FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a folding leg mechanism, and more particularly to a folding leg mechanism that offsets the folded table legs when in a storage configuration while aligning the legs when in a use configuration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Folding tables are commonly used in commercial and residential settings where tables are intermittently needed, or the tables need to be moved on a regular basis. Tables in a storage configuration take up less space and are often stackable on other folded tables, thus reducing the amount of storage space needed. Latching mechanisms have been used to lock the table legs in either a storage or use configuration, however these mechanisms often do not provide sufficient rigidity and may cause the table to wobble. Additionally, latching mechanisms often involve numerous small interconnected pieces that may jam due to the buildup of dirt and debris, or be damaged when the tables are transported or stored.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an improved latching mechanism for tables with foldable legs. While maintaining the benefits of standard mechanisms, the mechanism of the present invention also achieves many benefits including an intuitively operable release mechanism and an offsetting mechanism that provides aligned table legs when the table is in a use configuration and offset table legs when in a storage configuration. By offsetting the table legs in storage configuration, the height of the table legs can be more than one half of the length of the table. This feature is of particular importance for folding tables that are utilized by standing persons.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a lower perspective view of a table with legs in a use configuration.
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a table with legs in a use configuration.
FIG. 3 is a side view of a table with legs in a use configuration.
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a table with legs that have been moved to an offset position, but not a storage position.
FIG. 5 is a side view of a table with legs that have been moved to an offset position, but not a storage position.
FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a table with legs that have been moved to an offset storage position, but have not been secured in the storage position.
FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a table with legs that have been moved to an offset storage position, but have not been secured in the storage position.
FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a table with legs that have been secured in an offset storage position.
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a table with legs that have been secured in an offset storage position.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a folding mechanism with a leg between a use and storage configuration.
FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a folding mechanism with a leg between a use and storage configuration.
FIG. 12 is a second perspective view of a folding mechanism with a leg between a use and storage configuration.
FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a folding mechanism with a leg between a use and storage configuration.
FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a folding mechanism secured in a use configuration.
FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a folding mechanism secured in a use configuration.
FIG. 16 is a side view of a folding mechanism secured in a use configuration.
FIG. 17 is a second side view of a folding mechanism secured in a use configuration.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a table leg highlighting the protrusion between the spring and the ring of pins.
FIG. 19 is a side view of a table leg showing the protrusion and the ring of pins.
FIG. 20 is an upper perspective view of a rotation mechanism with the top portion of the rotation mechanism removed.
FIG. 21 shows a top view of a rotation mechanism with a table leg locked in a use configuration.
FIG. 22 shows a top view of a rotation mechanism with a table leg offset from the use configuration.
FIG. 23 shows an isolated side view of the cylindrical sheet.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a rotation mechanism isolated from a table leg.
FIG. 25 is a second perspective view of a rotation mechanism isolated from a table leg.
FIG. 26 is a side view of a rotation mechanism isolated from a table leg.
FIG. 27 is a bottom view of a rotation mechanism isolated from a table leg.
FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of a rotation mechanism adapted to secure a table leg with a single vertical portion.
FIG. 29 is a bottom view of a rotation mechanism adapted to secure a table leg with a single vertical portion.
FIG. 30 is schematic view of a table top with rotation mechanisms.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention may be used with any type of leg and any type of top surface and is particularly suited for tables and applications requiring a lightweight, rigid, and robust mechanism with an intuitively operated release action. The improved folding mechanism may be used with objects having folding legs such as chairs and tables, stadium seating or benches. However, for descriptive purposes, the present invention will be described in use with a table.
FIGS. 1-3 show views of a table top 5 secured to table legs 10 via rotation mechanisms 15. The first vertical portions 20 of the distinct table legs are aligned along a geometric plane 30 and are equidistant from a linear horizontal edge 35 of the table top when the table legs 10 are in a use configuration. While not required, the illustrated table system is symmetrical such that each table leg 10 has a second vertical portion 40 that is aligned along another geometric plane 45 and the second vertical portions 40 located near, and equidistant from a second edge 50 of the table top 5. The first vertical portion 20 of the table leg 10 is separated from the second vertical portion 40 by a horizontal portion 55 that passes through the rotation mechanisms 15.
In FIGS. 4 and 5, the two table legs have been slid through the rotation mechanisms 15 such that the first vertical portion 20 of one leg is substantially further away (a first distance 60) from the edge 35 than the first vertical portion 20 of the other leg (a second distance 65). The first distance 60 is substantially greater than the second distance 65 in that the difference between the two distances produces a significant chance in the position of the circular collar and protrusion along the axis of rotation of the table leg. The difference between the first distance 60 and the second distance 65 is greater than the width 70 of the first vertical portion 20 to facilitate the legs over lapping upon each other.
FIGS. 6 and 7 show the table legs of FIGS. 4 and 5 having been rotated such that the vertical portions (20 and 40) of the table legs 10 are located adjacent to the table top 5. The table legs 10 in FIGS. 6 and 7 are not secured in a storage configuration and the two first vertical portions 20 of the table legs are separated from the linear horizontal edge 35 by the first distance 60 and the second distance 65, respectively. Since the differences of the first distance 60 and the second distance 65 is greater than the width 70 of the first vertical portion 20, there is a slight gap 75 between the two first vertical portions 20.
FIGS. 8 and 9 show the tables of FIGS. 4-7 in a folded and secured position. The first vertical portions 20 of the two table legs 10 have moved closer to each other such that the gap shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 between the table legs has been removed or substantially reduced. The movement of the table legs towards each other causes features in the rotation mechanisms 15 to secure the table legs in the storage position. To disengage the table legs from the storage position or configuration, the legs are moved away from each other to disengage the locking features in the rotation mechanisms.
FIGS. 10 through 13 show an isolated view of the rotation mechanism 15 interacting with a table leg 10. The rotation mechanism includes a base 100 or plate adapted to be secured to the table top. In the illustrated example, the base 100 has a substantially rectangular shape, however it should be appreciated that other shapes such as circular or polygonal may be utilized. The base 100 may include holes or openings through which fasteners (such as screws) pass through and interconnect with the table top. Flanking the base 100, and extending away from the table top, are a first sidewall 105 and a second sidewall 110. A locking ring 115 or locking wall also extends downward away from the table top and is rigidly secured to the base 100. The locking ring 115 includes a circular aperture 120 through which the horizontal portion 55 of the table leg 10 slides. The circular aperture 120 is substantially defined by the circumference of the horizontal portion 55 of the table leg and allows the table leg 10 to both slide through the circular aperture 120 and rotate within the aperture. Surrounding the circular aperture 120 are a plurality of openings 125 that extend through the locking ring 115. As with the circular aperture 120, the openings 125 extend through the locking ring 115 parallel to the axis of rotation 130 of the table leg. As shown in the figures, the openings 125 are substantially smaller than the circular aperture 120. While the openings 125 are shown as circular, it should be appreciated that the openings 125 may be a variety of shapes. Between the locking ring 115 (locking wall) and the first sidewall 105 is a cylindrical sheet 135 or cylindrical piece partially circumscribing the horizontal portion 55 of the table leg, and located between the horizontal portion 55 and the base 100 of the rotation mechanism 15. The cylindrical sheet 135 is substantially concentric with the horizontal portion 55 such that there is a substantially constant separation between the cylindrical sheet 135 and the horizontal portion 55. At the rotation mechanism 15, the table leg 10 includes a circular collar 140 with a diameter greater than the circular aperture 120. While the diameter of the circular collar 140 is greater than that of the circular aperture 120, the circular collar 140 has a smaller radius of curvature than the cylindrical sheet 135. From the circular collar 140, a plurality of pins 145 extend, parallel to the axis of rotation 130, towards the locking ring 115. The pins 145 have shapes that are substantially defined by the shape of the openings 125, and are slightly smaller than the openings such that they are able to be secured within the openings 125 when the table legs are in a use configuration. In one embodiment, the ends of the pins are slightly tapered to facilitate them entering into the openings and providing a fine adjustment to the rotational configuration of the table legs. The interconnection of the pins 145 in the openings 125 provides additional stability to the table legs when the table is in use. However, the pins 145 are not secured in the openings 125 of the locking ring 115 when the table legs are secured in a storage configuration. Located between the first sidewall 105 and the circular collar 140 is a spring 150 that acts to bias the circular collar 140 towards the locking ring 115. While the illustrated example shows a refined compact rotation mechanism, it should be appreciated that the spring 150 may be located distant from the remainder of the rotation mechanism. Highlighted in FIG. 11, the illustrated first sidewall 105 and the second sidewall 110 are asymmetric relative to the axis of rotation 130 of the table leg. Each of the sidewalls (105, 110) has a long edge 155 extending from the horizontal portion 55 of the table leg to the base 100, and a short edge 160 extending from the table leg to the base 100. The asymmetrical shape of the sidewalls allows for the horizontal portion 55 of the table leg to be positioned closer to the edge of the table top. The overlapping nature of the table legs allows for substantially longer table legs to be utilized than would otherwise be feasible. By positioning the horizontal portions of the table legs closer to the edge of the table top, the stability of the table while in a use configuration is increased.
FIGS. 14 through 17 illustrate the rotation mechanism 15 where the circular collar 140 is pressed against the locking ring 115 such that the pins 145 are secured within the openings 125. The spring 150 continues to press the circular collar 140 towards the locking ring 115 to prevent the table legs from accidentally disengaging from the use configuration. FIG. 16 is a side view of the rotation mechanism that shows the cylindrical sheet 135 with a track 165 that surrounds a protrusion 170 of the horizontal portion 55 of the table leg that is radially aligned to the axis of rotation of the table leg. FIG. 17 highlights the profile of the second sidewall 110 that has a concave surface 175 between the long edge 155 and the short edge 160. The concave surface 175 is substantially defined by the circumference of the table leg, and may act to further secure the table leg to the table top 5. The first sidewall 105 also includes a similar concave surface that is defined by the circumference of the horizontal portion of the table leg.
FIGS. 18 and 19 show a portion of the table leg and spring in isolation. The circular collar 140 fully circumscribes the horizontal portion of the table leg. The spring 150 is located near the circular collar 140 and the protrusion 170 is located between the spring 150 and the circular collar 140. While the protrusion 170 is located between the collar and spring in FIG. 18, it should be noted that the protrusion 170 extends directly from the circular collar 140 in FIG. 19. The protrusion 170 is aligned along a radius 180 of the axis of rotation 130 such that the protrusion has a length that is defined by a line extending perpendicularly from the axis of rotation 130.
FIGS. 20 through 23 highlight the track 165 in the cylindrical sheet 135 of the rotation mechanism. The base 100 of the rotation mechanism 15 has been removed to better illustrate the cylindrical sheet 135. The track 165 of the cylindrical sheet 135 includes a cylindrical portion 185 that rotationally extends along a geometric arc with the axis of rotation 130 as the center point. From the cylindrical portion 185 of the track 165 a first linear portion 190 extends perpendicularly away from the cylindrical portion 185 parallel to the axis of rotation 130 of the table leg. A second linear portion 195 also perpendicularly extends away from the cylindrical portion 185 distant from the first linear portion 190. The first linear portion 190 extends a first distance 200 while the second linear portion only extends a second distance 205. The difference between the first distance 200 and the second distance 205 is approximately one half of the width 70 of the table leg such that when the table legs are in a storage configuration they are kept in close proximity to each other. When the table legs are in the use configuration, the protrusion 170 is at the end of the first linear portion 190 of the track 165 that is closest to the locking ring 115 while when the table legs are in the storage configuration the protrusion 170 is located at the end of the second linear portion 195 that is closest to the locking ring 115. The spring in the rotation mechanism acts to bias the protrusion 170 towards the locking ring 115 (locking wall). To change the legs from a use configuration to a storage configuration (or vice versa), the legs are moved against the spring until the protrusion 170 is able to enter the cylindrical portion 185 of the track 165. Only once the protrusion has reached the cylindrical portion 185 of the track 165 are the table legs able to be rotated. The legs are then rotated until the protrusion reaches the opposite linear portion of the track at which point further rotation of the leg is not possible. Once at the opposite linear portion, the spring biases the protrusion 170 towards the locking ring 115 and the linear portion prevents rotation of the table leg. If the table legs are in the use configuration, the pins of the circular collar and the openings in the locking ring also act to prevent rotation of the table legs.
FIG. 23 shows a side view of the cylindrical sheet 135. A first geometric radius 181 and a second geometric radius 182 perpendicularly extend from the axis of rotation 130 through the centers of the first linear portion 190 and the second linear portion 195, respectively. The first and second geometric radiuses (181, 182) are at a right angle to each other such that one quadrant 183 about the axis of rotation 130 is defined by the two radiuses. The cylindrical portion 185 of the track 165 fully spans the quadrant 183 defined by the two radiuses. By spanning a single quadrant, the cylindrical portion 185 of the track 165 allows the table legs to be rotated 90 degrees, and no more.
FIGS. 24 through 27 show an isolated view of the rotation mechanism 15 without the horizontal portion of the table leg or the spring. Without the table leg, the circular aperture 120 of the locking ring 115 is shown having a diameter that is substantially similar to the concave surface 175 of the second sidewall 110. The first sidewall 105 also has a concave surface that is substantially similar to the circular aperture 120 of the locking ring 115. The illustrated cylindrical sheet 135 is shown having a half circular shape, however it should be appreciated that in an alternate embodiment the cylindrical sheet fully encloses a portion of the horizontal portion of the table leg. In another embodiment, the cylindrical sheet is less than half a circle in circumference, and in yet another embodiment, the cylindrical sheet has a circumference that is only slightly larger than the cylindrical portion of the track. In FIGS. 24-27, the base 100 is shown as being asymmetrical about the cylindrical sheet 135, however in another embodiment the base 100 is symmetrical. Additionally, the base 100 may be composed of several components that act to secure the rotation mechanism to the table top.
FIGS. 28 and 29 show an alternate embodiment of a rotation mechanism adapted to secure a table leg with a single vertical portion. The rotation mechanism shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 has all the components of the rotation mechanism shown in FIGS. 1 through 27 with the addition of a second locking ring 115 located adjacent to the first sidewall 105. The second locking ring acts primarily as a guide surface for the horizontal portion of the table leg and prevents wobble of the leg. To reduce wobble, the first and second locking rings are preferably spaced as far from each other as possible. As shown in FIG. 28, the first and second locking rings 115 include openings 125. The openings 125 of the second locking ring do not interact with the pins 145 of the table leg and may be omitted. However, to reduce the variety of pieces that need to be manufactured, it is expected that at in at least some embodiments all of the locking rings will be created with openings 145. In the illustrated example, the locking rings 115 are identical to each other and provide the rotation mechanism with a refined appearance; however, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the two locking rings may have substantially different shapes from each other.
FIG. 30 shows a schematic view of two rotation mechanism secured to a table top 5. The table top has a first linear horizontal edge 35, and the rotation mechanisms each have cylindrical sheets 135 with tracks having cylindrical portions 185, first linear portions 190, and second linear portions 195. In mechanism show in the upper portion of the figure, the first linear portion 190 and the second linear portion 195 are both a first length 210 from the linear horizontal edge 35. They are equidistant from the edge. In comparison, the first linear portion 190 of the lower rotation mechanism is a second length 215 from the linear horizontal edge 35 while the second linear portion 195 is a third length 220 from the edge. The third length is substantially greater than the second length. In the upper rotation mechanism, a spring would bias the protrusion away from the linear horizontal edge 35, while the lower mechanism would have a spring biasing another protrusion on the table leg towards the linear horizontal edge 35.
The inventors contemplate several alterations and improvements to the disclosed invention. Other alterations, variations, and combinations are possible that fall within the scope of the present invention. Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize more modifications that may be made that would nonetheless fall within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to the apparatus described.
Patent Grant
9167892
