the projections 37 and 47 shown in FIG. 15. Thus, the projections 37 and 47
are urged
into the receptacles 39 and 49 in the direction A (FIG. 14) such that the rib
90 extends
into the receptacles 39 and 49 and such that the angled rib 90 will engage the
edge 91 of
the receptacles 39 and 49. If the projections 37 and 47 are pulled in the
direction opposite
to direction A, the edge 91 will engage the rib 90 and prevent the projections
37 and 47
from becoming disengaged from the receptacles 39 and 49 unless substantial
force is
used.
[00701 FIG. 16 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the projections
37
and 47 of the folding table 10 of the present invention. In this embodiment,
the
projections 37 and 47 are substantially cylindrically shaped and extend from
the first and
second table top portions 16 and 18. The projections 37 and 47 have a
plurality of bumps
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92 around the periphery thereof such that the bumps 92 will act to lock the
projections 37
and 47 within the receptacles 39 and 49. The receptacles 39 and 49 take the
same form as
that shown in FIG. 14. The diameter of receptacles 39 and 49 is smaller than
the outer
dimensions of the bumps 92 of the projections 37 and 47 such that the
projections 37 and
47 form an interference fit with the receptacles 39 and 49. Thus, the
projections 37 and
47 are urged into the receptacles 39 and 49 in the direction A (FIG. 14) such
that the
bumps 92 extend into the receptacles 39 and 49. If the projections 37 and 47
is pulled in
the direction opposite to direction A, the edge 91 will engage the bumps 92
and thus, the
projections 37 and 47 will be prevented from becoming disengaged from the
receptacles
39 and 49 unless substantial force is used.
100711 FIG. 17 is an elevational view of yet another embodiment of the
projections
37 and 47 of the folding table 10 of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the
projections 37 and 47 have a cylindrical section 94 and two spring fingers 96
that are able
to flex in the directions shown by arrow B. The spring fingers 96 have tangs
98 on the
ends thereof that will act to lock the projections 37 and 47 within the
receptacles 39 and
49. The receptacles 39 and 49 may take the same form as that shown in FIG. 14
and are
sized and proportioned to receive the projections 37 and 47 shown in FIG. 17.
The
projections 37 and 47 are urged into the receptacles 39 and 49 in the
direction A (FIG. 14)
such that the locking fingers 96 flex toward each other and extend into the
receptacles 39
and 49. The tangs 98 are tapered such that when the tangs 98 engage the
receptacles the
spring fingers 96 will move towards one another. If the projections 37 and 47
is pulled in
the direction opposite to A, the edge 91 will engage the tangs 98 and thus,
the projections
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CA 02711184 2010-07-30
37 and 47 will be prevented from becoming disengaged from the receptacles 39
and 49
unless substantial force is used.
[00721 FIG. 18a is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the
projections
37 and 47 and receptacles 39 and 49 of the folding table 10 of the present
invention. In
this embodiment, the projections 37 and 47 have a cylindrical section 112 and
a spherical
end section 114. The receptacles 39 and 49 are sized and proportioned to
matingly
receive the projections 37 and 47, also shown in FIG. 18a, in that the shape
of the
receptacle 39 and 49 substantially corresponds to the shape of the projections
37 and 47.
The diameter of the spherical end section 114 is larger than the diameter of
the inlet
portion 117 of the receptacles 39 and 49 such that a snap fit connection is
formed
between the projections 37 and 47 and the receptacles 39 and 49. Thus, the
projections
37 and 47 are urged into the receptacles 39 and 49 in the direction A such
that the
spherical section 114 enters the receptacles 39 and 49 into the bulbous recess
119. If the
projections 37 and 47 is pulled in the direction opposite to A, the tapered
edge 118 of the
projections 37 and 47 will engage the corresponding edge 116 of the
receptacles 39 and
49 and thus, the projections 37 and 47 will be prevented from becoming
disengaged from
the receptacles 39 and 49 unless substantial force is used.
[00731 FIG. 18b illustrates yet another embodiment of the projections 37 and
47 of
the present invention, wherein each of the projections 37 and 47 has two semi-
spherical
sections 115 and a hollow portion 41. The receptacles 39 and 49 each have an
inlet
portion 117 and a bulbous portion 119, wherein the diameter of the inlet
portion 117 is
smaller than the diameter of the two semi-spherical sections 115 such that the
two semi-
spherical sections 115 are urged toward each other into the hollow portion 41
when the
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CA 02711184 2010-07-30
projections 37 and 47 are inserted into the receptacles 39 and 49. Once the
semi-
spherical sections 115 are inserted into the receptacles 39 and 49, they are
prevented from
being disengaged therefrom because the edge 118 of the sections 115 engages
the edge
116 of the receptacles 39 and 49. Although not illustrated, the projections 37
and 47 and
the receptacles 39 and 49 can take many other sizes and shapes as is apparent
to one of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0074] Referring to FIGS. 19 through 22, FIG. 19 is a partial side view of the
folding
table 10 of the present invention in the fully collapsed position; FIG. 20 is
front view of
the folding table 10 in the fully collapsed position; FIG. 21 is side view of
the folding
table 10 in the partially collapsed position; and FIG. 22 is an enlarged
portion of the side
view of the folding table in the partially collapsed position, wherein the
projections 37
and 47 and receptacles 39 and 49 are shown in hidden lines. In use, the
folding table 10
may be positioned in a fully collapsed position as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20
such that it
can be carried using the handle portion 32 or stored easily. In the fully
collapsed position,
the inner and outer pair of legs 24 and 28, and the first and second table top
portions 16
and 18 achieve a substantially vertical position such that the first and
second table top
portions 16 and 18 collapse on either side of the inner and outer pair of legs
24 and 28, as
shown in FIG. 19. When in the fully collapsed position, the projections 137
and 147 of
the first and second table top portions 16 and 18 (FIGS. 5 and 6) engage the
receptacles
139 of the inner and outer legs 24 and 28 (FIGS. 10 and 9) such that when the
user is
carrying the folding table 10 in the fully collapsed position, the first and
second table top
portions 16 and 18 will remain in a substantially vertical position. The
projections 137
and 147 and the receptacles 139 may take the fonn of the projections 37 and 47
and the
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CA 02711184 2010-07-30
receptacles 39 and 49, respectively, discussed in detail above in connection
with FIGS.
14-17, 18a and 18b. Additionally, when the folding table 10 is in the fully
collapsed
position (FIG. 19), the ledges 69 which extend from the legs 24 and 28 (FIGS.
9 and 10)
extend between the slat members 22 of the first and second table top portions
16 and 18.
If the folding table 10 is in the fully collapsed position and it is dropped
or impacts
another object, the momentum from the impact may force the first and second
table top
portions 16 and 18 to separate from the legs 24 and 28. In this situation, the
ledges 69
may contact the first and second table top portions 16 and 18 and absorb some
of the
force on the connections of the folding table 10.
[00751 The folding table 10 can be transformed from the fully collapsed
position
(FIGS. 19 and 20) to the fully assembled position (FIGS. I through 4). First
the user may
move the first and second table top portions 16 and 18 from the vertical
position (FIG.
19) to an angled position (FIG. 21) then to a horizontal position (FIG. 4) by
grasping the
first and second table top portions 16 and 18 at their distal ends 100 thereof
and pivot the
table top portions 16 and 18 about the first ends 62 and 58 of the inner and
outer pair of
legs 24 and 28. Before the first and second table top portions 16 and 18 may
be moved to
the horizontal position, the projections 37 and 47 should be received within
the
receptacles 49 and 39, respectively, as shown in FIG. 22. While the first and
second table
top portions 16 and 18 are moving from a vertical position to a horizontal
position, the
inner and outer pairs of legs 24 and 28 are moving from a vertical position
(FIG. 19) to an
angled and crisscrossed pattern (FIG. 4). In order to transform the folding
table 10 from
the fully assembled position to the fully collapsed position, the user may
disengage the
projections 37 and 47 from the receptacles 39 and 49 and then pivot the first
and second
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CA 02711184 2010-07-30
table top portions 16 and 18 about the first ends 62 and 58 of the inner and
outer legs 24
and 28 to the vertical position shown in FIG. 19.
[00761 FIG. 23 is another embodiment of the folding table 10 of the present
invention
having an additional removable slat member 22a. Slat member 22a is an
elongated
member having at least one projection 150 and an opening 153 along the length
thereof.
The opening 153 is sized and proportioned to receive the stem of a patio
umbrella (not
shown). The slat member 22a may be made of the same material of the first and
second
table top portions 16 and 18 such as a plastic material. The addition of
removable slat
member 22a results in an increase in the overall surface area of the table top
12 of the
folding table 10. Thus, in order to further increase the surface area of the
table top 12, the
removable slat member 22a may be made wider or more than one slat member 22a
may
be used. Please note that the projection 150 and the receptacle 151 may take
the form of
any of the projections 37 and 47 and the receptacles 39 and 49 discussed above
in
connection with FIGS. 14-17, 18a and 18b. The projection 150 maybe received
either
within receptacle 151 defined by one of the arm members 36 and 48 or received
within
receptacle 139 defined by one of the legs 24 and 28 (FIGS. 9 and 10). When the
folding
table 10 is being moved from the fully collapsed position (FIG. 19) to the
fully assembled
position (FIG. 1), the removable slat member 22a may be inserted between the
first table
top portion 16 and the second table top portion 18 by aligning the removable
slat member
22a with the slat members 22 of the first and second table top portions 16 and
18 and
positioning the projection 150 of the removable slat member 22a within the
receptacle
151 of one of the arm members 36 and 48. When the removable slat member 22a is
not
being used or the table 10 is in the fully collapsed position (FIG. 19), the
removable slat
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CA 02711184 2010-07-30
member 22a may be attached to one of the legs 24 and 28 by inserting the
projection 150
into the receptacles 139 (FIGS. 9 and 10).
[00771 FIGS. 24, 25a and 25b illustrated another embodiment of the folding
table 10
of the present invention having a retractable brace 160 with a living hinge
162, wherein
the retractable brace 160 is illustrated in the extended position in FIGS. 24
and 25a and
the retractable brace 160 is shown in hidden lines and illustrated in the
collapsed position
in FIG. 25b. As shown in FIGS. 24, 25a and 25b, the retractable brace 160 may
be
defined by a portion of each of the inner legs 24; however, the retractable
brace 160 may
also be defined by the outer legs 28. The retractable brace 160 is an
elongated body
having a living hinge 162 at one end of the elongated body and a peg 164 at
the other end
of the elongated body, wherein the retractable brace 160 and the inner leg 24
are a unitary
body. The peg 164 may be a cylindrical member extending substantially
perpendicular to
the brace 160; however, other configurations may also be used. The retractable
brace 160
is connected to the inner leg 24 by the living hinge 162 and thus, is able to
pivot about the
living hinge 162 from a collapsed position (FIG. 25b) to an extended position
(FIGS. 24
and 25a). When the retractable brace 160 is in the extended position (FIG. 24
and 25a),
the retractable brace 160 is held in place by the peg 164 being received in
recess 166
defined by the outer leg 28. When the retractable brace 160 is in the
collapsed position, it
is held in place by the peg 164 being received within the recess 163. When the
retractable
brace 160 is in the extended position (FIGS. 24 and 25a) it strengthens the
structural
configuration of the folding table 10.
100781 FIGS. 25c and 25d are enlarged views of a portion of another embodiment
of
he folding table 10 of the present invention having a retractable and
detachable brace 160
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CA 02711184 2010-07-30
shown in the collapsed and extended position, respectively. The retractable
brace 160
comprises an elongated member having a peg 164 fixedly connected at one end
thereof
and a snap-fit connector 171 connected to the other end thereof, wherein the
snap-fit
connector 171 provides a pivotable connection between the brace 160 and the
leg 24 such
that the retractable brace 160 can pivot about the snap-fit connector 171. The
snap-fit
connector 171 may take the form of the projections 37 and 47 and receptacles
39 and 49
described previously in connection with FIGS. 14-17, 18a and 18b. The snap-fit
connector 171 further provides for the retractable brace 160 to be detached
from the leg
when a sufficient amount of force is used to disengage the snap-fit connector
171. In the
collapsed position (FIG. 25c), the retractable brace 160, shown in hidden
lines, is aligned
with the longitudinal axis of the leg 24 and the peg 164 is received within
opening 169
such that the retractable brace 160 is held in the collapsed position (FIG.
25c). When the
retractable brace 160 is in the extended position (FIG. 25b), the retractable
brace 160 is
held in place by the peg 164 being received within opening 166 of the outer
leg 28.
100791 FIGS. 26, 27a and 27b illustrate another embodiment of the folding
table 10 of
the present invention having other retractable braces 120. In this embodiment,
each of
the retractable braces 120 (FIG. 27b) comprises a housing 121, a torsion
spring 122, a
wire member or tape 124 with a loop member 126 on the end thereof and a hook
128.
The housing 121 is fixedly mounted inside the inner leg 24. The housing 121
can be a
variety of shapes; however, in this embodiment the housing 121 is circular
shaped. The
torsion spring 122 and the wire member 124 are mounted in the housing 121 such
that the
wire member 124 may be wound and unwound around the torsion spring 122. The
torsion spring 122 may be a commercially available product that is sized and
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CA 02711184 2010-07-30
proportioned for the specific application. The wire member 124 may be a metal
such as
steel; however, other material apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
may also be
employed. The wire member 124 is fixedly attached to the torsion spring 122 at
one end
thereof. The loop member 126 is fixedly attached to the other end of the wire
member
124. The wire member 124 has a stop 133 fixedly attached along the length of
the wire
member 124 which prevents the wire member 124 from extending from the inner
leg 24
beyond a desired length. The stop 133 may be any shaped member that has a
width that is
greater that the opening 134 in the inner leg 24 through which the wire member
124
extends. The hook 128 is fixedly attached to the outer leg 28. The hook 128
and loop
member 126 may be selected from commercially available products. An
alternative
embodiment of the present invention may eliminate the stop 133 by making the
wire
member 124 have a length equal to the desired length of separation between the
inner and
outer legs 24 and 28. Furthermore, although not illustrated, other releasable
or permanent
fasteners can be used in place of the loop member 126 and hook 128.
[0080) A retractable brace 120 may be mounted in both inner legs 24 such that
the
retractable brace 120 extends between each of the inner and outer leg 24 and
28. A
retractable brace 120 may also be mounted on either of the first and second
brace
members 26 and 30 such that when the retractable brace 120 is in the extended
position
(FIG. 26), the retractable brace 120 will extend between the first and second
brace
members 26 and 30. The retractable brace member 120 may also be mounted on
either of
the inner and outer legs 24 and 28 such that it extends between the inner and
outer legs 24
and 28 and the table top 12 (FIG. 26).
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CA 02711184 2010-07-30
[00811 When transforming the retractable brace 120 from the collapsed position
to
the fully extended position, the user pulls the wire member 124 from the leg
24 such that
the wire member 124 extends in the direction of the hook 128 and connects the
loop 126
to the hook 128. The stop 133 prevents the wire member 124 from extending
through the
opening 134 beyond the desired length. Specifically, the desired length is the
desired
length between the inner and outer legs 24 and 28 when the table 10 is in the
fully
assembled position. The loop 126 engages the hook 128 and the wire member 124
acts to
strengthen the folding table 10. Alternatively, the user may initially connect
the hook 128
and the loop member 126 and then unfold the legs 24 and 28 from the collapsed
position
to the fully assembled position. As noted above, retractable braces 120 may be
mounted
in a variety of positions on the folding table 10 depending on what portion of
the folding
table 10 needs to be strengthened.
[00821 FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate yet another embodiment of the folding table
of the
present invention, wherein FIG. 28 illustrates the folding table in the fully
assembled
position and FIG. 29 illustrates the folding table in the partially collapsed
position. This
embodiment of the folding table 10 of the present invention comprises a
biasing member
180, a flexible elongated portion 183, protuberances 182, guides 187 and
connectors 184.
The biasing member 180 may be made from metal wire or other suitable. The
strength of
the biasing member 180 will be dependent on the application. The biasing
member 180
may take the form of a tape such as the tape 124 described in connection with
FIGS. 27a
and 27b or a spring, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. The flexible elongated
portion 183
may be made of the same material as the biasing member 180; therefore if the
spring
member 180 is made of metal wire, the flexible portion 183 may also be made of
flexible
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CA 02711184 2010-07-30
metal wire. Along the length of the flexible elongated portion 183 is a
plurality of
protuberances 182. The protuberances 182 are fixedly connected to the flexible
elongated
portion 183 and are spaced along the flexible elongated portion 183 such that
when the
folding table 10 is in the fully assembled position (FIG. 28), one of the
protuberances 182
engage the exterior portion of the leg 28 and prevent the biasing member 180
from
moving in the direction F. The outer leg 28 may have guides 187 fixedly
connected to
the interior of the leg 28 such that the guides 187 form a pathway for the
flexible portion
181. The guides 187 may be substantially flat members; however, many other
configurations may be employed. The guides 187 are sized and proportioned such
that
the protuberances 182 can freely move therebetween. The guides 187 may be
formed
from plastic material or from any other suitable material that will be
apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art. The flexible portion 181 is connected to the leg 28
by connectors
184. The connectors 184 may be adhesive or connectors similar to the loop and
hook
connectors 126 and 128 as shown and described in connection with FIG. 27b.
Although
not illustrated, the biasing member 180, the elongated portion 183 and the
guides 187
may alternatively be mounted within inner leg 24.
(00831 When the user moves the table 10 from a collapsed position, to a
partially
collapsed position (FIG. 29) to a fully assembled position (FIG. 28), the
biasing member
180 and the protuberances 182 are pulled in the G direction (FIG. 29) while
the legs 24
and 28 are moved away from each other. Once the protuberances 182 are
proximate the
opening 190 of leg 28, the user forces the elongated flexible portion 183 in
the direction
H by using his or her foot such that the protuberances 182 may pass through
opening 190
and thus engage the exterior of the leg 28 as shown in FIG. 28. When moving
the folding
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CA 02711184 2010-07-30
table from the fully assembled position (FIG. 28) to the partially collapsed
position
(FIG. 29) and then finally to the fully collapsed position, the user must
again disengage
the protuberances 182 from the exterior of the leg 28 so that the flexible
portion 183 will
be free to move in the direction F (FIG. 28). The biasing member 180 will urge
the
elongated flexible portion 183 in the F direction.
10084) FIGS. 30-39 illustrate embodiments of the table 10 that provide
additional
support and stability to the table 10 in its assembled position. In one
embodiment, one of
the table top portions 16, 18, may include one or more tabs 200 and the
opposing table
top portion may include one or more corresponding receiving portions 202,
which are
positioned in registry with and are sized to receive the tabs 200 when the
table 10 is in its
assembled position. See FIGS. 30-31. The tabs 200 may be attached to one of
the table
top portions 16, 18 by fasteners, such as screws. The tabs 200 may also be
glued or
formed as an integral part of the corresponding first tabletop portion 16 or
second table
top portion 18. The receiving portions 202 are formed on the opposing of the
table top
portions 16, 18 and there maybe cavities, grooves or cutouts. The engagement
of the
tabs 200 with the receiving portions 202 provides additional stability for the
assembled
position of the table 10.
100851 FIGS. 30-39 depict other embodiments for the handle portion 32, fins
106 and
ribs 50 in addition to those that were described in connection with FIGS. 7
and 8. FIGS.
30 and 31 depict an embodiment of the table 10, in which a first rod member
204 extends
between the arm members 36 of the first table top portion 16 and provides a
handle for
carrying the table 10 in its folded position. The first rod member 204 is
positioned at a
first location along the length of the arm members 36, such that it may engage
at least one
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CA 02711184 2010-07-30
correspondingly shaped rib element 206 when the table 10 is assembled to
provide
support for the table top 12, as shown in FIG. 31. In this embodiment, the rib
element
206 may be attached to the second table top portion 18 by fasteners, such as
screws or
bolts, or it may be formed as an integral part of the second table top portion
18. The rib
element 206 may include a hook 208 for engagement with the rod member 204. The
hook 208 may be defined as an integral portion of the rib element 206, as
shown in FIG.
30, or it may be a separate element attached to the rib element 206. The hook
208 is sized
and shaped to receive the rib element 206.
[00861 It will be appreciated that a plurality of rib elements 206 may be
provided to
engage the first rod member 204 at a plurality of locations along its length.
It will also be
understood that rod members 204 with differently-shaped cross-sections may be
used,
such as circular, oval, rectangular, etc., and the hook portions 208 of the
corresponding
rib elements 206 may be similarly shaped for providing engagement with the rod
members 204.
[00871 FIGS. 32 -35 depict an embodiment of the table 10 that includes a
second rod
member 210 extending between the arm members 36 of the first table top portion
16 at a
second location along the length of the arm members 36. In the assembled
position of the
table 10, shown in FIG. 33, the second rod member 210 is received in a hook
214 defined
by or attached to a second rib element 212.
[00881 FIGS. 34-3 5 depict an embodiment in which the second rod member 210
has a
U-shaped handle portion 218, which engages with the second rib element 212 in
the
assembled position of the table 10. The first and second rib elements 206, 212
are spaced
further apart to accommodate the height of the handle portion 218.
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CA 02711184 2010-07-30
100891 FIGS. 36 and 37 depict an embodiment in which the first rod member 204
includes one or more connecting members 220 protruding from the first rod
member 204
and are received in correspondingly shaped receiving rib elements 222, when
the table 10
is in its assembled position. The connecting members 220 may have a myriad of
shapes,
and may be include a ring portion 226. FIGS. 38-39 depict an embodiment in
which the
connecting members 220 include extensions 224 that support the first table top
portion
16.
(00901 In one embodiment, the pivotable connectors 44, 56, shown in FIGS. 5
and 6
are sized such that the right connectors 44, 56 are slightly different in size
that the letl
connectors 44, 56. Similarly, the corresponding right apertures 78 are
slightly different in
size than the left apertures 78. See FIG. 11. The variably sized connectors
44,56 and
corresponding apertures 78 allow the arms 36, 48 to be connected to the legs
24, 28 only
in one predetermined configuration, i.e. a configuration that ensures that the
table 10 will
be correctly assembled.
(00911 Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that many
modifications and variations of the present invention may be implemented
without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The foregoing
description
and the following claims are intended to cover such modifications and
variations.
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