U.S. patent application number 11/383776 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-07 for foldable table.
Invention is credited to Wen-Sheng Lin, Hsin-Hung Tsai.
Application Number | 20060196395 11/383776 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38748328 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060196395 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lin; Wen-Sheng ; et
al. |
September 7, 2006 |
FOLDABLE TABLE
Abstract
A collapsible table has an elongate blow-molded table top
comprising two table top halves. A support frame comprising first
and second pairs of support members is attached to the bottom
surface of the table top halves. A pair of hinge assemblies
pivotally connect the first pair of support members to the second
pair of support members so that the two table top halves are
pivotally connected together. This allows the first and second
table top halves to be folded together in a storage position. At
least one of the hinge assemblies includes a spring-loaded latch
member for latching and unlatching the hinge assembly. When the
hinge assembly is latched, the table top halves are locked into an
open position for normal use. When the hinge assembly is unlatched,
the table top halves may be folded together for storage.
Inventors: |
Lin; Wen-Sheng; (Kaohsiung
City, TW) ; Tsai; Hsin-Hung; (Jhuci Township,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LUEDEKA, NEELY & GRAHAM, P.C.
P O BOX 1871
KNOXVILLE
TN
37901
US
|
Family ID: |
38748328 |
Appl. No.: |
11/383776 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10763155 |
Jan 21, 2004 |
|
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11383776 |
May 17, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/132 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 3/087 20130101;
A47B 3/08 20130101; A47B 3/0911 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/132 |
International
Class: |
A47B 3/00 20060101
A47B003/00 |
Claims
1. A collapsible table comprising: an elongate table top comprising
a first table top half and a second table top half, the first and
second table top halves each having a substantially planar top
surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface; a support
frame attached to the bottom surface of the table top, the support
frame comprising a first pair of support members disposed adjacent
outer edges of the bottom surface of the first table top half and a
second pair of support members disposed adjacent outer edges of the
bottom surface of the second table top half; a pair of hinge
assemblies for pivotally connecting the first pair of support
members to the second pair of support members, whereby the first
table top half is pivotally connected to the second table top half,
thereby allowing the first and second table top halves to be folded
together in a storage position, at least one of the hinge
assemblies comprising: a first hinge member secured to one of the
first pair of support members, the first hinge member comprising an
opposing pair of substantially parallel first hinge tabs, each
first hinge tab having a central first tab aperture and a
peripheral tab notch; a second hinge member secured to one of the
second pair of support members, the second hinge member comprising
an opposing pair of substantially parallel second hinge tabs, each
second hinge tab having a central second tab aperture and a tab
slot, the second hinge tabs disposed between and substantially
parallel to the first hinge tabs, wherein the first tab apertures
are substantially aligned with the second tab apertures; a latch
member pivotally disposed between the second hinge tabs and
rotatable between a latched position and an unlatched position, the
latch member having: at least one latch aperture substantially
aligned with the first tab apertures and the second tab apertures;
and at least one latch slot at least partially overlapping the tab
slots of the second hinge member; a hinge pin disposed through the
first tab apertures of the first hinge member, the second tab
apertures of the second hinge member and the at least one latch
aperture of the latch member, the hinge pin allowing the first
hinge member, the second hinge member and the latch member to
rotate in relation to each other; and a pawl pin disposed through
the tab slots of the second hinge member and through the at least
one latch slot of the latch member, the pawl pin operable to slide
laterally within the tab slots and the at least one latch slot as
the latch member rotates in relation to the first and second hinge
members, wherein the pawl pin slides to a first position within the
tab slots of the second hinge member as the latch member rotates to
the latched position, and wherein the pawl pin slides to a second
position within the tab slots of the second hinge member as the
latch member rotates to the unlatched position, wherein the pawl
pin engages the peripheral tab notches of the first hinge member as
the pawl pin slides to the first position, thereby preventing
rotation of the first hinge member in relation to the second hinge
member, and wherein the pawl pin disengages from the peripheral tab
notches of the first hinge member as the pawl pin slides toward the
second position, thereby allowing rotation of the first hinge
member in relation to the second hinge member.
2. The collapsible table of claim 1 further comprising means for
urging the pawl pin to move toward the first position.
3. The collapsible table of claim 2 wherein the means for urging
the pawl pin to slide toward the first position comprises a spring
disposed between the second hinge tabs of the second hinge member,
the spring for pushing against the pawl pin thereby urging the pawl
pin to slide laterally in the tab slots of the second hinge
member.
4. The collapsible table of claim 3 wherein: the pawl pin includes
at least one notch in a peripheral surface thereof; and the spring
includes at least one spring arm that engages the at least one
notch in the peripheral surface of the pawl pin.
5. The collapsible table of claim 4 wherein the pawl pin is
prevented from sliding axially within the tab slots of the second
hinge member by engagement of the at least one spring arm in the at
least one notch.
6. The collapsible table of claim 3 further comprising means for
retaining the spring between the hinge tabs of the second hinge
member.
7. The collapsible table of claim 6 wherein the means for retaining
the spring further comprise: a spring pin disposed through a coil
in the spring, the spring pin having opposing ends; and a pair of
opposing spring pin apertures in the second hinge member for
receiving the opposing ends of the spring pin.
8. The collapsible table of claim 1 wherein the table top halves
are formed from blow-molded plastic.
9. A collapsible table comprising: an elongate table top formed
from blow-molded plastic, the table top comprising a first table
top half and a second table top half, the first and second table
top halves each having a substantially planar top surface and a
bottom surface opposite the top surface; a support frame attached
to the bottom surface of the table top, the support frame
comprising a first pair of support members disposed adjacent outer
edges of the bottom surface of the first table top half and a
second pair of support members disposed adjacent outer edges of the
bottom surface of the second table top half; a pair of hinge
assemblies for pivotally connecting the first pair of support
members to the second pair of support members, whereby the first
table top half is pivotally connected to the second table top half,
thereby allowing the first and second table top halves to be folded
together in a storage position, at least one of the hinge
assemblies comprising: a first hinge member secured to one of the
first pair of support members, the first hinge member comprising an
opposing pair of substantially parallel first hinge tabs, each
first hinge tab having a central first tab aperture and a
peripheral tab notch; a second hinge member secured to one of the
second pair of support members, the second hinge member comprising
an opposing pair of substantially parallel second hinge tabs, each
second hinge tab having a central second tab aperture and a tab
slot, the second hinge tabs disposed between and substantially
parallel to the first hinge tabs, wherein the first tab apertures
are substantially aligned with the second tab apertures; a latch
member pivotally disposed between the second hinge tabs and
rotatable between a latched position and an unlatched position, the
latch member having: at least one latch aperture substantially
aligned with the first tab apertures and the second tab apertures;
and at least one latch slot at least partially overlapping the tab
slots of the second hinge member; a hinge pin disposed through the
first tab apertures of the first hinge member, the second tab
apertures of the second hinge member and the at least one latch
aperture of the latch member, the hinge pin allowing the first
hinge member, the second hinge member and the latch member to
rotate in relation to each other; a pawl pin disposed through the
tab slots of the second hinge member and through the at least one
latch slot of the latch member, the pawl pin operable to slide
laterally within the tab slots and the at least one latch slot as
the latch member rotates in relation to the first and second hinge
members, wherein the pawl pin slides to a first position within the
tab slots of the second hinge member as the latch member rotates to
the latched position, and wherein the pawl pin slides to a second
position within the tab slots of the second hinge member as the
latch member rotates to the unlatched position, wherein the pawl
pin engages the peripheral tab notches of the first hinge member as
the pawl pin slides to the first position, thereby preventing
rotation of the first hinge member in relation to the second hinge
member, and wherein the pawl pin disengages from the peripheral tab
notches of the first hinge member as the pawl pin slides toward the
second position, thereby allowing rotation of the first hinge
member in relation to the second hinge member; and a spring
disposed between the second hinge tabs of the second hinge member
and engaging the pawl pin, the spring for pushing against the pawl
pin thereby urging the pawl pin to slide laterally in the tab slots
of the second hinge member;
10. A collapsible table comprising: an elongate table top formed
from blow-molded plastic, the table top comprising a first table
top half and a second table top half, the first and second table
top halves each having a substantially planar top surface and a
bottom surface opposite the top surface; a support frame attached
to the bottom surface of the table top, the support frame
comprising a first pair of support members disposed adjacent outer
edges of the bottom surface of the first table top half and a
second pair of support members disposed adjacent outer edges of the
bottom surface of the second table top half; a pair of hinge
assemblies for pivotally connecting the first pair of support
members to the second pair of support members, whereby the first
table top half is pivotally connected to the second table top half,
thereby allowing the first and second table top halves to be folded
together in a storage position; and a handle assembly attached to
the support frame, the handle assembly configurable in a use
position wherein the handle assembly is operable for use in
carrying the table when the table top halves are folded together,
the handle assembly further configurable in a stowed position when
the handle assembly is not being used to carry the table, the
handle assembly comprising: a flexible strap having opposing ends
attached to a central portion of one of the support members of the
support frame; a grip attached to the strap; fasteners for securing
the opposing ends of the strap to the support member; and a
retaining strap for securing the grip adjacent the bottom surface
of one of the table top halves when the handle assembly is in the
stowed position.
11. The collapsible table of claim 1 wherein the grip includes a
longitudinal passage through which the flexible strap passes.
12. The collapsible table of claim 1 wherein the retaining strap
includes a hook-and-loop closure which wraps around the grip when
the handle assembly is in the stowed position.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/763,155 filed Jan. 21, 2004.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a foldable table, and more
particularly to a foldable table that is folded when not in use,
thereby saving space of storage, package and transportation.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[0003] A conventional table is available for providing a support
effect, thereby facilitating the user using the table. However, the
conventional table has a fixed structure and cannot be folded when
not in use, thereby increasing space of storage, and thereby
causing inconvenience in storage, package and transportation.
[0004] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide
a foldable table that is supported rigidly and stably when being
expanded and is folded when not in use, thereby enhancing the
versatility of foldable table.
[0005] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
foldable table, wherein the handle is pivoted outward to protrude
from the two table boards, thereby facilitating the user carrying
the foldable table.
[0006] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a
foldable table that is folded when not in use, thereby saving space
of storage, package and transportation.
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a foldable table, comprising two table boards pivotally connected
with each other, and two support units each foldably mounted on a
respective one of the two table boards, wherein:
[0008] each of the two table boards has a bottom formed with a
receiving space; and
[0009] each of the support units is mounted in the receiving space
of a respective one of the two table boards and includes a support
stand having an end pivotally mounted on a first end of the
respective table board, and a support member pivotally mounted on a
second end of the respective table board and pivotally connected
with the support stand.
[0010] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a
collapsible table having an elongate blow-molded table top. The
table top includes two table boards, also referred to herein as a
first table top half and a second table top half. Each half has a
substantially planar top surface and a bottom surface opposite the
top surface. Attached to the bottom surface of the table top is a
support frame comprising first and second pairs of support members.
The first pair of support members is disposed adjacent outer edges
of the bottom surface of the first table top half, and the second
pair of support members is disposed adjacent outer edges of the
bottom surface of the second table top half. A pair of hinge
assemblies pivotally connect the first pair of support members to
the second pair of support members so that the first table top half
is pivotally connected to the second table top half. This allows
the first and second table top halves to be folded together in a
storage configuration.
[0011] At least one of the hinge assemblies comprises a first hinge
member secured to one of the first pair of support members. The
first hinge member includes an opposing pair of substantially
parallel first hinge tabs. Each of the first hinge tabs has a
central first tab aperture and a peripheral tab notch. The hinge
assembly also includes a second hinge member secured to one of the
second pair of support members. The second hinge member comprises
an opposing pair of substantially parallel second hinge tabs, each
having a central second tab aperture and a tab slot. The second
hinge tabs are disposed between and substantially parallel to the
first hinge tabs so that the first tab apertures are substantially
aligned with the second tab apertures.
[0012] The hinge assembly further includes a latch member that is
pivotally disposed between the second hinge tabs. The latch member
may be rotated from a latched position to an unlatched position
when a user presses upon a surface of the latch member. The latch
member includes latch apertures that are substantially aligned with
the first tab apertures and the second tab apertures. The latch
member also includes latch slots that at least partially overlap
the tab slots of the second hinge member. A hinge pin is disposed
through the first tab apertures of the first hinge member, the
second tab apertures of the second hinge member and the latch
apertures of the latch member. The hinge pin allows the first hinge
member, the second hinge member and the latch member to rotate in
relation to each other.
[0013] A pawl pin is disposed through the tab slots of the second
hinge member and through the latch slots of the latch member. The
pawl pin is operable to slide laterally within the tab slots and
the latch slots as the latch member rotates in relation to the
first and second hinge members. The pawl pin slides to a first
position within the tab slots of the second hinge member as the
latch member rotates to the latched position. In this first
position, the pawl pin engages the peripheral tab notches of the
first hinge member, thereby preventing rotation of the first hinge
member in relation to the second hinge member. The pawl pin slides
to a second position within the tab slots of the second hinge
member as the latch member rotates to the unlatched position. In
this second position, the pawl pin disengages from the peripheral
tab notches of the first hinge member, thereby allowing rotation of
the first hinge member in relation to the second hinge member.
[0014] In this manner, when the latch member is in the latched
position, the table top halves are locked into a coplanar position
for normal use. When the latch member is in the unlatched position,
the table top halves may be folded together for storage.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the pawl pin is urged to slide
toward the first position by a spring disposed between the second
hinge tabs of the second hinge member. The spring pushes against
the pawl pin thereby urging the pawl pin to slide laterally in the
tab slots of the second hinge member. The urging of the spring
ensures that the pawl pin will automatically slide into engagement
with the notches of the first hinge member when the table halves
are unfolded into a coplanar position for normal use. Thus, the
action of the spring against the pawl pin causes the table top
halves to be automatically locked into the coplanar position when
they are completely unfolded.
[0016] Some preferred embodiments of the invention include a handle
assembly attached to the support frame. The handle assembly may be
configured into a use position wherein the handle assembly may be
used in carrying the table when the table top halves are folded
together. The handle assembly may also be configured into a stowed
position when the handle assembly is not being used to carry the
table. The handle assembly includes a flexible strap with a grip.
The strap has opposing ends attached by fasteners to a central
portion of one of the support members of the support frame. When
the handle assembly is in the stowed position, a retaining strap
secures the grip to a portion of the support member adjacent the
bottom surface of one of the table top.
[0017] Further benefits and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent after a careful reading of the detailed
description with appropriate reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Further advantages of the invention are apparent by
reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the
figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly
show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like
elements throughout the several views, and wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable table in
accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the foldable table as
shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the foldable table as shown
in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the foldable table as shown in
FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan folded view of the foldable table as
shown in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a plan cross-sectional view of the foldable table
taken along line 6-6 as shown in FIG. 5;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of the foldable table as
shown in FIG. 6;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of the foldable table as
shown in FIG. 5;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of the foldable table as
shown in FIG. 5;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a perspective folded view of the foldable table
in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 11 depicts a handle for carrying the foldable table
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the
handle is in a stowed position;
[0030] FIG. 12 depicts a handle for carrying the foldable table
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the
handle is in a use position; and
[0031] FIG. 13 depicts a hinge mechanism according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Referring to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1-8, a
foldable table 5 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
present invention comprises two table boards 1 pivotally connected
with each other, and two support units 4 each foldably mounted on a
respective one of the two table boards 1.
[0033] The two table boards 1 are pivotally connected with each
other by two pivot members 12. Each of the two table boards 1 has a
bottom formed with a receiving space 11. The foldable table further
comprises two juxtaposed reinforcement members 13 each secured on
an edge of a respective one of the two table boards 1. The
receiving space 11 of each of the two table boards 1 has two sides
each provided with a support tube 14 secured on each of the two
table boards 1 by a plurality of screws 15 as shown in FIGS.
6-8.
[0034] Each of the support units 4 is mounted in the receiving
space 11 of a respective one of the two table boards 1 and includes
a support stand 2 having an end pivotally mounted on a first end of
the respective table board 1, and a support member 3 pivotally
mounted on a second end of the respective table board 1 and
pivotally connected with the support stand 2.
[0035] The support member 3 of each of the support units 4 includes
a substantially T-shaped support bar 30 having a first end
pivotally mounted on the second end of the respective table board
1, and a substantially V-shaped extension bar 31 having a first end
pivotally mounted on a second end of the support bar 30 and a
second end pivotally mounted on a mediate portion of the support
stand 2.
[0036] The receiving space 11 of each of the two table boards 1 is
formed with a plurality of receiving recesses 16 for receiving the
support stand 2 and the support member 3 of each of the support
units 4 when being folded.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, the foldable table 5 further comprises a
handle 17 pivotally mounted on either one of the two table boards
1.
[0038] In practice, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the support stand 2 of
each of the support units 4 is pulled outward relative to the
respective table board 1 to drive the support member 3 to extend
outward, thereby fully stretching the support member 3, so that the
two table boards 1 are supported by the support units 4 rigidly and
stably, thereby fully expanding the foldable table 5 as shown in
FIG. 1.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 5-10, when the user wishes to fold the
foldable table 5, the support stand 2 of each of the support units
4 is pressed toward the respective table board 1 to drive the
support member 3 to move and pivot inward, thereby folding the
support member 3 and the support stand 2 into the receiving
recesses 16 of the respective table board 1, so that the two table
boards 1 are pivoted relative to each other, thereby folding the
foldable table 5 as shown in FIG. 10. At this time, the handle 17
is pivoted outward to protrude from the two table boards 1, thereby
facilitating the user carrying the foldable table 5.
[0040] FIGS. 11 and 12 depict an alternative embodiment of the
invention wherein the handle 17 comprises a flexible strap 44
having a central grip portion 42. The grip portion 42 preferably
includes a passage 43 through which the strap 44 passes. Each end
of the strap 44 is attached to the support tube 14 using fasteners
48, such as rivets or screws. The strap 44 is preferably
constructed from a heavyweight woven nylon material, such as may be
used in cargo straps. The grip portion 42 is preferably molded from
a flexible plastic or high-density foam material.
[0041] FIG. 11 depicts the handle 17 disposed in a stowed position,
wherein the grip portion 42 is releasably secured adjacent the
bottom surface of the table top 1. In the stowed position, the
handle 17 is generally hidden from view and does not hang down
where it may contact a leg of someone sitting at the table. In the
preferred embodiment, ends of the retaining strap 46 are secured
around the grip portion 42 using a closure mechanism, such as a
hook-and-loop closure (Velcro.TM.) or a snap closure.
[0042] FIG. 12 depicts the handle 17 disposed in a carrying
position, wherein the strap 44 is extended outward from the support
tube 14. In this position, a user may easily hold the grip portion
42 for carrying the table 5 when the table 5 is in the folded
position (FIG. 10).
[0043] FIG. 13 provides an exploded view of a preferred embodiment
of one of the two pivot members 12, also referred to herein as
hinge assemblies 12. The hinge assembly 12 includes two hinge
members 50 and 52 pivotally connected together by a hinge pin 56
which passes through apertures 50a and 52a in circular tabs 50c and
52c of the hinge members 50 and 52. Preferably, the spacing between
the tabs 50c is sufficient to accommodate insertion of the tabs 52c
there between.
[0044] The hinge assembly 12 includes a latch member 54 disposed
between the tabs 52c of the hinge member 52. As shown in FIG. 13,
the hinge pin 56 passes through apertures 54a in the latch member
54 so that the latch member is pivotally connected to the two hinge
members 50 and 52. On either side of the latch member 54 are
arcuate slots 54b through which passes a pawl pin 58. The pawl pin
58 also passes through slots 52b on either side of the hinge member
52. The pawl pin 58 is operable to slide laterally in the slots 52b
between a first position (to the inner end of the slots 52b) and a
second position (to the outer end of the slots 52b).
[0045] In the first position, the pawl pin 58 engages notches 50b
in the tabs 50c of the hinge member 50, thereby preventing rotation
of the hinge member 50 with respect to the hinge member 52. In the
second position, the pawl pin 58 disengages the notches 50b,
thereby allowing rotation of the hinge member 50 with respect to
the hinge member 52.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 13, a spring 62 is connected to the hinge
member 52 by way of a spring pin 60. The spring pin 60 passes
through apertures 52d in the hinge member 52 and through a coil 62c
formed in the spring 62. The spring 62 has spring arms 62a
extending from the coil 62c that engage indentions 58a in the pawl
pin 58. Due to tension in the coil 62c, the spring arms 62a
constantly press against the pawl pin 58, thereby urging the pawl
pin 58 toward the first position in the slots 52b.
[0047] When a user applies pressure to the surface 54c of the latch
member 54, the latch member 54 rotates in relation to the hinge pin
56. This rotational movement of the latch member 54 urges the pawl
pin 58 to slide in the slots 52b toward the second position. This
movement of the pawl pin 58 disengages the pawl pin 58 from the
notches 50b in the tabs 50c of the hinge member 50, thereby
allowing the hinge members 50 and 52 to rotate in relation to each
other.
[0048] Thus, when the table boards 1 are unfolded into a coplanar
position, the action of the spring 62, pawl pin 58 and notches 50b
automatically locks the table boards 1 in the coplanar position.
When a user applies pressure to the surface 54c of the latch
member, the pawl pin 58 disengages from the notches so that the
table boards 1 may be folded together.
[0049] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or
variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The
embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the
best illustrations of the principles of the invention and its
practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill
in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the
scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when
interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are
fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
* * * * *