1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a table for self-service shops, comprising a base frame with four tubular feet, two side frames arranged parallel and each having a first and a second wall, and a bottom arranged above the base frame and surrounded by the walls.
2. Description of Related Art
Tables of this type are known in various designs. What is common to all these tables is that they can be converted into a space-saving form for the purpose of transportation, for example for delivery. Various solutions are known for this.
German utility model specification 299 14 238.8 describes such a table. This table can be converted into a usable form by fitting various individual parts together. For example, connecting parts first have to be inserted into the feet of a base frame before four uprights, which carry the side walls, can then be plugged onto these connecting parts.
An object of the invention is to form a table in such a way that the aforementioned plug-in connections can be dispensed with. Nevertheless, the table should be foldable. Furthermore, this table should be formed so that a plurality of folded tables can be stacked on top of one another.
The object is achieved in that in one embodiment of the invention each foot is connected to one of the uprights by a hinge and in that the horizontal axis of each hinge is located either in or below the common plane.
If, as described hereinbelow, two uprights are rigidly connected to a first wall, and a second wall is mounted on one of the two uprights so as to be pivotable to a limited extent about a vertical axis, the solution found offers the following advantages:
In a first embodiment, the hinge straps are arranged on the outsides of the uprights and the feet. In a further embodiment, the hinge straps are in block form to enable them to be inserted into the uprights and the feet.
The invention will be further described with reference to the two embodiments.
The foldable table 1 shown in
If one wishes to bring the table 1 out of the position of non-use back into the position of use, a first side frame 16 and then the second side frame 16 must first be pivoted upright. Next, the two second walls 18 have to be pivoted into their position of use and secured to the opposite upright 15. Lastly, the bottom 22 must be removed from the base frame 2 and inserted between the walls 17, 18 from above and supported on at least some of the walls 17, 18 in a suitable manner.
Although only preferred embodiments are specifically illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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102 25 989 | Jun 2002 | DE | national |
The present application is a continuation of PCT/DE02/02800, filed on Jul. 31, 2002, and which claims the priority of DE 102 25 989.5, filed in Germany on Jun. 11, 2002. The contents of PCT/DE02/02800 and DE 102 25 989.5 are incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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174257 | Kibbey | Feb 1876 | A |
526081 | Mackie | Sep 1894 | A |
2823390 | Hagelfeldt | Feb 1958 | A |
3699594 | Matthey-Doret | Oct 1972 | A |
3722009 | Hrynda | Mar 1973 | A |
4057873 | Bursani | Nov 1977 | A |
4089467 | Makowicki | May 1978 | A |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
29914238 | Oct 1999 | DE |
10115033 | Oct 2001 | DE |
1050176 | Dec 1966 | GB |
2272833 | Jun 1994 | GB |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20040187746 A1 | Sep 2004 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/DE02/02800 | Jul 2002 | US |
Child | 10819276 | US |