U.S. patent application number 13/025588 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-16 for folding table.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sico Incorporated. Invention is credited to Christopher C. Dickey, John M. Elliott.
Application Number | 20120204766 13/025588 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46635895 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120204766 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Elliott; John M. ; et
al. |
August 16, 2012 |
FOLDING TABLE
Abstract
A folding table includes a single tabletop extending over a
framework and legs. The folding table includes a first framework
with a first pair of legs and a second framework including a second
pair of legs. Folding linkages fold the tabletop between a first
use position wherein the tabletop is substantially horizontal and
second storage position wherein the tabletop is substantially
vertical. A damping assembly includes a damper mounted to the
tabletop and the frameworks and includes a damping linkage to guide
and provide controlled folding and unfolding of the table.
Inventors: |
Elliott; John M.; (Edina,
MN) ; Dickey; Christopher C.; (West St. Paul,
MN) |
Assignee: |
Sico Incorporated
Edina
MN
|
Family ID: |
46635895 |
Appl. No.: |
13/025588 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.11 ;
108/128 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 3/002 20130101;
A47B 2200/0036 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/50.11 ;
108/128 |
International
Class: |
A47B 3/00 20060101
A47B003/00; A47B 13/02 20060101 A47B013/02 |
Claims
1. A folding table, comprising: a tabletop; a first framework
including a first pair of legs beneath a first portion of the
tabletop; a second framework including a second pair of legs
beneath a second portion of the tabletop; a folding linkage folding
the table top between a first position wherein the tabletop is
substantially horizontal and supported on the first pair of legs
and the second pair of legs, and a second position wherein the
tabletop extends substantially vertically; a damping assembly
including a damper mounted to the tabletop and a damping assembly
linkage mounted to the tabletop and the damper.
2. A folding table according to claim 1, wherein the damper is
vertically oriented when the table top is in the first
position.
3. A folding table according to claim 2, wherein when the table top
is in the first position, the damper is aligned with a center pivot
of the folding linkage so that force from the damper does not act
to tend to fold the table.
4. A folding table according to claim 1, wherein each of the legs
includes a caster.
5. A folding table according to claim 4, wherein the folding table
is supported on the casters at the second position and the casters
are lifted from the ground at the first position.
6. A folding table according to claim 1, wherein the folding
linkage comprises pivots and the damping assembly linkage comprises
pivots configured to facilitate folding and unfolding of the
folding linkage.
7. A folding table according to claim 1, wherein the damping
assembly linkage comprises a first set of pivot links on a first
side of the damper and a second set of pivot links on an opposite
side of the damper.
8. A folding table according to claim 7, wherein the first set of
pivot links and the second set of pivot links of the damping
assembly linkage comprise parallel linkages.
9. A folding table according to claim 6, wherein the folding
linkage comprises a first linkage extending between the first
framework and the second framework and a second linkage extending
between the first framework and the second framework.
10. A folding table according to claim 9, wherein the damping
assembly linkage is intermediate the first linkage and the second
linkage.
11. A folding table according to claim 1, wherein the first
framework and the second framework define a centerline and the
first portion of the tabletop is on a first side of the centerline
and the second portion of the tabletop is on a second side of the
centerline, the first portion being larger than the second
portion.
12. A folding table according to claim 11, wherein the first
portion of the tabletop is below the second portion of the tabletop
when the folding table is at the second position.
13. A folding table according to claim 1, further comprising a
handle on an underside of the second portion of the tabletop.
14. A folding table according to claim 12, further comprising a
handle on an underside of the second portion of the tabletop.
15. A folding table according to claim 1, wherein the tabletop is
oval.
16. A folding table according to claim 15, wherein the oval
tabletop has a length greater than a width, and wherein the length
extends generally along a folding axis.
17. A folding table according to claim 1, wherein when the table
top is at the second position, the damper exerts a force that acts
to tend to maintain the table in the second position.
18. A folding table, comprising: a tabletop; a first framework
including a first pair of legs beneath a first portion of the
tabletop; a second framework including a second pair of legs
beneath a second portion of the tabletop; a first folding linkage
extending between the first framework and the second framework and
a second folding linkage extending between the first framework and
the second framework folding the table top between a first position
wherein the tabletop is substantially horizontal and supported on
the first pair of legs and the second pair of legs, and a second
position wherein the tabletop extends substantially vertically, the
first framework and the second framework defining a centerline with
the first portion of the tabletop on a first side of the centerline
and the second portion of the tabletop on a second side of the
centerline, the first portion being larger than the second portion
and below the second portion when the folding table is at the
second position; and a damping assembly including a damper mounted
to the tabletop and a damping assembly linkage mounted to the
tabletop and the damper, the damping assembly linkage having pivots
configured to facilitate folding and unfolding of the folding
linkage.
19. A folding table according to claim 18, wherein the damping
assembly linkage comprises a first set of pivot links on a first
side of the damper and a second set of pivot links on an opposite
side of the damper.
20. A folding table according to claim 19, wherein the first set of
pivot links and the second set of pivot links of the damping
assembly linkage comprise parallel linkages.
21. A folding table according to claim 18, wherein each of the legs
includes a caster and wherein the folding table is supported on the
casters at the second position and the casters are lifted from the
ground at the first position.
22. A folding table according to claim 18, further comprising a
handle on an underside of the second portion of the tabletop.
23. A folding table according to claim 18, wherein the damping
assembly linkage is intermediate the first folding linkage and the
second folding linkage.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a folding table and in
particular to a portable folding table having a single folding
tabletop member.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Folding tables are widely used in rooms that are used for
multiple purposes. Tables can be rapidly set up in a room, and then
quickly folded and put in storage as may be required. A typical
prior art folding table has a pair of tabletop surfaces that are
hingedly connected along adjacent edges. Leg assemblies pivotally
connect to the undersides of the tabletops and cross connect links
pivotally interconnect the legs of one tabletop surface to the
underside of the opposite tabletop surface. With such a
configuration, tables fold between a substantially vertical storage
position wherein the tabletop members and legs are generally
vertically oriented and a horizontal use position wherein the
tabletop surfaces are generally horizontal to define an extended
tabletop surface. The tables provide a degree of nesting in the
storage position so that the tables have a smaller footprint during
storage.
[0005] Although such tables provide great utility and increase the
flexibility of spaces in which they are used, the tables do have
some drawbacks. The tables generally require a somewhat complex
frame and linkage assembly to ensure safe folding between the use
and storage positions. Moreover, it may be difficult to maintain a
slow controlled folding motion so that the tabletops do not slam
down towards the use position. Although such tables do provide a
tabletop surface with great utility, the surface is not continuous.
The tabletop members folding along an adjacent edge may present a
pinching hazard requiring workers to use care during folding and
unfolding. Moreover, it is often desirable to have a continuous
single tabletop as it is generally easier to clean and maintain.
Moreover, in some cultures and uses, a single tabletop member is
preferred. Such folding tables may often be used in ballrooms and
other halls wherein wedding receptions are held. A single tabletop
is a sign of unity in some cultures and is often preferred over a
table having a pair of opposed folding tabletops.
[0006] It can be seen then that a new and improved folding table is
needed. Such a table should provide for safe and efficient use in
folding between the storage and use positions. Such a table should
utilize a single folding tabletop member forming the entire table
surface. Moreover, the table should utilize a folding linkage that
provides for controlled folding and slow deployment, especially
when folding to the use position. Such a tabletop should also
provide balance and allow for a single person to safely fold the
table between the different positions. The present invention
addresses these problems, as well as others associated with
portable folding tables.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed to a folding table and in
particular to a folding table having a single tabletop and a damper
assembly to facilitate controlled folding between use and storage
positions. The folding table includes two pairs of opposed legs
with each pair having an associated framework. These assemblies are
connected by a pair of folding linkages that facilitate folding
between a use position and a storage position. In the use position,
the single tabletop extends over the legs and framework in a
substantially horizontal plane. In the storage position, the
tabletop is substantially vertical. The storage position provides
for a smaller footprint, requiring less storage space, allows a
degree of nesting between adjacent tables and facilitates
transportation between storage and use locations.
[0008] The legs are equipped with casters that extend so as to be
spaced above the ground in the use position and to engage the
ground with the legs automatically lifted from the ground in the
storage position.
[0009] The framework includes pivoting members supporting the
tabletop and connecting the legs. A pair of folding linkages have
cross links that mount between the pairs of legs and facilitate the
folding between the use position and the storage position. The
folding tabletop is positioned slightly off center from the folding
axis so that a majority of the tabletop is below the axis in the
storage position. Such a position provides for a lower center of
gravity and requires less effort from workers to fold and unfold
the table.
[0010] In addition to the folding linkages, folding and unfolding
the table is facilitated by a damper assembly including a damper
having a damper body containing a damping fluid and a telescoping
rod extending from the damper body. Valves in the damper control
fluid into and out of the damper body and vary the damping forces
so that damping engages at the proper position during folding and
unfolding and provides the required forces needed while allowing
the table to fold and unfold without requiring undue effort from a
person folding and/or unfolding the table.
[0011] The damping assembly also includes a pair of linkages that
are substantial mirrors of one another and connect the two folding
portions of the frame as well as the damper body. The damper rod
connects to the frame at an underside of the tabletop in one
configuration. The damper linkages are substantially mirror images
of each other and each includes two link elements connecting at the
damper and that with the damper and damper rod form parallel four
bar linkages. It can be appreciated that the force and length of
the various links in the damper assembly may be adjusted depending
upon the configuration of the table and the weight of the
tabletop.
[0012] Folding and unfolding of the table is accomplished by
gripping the tabletop at the ends or grasping handles on an
underside of the tabletop proximate the top edge from the tabletop
assembly storage position. Folding from the use position to the
storage position is easily accomplished by simply lifting the
tabletop upward and allowing the linkages to fold and using the
weight of the tabletop to move to the storage position. The damper
assembly also provides a mechanical force to aid in folding to the
storage position.
[0013] Unfolding from the storage position to the use position is
accomplished by again grasping the tabletop and guiding the
tabletop downward toward the horizontal position. The tabletop is
offset slightly and balanced so that the tabletop will fall
somewhat slowly until reaching a position wherein the damper
engages with greater force. This position might typically be, for
example, at approximately 30 degrees from horizontal, after which
the damper controls the speed of the table motion as the table top
moves down to the horizontal position. It can be appreciated that
no locks are required and that the folding may be easily performed
with a single person guiding the tabletop between the storage and
use positions. The valves in the damper provide uneven flow between
extension and retraction of the telescoping rod to match the
damping forces needed for folding and unfolding. The damper
provides for faster motion when the tabletop is raised to the
substantially vertical storage position than when being lowered to
the substantially horizontal use position.
[0014] This configuration provides several advantages. When the
table is in the use position, the damper extends vertically and the
force extends through the pivot. Therefore, the force of the damper
does not act so as to tend to fold the table. Moreover, the damper
exerts a force that assists in maintaining the table in the storage
position as the table is transported between storage and/or use
locations.
[0015] These features of novelty and various other advantages that
characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in
the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a
better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the
objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the
drawings that form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying
descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a folding table in a folded
storage configuration according to the principles of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is perspective view of the folding table shown in
FIG. 1 in an unfolded use configuration;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the folding table shown
in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the folding table shown
in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of the folding table shown
in FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the folding table shown
in FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the folding table shown
in FIG. 1 in a partially folded position;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line 8-8 of FIG. 3 showing
details of a damper assembly for the folding table; and
[0024] FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 6
showing details of the damper assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1
and 2, there is shown a portable folding table, generally
designated 10. In the embodiment shown, the folding table 10
contains a single oval tabletop 12. However, other common tabletop
shapes can also be used. The folding table 10 also includes legs 14
with casters 16 mounted on the legs 14. In the use position shown
in FIG. 2, the table 10 is supported solely on the legs 14 while
the casters 16 are lifted off the floor. Conversely, in the folded
storage position shown in FIG. 1, the legs 14 are automatically
lifted from the floor and the folding table 10 is supported solely
on the casters 16, as shown most clearly in FIG. 4.
[0026] As shown most clearly in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 6, the folding
table 10 includes a frame 20 pivotally mounted to the legs 14. The
framework of each pair of legs 14 pivots about hinges 18 to define
a folding axis for the table 10. A center frame member 24 mounts to
an underside of the tabletop 12 near a pivoting axis of the
tabletop 12. Side frame members 28 also mount on an underside of
the tabletop 12. In addition, a moving center member 26 supports
the tabletop 12 in the use position while pivoting side frame
members 30 also support the tabletop 12 in the use position. Frame
members 22 extend between the legs 14 of each pair. The underside
of the tabletop 12 may also include a handle 32 to aid in gripping
the tabletop 12 during folding and unfolding of the table 10.
[0027] As shown most clearly in FIGS. 1 and 3-7, the folding table
10 includes a pair of folding linkages 40 that facilitate folding
of the table 10 between the use position and storage position shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2. The folding linkage 40 includes cross links 42
extending between the frame members 22 and 26. The cross links 42
pivotally mount at one end to center pivot mounts 46 and at an
opposite end to mounts 44. The table 10 includes two parallel
linkages 40, one associated with each pair of legs 14. It can
further be appreciated that the tabletop 12 is positioned slightly
off center from the folding axis with a greater portion of the
tabletop 12 positioned below the folding axis when in the storage
position shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 to facilitate greater balance
during the folding and unfolding operations. Moreover, such a
configuration lessens the effort needed by a worker to fold and
unfold the table 10. The offset of the tabletop 12 also provides a
lower center of gravity when the tabletop 10 is in the storage
position. This configuration also provides improved balance and
decreases the amount of damping required as explained
hereinafter.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is shown a damper
assembly 50 mounted to an underside of the table 10 and
intermediate the folding linkages 40. The damper assembly 50
includes a damper 52 including a damper body 54 containing
hydraulic fluid to control extension and retraction of a damper rod
56 into and out of the damper body 54. The damper 52 mounts to an
assembly that includes a pair of parallel damper linkages 60
mounting at a common pivot 68 with the damper body 54 to
substantially mirror one another about the damper 52. One of the
pair of linkages 60 mounts to the moving center frame member 26
while the other damper linkage 60 mounts to the underside of the
tabletop 10 at the center frame member 24. The telescoping rod 56
extends outward to pivotally mount at mounting element 66 extending
from the center frame member 24. Each of the damper linkages 60
includes a longer first link 62 mounting at the damper 52 and pivot
68, and a second shorter link 64 mounted to the first link 62. One
of the second damper links 64 mounts to the first mount at the
frame member 26 while the other of the second damper links 64
mounts to the frame member 24. The longer damper linkage links 62
may include a bend along a portion of the link 62 to mirror the
cross links 42 of the folding linkages 40, which may also have a
slight bend in the embodiment shown.
[0029] It can be appreciated that the damper linkages 60 are
independent of the folded linkages 40, as shown most clearly in
FIG. 6, so that the damper assembly 50 may be adjusted to fit the
particular configuration of the table 10 and to adapt to different
tabletop members 12. The portable folding table 10 may be easily
modified for different tabletop sizes and shapes along with
changing the amount of damping provided by the damper 52.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 7, the folding table 10 may be generally
folded from the storage position shown in FIG. 1 to the use
position shown in FIG. 2 by simply lowering the tabletop 10 and
providing some guidance. This may be accomplished either by
standing at the side of the folding tabletop 10 or by grasping the
handle 32 at the raised edge of the tabletop 10 when folded. The
hinges 18, folding linkages 40 and damper linkages 60 provide for
smooth transition and folding and lowering of the tabletop 12 to
the position shown in FIG. 7. At or near such a partially folded
position, the damping force increases due to the control valve in
the damper body 54 controlling the flow of fluid into and out of
the body 54. In one embodiment, the increased damping force
activates when the tabletop 12 is at an angle of approximately 30
degrees from horizontal. When the damping increases, the folding
motion is resisted so that a slow controlled unfolding takes place
as the tabletop lowers to the horizontal position shown in FIG. 2.
Such slow and controlled unfolding provides for added safety as the
workers may help to guide and control the table 10 while also
having sufficient time to be positioned away from below the
tabletop lowering to the use position.
[0031] To fold the table 10 to the storage position, the tabletop
12 may again be grasped at the sides or at an edge of the tabletop
12 or by grasping the handle 32. The tabletop 12 is simply raised
upward and is easily folded in a controlled manner to the position
shown in FIG. 1. The legs 14 and casters 12 are configured so that
the bottom of the legs 14 are automatically lifted from the ground
and the table 10 is supported solely on the casters 16 for easily
rolling to the storage location. Moreover, the damper 52 does not
exert a great damping force when the table 10 is nearly folded so
that folding is easily accomplished when folding to the storage
position. When folded, it can be appreciated that the folding table
10 requires a much smaller footprint and provides easier storage
while achieving a degree of nesting between adjacent tables 10.
[0032] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been
set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of
the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is
illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in
matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the
principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the
broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are
expressed.
* * * * *