Folding table

Abstract

A folding table which can be folded into a storage position and set up into selected usable positions providing different table top heights. The outer legs are pivotally connecting to spaced apart flanges extending from a bottom surface of a table top. The inner legs are pivotally attached to the outer legs and pivotally joined to a U-shaped link bar at a selected medial position above the inner-outer leg pivot point. The free distal ends of the link bar are pivotally attached to spaced part flanges extending from a bottom surface of the table top. Pivotal movement of the link bar inward legs pivots the table top upward wherein holding means secures the link bar to the inner legs. Pivotal movement of the cross member of the link bar outward allows the inner and outer legs to spread apart at the pivot point lowering the table top to rest upon the distal ends of the inner legs.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of folding tables and in particular, folding tables having two usable table top heights.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Folding tables of many configurations are known. Card tables with four legs that are rotatably connected, one at each corner of the table and include an angular spreader bar to limit the rotation of cach leg and lock in place with the legs at about a right angle are common.

Long folding tables are known with a pair of legs at each end of the table hinged to the bottom surface of the table with bi-folding hinged spreader bars which lock the legs at about a right angle with the table top.

TV tables have folding X-shaped legs wherein, one top end of one leg is rotatably connected near one corner of the table and the top end of the other leg is free to slide along the bottom surface of the table top to a locked position with the bottoms of the legs spread to a usable position to support the table on the floor.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,365 by Cheng et al incorporated herein by reference teaches a folding table with two pairs of folding legs. The first pair of legs is pivotally connected to the table top.

The second pair of legs is pivotally connected to the first pair of legs. A U-shaped handle is also pivotally connected to the second pair of legs. The U-shaped handle is also pivotally connected to the table top. The free ends of the side bars of the U-shaped handle contact and interlock with the ends of the second pair of legs to limit the movement of the two pairs of folding legs as they are folded outward to a table supporting position to provide a stable upright configuration of the legs.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,604 by Jiang incorporated herein by reference teaches a folding table with two pairs of folding legs. The first pair of legs is pivotally connected to the table top. The second pair of legs is pivotally connected to the first pair of legs. A U-shaped handle is also pivotally connected to the second pair of legs. The U-shaped handle is also pivotally connected to the table top. The U-shaped handle includes two fixed lugs extending sideways and outward from the side bars of the U-shaped handle. These lugs limit the movement of the two pairs of folding legs as they are folded outward to a table supporting position to provide a stable upright configuration of the legs.

The present invention includes a link bar for changing the height of the table top. The improvements comprise swept back extensions of the upper free ends of the second pair of legs, the removal of two fixed lugs on either side of the U-shaped handle, and the addition of a rotatable lug at the center of a spreader connecting the second pair of legs to one another. The rotatable lug provides two usable positions of the table top, one at a lower position than the other. When the rotatable lug is perpendicular to the spreader, the lug acts as a stop for the U-shaped handle, providing a first fixed height for the table. When the rotatable lug is rotated parallel to the spreader, the U-shaped handle is allowed to rotate past the spreader and the swept back extensions of the second pair of legs come into contact with the bottom surface of the table top, thus providing a second lower fixed height for the table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A folding table which can be folded into a storage position and set up into selected usable positions providing different table top heights. The table includes and inner and outer pair of legs as well as a U-shaped bar. The distal end of the outer legs are pivotally connecting to spaced apart flanges extending from a bottom surface of a table top. The inner legs are pivotally attached to the outer legs and pivotally joined to a U-shaped link bar at a selected medial position above the inner-outer leg pivot point. The free distal ends of the link bar are pivotally attached to spaced part flanges extending from a bottom surface of the table top. Pivotal movement of the cross member of the link bar inward toward parallel alignment with the inner legs pivots the table top upward wherein holding means such as a pin or bolt or rivet or screw secures the link bar to the inner legs. Pivotal movement of the cross member of the link bar outward allows the inner and outer legs to spread apart at the pivot point lowering the table top to rest upon the distal ends of the inner legs. The U-shaped link is used to change the mode of the table from the storage position to either the first height or the second height and back again. A movable lug is used to select one of two usable heights for the table top.

More particularly, a folding table has a top and bottom surface, a pair of first legs each having an upper and lower end, a first pair of lugs each for pivotally connecting one of the respective first upper leg ends to the bottom surface of the table. A pair of second legs each have an upper and lower end, and are positioned inwardly between the pair of first legs. A first pair of pivot pins pivotally join one of the respective first and second legs so that the legs can extend crosswise underneath the table when the table is unfolded to an upright position. A U-shaped link bar including two parallel members and a cross member. The link bar has a first and a second free end, a second pair of lugs each pivotally connect one of the respective link bar free ends to the bottom surface of the table. A second pair of pivot pins pivotally join the link bar through a respective one of the parallel members to a respective one of the second legs at the upper end thereof. The link bar is positioned inwardly between the pair of second legs.

The improvement comprises, or consists of a horizontal spreader bar joining the pair of second legs to one another just above the second pivot pins. A rectangular lug rotatably connected to the spreader bar capable of contacting and limiting rotation of the U-shaped link as the U-shaped link is caused to rotate causing the pair of first legs and the pair of second legs to diverge to a first table supporting configuration The rotatable is lug capable of being rotated to a position parallel to the spreader bar, thus allowing the U-shaped link to rotate past the rotatable lug. The pair of second legs include swept back elbows at the upper free ends thereof and provide stops which contact a bottom surface of the table allowing the first pair of legs and the second pair of legs to diverge to a second table supporting configuration.

A folding table includes a table top, a first outer pair of folding legs pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the table top, a second pair of inner legs rotatably connected to the first pair of legs, a U-shaped handle rotatably connected to the bottom surface of the table top and rotatably connected to the second pair of legs. The first pair of legs are fixedly connected to one another by a spreader bar near the base of the legs. The second pair of legs are also fixedly connected to one another by another stretcher bar near the base of the legs but are connected again with a third spreader bar below the pivot point connecting the second pair of legs to the U-shaped handle. Due to a rotatable lug on the third spreader bar, the legs can be locked in either one of two stable positions and thus two table heights are provided.

One preferred embodiment to the folding table comprises or consists of a table top having a top surface and a bottom surface. A first pair of outer legs include an upper end and a lower end wherein each one of the lower ends have an outwardly extending lower leg segment formed extending downward at an obtuse angle. A first pair of spaced apart connector means such as rivets, bolts, pins, screws, each one pivotally connecting a distal end of the upper end of the pair of outer legs to the bottom surface of the table top. A second pair of inner legs each one having an upper and lower end are positioned inwardly between the first pair of outer legs. The lower end of the pair of outer legs include an outwardly extending lower leg segment formed extending downward at an obtuse angle. An inner cross brace member extends between the second pair of inner legs joining the inner legs and is disposed near the, obtuse angle. An outer cross brace member extends between the second pair of outer legs joining the outer legs and is disposed near the obtuse angle. A pair of leg pivot means each for pivotally joining one of the respective first and second legs so that the first pair of outer legs and second pair of inner legs extend diagonally underneath the table when the table is unfolded to an upright position. An U-shaped link bar formed with a first arm member and a second arm member is spaced apart and parallel to one another joined by a central link bar cross member. The first arm member has a first free end and a the second arm member has a second free end. A pair of spaced apart link bar connector means such as a bolt, screw, rivet, or pin pivotally connect the link bar first arm member first free end and the link bar second arm member second free end to the bottom surface of the table. A first link bar pivot means comprising a bolt, screw, rivet, or pin pivotally connects a medial section of the link bar first arm member to a selected point of the second inner leg between the leg pivot means and table supporting distal end of an upper portion of the second inner leg. A second link bar pivot means comprising a rivet, screw, bolt, or pin pivotally connects a medial section of the link bar second arm member to a selected point of the second inner leg between the leg pivot means and table supporting distal end of an upper portion of the second inner leg. The table supporting distal end of the inner leg includes an inwardly curved top portion. A stop means comprising a lug capable of contacting and limiting rotation of the link bar. A friction enhancing base or foot such as a rubber or elastomeric end cap may be included to reduce slippage of the table on the floor.

It is an object of this invention to provide a folding table which has an upright storage position, first usable position with a first table height and a second usable position with a shorter table height.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a table supporting distal end of an upper portion of the second inner leg having an inwardly curved upper end to maximize structural support and minimize the width of the frame under the table top.

It is an object of the present invention to connect a medial section of the link bar second arm member to a selected point of the second inner leg between the leg pivot means and table supporting distal end of an upper portion of the second inner leg in order to determine the spacing between a an upper table top position and a lower table top position.

It is an object of this invention to provide a folding table which has a pair of folding legs configured in an X-shape with an additional folding joint in the upper half of one of the legs.

It is an object of this invention to provide a folding table which includes a U-shaped carry handle which is also used to fold the table into either of the usable positions or into the storage position.

It is an object of this invention to provide a folding table which is self supporting in the storage position due to a dog-leg at the bottom of the four legs.

It is an object of this invention to provide a folding table which includes a movable lug which is in one position for holding the legs in the first usable position and in a second position to allow the legs to move into a second position for holding the legs in the second usable position.

It is an object of this invention to provide a folding table wherein the second pair of legs described above include back swept extensions at the upper ends thereof for contacting and butting against the bottom surface of the table top, thus providing a stop position for the legs when the movable lug is the position which allows the U-shaped handle to bypass the movable lug.

It is an object of the present invention to form the lower end of the pair of outer legs and lower end of the pair of inner legs to include an outwardly extending lower leg segment formed extending downward at an obtuse angle. In order to increase the stability of the table supported by the cross members and provide a wide support for the base.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent with the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the views wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the folding table in the extended maximum height configuration;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the folding table in the storage configuration;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the folding table in the storage configuration; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the folding table in the lower level height configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a folding table 10. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the table includes a table top 12 with a bottom surface and a top surface, a first outer pair 50 of parallel legs connected by a spreader bar 48, a second inner pair of parallel legs 52 connected by two spreader bars 42 and 46. It can be seen in FIG. 2 that the inner pair of legs 52 are between the outer legs 50. The two pairs of legs are pivotally connected by two pins 30, preferably just above the vertical center of the two. The first pair of legs 50 are pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the table top 12 by pins 15 passing through apertures in downward extending lugs 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the inner legs 52 and outer legs 50 have a front side which faces away from the bottom surface of the table top 12 when folded in the upright storage mode.

AU-shaped handle and table top support comprises a link bar 38 is pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the table by pins15 passing through apertures in downward extending lugs 14 which are spaced apart from the lugs 16. The Link bar 38 includes two parallel bars and a cross bar connecting the two parallel bars. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cross bar of the Link bar 38 is at the top when the table is in the vertical storage position.

The spreader bar 42 is located just above the pivot pins 30 on the inner legs 52. A rectangular lug 40 is pivotally connected to the spreader bar 42 by a pin 41 preferably near the horizontal center of the bar 42. As shown in FIG. 2, the lug 40 is preferably parallel to the vertical legs 52 and is on the rear side of the spreader bar 42.

The Link bar 38 is pivotally connected to the inner pair 52 of legs by pins 32 near the vertical center of the Link bar 38. The pivot pins 32 are spaced apart from the pivot pins 30 by a distance just less than the distance between the pins 32 and the outer surface of the Link bar 38 so that, as the handle 38 is pivoted about pins 32, the handle is capable of passing by the spreader bar 42 when the lug 40 is turned parallel to the spreader bar 42. Thus, the Link bar 38 is rotated in an arc to cause the inner legs 52 and the outer legs 50 to diverge from one another to provide a stable support for the table top 12. When the table is folded in the upright storage position shown in FIG. 2 and the handle 38 is pulled forward, the two pairs of legs 50 and 52 diverge as shown in FIG. 5 and the table top 12 is becomes level as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

When the lug 40 is rotated perpendicular to the spreader bar 42, as the Link bar is rotated, the handle contacts the lug 40 and is prevented form rotating further, thus providing a first fixed height for the table top 12 shown in FIG. 1.

The top ends of the inner legs 52 terminate with curved segments forming elbows 26 which extend front-wards such that as the Link bar 38 is rotated past the spreader bar 42, the free ends of the elbows 26 contact the bottom surface of the table top 12 as shown in FIG. 4, causing the inner legs 52 to stop in a stable position holding the table at a second fixed height which is lower than the first fixed height described above. A pair of spaced part parallel strips of resilient material such as a plastic or metal strip 60 optionally extends across the bottom surface of the table top in order to support the distal end of the elbows contacting the bottom surface of the table. When the lug 40 is rotated parallel to the spreader bar 42, the Link bar passes by the lug 40 and is allowed to rotate further until the ends of the elbows 26 contact the bottom surface of the table top 12, thus providing a second lower fixed height for the table top 12 shown in FIG. 4.

The two pairs of legs 50 and 52 include diverging ‘dog legs’ bends 25 near the bottoms of the legs which provide a wider stance or foot print for the table and also enables the table to stand in a stable state when folded into the upright storage position as shown in FIG. 3. It can be seen that the table is more stable when configured in the second lower fixed height because the legs provide a wider footprint.

The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modification will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, this invention is not intended to be limited by the specific exemplification presented herein above. Rather, what is intended to be covered is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A folding table consisting of: a table top having a top surface and a bottom surface;a pair of outer legs each having an upper end and a lower end;a first pair of spaced apart connector means, each one pivotally connecting a distal end of a respective first upper outer leg and a second upper outer leg to the bottom surface of said table top;a pair of second inner legs each having an upper and lower end, and positioned inwardly between aid pair of first outer legs;a pair of leg pivot means each for pivotally joining one of the respective first and second legs so that said first pair of outer legs and second pair of inner legs extend diagonally underneath said table when said table is unfolded to an upright position;a U-shaped link bar formed with a first arm member and a second arm member spaced apart and parallel to one another joined by a central link bar cross member, said first arm member having a first free end and a said second arm member having a second free end;a pair of spaced apart link bar connector means each for pivotally connecting said link bar first arm member first free end and said link bar second arm member second free end to said bottom surface of said table;a first link bar pivot means for pivotally connecting a medial section of said link bar first arm member to a selected point of said second inner leg between said leg pivot means and table supporting distal end of an upper portion of said second inner leg;a second link bar pivot means for pivotally connecting a medial section of said link bar second arm member to a selected point of said second inner leg between said leg pivot means and table supporting distal end of an upper portion of said second inner leg; anda stop means comprising a lug capable of contacting and limiting rotation of said link bar.

2. A folding table consisting of: a table top having a top surface and a bottom surface;a first pair of outer legs each having an upper end and a lower end, each one of said lower end of said pair of outer legs including an outwardly extending lower leg segment formed extending downward at an obtuse angle;a first pair of spaced apart connector means, each one pivotally connecting a distal end of said upper end of said pair of outer legs to said bottom surface of said table top;a second pair of inner legs each one having an upper and lower end, and positioned inwardly between said first pair of outer legs, said lower end of said pair of outer legs including an outwardly extending lower leg segment formed extending downward at an obtuse angle;a inner cross brace member extending between said second pair of inner legs joining said inner legs disposed near said obtuse angle;an outer cross brace member extending between said second pair of outer legs joining said outer legs disposed near said obtuse angle;a pair of leg pivot means each for pivotally joining one of the respective first and second legs so that said first pair of outer legs and second pair of inner legs extend diagonally underneath said table when said table is unfolded to an upright position;a U-shaped link bar formed with a first arm member and a second arm member spaced apart and parallel to one another joined by a central link bar cross member, said first arm member having a first free end and a said second arm member having a second free end;a pair of spaced apart link bar connector means each for pivotally connecting said link bar first arm member first free end and said link bar second arm member second free end to said bottom surface of said table;a first link bar pivot means for pivotally connecting a medial section of said link bar first arm member to a selected point of said second inner leg between said leg pivot means and table supporting distal end of an upper portion of said second inner leg;a second link bar pivot means for pivotally connecting a medial section of said link bar second arm member to a selected point of said second inner leg between said leg pivot means and table supporting distal end of an upper portion of said second inner leg;said table supporting distal end of said inner leg including an inwardly curved top portion; anda stop means comprising a lug capable of contacting and limiting rotation of said link bar and including a friction enhancing base.

3. A folding table having a table top comprising a top and a bottom surface, a pair of first legs each having an upper and lower end, a first pair of lugs each for pivotally connecting one of said respective first upper leg ends to the bottom surface of said table, a pair of second legs each having an upper and lower end, and positioned inwardly between said pair of first legs, a first pair of pivot pins each for pivotally joining one of said respective first and second legs so that said legs can extend diagonally underneath said table when said table is unfolded to an upright position, a U-shaped link bar formed with two parallel members and a cross member, said bar having first and second free ends, a second pair of lugs each for pivotally connecting one of said respective link bar free ends to said bottom surface of said table, and a second pair of pivot pins each for pivotally joining said link bar through a respective one of said parallel members to a respective one of said second legs at said upper end thereof, said link bar being positioned inwardly between said pair of second legs, the improvement comprising: a horizontal spreader bar joining said pair of second legs just above said second pivot pins, said spreader bar including a rectangular lug capable of contacting and limiting rotation of said U-shaped link as said U-shaped link is caused to rotate for the purpose of causing said first pair of legs and said second pair of legs to diverge to a first table supporting configuration, said rotatable lug capable of being rotated to a position parallel to said spreader bar, thus allowing said U-shaped link to rotate past said rotatable lug; andsaid second legs including a swept back elbows at upper free ends thereof providing stops which contact a bottom surface of said table top, thus allowing said first pair of legs and said second pair of legs to diverge to a lower table top supporting configuration.