EXPANDABLE AND COLLAPSIBLE TABLE WITH NESTING LEAVES

Abstract

There is disclosed an expandable and collapsible table. In an embodiment, the expandable and collapsible table comprises a table frame including a center section having opposite outer edges, and a plurality of lateral supports hinged to the opposite outer edges of the center section of the table frame and at one or more center points along the length of each lateral support. The plurality of lateral supports are configured to allow the center section of the table frame to be expanded and collapsed in unison in substantially the same horizontal plane, to allow the table frame to be easily manipulated. The table legs can be mounted on locking wheels to allow the table to be easily manipulated for expansion and collapse. A plurality of leaves can be nested into one or more stacks to form a table top, or to be stored in a storage space underneath the table top.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to expandable and collapsible tables.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various expandable and collapsible table designs have been proposed in the past in order to provide an expandable table to accommodate additional seats around the table when required, and to reduce the table footprint by collapsing the table when the additional seats are not required.

For example, a conventional expandable dining table may be expanded by pulling apart two halves of the table top supported on slides, and inserting one or more leaves therebetween to bridge the gap between the two halves of the expanded table surface to accommodate additional people at the dining table. However, even when not expanded, a conventional dining table still takes up a significant amount of space, and normally requires a formal dining room or a designated dining area to provide sufficient room for the table. As well, the extension leaves must usually be stored separately when not in use, and brought out of storage when needed for the expanded table.

Various other types of expandable and collapsible table designs have been proposed. As an example, DE 9216847 (Thomas) discloses an expandable and collapsible table with a scissor lattice-like support structure which can be expanded and collapsed to provide support for a table top. However, the scissor lattice-like support structure does not provide any edge support. Instead, Thomas relies on a one-piece table top to have sufficient structural strength to provide the necessary structural support, including edge support in the open spaces between points of contact between the scissor lattice-like supports and the table top. Furthermore, the scissor lattice-like support structure must be braced in some way to the table top in order to keep the table in an expanded position.

Other expandable table designs may be expandable in more than one dimension. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 745,116 (Peterson) discloses a table that extends in two directions using a set of extendable slides. A plurality of leaves may be positioned over the extendable slides to form a larger table surface area. However, Peterson does not deal with how and where to store the additional leaves, and the operation required to expand the table in two directions, while at the same lima making all of the leaves fit properly, may be cumbersome.

As yet another example, WO 2004/044043 (Young) discloses a table with quarter sections that are extendable along telescoping elongate members connected at a junction, and which accommodates leaves to cover any space created between the table sections when extended. However, Young also does not deal with the issue of how to store the additional leaves, and the operation to extend the table to insert the leaves may not be easy to perform.

U.S. application Ser. No. 11/357,435, published as US 2007/0204772 (Evans) discloses a storage table system and method which allows hinged sections of the table top to be folded onto other portions of the table, and be rotated over a supporting frame. While Evans allows sections of the table top to be folded onto itself, the number of steps required to fold or unfold the table top and expand or collapse the support can be unwieldy if the steps are not followed properly.

Therefore, what is needed is an improved expandable/collapsible table that overcomes at least some of the limitations identified above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to an expandable and collapsible table configured to provide ease of use when transformed between one or more expanded states and a completely collapsed state. By using a novel, hinged expansion mechanism, the table maintains structural stability as it transitions between all different states. By providing table legs that are supported on wheels, one person can easily manipulate the table between one or more expanded states and its collapsed state.

The expandable and collapsible table of the present invention is particularly well suited to small living areas such as apartments, condominiums and smaller townhomes, where living space is at a premium and furniture with a small footprint is highly desirable.

Thus, in an aspect, there is provided an expandable and collapsible table, comprising: a table frame including a center section having opposite outer edges; and a plurality of lateral supports hinged to the opposite outer edges of the center section of the table frame and at one or more center points along the length of each lateral support; whereby the plurality of lateral supports are configured to allow the center section of the table frame to be expanded and collapsed.

In an embodiment, each lateral support is hinged to the opposite outer edges, and at one or more points along a length of each lateral support, whereby the plurality of lateral supports are expandable and collapsible in unison in substantially the same horizontal plane.

In another embodiment, the plurality of lateral supports are collapsible into a substantially V-shape such that at least one hinged lateral support is collapsible inside another hinged lateral support within the same horizontal plane.

In another embodiment, the table further comprises telescoping ends on either side of the center section of the table frame, each telescoping end including at least one hinged lateral support forming an edge of the table frame and configured to expand the table longitudinally.

In another embodiment, the table further comprises legs supporting the frame, each leg mounted on a wheel to allow the table frame to be expanded and collapsed.

In another embodiment, the legs are mounted to the telescoping ends such that the legs remain at outer corners of the table frame in any expansion state, thereby maintaining structural stability of the table frame between different expansion states.

In another embodiment, the wheel includes a locking mechanism to prevent the table from moving.

In another aspect, there is provided a table frame for an expandable and collapsible table, comprising: a center section having opposite outer edges; and a plurality of lateral supports hinged to the opposite outer edges of the center section and at one or more center points along the length of each lateral support, whereby the plurality of lateral supports are expandable and collapsible in unison in substantially the same horizontal plane to allow the center section of the table frame to be expanded and collapsed laterally.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many modifications and changes within the scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of the table in a completely collapsed state.

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative perspective view of the table of FIG. 1 in a completed expanded state.

FIGS. 3A to 3D show illustrative top views of a table frame in a completely collapsed state, a completely expanded state, and some intermediate states.

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative detailed perspective view of the table frame within hinged lateral supports shown in a partially expanded state.

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative perspective view of the table frame in a fully expanded state.

FIGS. 6A AND 6B show a detailed view of a plurality of loaves nested into one or more stacks.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show illustrative embodiments of Sifting mechanisms to lift a stack of nested leaves off the top of the table frame.

FIG. 8 shows an illustrative perspective view of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment for locking edges of leaves to the table frame.

FIGS. 9A-9D show illustrative views of leaves being positioned in various alternative configurations.

In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted above, the present disclosure relates generally to an expandable and collapsible table. Advantageously, by using a novel expansion mechanism comprising a plurality of hinged lateral supports, the table maintains structural stability as it transitions between all different states.

In an embodiment, by providing table legs that are supported on wheels, one person can easily manipulate the table between one or more expanded states and its collapsed state.

In an illustrative embodiment, the table can be expanded to increase its table top surface area to approximately six times the table surface area when the table is in a completely collapsed state. This is achieved by designing the table to be expandable and collapsible laterally and longitudinally. In a longitudinal direction, the table may be expanded only partially, if the full length of the expanded table is not required. In one or more partially expanded states, or in a fully expanded state, the table frame supports a plurality of leaves which can cover the entire surface of the table frame.

In other embodiments, the table can be expanded greater than six times the original surface area by providing hinged lateral supports with longer arms to expand the table frame further laterally, and one or more telescoping sections on each end which can expand the table frame further longitudinally.

In an embodiment, the plurality of leaves are nestable, wherein the leaves are sized to be incrementally larger than (or incrementally smaller than) the next leaf such that they can be stacked together to form one or more stacks of nested leaves. If all of the leaves are incrementally sized to be nestable in a single stack, the nested leaves can be stacked to form a single table top surface.

An illustrative example of a table will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative view of the table 100 in a completely collapsed state. As shown, the table 100 includes a leg 110 at each corner, and each leg 110 is preferably mounted on a wheel 120. The wheels 120 may be, for example, locking caster wheels that can swivel in any direction. As will be described in more detail below, the wheels 120 allow the table legs 110 to be easily manoeuvred relative to each other while expanding or collapsing the table 100. Once the table 100 is in a desired state of expansion, the wheels 120 can be locked to prevent the table 100 from moving.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the table top 150 may be comprised of a stack of nested leaves, the top leaf shown as 160A, which cover the top of the table 100 in its completely collapsed state. As will be explained in more detail below, the nested leaves can be individually laid out to cover the surface of the table 100 in one or more expanded states.

Now referring to FIG. 2, shown is an illustrative view of the table 100 of FIG. 1 in a fully expanded state, with a plurality of leaves 160A-160C, 162A-162C, 164A-164C fully laid out to cover the expanded surface of table 100. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of leaves 160A-160C, are configured to be incrementally larger (or smaller) than the next adjacent leaf, such that the leaves 160A-160C can be nested together in one stack. Similarly, leaves 162A-162C are configured to be nestable into a stack, and leaves 162A-162C are also configured to be nestable into a stack. If appropriately steeds the stacks formed from leaves 162A-162C, and from leaves 164A-164C, may also be stacked together with the stack formed from leaves 162A-162C.

Now referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, shown are top views of a table frame 200 in various stages of expansion. As shown, the table frame 200 is expandable in a first direction by a plurality of hinged lateral supports 210, 212 as shown in FIG. 3A, each comprising at least two sections 210a, 210b, 212a, 212b.

As shown in FIG. 3A, hinged lateral supports 210, 212 are configured such that they form a substantially V-shape when collapsed, and are expandable and collapsible in unison in substantially the same horizontal plane. More particularly, in an embodiment, hinged lateral support 212 is collapsible inside hinged lateral support 210 within the same horizontal plane when the table frame 200 is fully collapsed.

In an embodiment, the hinged lateral supports 210, 212 are hinged at a plurality of locations as shown in FIG. 3B, including one or more hinges 230 at or near a center point of each lateral support 210, 212, and a hinge 230 near each end of the hinged lateral supports 210, 212 near opposite outer edges 240 of a center section 250 of the table frame 200. Each hinged lateral support 210, 212 is thus configured to extend fully info a substantially straight line, as shown in FIG. 3B, or to collapse substantially into a horizontally folded shape as shown in FIG. 3A, when the table frame 200 is collapsed.

With reference to FIGS. 3B-3D, the table frame 200 further includes two telescoping ends 260 slideably fitted within center section 250, for example by a nylon sleeve 255 (see FIG. 7B) provided between the center section 250 and the telescoping ends 260. As shown, both telescoping ends 260 are shown fully extended in a longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. 3B, fully collapsed as shown in FIG. 3C, or partially extended on one side as shown in FIG. 3D. As will be appreciated, the table frame 200 provides a number of different configurations in which the table may be used in different states of expansion suitable for a particular use.

In certain configurations, such as shown in FIG. 3C, alternate leaves 166A-166C, 168A-168C may be used to cover end sections of the table 100 when the telescoping ends 260 are fully retracted, as otherwise a part of the table frame 200 would remain uncovered near their ends. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3D, if only one telescoping end 260 is extended, alternative leaves 166A-166C can be placed on the retracted side, and leaves 164A-164C can be used to cover the extended side.

In an embodiment, a telescoping end 260 may include a plurality of telescoping sections, such that each telescoping end 260 can be extended even further than shown in FIGS. 3A-3D. However, the number of telescoping sections should be limited in order to maintain structural integrity of the table frame when fully extended.

Still referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, the table frame 200 may be made from any suitable structural material including but not limited to steel, aluminum, wood, plastics, and carbon fiber. Specific parts of the frame 200 may also be made from wood or wood veneer for decorative purposes.

Now referring to FIG. 4, shown is an illustrative detailed perspective view of the table frame 200 within hinged lateral supports 210, 212 shown in a partially expanded state. This detailed view shows how the hinged lateral supports 210, 212 maintain a gap between them throughout their range of motion, until they are fully extended. The hinges 230 can be configured to provide minimal rotational resistance, such that the hinged lateral supports 210, 212 allow a user to easily extend the table frame 200 laterally by pulling the two sides of the table frame 200 apart from one end. Having all four legs 110 mounted on swivelling caster wheels 120 also facilitates easy operation in expanding and collapsing the table frame 200 laterally and longitudinally. Furthermore, legs 110 are mounted to each corner of the telescoping ends 260 and are configured such that they will maintain their position at outer corners of the table frame 200 regardless of the expansion state of the table 100. Thus, the structural stability of the table 100 is always maintained in any state of expansion or collapse of the table 100.

Still referring to FIG. 4, hinged lateral supports 210, 212 include a number of vertically extending tabs 270 or slots 280 which are appropriately positioned to receive the edges of the leaves 160A-160C, 162A-162C, 164A-164C when placed on top of the table frame 200. Each vertically extending tab 270 can provide support for one edge of a leaf, whereas each vertically extending slot 280 can accommodate two edges of adjacently positioned leaves. The height of these vertically extending tabs 270 or slots 280 is substantially the same, such that leaves 160A-160C, 162A-162C, 164A-164C placed on top of the vertically extending tabs 270 or slots 280 will form a substantially flat table top surface. A lifting mechanism 300 is shown mounted to one side of the center section 250 of the table frame. This feature will be explained in more detail further below.

Now referring to FIG. 5, shown is a perspective view of the table frame 200 in a fully expanded state, including telescoping ends 260 which have been fully extended longitudinally. With each of the hinged lateral supports 210, 212 fully extended laterally in a substantially straight line, and the telescoping ends 260 fully extended longitudinally, the vertically extending tabs 270 or slots 280 are aligned both laterally and longitudinally to accept the leaves 160A-160C, 162A-162C, 164A-164C in position, substantially as shown earlier in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3B.

Now referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, shown are top and side views, respectively, of leaves 160A-160C, 162A-162C, 164A-164C nested into a plurality of stacks. As shown, in each stack, the leaves 160A-160C, 162A-162C, 164A-164C are sized to be incrementally larger (or smaller) than other leaves in the stack to nest in the manner as illustrated. In an embodiment, the leaves 160A-160C, 162A-162C, 164A-164C are preferably made of a light material which still provides structural strength. For example, the leaves 160A-160C, 162A-162C, 164A-164C may be made of an aluminum alloy which allows the leaves 160A-160C, 162A-162C, 164A-164C to be easily handled and lifted even when nested together in one stack. However, this is not meant to be limiting, and the leaves 160A-160C, 162A-162C, 164A-164C may be made of any suitable rigid material including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, wood, plastics and carbon fiber.

Now referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, shown are illustrative embodiments of lifting mechanisms 300A, 300B which are configured to lift leaves 160A-160C from the top of table 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, lifting mechanism 300A is mounted to one side of a center section 200 of the table frame 200. Lifting mechanism 300A may include perpendicular supports 310 at a free end to balance a stack of nested leaves 160A-160C being lifted off the table frame 200. On the other end, lifting mechanism 300A may be mounted via a hinge 320 configured to lift the lifting mechanism 300A upwardly when handle 330 is operated and pulled downwardly. It will be understood that this lining mechanism 300A is illustrative, and that other configurations for lifting the leaves 160A-160C off the table are possible. As another example, as shown in FIG. 7B, an alternative lifting mechanism 300B is shown in which, a handle 330 is attached to a cam 340 which raises lifting mechanism 300B along a trajectory defined by slots 350, 360, which raises lifting mechanism 300B such that both sides of leaves 160A-160C are lifted at the same time. This allows the near side of leaves 160A-160C to avoid getting caught on the edge of the table frame 200. Also shown in FIG. 7B are cross-sectional views of center section 250, telescoping end 260, and a nylon sleeve 255 provided therebetween.

Now referring to FIG. 8, shown is an illustrative perspective view of a locking mechanism 800 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment for locking edges of up to four adjacent leaves 160A-160C, 162A-162C, 164A-164C to the table frame 200. As shown, locking mechanism 800 includes a pair of brackets 810a, 810b and a horizontally oriented “H” frame 820 mounted to a top surface of table from 200 (e.g. to a top surface of hinged lateral supports 210 replacing a pair of vertically extending slots 280 shown in FIG. 5, for example). Each bracket 810a, 810b may include vertically extending tabs with slots 812a, 812b configured to slidably receive a cylindrical pin 830.

Still referring to FIG. 8, shown are cooperating edges leaves 160A and 164A. Each of the leaves 160C and 164A include semi-circular notches 832 for mating to a cylindrical pin 830. In this illustrative embodiment, leaf 164A further includes a rectangular notch 836 which accommodates a bridge portion 822 of the “H” frame 820 and leaves a protrusion 834 sitting atop of the bridge portion 822 of the “H” frame 820. In operation, the sliding cylindrical pin 830 acts to lock the two leaves 160A, 164A in position, and may further receive to more adjacent leaves 160B, 164B into the same locking mechanism.

Now referring to FIGS. 9A-9D, shown are illustrative perspective views of the leaves 160A-160C, 162A-162C, 164A-164C being positioned in various locations atop the table frame 200. As each leaf 160A-160C, 162A-162C, 164A-164C is independently positionable, the leaves 160A-160C, 162A-162C, 164A-164C can be positioned to cover the table top in various, alternative configurations.

Thus, in an aspect, there is provided an expandable and collapsible table, comprising: a table frame including a center section having opposite outer edges; and a plurality of lateral supports hinged to the opposite outer edges of the center section of the table frame and at one or more center points along the length of each lateral support; whereby the plurality of lateral supports are configured to allow the center section of the table frame to be expanded and collapsed.

In an embodiment, each lateral support is hinged to the opposite outer edges, and at one or more points along a length of each lateral support, whereby the plurality of lateral supports are expandable and collapsible in unison in substantially the same horizontal plane.

In another embodiment, the plurality of lateral supports are collapsible into a substantially V-shape such that at least one hinged lateral support is collapsible inside another hinged lateral support within the same horizontal plane.

In another embodiment, the table further comprises telescoping ends on either side of the center section of the table frame, each telescoping end including at least one hinged lateral support forming an edge of the table frame and configured to expand the table longitudinally.

In another embodiment, the table further comprises legs supporting the frame, each leg mounted on a wheel to allow the table frame to be expanded and collapsed.

In another embodiment, the legs are mounted to the telescoping ends such that the legs remain at outer comers of the table frame in any expansion state, thereby maintaining structural stability of the table frame between different expansion states.

In another embodiment the wheel includes a locking mechanism to prevent the table from moving.

In another embodiment, the table frame further comprises a top surface including tabs or slots adapted to receive a plurality of table leaves.

In another embodiment, the tabs or slots are further adapted to receive edges of a plurality of adjacent leaves.

In another embodiment, the tabs or slots extent above the table frame at substantially the same height such that the plurality of adjacent leaves covering the table frame are substantially flat.

In another embodiment, the tabs or slots include movable locking pins to temporarily lock down one of more leaves thereon.

In another embodiment the table leaves are shaped and sized to be incrementally larger or incrementally smaller than one another such that the table leaves are nestable within one or more stacks.

In another embodiment, at least some of the table leaves are nestable within one stack to form a table top when the table is in a completely collapsed state.

In another embodiment, the table frame further comprises a lifting mechanism mounted to one side of the center section of the table frame, the lifting mechanism configured to lift a stack of nested leaves off the top surface of the table.

In another embodiment, the table frame further comprises a storage space underneath the table top to store one or more additional stacks of table leaves.

In another embodiment, alternative table leaves are provided for use when the table is in different expansion states.

In another embodiment, the table leaves are one of steel, aluminum, wood, plastic and carbon fiber.

In another embodiment, the table frame is one of steel, aluminum, wood, plastic and carbon fiber.

In another embodiment, the table legs are one or more of steel, aluminum, wood, plastic, carbon fiber.

In another aspect, there is provided a table frame for an expandable and collapsible table, comprising: a center section having opposite outer edges; and a plurality of lateral supports hinged to the opposite outer edges of the center section and at one or more center points along the length of each lateral support, whereby the plurality of lateral supports are expandable and collapsible in unison in substantially the same horizontal plane to allow the center section of the table frame to be expanded and collapsed laterally.

While various embodiments and illustrative examples have been described above, it will be appreciated that these embodiments and illustrative examples are not limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An expandable and collapsible table, comprising: a table frame including a center section having opposite outer edges; anda plurality of lateral supports hinged to the opposite outer edges of the center section of the table frame and at one or more center points along the length of each lateral support;whereby the plurality of lateral supports are configured to allow the center section of the table frame to be expanded and collapsed.

2. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 1, wherein each lateral support is hinged to the opposite outer edges, and at one or more points along a length of each lateral support, whereby the plurality of lateral supports are expandable and collapsible in unison in substantially the same horizontal plane.

3. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 2, wherein the plurality of lateral supports are collapsible into a substantially V-shape such that at least one hinged lateral support is collapsible inside another hinged lateral support within the same horizontal plane.

4. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 3, wherein the table further comprises telescoping ends on either side of the center section of the table frame, each telescoping end including at least one hinged lateral support forming an edge of the table frame and configured to expand the table longitudinally.

5. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 1, wherein the table further comprises legs supporting the frame, each leg mounted on a wheel to allow the table frame to be expanded and collapsed.

6. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 5, wherein the legs are mounted to the telescoping ends such that the legs remain at outer corners of the table frame in any expansion state, thereby maintaining structural stability of the table frame between different expansion states.

7. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 6, wherein the wheel includes a locking mechanism to prevent the table from moving.

8. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 1, wherein the table frame further comprises a top surface including tabs or slots adapted to receive a plurality of table leaves.

9. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 8, wherein the labs or slots are further adapted to receive edges of a plurality of adjacent leaves.

10. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 9, wherein the tabs or slots extent above the table frame at substantially the same height such that the plurality of adjacent leaves covering the table frame are substantially flat.

11. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 9, wherein the tabs or slots include movable locking pins to temporarily lock down one or more leaves thereon.

12. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 8, wherein the table leaves are shaped and sized to be incrementally larger or incrementally smaller than one another such that the table leaves are nestable within one or more stacks.

13. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 12, wherein at least some of the table leaves are nestable within one stack to form a table top when the table is in a completely collapsed state.

14. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 8, wherein the table frame further comprises a lifting mechanism mounted to one side of the center section of the table frame, the lifting mechanism configured to lift a stack of nested leaves off the top surface of the table.

15. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 14, wherein the table frame further comprises a storage space underneath the table top to store one or more additional stacks of table leaves.

16. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 8, wherein alternative table leaves are provided for use when the table is in different expansion states.

17. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 16, wherein the table leaves are one of steel, aluminum, wood, plastic and carbon fiber.

18. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 1, wherein the table frame is one of steel, aluminum, wood, plastic and carbon fiber.

19. The expandable and collapsible table of claim 5, wherein the table legs are one or more of steel, aluminum, wood, plastic and carbon fiber.

20. A table frame for an expandable and collapsible table, comprising: a center section having opposite outer edges; anda plurality of lateral supports hinged to the opposite outer edges of the center section and at one or more center points along the length of each lateral support,whereby the plurality of lateral supports are expandable and collapsible in unison in substantially the same horizontal plane to allow the center section of the table frame to be expanded and collapsed laterally.