U.S. patent application number 10/867192 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-23 for portable folding table.
Invention is credited to Cizmar, Andrew B., Ritchie, Francis W..
Application Number | 20040255829 10/867192 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33519304 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040255829 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cizmar, Andrew B. ; et
al. |
December 23, 2004 |
Portable folding table
Abstract
A portable folding table includes a tabletop, support for the
tabletop and support pedestals. Braces extend from the support
pedestals to the underside of the tabletop. The table further
includes a transverse strut extending across the underside of the
table top to provide support. The transverse strut is located
intermediate the pins that attach the braces to the underside of
the tabletop.
Inventors: |
Cizmar, Andrew B.;
(Indianapolis, IN) ; Ritchie, Francis W.; (Peru,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER & DANIELS
205 W. JEFFERSON BOULEVARD
SUITE 250
SOUTH BEND
IN
46601
US
|
Family ID: |
33519304 |
Appl. No.: |
10/867192 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60478495 |
Jun 13, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/132 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 3/0912
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/132 |
International
Class: |
A47B 003/00 |
Claims
What we claim is:
1. A table comprising: a tabletop including an underside and a pair
of rib assemblies defining a transverse channel intermediate the
rib assemblies; a transverse strut disposed in said transverse
channel, said transverse strut supporting the tabletop; a pair of
pivotal support pedestals moveable between an extended position and
a collapsed position; and a pair of braces extending between said
support pedestals and a pair of attachment points; wherein said
transverse strut is positioned intermediate said attachment
points.
2. The table as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a pair of
pins connected to said rib assemblies, said pins providing said
attachment point for said braces.
3. The table as set forth in claim 2, wherein said support
pedestals include a pair of legs, said pins intermediate said legs
when said support pedestals are in the collapsed position.
4. The table as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a pair of
support tubes disposed within a pair of elongate channels
integrally formed in said undersurface, said transverse strut
extending between and being connected to said support tubes.
5. The table as set forth in claim 4, wherein each said support
tube comprises a main body and a pair of tubular members, a portion
of said transverse strut being disposed between said main bodies
and said undersurface.
6. The table as set forth in claim 5, further comprising a pair of
tubular supports extending between said tubular members of said
support tubes, said tubular supports extending through a support
tube included in each of said pedestals, wherein said pedestals
pivot about said tubular support.
7. The table as set forth in claim 6, wherein said transverse strut
further comprises a pair of attachment assemblies including a
horizontal plate, wherein said horizontal plate is disposed between
said undersurface and said main bodies.
8. The table as set forth in claim 7, wherein said pins are
distinct from said support tubes.
9. The table as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a
plurality of brackets and a plurality of fasteners connecting said
pin to said undersurface.
10. The table as set forth in claim 2, wherein said rib assemblies
include channels for receiving said pins.
11. The table as set forth in claim 10, wherein said pins include
apertures for receiving fasteners extending through said
channels.
12. The table as set forth in claim 1, wherein said table top is a
one-piece table top manufactured from blow molded plastic.
13. A table comprising: a tabletop including an underside and a
pair of elongate channels integrally formed therein; a pair of
support tubes disposed in said elongate channels including a main
body and a pair of tubular members; a pair of tubular supports
extending between each pair of said tubular members; and a pair of
pedestals each including a pedestal support tube and a plurality of
legs extending therefrom, wherein one of said tubular supports
extends through one of said pedestal support tubes thereby allowing
said pedestals to pivot about said tubular supports between an
extended and a collapsed position.
14. The table as set forth in claim 13, wherein said tubular
members include an outer diameter and said pedestal support tubes
include an outer diameter sized equivalent to said outer diameters
of said tubular members.
15. The table as set forth in claim 13, wherein said undersurface
includes a pair of rib assemblies defining a transverse channel
disposed perpendicular to said elongate channels, said transverse
channel receiving a transverse strut supporting said tabletop.
16. The table as set forth in claim 15, wherein said transverse
strut is connected to said support tubes.
17. The table as set forth in claim 16, wherein said transverse
strut includes a pair of attachment assemblies located at each end,
a portion of said attachment assemblies disposed between said
underside and said support tubes.
18. The table as set forth in claim 17, further comprising a pair
of braces extending between said underside and said support
pedestals, said braces attached to said underside at attachment
points.
19. The table as set forth in claim 18, further comprising a pair
of pins attached to said underside at said attachment points, each
of said pins extending through an aperture located in one of said
braces.
20. The table as set forth in claim 19, wherein each of said rib
assembles includes channels and said pins are located within said
channels.
21. The folding table as set forth in claim 13, wherein said table
top is a one-piece table top manufactured from blow molded
plastic.
22. A folding table comprising: a tabletop comprising a top surface
and an undersurface located opposite said top surface, said
undersurface including a pair of elongate channels extending
proximate the edges of said tabletop and a transverse channel
extending perpendicular to said elongate channels; a support
structure comprising a pair of support tubes disposed in said
elongate channels; a pair of pedestals each including a pedestal
support tube and a pair of legs, said pair of pedestals being
rotatable between a storage position with said legs proximate said
undersurface and an operative position with said legs located
distant from said undersurface, each said pedestal rotating about
said pedestal support tube; a pair of support braces each having a
first end attached to one of said pedestals and a second end
attached to a pin mounted to said undersurface; and a transverse
strut disposed within said transverse channel; wherein each said
pin is located intermediate a different pair of said legs of said
pedestals when said pedestals are arranged in said storage
position.
23. The folding table as set forth in claim 22, wherein said
transverse strut includes an attachment assembly at each end, said
attachment assembly being disposed between said undersurface and
said frame in order to retain said transverse strut within said
transverse channel.
24. The folding table as set forth in claim 22, wherein said
transverse channel is located intermediate said pins attached to
said undersurface.
25. The folding table as set forth in claim 22, further including a
pair of tubular supports extending between said support tubes, each
of said tubular supports being located within one of said pedestal
support tubes.
26. The folding table as set forth in claim 22, further including a
plurality of fasteners attaching said pins to said
undersurface.
27. The folding table as set forth in claim 22, further including a
plurality of pin clamps including an ear and a flat plate, one of
said pins being disposed within said ear and said flat plate being
attached to said undersurface by way of a plurality of
fasteners.
28. The folding table as set forth in claim 22, wherein said table
top is a one-piece table top manufactured from blow molded
plastic.
29. A folding table comprising: a tabletop comprising a top surface
and an undersurface located opposite said top surface, a pair of
elongate channels disposed in said undersurface and extending
proximate the edges of said tabletop; a support structure
comprising a pair of support tubes, rectangular in cross-section,
including a main body and a pair of tubular members, attached
thereto adjacent to the ends of the support tubes, said support
tubes being disposed within said elongate channels; a pair of
pedestals each including a pedestal support tube and a plurality of
legs extending therefrom; and a pair of tubular supports extending
between said tubular members of said pair of said support tubes and
through said support tube of said pedestal.
30. The folding table of claim 29, wherein the rectangular support
tubes have a plurality of apertures located proximate said tubular
members, whereby the tubular support which extends through said
pedestal support tube and said tubular members, also extends into
said rectangular support tubes.
31. The folding table as set forth in claim 29, further comprising
a pair of braces and a pair of pins, said braces extending from
said pedestals to said pins.
32. The folding table as set forth in claim 31, wherein each said
brace is joined to a different one of said pins.
33. The folding table as set forth in claim 32, wherein each said
pin is disposed in different said rib assemblies.
34. The folding table as set forth in claim 33, wherein said pins
remain distinct from said support tubes.
35. The folding table as set forth in claim 34, wherein said
support braces include a pair of fastened angled arms joined by a
fastener to a first end of a straight arm at a junction, said
straight arm being rotatable about said fastener at said
junction.
36. The folding table as set forth in claim 35, wherein said
straight arms include a second end opposite said first end, said
pin attached to said second end.
37. The folding table as set forth in claim 36, wherein said
attachment assemblies include a horizontal plate and a vertical
plate, said horizontal plate being disposed within said elongate
channels between said undersurface and said support tubes.
38. The folding table as set forth in claim 37, wherein said
support tubes include a plurality of apertures spaced throughout a
pair of opposing side walls, said apertures being of sufficient
size to receive a plurality of fasteners that extend through said
apertures and into said wall.
39. The folding table as set forth in claim 38, wherein said rib
assemblies include a pin receiving channel having tabs for
retaining said pin therein.
40. The folding table as set forth in claim 39, wherein said pins
include at least one aperture, a fastener extending through said
rib assemblies and said at least one aperture thereby affixing said
pin to said rib assembly.
41. The folding table as set forth in claim 29, wherein said table
top is a one-piece table top manufactured from blow molded plastic.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/478,495 filed Jun. 13, 2003, the
complete disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to portable folding
tables with rigid support systems and, more particularly, to a
portable folding table having foldable legs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The use of portable tables with foldable legs at events such
as banquets, picnics, parties, festivals, etc., is well known.
Portable tables typically include features allowing the legs to
move between into a collapsed position, for relocation or storage,
and an extended position for normal operation. Additionally, these
tables typically have sufficient strength and rigidity allowing the
table to support objects placed upon the tabletop during normal
usage. Known portable tables also typically include a locking
mechanism for securing the legs of the table in the operative
position, thereby preventing the table from inadvertently
collapsing.
[0004] Generally, when in the storage position, the legs of the
table are located proximate the underside of the tabletop. This
requires that an operator place the table on its side prior
collapsing the legs. Consequently, heavy tables are undesirable as
greater weight increases the difficulty of rotating a table onto
its side.
[0005] Normally, known portable tables include systems for
supporting any object placed upon the tabletop. Standard usage
generally requires that the support system have high durability,
since high durability allows the portable tables to withstand the
wear and tear associated with the continuous relocation and setup
of the portable table. Generally, in known tables, increased
durability and load-bearing capability result in a significant
increase in the weight of the table, and as explained above, the
increase in the weight of the table generally increases the
difficulty associated in moving and setting up the table.
[0006] In addition, the folding mechanisms coupled to the legs of a
folding table must be manually operated when a user places the legs
into the extended or operable position. In known portable folding
tables, these mechanisms often require significant physical
strength and/or dexterity. Furthermore, the prior art folding
mechanisms may be complicated and involve numerous interacting
parts, thereby increasing both the manufacturing costs and the
assembly costs of the table.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for portable folding tables
that are strong, durable, lightweight, and have simple folding
mechanisms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a portable
folding table. The portable folding table includes a tabletop
having a top surface, or working surface, and an undersurface. The
undersurface includes a wall extending about the periphery, and
elongate channels extending proximate opposing edges of the
tabletop. In addition, the undersurface also includes rib
assemblies molded therein, defining a transverse channel.
[0009] The portable folding table further includes support tubes
for supporting the tabletop. The support tubes include a main body
and a plurality of tubular members extending therefrom. The support
tubes are located within the elongate channels and are attached to
a wall molded into the undersurface.
[0010] The table also includes pedestals for supporting the
tabletop above a surface. The pedestals each include a pedestal
support tube and legs. The legs may take a variety of shapes and
may be joined to each other by braces in order to provide
additional support. In addition, tubular supports extend through
the pedestal support tubes and into the tubular members providing a
pivot upon which the pedestals may rotate.
[0011] In addition, the portable folding table also includes
support braces for retaining the pedestals in the extended position
with the legs disposed away from the undersurface. The support
braces include at least one angle arm and a straight arm fastened
together in a manner allowing the straight arm to rotate about the
fastened ends. The opposite end of the straight arm is joined to
the underside of the tabletop by way of a pin. The pin is connected
to the undersurface of the tabletop and remains distinct from the
frame.
[0012] The folding table further includes a transverse strut
extending between the support tubes of the frame. The transverse
strut is confined within the transverse channel by way of
attachment assemblies disposed between the frame and the
undersurface. The interaction between the support tubes and the
transverse strut succeeds in providing a normal force to the
tabletop when the tabletop is supporting a load.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] These and other features of the invention will become more
apparent and the present invention will be better understood upon
consideration of the following description and the accompanying
drawings wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a
portable table in the operative configuration;
[0015] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the tabletop
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 2A depicts an enlarged view of the encircled area shown
in FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 2B depicts a cross-sectional view through lines 2B-2B
of FIG. 2A;
[0018] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view through lines 2C-2C of
FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded perspective view of the support
structure illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3A depicts an enlarged view of the encircled area shown
in FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 3B depicts an enlarged view of the encircled area shown
in FIG. 3A;
[0022] FIG. 3C depicts an enlarged view of the encircled area shown
in FIG. 3;
[0023] FIG. 3D depicts an enlarged view of the encircled area shown
in FIG. 3;
[0024] FIG. 3E depicts an enlarged view of a pin utilized in the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of the portable
table illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 4A depicts an enlarged view of the encircled area shown
in FIG. 4; and
[0027] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the portable table
illustrated in FIG. 1 in the collapsed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] Referring first to FIG. 1, a portable table is generally
indicated by numeral 10. Portable table 10 includes a tabletop 12
and a support system 14. In the embodiment depicted, the tabletop
12 is manufactured from blow molded plastic having a rectangular
shape and includes a substantially smooth top surface 16 and an
undersurface 18 located opposite thereof. However, in alternative
embodiments, any or all of the shape, the texture of the surfaces,
or the material of manufacture of the tabletop 12 may differ from
that disclosed herein. For example, the tabletop 12 may be
manufactured from injection-molded plastic or wood. Similarly, the
shape of the tabletop 12 may take on the shape of a circle, square,
triangle, or any other desired shape.
[0029] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the tabletop 12. In
this embodiment, undersurface 18 includes a wall 20 extending
downward from the edges of the tabletop 12. As illustrated, the
wall 20 is molded into undersurface 18 forming a right angle. In
addition, undersurface 18 also includes a plurality of dimples 22
uniformly spaced throughout, as a mechanism of rigidifying
undersurface 18. Undersurface 18 further includes a pair of
elongate channels 24 extending proximate the long edges of tabletop
12 and a transverse channel 26 extending the width of the tabletop
12 perpendicular to the elongate channels 24.
[0030] The elongate channels 24, set forth above, are recessed into
undersurface 18. Each channel 24 includes a flat surface 28
defining the most recessed position of the channel 24. Flat surface
28 may be recessed into undersurface 18 any distance desired. In
alternative embodiments, flat surface 28 need not be recessed into
undersurface 18 at all. When flat surface 28 is recessed into
undersurface 18, a lip 116 is formed separating undersurface 18 and
flat surface 28.
[0031] FIG. 2 also depicts transverse channel 26, which extends
transversely across the width of undersurface 18. The transverse
channel 26 extends between the two elongate channels 24. However,
unlike the elongate channels 24, transverse channel 26 is not
defined by a flat surface recessed into undersurface 18. Rather,
the area separating a molded pair of rib assemblies 30 defines the
transverse channel 26. In the embodiment depicted, the transverse
channel 26 is located mid-way between the two short edges of
tabletop 12.
[0032] FIGS. 2 and 2A both depict two molded rib assemblies 30,
separated by transverse channel 26. Each rib assembly 30 is molded
into undersurface 18 and includes a plurality of ribs 32, a main
body 34, and a pair of pin connecting sections 40. In the
embodiment depicted, the rib assemblies 30 include eight ribs 32
molded into undersurface 18. Four of the ribs 32 extend outward
from transverse channel 26. Two of the ribs 32 extend substantially
parallel to transverse channel 26 proximate pin connecting section
40. Finally, the remaining ribs 32 extend from the main body 34 to
the pin connecting section 40.
[0033] In the embodiment depicted, the main body 34 of each rib
assembly 30 perpendicularly radiates outward from transverse
channel 26, toward the short edges of the tabletop 12. Furthermore,
main body 34 is centered between the two long edges of the table 12
and extends upwards a distance from undersurface 18 equaling the
height of wall 20. In the present embodiment, this distance is
slightly greater than the distance separating the top surface of
the ribs 32 and the undersurface 18. In addition, main body 34 has
a width approximately double that of each of the ribs 32.
[0034] As stated above, the rib assemblies 30 each include two pin
connecting sections 40. The pin connecting sections 40 are molded
into undersurface 18 and have the same height, with respect to
undersurface 18, as the ribs 32. Each of the pin connecting
sections 40 includes a side wall 41, a side wall 42, a top surface
44, and a pin receiving channel 46.
[0035] FIG. 2A illustrates that each pin connecting section 40
joins two ribs 32. In the embodiment depicted, side wall 42
represents the portion of the pin connecting sections 40 separating
the joined ribs 32. As depicted, side wall 42 includes an aperture
48 extending therethrough.
[0036] Each pin connecting section 40 also includes a top surface
44. In the embodiment depicted, top surface 44 is substantially
smooth with a square profile. In addition, a pin receiving channel
46 is inset into top surface 44. As can be seen, the side walls 41,
42 are located on opposite sides of pin receiving channel 46. In
addition, the two pin receiving channels 46 of each rib assembly 30
open toward each other as depicted in FIG. 2.
[0037] Each pin receiving channel 46 represents a void extending
into the center of the pin connecting section 40. In addition, each
channel 46 includes tabs 50 depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The tabs
50 extend toward the center of the pin receiving channel 46 from
each of the side walls 41, 42.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2B, a section view taken through the
channel 46 is depicted. Each tab 50 includes a main body 120
including a recess 122 defined by a shoulder 124. As shown in FIGS.
2A and 2B, two shoulders 124 of the two tabs 50 are positioned
opposite each other across the channel 46.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exploded perspective view of
support system 14 is depicted. Support system 14 includes pedestals
54, support braces 56, tubular supports 58, a transverse strut 60,
and a pair of support tubes 62. In the embodiment depicted, each
support tube 62 includes a main body 64 and tubular members 66. The
tubular members 66 inward from the main body 64. The support tubes
62 may be manufactured from steel or, any material similar, having
sufficient strength to prevent the tube 62 from twisting about its
longitudinal axis, when loaded.
[0040] In the embodiment depicted, main body 64 has a length
approximately equal to that of the elongate channels 24 of
undersurface 18 (depicted in FIG. 2). In addition, the support
tubes 62 have a width slightly smaller than the width of the
elongate channels 24. Furthermore, the height of main body 64 is
equivalent to the distance separating the top edge of wall 20
(depicted in FIG. 2) from flat surface 28 (depicted in FIG. 2). It
should be noted that although the main body 64 is depicted as
including a rectangular cross section, this cross section might
take any shape desired.
[0041] Main body 64 also includes a plurality of apertures 68 that
extend through two of the opposing walls thereof. Specifically, the
apertures 68 are disposed in the wall of main body 64 that abuts
against wall 20 (depicted in FIG. 2). Apertures 68 are also
disposed throughout main body 64 opposite wall 20. In addition, the
apertures 68 located in each of the opposing walls of body 64 are
aligned in pairs, thereby allowing a fastener (not shown) to extend
completely through main body 64.
[0042] In the depicted embodiment, tubular members 66 are fixedly
attached to main body 64. The tubular members 66 have a circular
cross-section and are spaced inward toward the center of main body
64, from the ends thereof. Additionally, the tubular members 66 are
manufactured from the same type of material that forms main body
64. In the embodiment depicted, the main body 64 and the tubular
members 66 are steel, and the tubular members 66 are affixed to
main body 64 by way of welding. In alternative embodiments,
however, the tubular members 66 may be attached to main body 64 in
any well-known manner, and main body 64 may be manufactured from
any durable material. Main body 64 also includes circular apertures
69 (FIG. 2C) located proximate the ends thereof with each aperture
69 having diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the
tubular members 66. The circular apertures 69 are disposed
throughout in main body 64 in a manner ensuring the apertures 69
are aligned with the tubular members 66.
[0043] Referring still to FIG. 3, it can be seen that each of the
pedestals 54 includes a pair of laterally spaced apart support legs
70 radiating from a pedestal support tube 72. Generally, support
legs 70 and pedestal support tube 72 are manufactured from the same
material comprising the support tubes 62. In the embodiment
depicted, both the legs 70 and the support tube 72 of each pedestal
54 have circular cross-sections, and furthermore, the pedestal
support tube 72 has a circular cross section approximately
equivalent to that of the tubular members 66. In addition, the
support tube 72 is independently welded to each leg 70. Braces 74
extend between the two support legs 70 proximate the ends thereof,
thereby allowing the legs 70 to support each other.
[0044] As indicated above, support system 14 also includes tubular
supports 58 located at opposite ends of the support system 14. The
diameter of the tubular supports 58 is slightly less than the
diameter of both the tubular members 66 and pedestal support tubes
72. In addition, the tubular supports 58 are longer than tubes 72,
such that a portion of the supports 58 extends outward from the
tubes 72, as best shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the tubular
supports 58 extend through both the pedestal support tubes 72 and
into the tubular members 66. Furthermore, the tubular supports 58
extend into the support tubes 62 through the circular apertures 69,
as depicted in FIG. 2C.
[0045] As explained above, tubular supports 58 have a diameter less
than the tubular members 66, the circular apertures 69 and the
support tubes 72. Accordingly, when fully assembled as depicted in
FIG. 2C, support tubes 72 may rotate about the tubular support 58,
extending therethrough. Thus, this connection allows support
pedestals 54 to rotate with respect to the tabletop 12 between an
extended position and a collapsed position.
[0046] Referring again to FIG. 3, transverse strut 60 of the
support system 14 is depicted. The transverse strut 60 includes a
main body portion 76 having a rectangular cross section and an
attachment assembly 78 located at each end thereof. In the
embodiment depicted, each attachment assembly 78 comprises an angle
plate including a vertical plate 80 and a horizontal plate 82.
Vertical plate 80 extends above the top surface of main body
portion 76, with horizontal plate 82 extending perpendicularly
therefrom. This attachment creates an angle between the two plates
80, 82 approximately measuring 90 degrees.
[0047] The support system 14 also includes a pair of support braces
56, as depicted in FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B. Each support brace 56
includes angled arms 84, a straight arm 86 and a junction 88
therebetween. A portion of straight arm 86 is pinned between the
angled arms 84. A fastener 92 affixes the angled arms 84 to a first
end 90 of the straight arm 86 in a manner allowing straight arm 86
to rotate with respect to the angled arms 84.
[0048] Straight arm 86 also includes a second end 94 located
opposite first end 90. Second end 94 includes an aperture 96
positioned therein having a circular cross-section. In the
embodiment depicted, the support braces 56 further include locking
components 98 having a rectangular shape. The locking components 98
include an aperture 100 extending through the center. Straight arm
86 extends through aperture 100. Aperture 100 has a size sufficient
to allow for the sliding movement of locking component 98 proximate
first end 90. Furthermore, when straight arm 86 is aligned with the
angled arms 84, the locking component 98 may be positioned over
junction 88 in order to prevent rotation of the straight arm 86
about fastener 92.
[0049] FIG. 4A depicts a pin 102 having a circular cross-section
sized and configured to extend through aperture 96 of straight arms
86. The pin 102 is further sized and configured in both length and
diameter to allow for the insertion of the pin 102 into the pin
receiving channels 46 depicted in FIG. 2. The pin 102 includes
mounting apertures 104 located proximate its ends.
[0050] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 3D, the support system 14
further includes pin clamps 106. In the embodiment depicted, the
pin clamps 106 are manufactured from the same type of material
comprising pedestals 54, support braces 56 and support tubes 62.
Each pin clamp 106 includes a flat plate 108 with a rectangular
shape that includes a plurality of apertures 110. In the embodiment
depicted, apertures 110 are located proximate the corners of plate
108. The apertures 110, however, may be disposed throughout plate
108 as desired. The pin clamps 106 further include ears 112, which
extend perpendicularly downward from the flat plates 108, forming a
right angle therebetween. Each ear 112 includes an aperture 114
extending therethrough. Aperture 114 is sized and configured to
allow pin 102 to extend therethrough.
[0051] Now that the major components comprising portable table 10
have been explained, the assembled structure of portable table 10
will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. Beginning
with transverse strut 60, the transverse strut 60 is positioned
within located in the transverse channel 26 of undersurface 18.
Transverse strut 60 is sized to both substantially fill channel 26
and also extend across the undersurface 18 of tabletop 12. When
transverse strut 60 is properly located, the horizontal plates 82
of the attachment assemblies 78 should rest flush against the flat
surfaces 28 of the elongate channels 26.
[0052] Once transverse strut 60 has been properly positioned within
transverse channel 26, the remainder of support system 14 is then
positioned within the undersurface 18 of the tabletop 12. In no
particular order, tubular support 58 is inserted into a pedestal
support tube 72 of one of the support pedestals 54. The tubular
supports 58 are then inserted into the tubular members 66 of the
support tubes 62, in the manner described above. Next, the support
tubes 62 are positioned within the elongate channels 24 of
undersurface 18. A plurality of fasteners, such as screws (not
shown), affixes the support tubes 62 to the wall 20. Specifically,
the fasteners extend through apertures 68 and into wall 20 of
tabletop 12. In the embodiment depicted, the portable table 10
requires eight fasteners to attach both support tubes 62 to wall
20. In alternative embodiments, however, a different number or type
of fastener may be employed.
[0053] It should be noted that the attachment of the support tubes
62 to the tabletop 12 in the manner set forth above retains the
support tubes 62 against the wall 20. Furthermore, in the
embodiment depicted, since the width of elongate channel 24 is
greater than the width of the support tubes 62, the retention of
the support tubes 62 against wall 20 prevents the support tubes 62
from contacting the raised lips 116 of the elongate channels 24.
This creates a gap 118 between the lips 116 and the tubes 62. It
should be noted that in this embodiment, since the support tubes 62
are positioned within the elongate channels 24 only after
transverse strut 60 has been positioned within transverse channel
26, the horizontal plates 82 of the transverse strut 60 are
positioned intermediate support tubes 62 and flat surface 28. This
means of engagement causes the transverse strut 60 to "hang" from
the support tubes 62 by way of the horizontal plates 82.
[0054] Following the connection of the support tubes 62 to wall 20,
the pins 102, pin clamps 106 and second ends 94 of the straight
arms 86 are first assembled together and then affixed to
undersurface 18 of tabletop 12. In the embodiment depicted, pins
102 are inserted into the apertures 96 (FIG. 3A) of pin clamps 106,
as shown in FIG. 4A. Pins 102 may then be pressed into the pin
receiving channels 46 (FIG. 2A) of the pin connecting sections 40.
As explained above, each pin receiving channel 46 includes a
plurality of shoulders 124 (FIG. 2B). As each pin 102 is pressed
into the pin receiving channel 46, the shoulder 124 will deform
allowing the pin 102 to pass therethrough. The pin 102 is received
by space 122, shoulders 124 return to their original position
thereby trapping pin 102.
[0055] In an effort to ensure that the pins 102 remain situated
within the pin receiving channels 46, fasteners (not shown) are
inserted into the aperture 48 (FIG. 2A) located within side wall
42. The apertures 48 of the pin connecting sections 40 should align
with the mounting apertures 104 located proximate the ends of the
pins 102, thereby allowing for the insertion of the fastener into
the pins 102. The extension of the fastener through apertures 48
and into apertures 104 succeeds in retaining securing the pins 102
within the pin receiving channels 46.
[0056] The attachment of pin clamps 106 to the pin connecting
sections 40 further succeeds in retaining the pins 102 within the
pin receiving channels 46. As described above, each of the pin
clamps 106 includes a plurality of apertures 110 dispersed
throughout flat plate 108. Fasteners (not shown) may be inserted
through the apertures 110 (FIG. 3B) into top surface 44 of pin
connecting section 40, thereby affixing the pin clamps 106 to the
top surfaces 44. Since the pins 102 extend through ears 112, the
retention of the pin clamps 106 against the pin connecting sections
40 further ensures that the pins 102 remain secured within the pin
receiving channels 46. The attachment of the pin clamps 106 to the
pin connection sections 40 represents the final step of assembling
the portable table 10.
[0057] Now that the assembly of portable table 10 has been
described, the function of portable table 10 will now be explained
in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5. FIG. 5 depicts the
portable table 10 configured in the storage position with the
pedestals 54 located proximate undersurface 18. Generally, this
position is preferred when either storing or moving the portable
table 10, as the portable table 10 occupies less area than that
occupied by the table 10 when in the operative position illustrated
in FIG. 1. In the operative position, the pedestals 54 extend away
from undersurface 18.
[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, and starting first with the
pedestals 54, the interaction of the pedestal support tubes 72 and
the tubular support 58 allows the pedestals 54 to pivot about the
support 58 and into the operative position illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0059] Referring still to FIG. 1, when the pedestals 54 extend away
from the tabletop 12 in the operative position, the straight arms
86 and angled arms 84 the support braces 56 align to share a common
longitudinal axis (not shown). In order to prevent the portable
table 10 from inadvertently collapsing, the brace locks 98 lock the
support braces 56 in this position by being placed over junction
88. This prevents the rotation of straight arm 86 about fastener
92, thereby preventing the pedestals 54 from undesirably moving
into the storage position illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0060] Once the table 10 is configured in the operative position,
the portable table 10 is capable of supporting loads above the
floor. The load associated with an object placed on the center of
the table 10 is counteracted by the interaction between the
transverse strut 60 and tubular supports 62. Specifically, a load
supported by the center of the table 10 travels through the
tabletop 12 and into the transverse strut 60, where the force of
the load is met with a countering, or normal, force. This normal
force exists by way of the interaction between the transverse strut
60 and the support tubes 62. Specifically, the normal force travels
up from the floor (not shown) through the legs 70 of the support
pedestals 54. The force then travels into the pedestal support
tubes 72, through the tubular supports 58, and into the tubular
members 66. Once the normal force reaches tubular members 66, it
transfers into the support tubes 62 and travels down the support
tubes 62 into the transverse strut 60. In this manner, portable
table 10 prevents the tabletop 12 from bowing when the tabletop 12
is loaded in the center.
[0061] Once a load has been placed upon the table 10, at a position
other than the center, the force of the load travels through the
tabletop 12 and into the support tubes 62. The normal force for
counteracting the force of the load is supplied to the support
tubes 62 from the floor in a manner identical to that described
above. In this manner, portable table 10 can support a load exerted
anywhere upon top surface 16.
[0062] Furthermore, the design of the table allows for the pedestal
legs to be easily stored. For example, as the pins 102 and their
associated rib assemblies are narrow, the pedestal legs 70 flank
the combination of the pins 102 and rib assemblies 30 when in the
stored position, as shown in FIG. 5. This is advantageous, since
this configuration does not require the legs 70 to be collapsed or
reduced in length when positioned against undersurface 18.
[0063] The present support system 14 also provides a very rigid
assembly. As the tubes 62 are rectangular in cross section, they
themselves are quite rigid. However, the torsional rigidity of the
tubes 62 is increased by the extension of tubular support 58
through the tubular members 66.
[0064] The present table also provides a cosmetically appealing
design from the perspective of the underside structure 14. In
particular, as the support tubes 66 and the tubular members 72 have
a consistent diameter, the combination of the tubes 66, 72 take on
the appearance of a continuous tube.
[0065] The presently disclosed embodiment provides a portable
folding table that is lightweight, easy to fold/unfold and may be
efficiently stored when folded. The portable folding table provides
functionality and load-bearing capability when unfolded with
relatively few separate parts. Accordingly, manufacture and
assembly of the portable folding table is relatively efficient.
[0066] While the invention has been described in its currently best
known modes of operation and embodiments, other modes and
embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in
the art and are contemplated.
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