EXTENDABLE TABLE

Abstract

An extendable table includes at least one leg that primarily extends in a vertical direction so as to define a vertical axis and a frame that is supported by the at least one leg. The extendable table also includes a first leaf slidably supported by the frame, a second leaf slidably supported by the frame, and a third leaf supported by the frame and selectively disposed between the first leaf and the second leaf. The extendable table also includes a lift assembly that includes a lifting arm that contacts the third leaf and a roller assembly that includes a guide plate that selectively receives the lifting arm of the lift assembly. The lift assembly and the roller assembly cooperate to move the third leaf between an undeployed position and a deployed position based upon movement of at least one of the first leaf and the second leaf.

Description

BACKGROUND

Extendable tables provide a variety of benefits to users. Notably, the size of the table can be adjusted depending upon the needs of the user. For example, when a large table surface is desired, the table can be extended by inserting a leaf between two existing leaves. Alternatively, when a small table surface is desired, the inserted leaf can be removed from the existing leaves.

However, with many extendable tables, deployment and stowing of the removable leaf is inconvenient. The activity requires two individuals to separate sections of the table to allow insertion or removal of the leaf. Further, one of the individuals must manually raise/lower the leaf, which is awkward and heavy. Furthermore, any mechanical system to aid in this activity is bulky and complicated to operate. Furthermore, the visual appearance is poor and is not suitable for outdoor conditions. Accordingly, a better table is needed.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, an extendable table includes at least one leg that primarily extends in a vertical direction so as to define a vertical axis and a frame that is supported by the at least one leg. The extendable table also includes a first leaf slidably supported by the frame, a second leaf slidably supported by the frame, and a third leaf supported by the frame and selectively disposed between the first leaf and the second leaf. The extendable table also includes a lift assembly that includes a lifting arm that contacts the third leaf and a roller assembly that includes a guide plate that selectively receives the lifting arm of the lift assembly. The lift assembly and the roller assembly cooperate to move the third leaf between an undeployed position (stowed) and a deployed position based upon movement of at least one of the first leaf and the second leaf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a partial perspective view of a table with tabletop sections removed for visibility in a deployed state.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the table in an undeployed state.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the table with select elements removed and showing an enlarged detail view.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a roller assembly and lift assembly of the table.

FIG. 4 is partial sectional schematic view of the table in a deployed position.

FIG. 5 is partial sectional schematic view of the table in an intermediate position.

FIG. 6 is partial sectional schematic view of the table in an undeployed position.

FIG. 7 is partial sectional schematic view of the table in a further undeployed position

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the present disclosure. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, the figures schematically depict a table 10 according to the present disclosure.

With reference to the figures, and especially FIGS. 1A and 1B, an extendable table 10 is shown. The table 10 can include a plurality of legs 12, 14, 16, 18 that are connected by a frame 22. The frame can define a cavity 22a that can be generally concealed. Further, the frame 22 can be supported by at least one of the legs 12, 14, 16, 18. For reference, FIG. 1A shows the extendable table 10 in a deployed position and FIG. 1B shows the extendable table 10 in an undeployed position (also known as stowed). Unless otherwise noted, any reference to FIG. 1 will be understood to refer to either FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B.

As illustrated, there is a first leg 12, a second leg 14, a third leg 16, and a fourth leg 18. The legs 12, 14, 16, 18 can extend primarily in a vertical manner (i.e., Y axis direction) as is known, whereas the frame 22 can extend primarily in a horizontal manner (i.e., X or Z axis). The legs 12, 14, 16, 18 and the frame 22 can be made from a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength and rigidity to allow the table 10 to be utilized in a variety of manners. As will be appreciated, there could be more or less legs than illustrated without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The legs 12, 14, 16, 18 can primarily extend in a vertical direction so as to define a vertical axis.

The frame 22 can include a pair of lateral elements 24, 26 and a pair of longitudinal elements 28, 30. The lateral elements 24, 26 and the longitudinal elements 28, 30 can be elongate metal bars or similar frame members. The lateral elements 24, 26 can extend primarily in a horizontal manner (Z axis), and the longitudinal elements 28, 30 can extend also primarily in a horizontal manner (X axis) and may be orthogonally oriented with respect to the lateral elements 24, 26.

The table 10 can also include a plurality of leaves 36, 38, 42. The leaves 36, 38, 42 can be made from a variety of natural or synthetic materials that provide sufficient strength and aesthetic appeal for the table 10. Further, the leaves 36, 38, 42 can be made of durable materials that resist weathering and/or staining. The leaves 36, 38, 42 may have a rectangular shape in plan view and extend primarily in a horizontal direction (X and Z axis). The leaves 36, 38, 42 may selectively move with respect to the frame 22 as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

As illustrated, there is the first leaf 36, the second leaf 38, and the third leaf 42. However, there could be more or less leaves without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The first leaf 36 and the second leaf 38 can be slidable along a first plane (i.e, XZ). The first leaf 36, the second leaf 38, and the third leaf 42 can each include a bottom surface 36a, 38a, 42a that faces toward the ground or floor upon which the legs 12, 14, 16, 18 receive support and a top surface 36b, 38b, 42b that faces in an opposite direction as the respective bottom surface 36a, 38a, 42a. The first leaf 36 and the second leaf 38 can be slidably supported by the frame 22. Further, the third leaf 42 can be supported by the frame 22 and selectively disposed between the first leaf 36 and the second leaf 38.

As shown in FIG. 1B, each of the leaves 36, 38, 42 can include a cover 36c, 38c, 42c that may rest upon the respective top surface 36b, 38b, 42b. As will be appreciated, only the first cover 36c and the second cover 38c is shown in FIG. 1B, as the third leaf 42 is stowed underneath the first leaf 36 and the second leaf 38. With regard to FIG. 1A, the second cover 38c and the third cover 42c of the second leaf 38 and the third leaf 42, respectively, are omitted to provide a clear view of underlying components of the table 10.

The covers of the first leaf 36, the second leaf 38, and the third leaf 42 can cooperate to define a deployed table top that would share a common planar surface when the table 10 is in a deployed position and the covers of the first leaf 36 and the second leaf 38 (but not the third leaf 42) can cooperate to define a stowed tabletop 44 that would share a common planar surface when the table 10 is in a undeployed position. The common planar surface would be the X-Z axis. The third leaf 42 can be vertically movable between a deployed state and an undeployed state. The third leaf 42 can be generally coplanar with the first plane when in the deployed state.

Similarly, the top surfaces 36b, 38b, 42b of the first leaf 36, the second leaf 38, and the third leaf 42 may also share a common planar surface in the X-Z axis. Further, when the third leaf 42 is in the deployed position, a top surface 36b of the first leaf 36, a top surface 38b of the second leaf 38, and a top surface 42b of the third leaf 42 cooperate to define a tabletop of the table that is coplanar. When the third leaf 42 is in the undeployed position, the top surface 36b of the first leaf 36 and the top surface 38b of the second leaf 38 are not coplanar with the top surface 42b of the third leaf 42.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the deployed position is defined by the first leaf 36 and the second leaf 38 being spaced from one another with the third leaf 42 disposed therebetween so that the top surfaces 36b, 38b and 42b of the first leaf 36, the second leaf 38, and the third leaf 42 are coplanar in the X-Z axis. The first leaf 36 and the second leaf 38 each slide with respect to the frame 22 to define a sliding axis. Further, the second leaf 38 can define a second leaf length along the sliding axis.

Alternatively, as is shown in FIG. 1B, the table 10 can be in an undeployed position in which the first leaf 36 and the second leaf 38 are adjacent one another and the top surfaces 36b and 38b are coplanar in the X-Z axis and the third leaf 42 is below the first leaf 36 and the second leaf 38. As will be appreciated, in the deployed position, the table 10 has a larger tabletop than when in the undeployed position.

As noted hereinbefore, the frame 22 of the table 10 can include the pair of longitudinal elements 28, 30. Each of the longitudinal elements 28, 30 can have an open V shape or closed shape. Further, the longitudinal elements 28, 30 cooperate to connect the first leg 12 and the second leg 14 together and also the third leg 16 and the fourth leg 18 together. As will be described in more detail hereinafter, the longitudinal elements 28, 30 also shield a lift assembly 54 from view and from weather exposure. Such an arrangement provides an improved aesthetic for the table 10 and improved operation of the table 10.

The longitudinal elements 28, 30 can be made from an extrusion, which can be plastic or aluminum, for example. As illustrated, the table 10 includes two longitudinal elements 28, 30. The longitudinal elements 28, 30 can be of unitary or modular construction. For clarity, only one of the longitudinal elements 28 will be primarily discussed. However, it will be appreciated that the table 10 could operate with only one longitudinal elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 2-3. FIG. 2 illustrates the table 10 with the first leaf 36 and the second leaf 38 completely removed. Further, only a portion of the third leaf 42 is shown to aid in viewing the lift assembly 54 and a roller assembly 68. With regard to FIG. 2, it is also noted that a portion of the longitudinal element 28 has been removed so to provide a better view of the lift assembly 54. As shown in FIG. 2, which is a partially disassembled view of FIG. 1B, longitudinal element 28 can include a tapered wall that reduces an overall size of longitudinal element 28 while still containing all the necessary components, thereby improving the aesthetic of the table 10.

FIG. 3 illustrates an assist mechanism 46 that, for clarity, has been removed from the table 10, and more particularly from the longitudinal element 28. The assist mechanism 46 translates movement of the first leaf 36 to the second leaf 38 or from the second leaf 38 to the first leaf 36. The assist mechanism 46 can include a pair of pulleys 48a, 48b and a linkage 50. As illustrated, the linkage 50 is a cable. However, it will be understood that the linkage 50 could be any number of components, such as a belt, chain, or other connection device without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The linkage 50 may also be connected to a roller to assist in the movement translation.

The longitudinal element 28 of the frame 22 can retain a variety of components. In particular, the longitudinal element 28 can retain a lift assembly 54 that remains fixed with regard to the frame 22 along the sliding axis. The lift assembly 54 may include a lifting arm 58 and a spring 62. Further, the lifting arm 58 can contact the third leaf 42 as will be described in more detail hereinafter. Further still, the lifting arm 58 can be pivotably connected to the longitudinal element 28 of the frame 22.

The lift assembly 54 can be connected to the third leaf 42. The lift assembly 54 can translate sliding movement of the first leaf 36 into vertical movement of the third leaf 42, so that selective sliding movement of the first leaf 36 causes the third leaf 42 to vertically displace between the deployed position and undeployed position. Additionally, the lift assembly 54 can be located within the cavity 22a of the frame 22.

A guide pin 64 can extend from a first end 58a of the lifting arm 58 and a support pin 66 can extend from a second end 58b of the lifting arm 58, where the first end 58a and the second end 58b define opposite terminal ends of the lifting arm 58. The spring 62 can be connected to the first end 58a of the lifting arm 58 so as to bias the second end 58b of the lifting arm 58 toward the third leaf 42. The spring 62 biases the second end 58b upwardly, away from the ground so that a predetermined and controlled upward force is exerted on the third leaf 42. As such, the spring 62 effectively lightens the third leaf 42 so that it is easier to raise, as described in greater detail below. Further, the downward force of the third leaf 42 is because the gravitational force is greater than the upward bias force generated by the spring 62. It will be appreciated that the spring 62 could be replaced with a plurality of springs without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

The lifting arm 58 can include a bore 58c that is disposed between the guide pin 64 of the lifting arm 58 and the support pin 66 of the lifting arm 58 to rotatably connect the lifting arm 58 to the longitudinal element 28 of the frame 22. A linear distance between the first end 58a and the bore 58c defines a first end length and a linear distance between the second end 58b and the bore 58c defines a second end length. The second end length can be greater than the first end length.

Further, the second end length can be at least twice as much as the first end length. Such an arrangement provides improved mechanical advantage for the user of the table 10 so that decreased effort is needed to adjust the length of the table 10 (i.e., changing between the deployed and undeployed states, that are shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively).

The guide pin 64 and the support pin 66 can extend from the lifting arm 58 in opposite directions. In particular, the guide pin 64 can extend from the lifting arm 58 in a laterally outward manner (i.e., away from the center of the table, and the opposing longitudinal element) and the support pin 66 can extend from the lifting arm 58 in a laterally inward manner (i.e., toward the center of the table, and the opposing longitudinal element).

The lifting arm 58 can be shaped such that an entire length of the lifting arm 58 (i.e., from the first end 58a to the second end 58b) cannot be aligned with the sliding axis (i.e., offset with respect to the sliding axis). A pivot rivet 67 (or other appropriate mechanical fastener) can extend through the bore 58c of the lifting arm 58 that is disposed between the guide pin 64 and the support pin 66 to rotatably connect the lifting arm 58 to the longitudinal element 28.

This construction allows the lifting arm 58 to pivot with respect to the longitudinal element 28, about the pivot rivet 67, between a first angular orientation and a second angular orientation. The table 10 can include four lift assemblies 54 which work together to selectively raise and lower the leaf 42 of the table 10, as needed, and as described below.

The spring 62 can be attached to the longitudinal element 28 and the lifting arm 58 to bias the second end 58b upward (i.e., toward the respective leaf). Further, a gate 70 (FIG. 7) can be used to urge the guide pin 64 to the preferred portion of a track 78 as will be described in more detail hereinafter. The gate 70 can cooperate with a rotary spring that urges the gate 70 in a clockwise and counterclockwise position toward the six o'clock position. Alternatively, this movement could be solely gravity based.

At least one roller assembly 68 can be at least partially and slidably disposed within the longitudinal element 28. Further, the at least one roller assembly 68 can be attached to the first leaf 36 or the second leaf 38, as will be described hereinafter to move with the first leaf 36 or the second leaf 38. There can be two roller assemblies at least partially disposed within each of the longitudinal elements 28, 30. As there are two longitudinal elements 28, 30 illustrated, there can four roller assemblies, with each of the roller assemblies being attached to either the first leaf 36 or the second leaf 38.

More specifically, the first leaf 36 could be connected to a first roller assembly disposed in the longitudinal element 28 and a second roller assembly disposed in the other the longitudinal element 30. Further, the second leaf 38 could be connected to a third roller assembly disposed in the longitudinal element 28 and a fourth roller assembly disposed in the other longitudinal element 30.

The roller assemblies 68 support their respective table leaves and allow for each leaf to slide longitudinally along the table 10. However, as noted hereinbefore, the respective roller assembly can be rigidly attached to either the first leaf 36 or second leaf 38. For simplicity, only one of the roller assemblies will be discussed, but it will be understood that the description can be applicable to all of the roller assemblies.

The roller assembly 68 can include a guide plate 74. The guide plate 74 can extend primarily along the sliding axis. The guide plate 74 can define a guide plate length along the sliding axis and the guide plate length is less than the second leaf length. Further, the second leaf length can be more than two times the guide plate length. Because the guide plate 74 is so much shorter than the second leaf 38, the table 10 has a reduced weight. As will be appreciated, if the guide plate 74 was longer, it would hit the other guide plate and prevent the first leaf 36 and the second leaf 38 from fully closing.

As will be appreciated, this results in a more desirable table 10 for the user and also reduced material costs for manufacturing. Further, this allows the table 10 to automatically open with a single person pulling or pushing either end, and to conceal the entire mechanism within the frame 22 so that the table 10 could survive outdoors, look clean underneath, and prevent inadvertent contact with the user.

The guide plate 74 can selectively receive the lifting arm 58 of the lift assembly 54. As such, the lift assembly 54 and the roller assembly 68 can cooperate to move the third leaf 42 between an undeployed position and a deployed position based upon movement of at least one of the first leaf 36 and the second leaf 38. Further, the guide plate 74 can be rigidly connected to the second leaf 38.

The guide plate 74 can define the track 78 that includes a deployed portion 78a, an undeployed portion 78b, and a transition portion 78c that each selectively receives the guide pin 64 of the lift assembly 54. The deployed portion 78a and the undeployed portion 78b of the track 78 can each primarily extend in a direction that is generally parallel to the other. Further, the transition portion 78c can extend between the deployed portion 78a and the undeployed portion 78b so as to fluidly connect the deployed portion 78a and the undeployed portion 78b together.

The deployed portion 78a defines a deployed portion length, the undeployed portion 78b defines an undeployed portion length, and the transition portion 78c defines a transition portion length. The guide pin 64 of the lifting arm 58 moves through the undeployed portion length, the transition portion length, and the undeployed portion length when the third leaf 42 moves between the undeployed position and the deployed position. The undeployed portion length is greater than the deployed portion length. Further, the transition portion length is less than the undeployed portion length and a sum of the transition portion length and the deployed portion length is less than the undeployed portion length.

The deployed portion 78a also defines a deployed portion height that extends in a vertical direction that is less than and generally perpendicular to the deployed portion length. The undeployed portion 78b also defines an undeployed portion height that extends in the vertical direction that is less than and generally perpendicular to the undeployed portion length. Additionally, the transition portion 78c defines a transition portion height that extends in the vertical direction that is less than and generally perpendicular to the transition portion length. The deployed portion height, the undeployed portion height, and the transition portion height are equal to one another. The deployed portion height, the undeployed portion height, the transition portion height, the deployed portion length, the undeployed portion length, and the transition portion length cooperating to define a path for the guide pin 64.

Because of the aforementioned geometries of the deployed portion 78a, the undeployed portion 78b, and the transition portion 78c, the table 10 can be smoothly adjusted between the undeployed position and the deployed position, thereby improving the experience for the user of the table 10.

As shown in FIG. 7, the gate 70 can selectively separate the deployed portion 78a of the track 78 into a first deployed portion 78aa and a second deployed portion 78ab. Further, the undeployed portion 78b can include a port 78ba that defines a sole entry location and a sole exit location for the guide pin 64 of the lifting arm 58 into the track 78 and out of the track 78. The port 78ba can define a variable port height.

The variable port height includes a minimum port height and a maximum port height. The minimum port height can be equal to the undeployed portion height and the maximum port height can be adjacent a perimeter of the guide plate 74. Because of this tapered shape of the port 78ba, the guide pin 64 can easily enter and exit the 74, thereby improving operation of the table 10 when the table 10 is being operated.

As noted hereinbefore, the guide pin 64 and the support pin 66 are disposed at opposite ends of the lifting arm 58. Thus, the support pin 66 of the lifting arm 58 can move the third leaf 42 between the deployed portion and the undeployed portion based upon a position of the guide pin 64 of the lifting arm 58 within the track 78 of the guide plate 74. More particularly, the third leaf 42 is in the deployed position when the guide pin 64 of the lifting arm 58 is disposed in the deployed portion 78a of the track 78 of the guide plate 74. Further, the third leaf 42 is in the undeployed position when the guide pin 64 of the lifting arm 58 is disposed in the undeployed portion 78b of the track 78 of the guide plate 74.

With reference to FIGS. 4-7, a partial sectional elevational view of the table 10 in various positions is shown. In particular, FIG. 4 shows the guide pin 64 in the deployed portion 78a (hidden from view in FIG. 4) of the track 78. When the guide pin 64 is in the deployed portion 78a of the track 78, the support pin 66 is at a maximum elevation.

Because the support pin 66 is connected with the third leaf, e.g., contacts the bottom surface 42a of the third leaf 42, upward movement of the support pin 66 causes upward movement of the third leaf 42. As will be appreciated, the support pin 66 could contact other portions of the third leaf 42 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Thus, the third leaf 42 is vertically raised such that the top surface 42b of the third leaf 42 is coplanar (X-Z axis) with the top surface 36b of the first leaf 36 and the top surface 38b of the second leaf 38. Furthermore, the third leaf 42 is between the first leaf 36 and the second leaf 38, thereby increasing an overall length of the table 10 along the sliding axis.

In contrast, FIG. 6 shows the guide pin 64 in the undeployed portion 78b of the track 78. When the guide pin 64 is in the undeployed portion 78b of the track 78, the support pin 66 is at a minimum elevation, and due to its connection with the third leaf 42, the third leaf 42 is vertically lowered such that the top surface 42b of the third leaf 42 is not coplanar (X-Z axis) with the top surface 36b of the first leaf 36 and the top surface 38b of the second leaf 38. When the guide pin 64 is in the undeployed portion 78b of the track 78 and the third leaf 42 is vertically lowered sufficiently so that the first leaf 36 and the second leaf 38 can be moved adjacent one another, above the now stowed third leaf 42, an overall length of the table 10 along the sliding axis is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 5, the guide pin 64 is in the transition portion 78c of the track 78. When the guide pin 64 is in the transition portion 78c of the track 78, the support pin 66 adjusts a height of the third leaf 42 such that the top surface 42b of the third leaf 42 is not coplanar with the top surface 36b of the first leaf 36 and the top surface 38b of the second leaf 38.

With reference back to FIG. 4, the guide pin 64 is in the second deployed portion 78ab deployed portion 78a of the track 78, which is to the right of the gate 70 (FIG. 7), when the first leaf 36 and the second leaf 38 are in the position shown in FIG. 1. To transition to the undeployed position, an operator pulls the first leaf 36 away from the second leaf 38, which results in the guide plate 74 moving with respect to the guide pin 64 to the right per the orientation shown in FIG. 4 until the guide pin 64 contacts the gate 70, which is biased toward the six o'clock position as described above.

The guide pin 64 is now aligned with the transition portion 78c of the track 78. The tension force of the four springs are designed to decrease the weight of the third leaf 42. However, the third leaf 42 still is biased down towards its undeployed position. As such, the net downward force of the third leaf 42 can cause the guide pin 64 to automatically lift into the transition portion 78c of the track 78. The operator can then pull the first leaf 36 or the second leaf 38 out until the guide pin 64 “drops up” into the transition portion of the track 78.

Next, the operator pushes the first leaf 36 toward the second leaf 38, which results in the guide plate 74 moving with respect to the guide pin 64 to the left per the orientation shown in FIG. 5. The guide pin 64 translates upward, per the orientation shown in FIG. 5, as the guide pin 64 rides within the transition portion 78c. As the guide pin 64 translates upward, the lifting arm 58 pivots about the pivot rivet 67, which results in the support pin 66, which is connected with the third leaf 42, to translate downward. As the operator continues to push the first leaf 36 toward the second leaf 38, the guide plate 74 moves with respect to the guide pin 64 to the left per the orientation shown in FIG. 5 until the guide pin 64 moves into the undeployed portion 78b of the track 78, which is shown in FIG. 6. Thus, the guide plate 74 moves with respect to the frame 22 and to the guide pin 64 that is stationary. This arrangement allows the mechanism to be positioned within the hollow frame 22.

The operator can continue pushing the first leaf 36 toward the second leaf 38, which results in the guide plate 74 moving with respect to the guide pin 64 to the left per the orientation shown in FIG. 6 and the guide pin 64 can exit the track 78 at a distal end of the undeployed portion 78b, which is shown in FIG. 7. Because of the weight of the third leaf 42, the lifting arm 58 remains in the position shown in FIG. 7. With the guide plate 74 in the position shown in FIG. 7, the first leaf 36 is in contact with the second leaf 38 and the third leaf 42 is positioned below the first leaf 36 and the second leaf 38.

To extend the table 10, and with reference to FIG. 7, the operator pulls the first leaf 36 away from the second leaf 38, and because of the connection between the guide plate 74 and the first leaf 36, the guide plate 74 moves to the right in FIG. 7. The guide plate 74 can be provided with the port 78ba at the distal end of the undeployed portion 78b of the track 78 to allow the guide pin 64 to be more easily received in the track 78 as the guide plate 74 moves toward the guide pin 64. Thus, the guide pin 64 that is floating is effectively captured by the sliding guide plate 74.

As the operator continues to pull the first leaf 36 away from the second leaf 38, the guide pin 64 is eventually received in the undeployed portion 78b of the track 78, which is shown in FIG. 6. As the operator continues to pull the first leaf 36 away from the second leaf 38, the guide plate 74 continues to move to the right and the guide pin 64 is eventually received the transition portion 78c of the track 78, which is shown in FIG. 5. As the guide pin 64 rides along the transition portion 78c of the track 78, the guide pin 64 translates downward, the lifting arm 58 pivots about the pivot rivet 67, and the support pin 66, which is connected with the third leaf 42, translates upward.

As the operator continues to pull the first leaf 36 away from the second leaf 38, the guide plate 74 continues to move to the right and the guide pin 64 swings the gate 70 from the six o'clock position toward the nine o'clock position until the guide pin 64 no longer contacts the gate 70 and is eventually received by the first deployed portion 78aa of the deployed portion 78a of the track 78. Under the biasing force of the rotational spring, the gate 70 returns to the six o'clock position when the guide pin 64 no longer contacts the gate 70 and is received in the first deployed portion 78aa of deployed portion 78a of the track 78.

With the first leaf 36 fully extended, the second leaf 38 is also fully extended because of the assist mechanism 46 in which movement of the first leaf 36 in one direction results in movement of the second leaf 38 in the opposite direction. Next, the operator pushes the first leaf 36 toward the second leaf 38, which results in the guide plate 74 moving to the right. The guide pin 64 contacts the gate 70, which is in the six o'clock position, and swings the gate 70 toward the three o'clock position against the biasing force of the rotational spring. Optionally, a stop pin can be provided that prevents the gate 70 from moving counter-clockwise past the 3 o'clock position.

During this time, the horizontally disposed gate 70 blocks the transition portion 78c and thereby prevents the guide pin 64 from returning up into the transition portion 78c. Instead, the gate 70 directs the guide pin 64 to move horizontally across to the second deployed portion 78ab of the deployed portion 78a of the track. Once the guide pin 64 clears the gate 70, the gate 70 can then return to the six o'clock position.

An extendable table has been described above in particularity. Modifications and alternations will occur to those upon reading and understanding the preceding detail description. The invention, however, is not limited to only the embodiment described above. Instead, the invention is broadly defined by the appended claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An extendable table, comprising: at least one leg that primarily extends in a vertical direction so as to define a vertical axis;a frame that is supported by the at least one leg;a first leaf slidably supported by the frame;a second leaf slidably supported by the frame;a third leaf supported by the frame and selectively disposed between the first leaf and the second leaf;a lift assembly that includes a lifting arm that contacts the third leaf; anda roller assembly that includes a guide plate that selectively receives the lifting arm of the lift assembly, wherein the lift assembly and the roller assembly cooperate to move the third leaf between an undeployed position and a deployed position based upon movement of at least one of the first leaf and the second leaf.

2. The extendable table of claim 1, wherein when the third leaf is in the deployed position a top surface of the first leaf, a top surface of the second leaf, and a top surface of the third leaf cooperate to define a tabletop of the table that is coplanar and when the third leaf is in the undeployed position the top surface of the first leaf and the top surface of the second leaf are not coplanar with the top surface of the third leaf.

3. The extendable table of claim 1, wherein the lifting arm is pivotably connected to the frame and the guide plate is rigidly connected to the second leaf.

4. The extendable table of claim 1, wherein the first leaf and the second leaf each slide with respect to the frame to define a sliding axis and the guide plate primarily extends along the sliding axis.

5. The extendable table of claim 4, wherein the second leaf defines a second leaf length along the sliding axis and the guide plate defines a guide plate length along the sliding axis, and wherein the guide plate length is less than the second leaf length.

6. The extendable table of claim 5, wherein the second leaf length is more than two times the guide plate length.

7. The extendable table of claim 1, wherein the lifting arm includes a guide pin that extends from a first end of the lifting arm and a support pin that extends from a second end of the lifting arm, and wherein the first end and the second end define opposite terminal ends of the lifting arm.

8. The extendable table of claim 7, wherein the lifting arm defines a bore that is disposed between the guide pin of the lifting arm and the support pin of the lifting arm to rotatably connect the lifting arm to the frame, wherein a linear distance between the first end and the bore defines a first end length and a linear distance between the second end and the bore defines a second end length, and wherein the second end length is greater than the first end length.

9. The extendable table of claim 8, wherein the second end length is at least twice as much as the first end length.

10. The extendable table of claim 7, further comprising a spring connected to the first end of the lifting arm so as to bias the second end of the lifting arm toward the third leaf.

11. The extendable table of claim 1, wherein the guide plate defines a track that selectively receives a guide pin of the lifting arm and a support pin of the lifting arm moves the third leaf between the deployed position and the undeployed position based upon a position of the guide pin of the lifting arm within the track of the guide plate.

12. The extendable table of claim 11, wherein the track includes a deployed portion, an undeployed portion, and a transition portion that each selectively receive the guide pin of the lifting arm, wherein the third leaf is in the deployed position when the guide pin of the lifting arm is disposed in the deployed portion of the track of the guide plate, and wherein the third leaf is in the undeployed position when the guide pin of the lifting arm is disposed in the undeployed portion of the track of the guide plate.

13. The extendable table of claim 12, wherein the deployed portion and the undeployed portion of the track each primarily extend in a direction that is generally parallel to the other, and wherein the transition portion extends between the deployed portion and the undeployed portion so as to fluidly connect the deployed portion and the undeployed portion together.

14. The extendable table of claim 13, further including a gate that selectively separates the deployed portion of the track into a first deployed portion and a second deployed portion.

15. The extendable table of claim 12, wherein the undeployed portion includes a port that defines a sole entry location and a sole exit location for the guide pin of the lifting arm into the track and out of the track.

16. The extendable table of claim 1, wherein the guide plate defines a track that selectively receives a guide pin of the lifting arm, the track including a deployed portion that defines a deployed portion length, an undeployed portion that defines an undeployed portion length, and a transition portion that defines a transition portion length, the guide pin of the lifting arm moving through the undeployed portion length, the transition portion length, and the undeployed portion length when the third leaf moves between the undeployed position and the deployed position, and wherein the undeployed portion length is greater than the deployed portion length.

17. The extendable table of claim 16, wherein the transition portion length is less than the undeployed portion length and a sum of the transition portion length and the deployed portion length is less than the undeployed portion length.

18. The extendable table of claim 16, wherein the deployed portion defines a deployed portion height that extends in a vertical direction that is less than and generally perpendicular to the deployed portion length, the undeployed portion defines an undeployed portion height that extends in the vertical direction that is less than and generally perpendicular to the undeployed portion length, and the transition portion defines a transition portion height that extends in the vertical direction that is less than and generally perpendicular to the transition portion length, and wherein the deployed portion height, the undeployed portion height, and the transition portion height are equal to one another.

19. The extendable table of claim 18, wherein the guide plate defines a port that is a sole entry location and a sole exit location for the guide pin of the lifting arm into the track and out of the track, wherein the port defines a variable port height, and wherein the variable port height includes a minimum port height and a maximum port height, the minimum port height being equal to the undeployed portion height and the maximum port height being adjacent a perimeter of the guide plate.

20. An extendable table, comprising: a frame defining a generally concealed cavity;a first leaf supported by the frame and slidable along a first plane;a third leaf supported by the frame and vertically moveable between a deployed position and an undeployed position, wherein the third leaf is generally coplanar with the first plane when in the deployed position; anda lift assembly connected to the third leaf, the lift assembly translating sliding movement of the first leaf into vertical movement of the third leaf, so that selective sliding movement of the first leaf causes the third leaf to vertically displace between the deployed position and undeployed position, wherein the lift assembly is located within the cavity of the frame.