1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to folding tables, and more particularly to folding tables having advantageous tabletop shapes and/or having lock assemblies that secure the folding tables in a storage position.
2. Prior Art
In large multi-purpose rooms that are utilized at various times as dining rooms, meeting halls, dance areas and the like, it is often desirable that multi-purpose furniture be used. This furniture normally includes, for example, tables, chairs, benches, and stools. Such furniture provides added utility if it is of the folding type, so as to require minimum storage space. Folding tables having accompanying stools or benches are well known to provide seating and table space while requiring a relatively small amount of storage space. Such folding tables generally fold along a centerline, and have benches or stools placed along both sides of the table. Examples of folding tables are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,771,937 to Wilson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,075,809 to Wilson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,099,480 to Wilson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,271 to Carlson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,333 to Jensen, U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,802 to Bue, U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,178 to Bue, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,628 to Bue. All of the above-listed patents are assigned to Sico, Inc., the assignee of the present invention. Although such tables are successful in providing folding furniture, still further improvements are possible. A challenge specific to folding tables is maintaining satisfactory stability, especially when folded, while also minimizing the table footprint for storage.
A number of prior art folding tables rely on torsion springs to keep the tables from unfolding (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,333 to Jensen). A difficulty with relying on torsion bars to keep the table folded in a proper storage position is that the bars may not apply enough torque to ensure that the table does not spontaneously unfold, or they can apply too much torque and lead to over-folding. Designing a table with the correct number of torsion bars that apply the right about of torque is difficult. Moreover, some older systems require an additional step of manually locking the table in the storage position. Prior tables have not provided an uncomplicated lock system that allows simple and easy actuation and release. Prior art tables also required tools for initial setup of the lock and it was possible to circumvent installation of some lock systems. Therefore, a lock system is needed that is simple and easy for the end user to set up without requiring tools. Moreover, installation of a lock should be compulsory and not optional. The present invention addresses these and other problems associated with folding tables.
The present invention is directed to a folding table with a locking mechanism that automatically locks the folding table in a preferred storage position. The folding table includes a pair of semi-oval shaped tabletop sections that fold along a folding axis defined by the straight edges of each semi-oval shaped tabletop section. The tabletop sections are attached to a support structure that includes a retractable substructure that supports a number of evenly spaced stools. In a preferred embodiment, the semi-oval tabletops have a length greater than their width and the stools are substantially evenly spaced along the tabletops.
The foldable table has three noteworthy positions including a use position, a transport/storage position, generally referred to as a storage position, and a shipping position. The use position, or “first position,” is the position in which the tabletop sections and stools are in a plane substantially parallel with the ground. The storage position, also known as the “second position” or “folded position,” represents an orientation wherein the bottom surfaces of the tabletop sections are substantially facing one another, but are not parallel to each other. Rather, in the storage position, the tabletop sections form an acute angle with respect to each other. The preferred angle represents a balance between space saving and stability (if the angle is too small, the folding table become increasingly susceptible of being tipped over). The shipping position, or “third position” is the most compact of the three positions. In the shipping position, the bottom surfaces of the tabletop sections face each other and are substantially parallel. This is the preferred position for shipping since saving space is essential, while having the ability to stand without support is generally not important during shipping.
In particular, the present invention relates to a lock assembly that automatically engages and secures the folded table at a predefined preferred storage position. More specifically, once the folding table reaches the storage position, the lock assembly engages to prevent the folding table from over-folding and thereby becoming vertically unstable. In addition, once engaged, the lock assembly prevents the table from spontaneously unfolding. To unfold the table and deploy it for use, the operator must disengage the locking member, also referred to as the “latching member,” from the engagement member, and also referred to as the “catch” or “complementary member.” Preferably, disengagement of the locking member is accomplished by simply rotating a handle provided as part of the lock assembly.
Another feature of the lock assembly is that it does not make shipping the folding table more difficult. Although, when operational, the lock assembly does prevent the table from inadvertently being placed in the shipping position, the lock assembly can be temporally disengaged only for shipping purposes. Depressing a spring-loaded detent, also referred to as a “spring lock,” that is provided as part of the lock assembly, allows the tabletops to be folded to the shipping position. However, the location of the detent is not prominent, so that the detent is not inadvertently disengaged.
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 which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference letters and numerals indicate corresponding structure throughout the several views:
Referring now to the drawings, and in particular,
It should be appreciated that the term “folding linkage” as used in this application collectively refers to the set of structural members of the table support structure 30 that are pivotally connected to other structural members including, for example, the table legs 50 discussed below. It should also be appreciated that the term “framework” as used in this application refers to supporting members that are attached to the tabletops including, for example, the mounting rails 40 discussed below and numerous other support members and fasteners that are shown throughout the figures, but are not designated by specific reference numerals.
Referring to
A plurality of mounting rails 40 are attached to the bottom surface 28 and 27 of the opposed tabletops 20. Preferably, the plurality of mounting rails 40 at least includes a first mounting rail 42 that attached parallel, but offset from, the longitudinal axis 41 of the tabletop sections 20, and a second mounting rail 44 attached parallel and offset from the first mounting rail 42 on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis 41. The mounting rails 40 define a number of table leg attachment locations 46. The attachment locations 46 define a plurality of evenly spaced pairs of aligned through holes 47 that pivotally connect a plurality of table legs 50. Though a foldable table 10 having six table legs 50 is shown, it should be appreciated that the number of table legs 50 can vary so long as the foldable table 10 includes at least two table legs 50.
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Attached to one end of the seat supports 51 are stools 55 that are substantially evenly spaced along the opposed side of the folding table 10 so that a number of people may sit at the table 10 without encroaching upon one another's space. More specifically, the space between each stool 55 is wide enough so that there is sufficient room for passage between the stools 55 with no obstruction from the support frame structure 30. In addition, the semi-oval tabletop sections 20 define a tabletop that allows a standard cafeteria tray to be positioned longitudinally in front of each person seated at the folding table 10. Attached on the opposite ends of some of the seat supports 51 are caster wheels 57. The caster wheels 57 support the folding table 10 when the folding table 10 is in the storage position and allows for easy transport thereof.
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Preferably, the locking member 62 includes a curved or angled first portion 65 for engaging the locking catch 64 and aligning itself with the locking catch 64 such that a locking portion otherwise know as a hook portion 63 automatically locks onto the locking catch 64. In the preferred embodiment the locking catch 64 includes a conventional bolt that is retained by the hook portion 63.
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Determining the exact angle of the tabletops that define the preferred storage position involves balancing decreasing the stability of the folded table 10 in the storage position against decreasing the footprint (or effective storage area) of the foldable table 10. Generally, the smaller the foot print of the folded table 10 in the storage position the easier it is for the table to topple over. Once the preferred angle is chosen, the lock assembly 60 can be sized and attached to the support structure 30, at a location that ensures that the folding table 10 will always be stored at the preferred angle. Note that
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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.