U.S. patent application number 10/728284 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-07 for table with center handle.
Invention is credited to Degen, Jin, Patel, Arvin, Shenghao, Jin.
Application Number | 20040194677 10/728284 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32683271 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040194677 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Degen, Jin ; et al. |
October 7, 2004 |
Table with center handle
Abstract
A table includes a table top with a top surface and a bottom
surface. A first leg assembly and a second leg assembly are
preferably pivotally connected to the table top. The table top is
preferably constructed from plastic, such as blow molded plastic,
and a connecting assembly may be formed in or attached to the
bottom surface of the table top. The connecting assembly is
preferably sized and configured to retain a pair of connecting
bars. A first support assembly may be connected between one of the
connecting bars and the first leg assembly, and a second support
assembly may be connected between one of the connecting bars and
the second leg assembly. Desirably a pair of handles is attached to
the connecting assembly and a spaced is formed between the handles
and bottom surface of the table top allow a person to grip the
handle and lift the table.
Inventors: |
Degen, Jin; (Xiamen City,
CN) ; Shenghao, Jin; (Xiamen City, CN) ;
Patel, Arvin; (Sunnyvale, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WORKMAN NYDEGGER (F/K/A WORKMAN NYDEGGER & SEELEY)
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE
1000 EAGLE GATE TOWER
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
32683271 |
Appl. No.: |
10/728284 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/132 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 3/0912
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/132 |
International
Class: |
A47B 003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 28, 2002 |
CN |
02293818.4 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A table comprising: a table top having a top surface and a
bottom surface; a first leg assembly attached to the table top; a
second leg assembly attached to the table top; a first connecting
member attached to the bottom surface of the table top, the first
connecting member having an outer side and an inner side; and a
handle attached to the inner side of the first connecting member,
wherein a space is formed between the handle and the bottom surface
of the table top so that a person can place their fingers in the
space in order to lift the table.
2. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein the handle comprises: a
connecting portion having at least a portion of the connecting
portion attached to the inner side of the first connecting member;
and a handle portion.
3. The table as recited in claim 2, wherein the connecting portion
comprises an angled L-iron, wherein at least a portion of the
angled L-iron is connected to the inner side of the first
connecting member.
4. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein the handle is formed
discretely from the first connecting member.
5. The table as recited in claim 2, wherein the connecting portion
is formed discretely from the handle portion.
6. The table as recited in claim 1, further comprising a second
connecting member facing the first connecting member.
7. The table as recited in claim 6, further comprising a first
connecting bar disposed between the first connecting member and the
second connecting member.
8. The table as recited in claim 7, further comprising a first
support assembly having a first end and a second end, the first end
being connected to the first leg assembly and the second end being
connected to the first connecting bar.
9. The table as recited in claim 6, further comprising a second
connecting bar disposed between the first connecting member and the
second connecting member.
10. The table as recited in claim 9, further comprising a second
support assembly having a first end and a second end, the first end
being connected to the second leg assembly and the second end being
connected to the second connecting bar.
11. The table as recited in claim 6, further comprising: a third
connecting member placed in the same plane as the first connecting
member on the bottom surface of the table top; a fourth connecting
member placed in the same plane as the second connecting member on
the bottom surface of the table top, the third connecting member
facing the fourth connecting member; and a second connecting bar
disposed between the third connecting member and the fourth
connecting member.
12. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein the table top
comprises blow-molded plastic.
13. The table as recited in claim 12, wherein the first connecting
member is formed integrally with the bottom surface of the table
top.
14. The table as recited in claim 1, wherein the first leg assembly
and the second leg assembly are pivotably connected to the table
top.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of Chinese
Patent Application Serial No. 2293818.4, entitled BM Table with
Improved Center Handle, filed Dec. 27, 2002, which is incorporated
by reference in its entirety. This application is also related to
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/669,740, entitled
Blow-Molded Table with "H" Center Support Assembly, filed Sep. 24,
2003, and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
entitled Blow-Molded Table with Center Handle, filed Oct. 24, 2003
(attorney docket No. 15865.8a.1), each of which are incorporated by
reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to furniture and, in
particular, to a table with a center handle.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Tables are widely used almost every day at home and in the
office. Conventional tables are commonly available in a number of
sizes and configurations. For example, conventional tables are
often four, six or eight feet in length and often have a width of
two or three feet. Conventional tables, however, can be difficult
to move and store because of there large size and outwardly
extending legs.
[0006] Tables with folding legs have been developed in order to
allow the tables to be more easily transported and stored. In
particular, the folding legs are generally movable between an
extended or use position in which the legs support the table top
above a support surface, and a collapsed or storage position in
which the legs are positioned next to or adjacent the bottom
surface of the table top. When the legs are in the collapsed or
storage position, the tables are much easier to move and transport
because the tables are much less bulky and cumbersome.
[0007] When a conventional table with folding legs is transported,
a person generally grips the edge or outer perimeter of the table
top. Disadvantageously, gripping the edge or perimeter of the table
top is often very difficult because it may be difficult to grasp
and/or uncomfortable to hold for more than a few seconds. In
addition, because the edge or perimeter is difficult to hold, the
person may inadvertently drop the table and that may injure the
person and/or damage the table. Further, because of the size of the
table and the portion of the table that is being held, the person
transporting the table must generally hold the table in an awkward,
uncomfortable position and they must frequently change their grip
on the table. Finally, when moving the table, the lower edge of the
table has a tendency to collide frequently with the person's feet
or legs.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A need therefore exists for a table that eliminates the
above-described disadvantages and problems.
[0009] One aspect of the invention is a table with a lifting and
transporting mechanism that enables a person to more easily carry
and transport the table.
[0010] Another aspect is a table with a table top including a top
surface and a bottom surface. A first leg assembly is preferably
attached to the table top and a second leg assembly is also
preferably attached to the table top. The table may also include a
first connecting member that is attached to the bottom surface of
the table top, and the first connecting member may have an outer
side and an inner side. A handle is desirably attached to the inner
side of the first connecting member and a space is preferably
formed between the handle and the bottom surface of the table top
so that a person can easily grip the handle in order to move or
lift the table.
[0011] A further aspect is table may include a handle that is sized
and configured to help transport or move the table. The handle may
include a connecting portion and at least a portion of the
connecting portion may be attached to the inner side of the first
connecting member. The connecting portion may also include an
angled L-iron and at least a portion of the angled L-iron may be
connected to the inner side of the first connecting member. Thus,
for example, the handle may be formed discretely from the first
connecting member. On the other hand, for example, the connecting
portion may be formed discretely from the handle portion.
[0012] The table may also include a second connecting member that
generally faces the first connecting member. The table may further
include a first connecting bar that is disposed between the first
connecting member and the second connecting member. In addition,
the table may include a first support assembly with a first end and
a second end, and the first end is preferably connected to the
first leg assembly and the second end is preferably connected to
the first connecting bar. Further, a second connecting bar may be
disposed between the first connecting member and the second
connecting member to form a generally II-shaped connecting
assembly. The second support assembly preferably has a first end
and a second end, and the first end may be connected to the second
leg assembly and the second end may be connected to the second
connecting bar.
[0013] Another aspect is a table with a connecting assembly that
has a generally II-shape. That is, in addition to the first and
second facing connecting members, the table may include a third
connecting member that is generally placed in the same plane as the
first connecting member on the bottom surface of the table top, and
a fourth connecting member that is placed in generally the same
plane as the second connecting member on the bottom surface of the
table top. Preferably the third connecting member faces the fourth
connecting member, and a second connecting bar may be disposed
between the third connecting member and the fourth connecting
member.
[0014] Yet another aspect is a table with a table top that is
constructed from blow-molded plastic. The table top, however, could
be also be constructed from extrusion molded plastic, injection
molded plastic, and the like. Preferably, at least a portion of the
support is integrally formed in the table top as part of a
one-piece structure. For example, the first connecting member may
be integrally in the bottom surface of the table top as part of a
one-piece structure. In addition, the first leg assembly and the
second leg assembly may be pivotably connected to the table
top.
[0015] Advantageously, when the table is in the folded position,
one or more handles are located near the center of the table top.
In addition, space is preferably provided for a person's fingers
between the handle and the table top. Therefore, a person can
easily lift the folding table and move it to a desired location. In
addition, because the table is easily lifted from the ground, the
person's feet are unlikely to collide with the table when it is
being moved.
[0016] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] 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:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
the table with a center handle, illustrating the table with the
legs in a collapsed or storage position.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment
of the table with a center handle, illustrating the table with the
legs in the collapsed or storage position.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary
embodiment of the table with a center handle, illustrating the
table with the legs in the collapsed or storage position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a table
incorporating features of the present invention. The table includes
a table top 1 including a top surface and a bottom surface.
Preferably the table top 1 is formed of blow-molded plastic. The
bottom surface of the table top 1 includes a lip 2 formed on the
outer periphery of the bottom surface and extending outwardly
therefrom. The lip 2 forms a perimeter 13.
[0022] A frame is attached to the lip 2. The frame is composed of
two side rails 21, two end rails 22, two sets of leg assemblies 23,
and two support assemblies 24. The two side rails 21 are spaced
apart and attached to lip 2 on opposing sides of the table top 1.
The two end rails 22 are spaced apart and each is pivotally
attached to the same end of two side rails 21. Each leg assembly 23
includes two leg tubes 231 connected by a cross bar 232. One end of
each set of leg assemblies 23 is secured to the two end rails
22.
[0023] Each support assembly 24 includes three rod elements 241,
242, and 243. Two rod elements, the first 241 and the second 242,
are separately and pivotally connected at one end a lower part of a
leg tube 231. At the other end, each is pivotally connected
together to one end of the third rod element 243. The pivotal
connection of these three rod elements is selectively encircled by
a locking ring 244 to keep the leg assemblies 23 from folding and
thereby to strengthen the support provided by the leg assemblies
23. The other end of the rod element 243 is pivotally connected to
the bottom surface of the table top by a connecting rod 32. The
connecting rod 32 is configured to have the opposing ends thereof
connect to a connecting assembly 3.
[0024] The connecting assembly 3 is formed on a central portion of
the bottom surface of the table top 1. The connecting assembly 3
includes a first pair of connecting members 31 spaced apart and
fixed to the bottom surface of the table top 1. The connecting
members 31 are parallel to the side rails 21. A first connecting
rod 32 is disposed transversely or perpendicularly to the two
connecting members 31. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a
pair of connecting rods 32 are connected to the connecting members
31, thus forming a II structure. Additional retention members may
be formed on the bottom surface of the table top between the
connecting member 31 to engage the connecting rods 32 to provide
reinforcement thereto.
[0025] A handle 4 is configured to attach to each connecting member
31 of connecting assembly 3, thus providing the user a means by
which to transport the table when folded. The handles 4 include a
handle portion and a connecting portion. In one embodiment, the
connecting portion is an angled L-iron 41. The handles 4 are
attached to the inner sides of the connecting members 31 by means
of the L-irons 41. Preferably, a space remains between the handle
portion and the bottom surface of the table top 1 so that a user
may grip the handle 4. The handle portion of the handle 4 may be
formed of a hard, durable material such as, but not limited to,
metal, plastic or ceramic material.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, each of the connecting members 31 may be
separated into right and left portions. The right portions of
opposing beams 31 are configured to engage a connecting rod 32,
while the left portions are configured to engage the other
connecting rod 32. The right portion or left portion may be
slightly longer than the other so that the handles 4 can be
attached thereto. Alternatively, the right portion and left portion
may be symmetrical so that a first end of the handle 4 is connected
to a right portion and the second end of the handle is connected to
a left portion.
[0027] When the user desires to store the table, the user turns the
table upside down so that the leg assemblies 23 are extended
upward. The user folds the leg assemblies 23 against the bottom
surface of the table top 1. The handles 4 provide space for the
user to grip the table. Because the handle 4 is preferably
centrally located, the table is balanced on both sides of the
handle 4 so that the user can easily wield the folded table. In
addition, because the user can easily lift the table, space is
provided between the bottom edge of the table and the ground for
the person to move their feet, thus preventing the user from
colliding with the table when walking.
[0028] 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
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.
* * * * *