US20050274301A1

US20050274301A1 - Collapsible table and a method for collapsing a table

Info

Publication number: US20050274301A1
Application number: US10/865,726
Authority: US
Inventors: Nathan Rattin; Sue Rattin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-06-10
Filing date: 2004-06-10
Publication date: 2005-12-15

Abstract

A collapsible table and a method for collapsing a table are provided. The table may have a platform having a length defined between a first end and a second end. Legs may be attached to the platform at the first end and the second end. A bar may connect each of the legs at the first end to each of the legs at the second end. As a result, each of the legs at the first end may be moved in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner toward the second end. The platform may then be folded towards the legs. In the folded state, the table may have a reduced overall width and may be transported from a first location to a second location or otherwise reduced in overall dimension to simplify storing of the table.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a collapsible table and a method for collapsing a table. More specifically, the present invention relates to a table having a platform and legs attached to the platform. The legs at a first end of the platform may be attached to the legs at a second end of the platform by a bar. As a result, the legs at the first end may be moved around the legs at the second end in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner. The platform may be folded downward towards the legs at the second end. As a result, the collapsible table may be in a state which enables transport of the table from a first location to a second location.
Tables having a platform and four legs extending from the platform to provide stability to the table are known. Certain tables have legs which are fixed to the platform and cannot be folded. Without an ability to fold the legs of the table, the user, in some cases, must tilt the table to find a position at which the table can be transported through the doorway. As a result, transport of the table is a labor-intensive task.
Other known tables have legs which can be folded. However, when the legs are folded, the user must hold the platform at one end to secure the table. Holding the platform at one end causes a physical strain on the user from the weight of the table. As a result, two or more individuals are often required to transport the table.
A need, therefore, exists for a collapsible table and a method for collapsing a table which may provide a platform sized to receive documents wherein the table may be collapsed to allow convenient transport of the table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a collapsible table and a method for collapsing a table. A platform may be provided which may have legs extending from a first end and a second end of the platform. A bar may connect the legs at the first end to the legs at the second end. As a result, the legs at the first end may be pivoted toward the second end. The platform may then be folded towards the legs. The table may then have a reduced overall width and may be transported from a first location to a second location.
To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a table is provided. The table has a platform having a length defined between a first end and second end and a width defined between a first side and a second side. The table also has a first plurality of legs attached to a bottom surface of the platform at the first end of the platform wherein the first plurality of legs are vertical and parallel to one another defining a plane between the first plurality of legs. In addition, the table has a second plurality of legs attached to the platform at the second end of the platform wherein the second plurality of legs are vertical and parallel to one another. Further, the table has a bar connecting one of the first plurality of legs to one of the second plurality of legs wherein one of the second plurality of legs rotates along an axis defined by one of the first plurality of legs towards the plane.
In an embodiment, the table has a rod extending from the platform wherein the rod is received within one of the second plurality of legs.
In an embodiment, the table has wheels attached to one of the first plurality of legs.
In an embodiment, the table has a rail attached to the platform at the second end.
In an embodiment, a bar between the bottom surface of the platform and the first plurality of legs wherein the platform pivots with respect to the bar.
In an embodiment, a shelf attached to the bar.
In an embodiment, each of the second plurality of legs is shorter than each of the first plurality of legs.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a table is provided. The table has a platform having a length defined between a first end and a second end wherein the platform has a bottom surface. The table also has a first plurality of legs removably attached to the platform at the first end wherein each of the first plurality of legs has a length defined between a top end and a bottom end wherein the top end is adjacent to the bottom surface of the platform. In addition, the table has a second plurality of legs attached to the platform at the second end wherein each of the first plurality of legs rotates about an axis defined by each of the second plurality of legs wherein the top end of each of the first plurality of legs rotates about the axis from the first end of the platform to the second end.
In an embodiment, the table has a bar connecting each of the first plurality of legs to each of the second plurality of legs.
In an embodiment, the table has wheels associated with each of the first plurality of legs.
In an embodiment, the table has a bar connected to each of the second plurality of legs wherein the platform is attached to the bar.
In an embodiment, the table has a rod extending from the platform wherein the rod contacts the top end of one of the first plurality of legs.
In an embodiment, the table has a shelf positioned between the first plurality of legs and the second plurality of legs.
In an embodiment, the table has a rail attached to the platform.
In an embodiment, each of the second plurality of legs is longer than the each of the first plurality of legs.
In an embodiment, the table has a bar attached to the bottom surface of the platform wherein the bar contacts one of the first plurality of legs and one of the second plurality of legs.
In an embodiment, the table has fasteners attached to the first plurality of legs wherein the fasteners secure the platform to the first plurality of legs.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for collapsing a table. The method has the steps of: providing a platform having a length defined between a first end and a second end; removably attaching a first plurality of legs to the platform at the first end; attaching a second plurality of legs to the platform at the second end; and connecting one of the first plurality of legs to one of the second plurality of legs wherein the one of the first plurality of legs rotates about an axis defined by the one of the second plurality of legs.
In an embodiment, the method has the further step of folding the platform wherein the first end of the platform is moved adjacent to the second plurality of legs.
In an embodiment, the method has the further step of detaching the platform from the first plurality of legs.
It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide a collapsible table and a method for collapsing a table wherein the table may be folded to reduce an overall size of the table.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible table and a method for collapsing a table wherein the table may be easily transported from a first location to a second location.
Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible table and a method for collapsing a table which may reduce an amount of labor required for transporting the table.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible table and a method for collapsing a table wherein the table may have a platform which may be sized to receive documents, such as, for example, blueprints, or other documents.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a table in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the table of FIG. 1 in a semi-folded state.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the table of FIG. 1 in a folded state.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the table of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention generally relates to a collapsible table and a method for collapsing a table. In an embodiment, the table may have a platform having a length defined between a first end and a second end. Legs may be attached to the platform at the first end and the second end. A bar may connect each of the legs at the first end to each of the legs at the second end. As a result, each of the legs at the first end may be moved in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner toward the second end. The platform may then be folded towards the legs. In this state, the table may have a reduced overall width and may be transported from a first location to a second location.
Referring now to the figures wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIG. 1 illustrates a table 2 which may have a platform 4 having a length 6 defined between a first end 8 and a second end 10. The platform 4 may have a width 12 defined between a first side 14 and a second side 16. The length 6 and the width 12 may be sized wherein documents, such as, for example, a blueprint or like document may be placed on a surface 22. To this end, the length 6 may be, for example, in a range from two feet to five feet. The width 12 may be, for example, in a range from two feet to five feet. The platform 4 may be constructed from, for example, wood, plastic, glass, or other like material or combination of materials.
The platform 4 may have a rail 18 attached at the first end 8. The rail 18 may be constructed from, for example, wood, metal, plastic, or other like material. The rail 4 may extend from the first side 14 to the second side 16. In an embodiment, the platform 4 may be angled. The rail 18 may contact documents placed on the platform 4 and may prevent a document placed on the platform 4 from sliding from the surface 22. The platform 4 may have rods 24 a, 24 b, better illustrated in FIG. 4, extending from bars 25 connected to a bottom surface 26. The rod 24 a may be adjacent to the second side 16. The rod 24 b may be adjacent to the first side 14. The rods 24 may be constructed from metal, wood, plastic, or like material.
Referring again to FIG. 1, legs 30 a, 30 b may be attached at the first end 8 of the platform 4. The legs 30 a, 30 b may have a length 28 which may be, for example, in a range from two feet to four feet. Legs 32 a, 32 b may be attached to the platform 4 at the second end 10. The legs 32 a, 32 b may have a length 34 which is greater than the length 28 of the legs 30 a, 30 b. For example, the length 34 may be in a range of three feet to five feet. As a result, the platform 4 may be angled wherein the second end 10 is higher than the first end 8. Accordingly, documents placed on the platform 4 may be angled towards the user who may be, for example, standing adjacent to the table 2 and viewing the documents. The legs 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b may be constructed from, for example, wood, plastic, metal or any other like material.
Each of the legs 30 a, 30 b, 32 a, 32 b may be attached to wheels 40. Locking casters 41 may be provided on the wheels 40 to prevent movement of the wheels 40. The legs 30 a, 30 b may have openings 50 which may receive the rods 24 a, 24 b when the platform 4 rests on the legs 30 a, 30 b. The rods 24 a, 24 b may be secured within the openings 50 via screws 51. Securing of the rods 24 a, 24 b within the openings 50 may prevent movement of the legs 30 a, 30 b.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, a bar 80 may be attached to the legs 32 a, 32 b. Fasteners 82 may be attached to the bottom surface 26 of the platform 4 and may surround the bar 80. The fasteners 82 may act as a hinge for the platform 4 wherein the platform 4 may be pivoted, as illustrated by arrow 84.
Referring again to FIG. 1, bars 42 a, 42 b may connect the leg 30 a to the leg 30 b. In addition, bars 44 a, 44 b may connect the leg 30 b to the leg 32 b. The bars 42 a, 42 b, 44 a, 44 b may have a female portion 46 which may be shaped to receive the legs 32 a, 32 b. For example, the female portion 46 may be U-shaped, C-shaped, straight or circular. The female portions 46 may be secured around the legs 32 a, 32 b via fasteners (not shown), such as, for example, screws, bolts, straps or like fasteners and may act as a hinge. More specifically, the female portions 46 may be rotated around each of the legs 32 a, 32 b by sliding the female portions 46 along a surface 33 a, 33 b of the legs 32 a, 32 b, respectively. A bar 52 may attach the leg 32 a to the leg 32 b. The bar 52 may be attached to the leg 32 a and the leg 32 b via, for example, a fastener (not shown).
FIG. 2 illustrates the table 2 in a semi-folded state. To this end, the screws 51 may be loosened to allow the rods 24 a, 24 b to be removed from the openings 50. The platform 4 may then be lifted at the first end 8. The leg 30 b may be rotated in a clockwise direction, as indicated by arrow 54, wherein the female portion 46 slides across the leg 32 b. The leg 30 b may then be placed adjacent to the bar 52. The leg 30 a may then be rotated in a clockwise direction, as indicated by arrow 56 wherein the female portion 46 slides across the leg 32 a. The leg 30 a may be placed adjacent to the bar 52. The platform 4 may be pivoted downward, into a folded state, wherein the first end 8 is placed adjacent to the bar 52, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In the folded state, the table 2 may have a width 60 which may allow the user to transport the table from a first location to a second location, such as for example, a first area of a room to another area within the room, or from a first room to a second room. The folded state of the table 2 may also enable the table 2 to be stored in a location which may have less space than that required for conventional tables.
Referring again to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, a shelf 70 may be provided underneath the platform 4. The shelf 70 may rest on bars 72 which have hooks 73. The bars 72 may hook onto the bars 42 a, 44 a. The shelf 70 may have a length 74 and a width 76. The length 74 and the width 76 of the shelf 70 may be sized to accommodate, for example, books, documents, writing supplies, or other materials or items. Moreover, other items, such as, for example, tools, calculators or other devices, may be hung from the bars 42 a, 42 b, 44 a, 44 b of the table 2. Additional bars may be fastened to the table 2 where necessary to support fixtures, such as, for example, additional shelves, tools, containers for housing writing utensils, or other devices. In another embodiment, a reading lamp (not shown), or other type of lamp may be attached to the platform 4 to, for example, illuminate documents placed on the table 2. In an embodiment, clamps (not shown) and/or straps (not shown) may be associated with the platform 4 to secure documents in a fixed position.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A table comprising:

a platform having a length defined between a first end and second end and a width defined between a first side and a second side;

a first plurality of legs attached to a bottom surface of the platform at the first end of the platform wherein the first plurality of legs are vertical and parallel to one another defining a plane between the first plurality of legs;

a second plurality of legs attached to the platform at the second end of the platform wherein the second plurality of legs are vertical and parallel to one another; and

a bar connecting one of the first plurality of legs to one of the second plurality of legs wherein one of the second plurality of legs rotates along an axis defined by one of the first plurality of legs towards the plane.

2. The table of claim 1 further comprising:

a rod extending from the platform wherein the rod is received within one of the second plurality of legs.

3. The table of claim 1 further comprising:

wheels attached to one of the first plurality of legs.

4. The table of claim 1 further comprising:

a rail attached to the platform at the second end.

5. The table of claim 1 further comprising:

a bar between the bottom surface of the platform and the first plurality of legs wherein the platform pivots with respect to the bar.

6. The table of claim 1 further comprising:

a shelf attached to the bar.

7. The table of claim 1 wherein each of the second plurality of legs is shorter than each of the first plurality of legs.

8. A table comprising:

a platform having a length defined between a first end and a second end wherein the platform has a bottom surface;

a first plurality of legs removably attached to the platform at the first end wherein each of the first plurality of legs has a length defined between a top end and a bottom end wherein the top end is adjacent to the bottom surface of the platform; and

a second plurality of legs attached to the platform at the second end wherein each of the first plurality of legs rotates about an axis defined by each of the second plurality of legs wherein the top end of each of the first plurality of legs rotates about the axis from the first end of the platform to the second end.

9. The table of claim 8 further comprising:

a bar connecting each of the first plurality of legs to each of the second plurality of legs.

10. The table of claim 8 further comprising:

wheels associated with each of the first plurality of legs.

11. The table of claim 8 further comprising:

a bar connected to each of the second plurality of legs wherein the platform is attached to the bar.

12. The table of claim 8 further comprising:

a rod extending from the platform wherein the rod contacts the top end of one of the first plurality of legs.

13. The table of claim 8 further comprising:

a shelf positioned between the first plurality of legs and the second plurality of legs.

14. The table of claim 8 further comprising:

a rail attached to the platform.

15. The table of claim 8 wherein each of the second plurality of legs is longer than the each of the first plurality of legs.

16. The table of claim 8 further comprising:

a bar attached to the bottom surface of the platform wherein the bar contacts one of the first plurality of legs and one of the second plurality of legs.

17. The table of claim 8 further comprising:

fasteners attached to the first plurality of legs wherein the fasteners secure the platform to the first plurality of legs.

18. A method for collapsing a table, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a platform having a length defined between a first end and a second end;

removably attaching a first plurality of legs to the platform at the first end;

attaching a second plurality of legs to the platform at the second end; and

connecting one of the first plurality of legs to one of the second plurality of legs wherein the one of the first plurality of legs rotates about an axis defined by the one of the second plurality of legs.

19. The method of claim 20 further comprising the step of:

folding the platform wherein the first end of the platform is moved adjacent to the second plurality of legs.

20. The method of claim 20 further comprising the step of:

detaching the platform from the first plurality of legs.