US20060196395A1

US20060196395A1 - Foldable table

Info

Publication number: US20060196395A1
Application number: US11/383,776
Authority: US
Inventors: Wen-Sheng Lin; Hsin-Hung Tsai
Original assignee: Maxchief Investments Ltd
Current assignee: Maxchief Investments Ltd
Priority date: 2004-01-21
Filing date: 2006-05-17
Publication date: 2006-09-07

Abstract

A collapsible table has an elongate blow-molded table top comprising two table top halves. A support frame comprising first and second pairs of support members is attached to the bottom surface of the table top halves. A pair of hinge assemblies pivotally connect the first pair of support members to the second pair of support members so that the two table top halves are pivotally connected together. This allows the first and second table top halves to be folded together in a storage position. At least one of the hinge assemblies includes a spring-loaded latch member for latching and unlatching the hinge assembly. When the hinge assembly is latched, the table top halves are locked into an open position for normal use. When the hinge assembly is unlatched, the table top halves may be folded together for storage.

Description

This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/763,155 filed Jan. 21, 2004.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a foldable table, and more particularly to a foldable table that is folded when not in use, thereby saving space of storage, package and transportation.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

A conventional table is available for providing a support effect, thereby facilitating the user using the table. However, the conventional table has a fixed structure and cannot be folded when not in use, thereby increasing space of storage, and thereby causing inconvenience in storage, package and transportation.
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable table that is supported rigidly and stably when being expanded and is folded when not in use, thereby enhancing the versatility of foldable table.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable table, wherein the handle is pivoted outward to protrude from the two table boards, thereby facilitating the user carrying the foldable table.
A further objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable table that is folded when not in use, thereby saving space of storage, package and transportation.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a foldable table, comprising two table boards pivotally connected with each other, and two support units each foldably mounted on a respective one of the two table boards, wherein:
each of the two table boards has a bottom formed with a receiving space; and
each of the support units is mounted in the receiving space of a respective one of the two table boards and includes a support stand having an end pivotally mounted on a first end of the respective table board, and a support member pivotally mounted on a second end of the respective table board and pivotally connected with the support stand.
A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a collapsible table having an elongate blow-molded table top. The table top includes two table boards, also referred to herein as a first table top half and a second table top half. Each half has a substantially planar top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. Attached to the bottom surface of the table top is a support frame comprising first and second pairs of support members. The first pair of support members is disposed adjacent outer edges of the bottom surface of the first table top half, and the second pair of support members is disposed adjacent outer edges of the bottom surface of the second table top half. A pair of hinge assemblies pivotally connect the first pair of support members to the second pair of support members so that the first table top half is pivotally connected to the second table top half. This allows the first and second table top halves to be folded together in a storage configuration.
At least one of the hinge assemblies comprises a first hinge member secured to one of the first pair of support members. The first hinge member includes an opposing pair of substantially parallel first hinge tabs. Each of the first hinge tabs has a central first tab aperture and a peripheral tab notch. The hinge assembly also includes a second hinge member secured to one of the second pair of support members. The second hinge member comprises an opposing pair of substantially parallel second hinge tabs, each having a central second tab aperture and a tab slot. The second hinge tabs are disposed between and substantially parallel to the first hinge tabs so that the first tab apertures are substantially aligned with the second tab apertures.
The hinge assembly further includes a latch member that is pivotally disposed between the second hinge tabs. The latch member may be rotated from a latched position to an unlatched position when a user presses upon a surface of the latch member. The latch member includes latch apertures that are substantially aligned with the first tab apertures and the second tab apertures. The latch member also includes latch slots that at least partially overlap the tab slots of the second hinge member. A hinge pin is disposed through the first tab apertures of the first hinge member, the second tab apertures of the second hinge member and the latch apertures of the latch member. The hinge pin allows the first hinge member, the second hinge member and the latch member to rotate in relation to each other.
A pawl pin is disposed through the tab slots of the second hinge member and through the latch slots of the latch member. The pawl pin is operable to slide laterally within the tab slots and the latch slots as the latch member rotates in relation to the first and second hinge members. The pawl pin slides to a first position within the tab slots of the second hinge member as the latch member rotates to the latched position. In this first position, the pawl pin engages the peripheral tab notches of the first hinge member, thereby preventing rotation of the first hinge member in relation to the second hinge member. The pawl pin slides to a second position within the tab slots of the second hinge member as the latch member rotates to the unlatched position. In this second position, the pawl pin disengages from the peripheral tab notches of the first hinge member, thereby allowing rotation of the first hinge member in relation to the second hinge member.
In this manner, when the latch member is in the latched position, the table top halves are locked into a coplanar position for normal use. When the latch member is in the unlatched position, the table top halves may be folded together for storage.
In a preferred embodiment, the pawl pin is urged to slide toward the first position by a spring disposed between the second hinge tabs of the second hinge member. The spring pushes against the pawl pin thereby urging the pawl pin to slide laterally in the tab slots of the second hinge member. The urging of the spring ensures that the pawl pin will automatically slide into engagement with the notches of the first hinge member when the table halves are unfolded into a coplanar position for normal use. Thus, the action of the spring against the pawl pin causes the table top halves to be automatically locked into the coplanar position when they are completely unfolded.
Some preferred embodiments of the invention include a handle assembly attached to the support frame. The handle assembly may be configured into a use position wherein the handle assembly may be used in carrying the table when the table top halves are folded together. The handle assembly may also be configured into a stowed position when the handle assembly is not being used to carry the table. The handle assembly includes a flexible strap with a grip. The strap has opposing ends attached by fasteners to a central portion of one of the support members of the support frame. When the handle assembly is in the stowed position, a retaining strap secures the grip to a portion of the support member adjacent the bottom surface of one of the table top.
Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable table in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the foldable table as shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the foldable table as shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the foldable table as shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan folded view of the foldable table as shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a plan cross-sectional view of the foldable table taken along line 6-6 as shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of the foldable table as shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of the foldable table as shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of the foldable table as shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 10 is a perspective folded view of the foldable table in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 depicts a handle for carrying the foldable table according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the handle is in a stowed position;
FIG. 12 depicts a handle for carrying the foldable table according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the handle is in a use position; and
FIG. 13 depicts a hinge mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1-8, a foldable table 5 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises two table boards 1 pivotally connected with each other, and two support units 4 each foldably mounted on a respective one of the two table boards 1.
The two table boards 1 are pivotally connected with each other by two pivot members 12. Each of the two table boards 1 has a bottom formed with a receiving space 11. The foldable table further comprises two juxtaposed reinforcement members 13 each secured on an edge of a respective one of the two table boards 1. The receiving space 11 of each of the two table boards 1 has two sides each provided with a support tube 14 secured on each of the two table boards 1 by a plurality of screws 15 as shown in FIGS. 6-8.
Each of the support units 4 is mounted in the receiving space 11 of a respective one of the two table boards 1 and includes a support stand 2 having an end pivotally mounted on a first end of the respective table board 1, and a support member 3 pivotally mounted on a second end of the respective table board 1 and pivotally connected with the support stand 2.
The support member 3 of each of the support units 4 includes a substantially T-shaped support bar 30 having a first end pivotally mounted on the second end of the respective table board 1, and a substantially V-shaped extension bar 31 having a first end pivotally mounted on a second end of the support bar 30 and a second end pivotally mounted on a mediate portion of the support stand 2.
The receiving space 11 of each of the two table boards 1 is formed with a plurality of receiving recesses 16 for receiving the support stand 2 and the support member 3 of each of the support units 4 when being folded.
As shown in FIG. 5, the foldable table 5 further comprises a handle 17 pivotally mounted on either one of the two table boards 1.
In practice, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the support stand 2 of each of the support units 4 is pulled outward relative to the respective table board 1 to drive the support member 3 to extend outward, thereby fully stretching the support member 3, so that the two table boards 1 are supported by the support units 4 rigidly and stably, thereby fully expanding the foldable table 5 as shown in FIG. 1.
As shown in FIGS. 5-10, when the user wishes to fold the foldable table 5, the support stand 2 of each of the support units 4 is pressed toward the respective table board 1 to drive the support member 3 to move and pivot inward, thereby folding the support member 3 and the support stand 2 into the receiving recesses 16 of the respective table board 1, so that the two table boards 1 are pivoted relative to each other, thereby folding the foldable table 5 as shown in FIG. 10. At this time, the handle 17 is pivoted outward to protrude from the two table boards 1, thereby facilitating the user carrying the foldable table 5.
FIGS. 11 and 12 depict an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the handle 17 comprises a flexible strap 44 having a central grip portion 42. The grip portion 42 preferably includes a passage 43 through which the strap 44 passes. Each end of the strap 44 is attached to the support tube 14 using fasteners 48, such as rivets or screws. The strap 44 is preferably constructed from a heavyweight woven nylon material, such as may be used in cargo straps. The grip portion 42 is preferably molded from a flexible plastic or high-density foam material.
FIG. 11 depicts the handle 17 disposed in a stowed position, wherein the grip portion 42 is releasably secured adjacent the bottom surface of the table top 1. In the stowed position, the handle 17 is generally hidden from view and does not hang down where it may contact a leg of someone sitting at the table. In the preferred embodiment, ends of the retaining strap 46 are secured around the grip portion 42 using a closure mechanism, such as a hook-and-loop closure (Velcro™) or a snap closure.
FIG. 12 depicts the handle 17 disposed in a carrying position, wherein the strap 44 is extended outward from the support tube 14. In this position, a user may easily hold the grip portion 42 for carrying the table 5 when the table 5 is in the folded position (FIG. 10).
FIG. 13 provides an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of one of the two pivot members 12, also referred to herein as hinge assemblies 12. The hinge assembly 12 includes two hinge members 50 and 52 pivotally connected together by a hinge pin 56 which passes through apertures 50 a and 52 a in circular tabs 50 c and 52 c of the hinge members 50 and 52. Preferably, the spacing between the tabs 50 c is sufficient to accommodate insertion of the tabs 52 c there between.
The hinge assembly 12 includes a latch member 54 disposed between the tabs 52 c of the hinge member 52. As shown in FIG. 13, the hinge pin 56 passes through apertures 54 a in the latch member 54 so that the latch member is pivotally connected to the two hinge members 50 and 52. On either side of the latch member 54 are arcuate slots 54 b through which passes a pawl pin 58. The pawl pin 58 also passes through slots 52 b on either side of the hinge member 52. The pawl pin 58 is operable to slide laterally in the slots 52 b between a first position (to the inner end of the slots 52 b) and a second position (to the outer end of the slots 52 b).
In the first position, the pawl pin 58 engages notches 50 b in the tabs 50 c of the hinge member 50, thereby preventing rotation of the hinge member 50 with respect to the hinge member 52. In the second position, the pawl pin 58 disengages the notches 50 b, thereby allowing rotation of the hinge member 50 with respect to the hinge member 52.
As shown in FIG. 13, a spring 62 is connected to the hinge member 52 by way of a spring pin 60. The spring pin 60 passes through apertures 52 d in the hinge member 52 and through a coil 62 c formed in the spring 62. The spring 62 has spring arms 62 a extending from the coil 62 c that engage indentions 58 a in the pawl pin 58. Due to tension in the coil 62 c, the spring arms 62 a constantly press against the pawl pin 58, thereby urging the pawl pin 58 toward the first position in the slots 52 b.
When a user applies pressure to the surface 54 c of the latch member 54, the latch member 54 rotates in relation to the hinge pin 56. This rotational movement of the latch member 54 urges the pawl pin 58 to slide in the slots 52 b toward the second position. This movement of the pawl pin 58 disengages the pawl pin 58 from the notches 50 b in the tabs 50 c of the hinge member 50, thereby allowing the hinge members 50 and 52 to rotate in relation to each other.
Thus, when the table boards 1 are unfolded into a coplanar position, the action of the spring 62, pawl pin 58 and notches 50 b automatically locks the table boards 1 in the coplanar position. When a user applies pressure to the surface 54 c of the latch member, the pawl pin 58 disengages from the notches so that the table boards 1 may be folded together.
The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A collapsible table comprising:

an elongate table top comprising a first table top half and a second table top half, the first and second table top halves each having a substantially planar top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface;

a support frame attached to the bottom surface of the table top, the support frame comprising a first pair of support members disposed adjacent outer edges of the bottom surface of the first table top half and a second pair of support members disposed adjacent outer edges of the bottom surface of the second table top half;

a pair of hinge assemblies for pivotally connecting the first pair of support members to the second pair of support members, whereby the first table top half is pivotally connected to the second table top half, thereby allowing the first and second table top halves to be folded together in a storage position, at least one of the hinge assemblies comprising:

a first hinge member secured to one of the first pair of support members, the first hinge member comprising an opposing pair of substantially parallel first hinge tabs, each first hinge tab having a central first tab aperture and a peripheral tab notch;

a second hinge member secured to one of the second pair of support members, the second hinge member comprising an opposing pair of substantially parallel second hinge tabs, each second hinge tab having a central second tab aperture and a tab slot, the second hinge tabs disposed between and substantially parallel to the first hinge tabs, wherein the first tab apertures are substantially aligned with the second tab apertures;

a latch member pivotally disposed between the second hinge tabs and rotatable between a latched position and an unlatched position, the latch member having:

at least one latch aperture substantially aligned with the first tab apertures and the second tab apertures; and

at least one latch slot at least partially overlapping the tab slots of the second hinge member;

a hinge pin disposed through the first tab apertures of the first hinge member, the second tab apertures of the second hinge member and the at least one latch aperture of the latch member, the hinge pin allowing the first hinge member, the second hinge member and the latch member to rotate in relation to each other; and

a pawl pin disposed through the tab slots of the second hinge member and through the at least one latch slot of the latch member, the pawl pin operable to slide laterally within the tab slots and the at least one latch slot as the latch member rotates in relation to the first and second hinge members,

wherein the pawl pin slides to a first position within the tab slots of the second hinge member as the latch member rotates to the latched position, and wherein the pawl pin slides to a second position within the tab slots of the second hinge member as the latch member rotates to the unlatched position,

wherein the pawl pin engages the peripheral tab notches of the first hinge member as the pawl pin slides to the first position, thereby preventing rotation of the first hinge member in relation to the second hinge member, and

wherein the pawl pin disengages from the peripheral tab notches of the first hinge member as the pawl pin slides toward the second position, thereby allowing rotation of the first hinge member in relation to the second hinge member.

2. The collapsible table of claim 1 further comprising means for urging the pawl pin to move toward the first position.

3. The collapsible table of claim 2 wherein the means for urging the pawl pin to slide toward the first position comprises a spring disposed between the second hinge tabs of the second hinge member, the spring for pushing against the pawl pin thereby urging the pawl pin to slide laterally in the tab slots of the second hinge member.

4. The collapsible table of claim 3 wherein:

the pawl pin includes at least one notch in a peripheral surface thereof; and

the spring includes at least one spring arm that engages the at least one notch in the peripheral surface of the pawl pin.

5. The collapsible table of claim 4 wherein the pawl pin is prevented from sliding axially within the tab slots of the second hinge member by engagement of the at least one spring arm in the at least one notch.

6. The collapsible table of claim 3 further comprising means for retaining the spring between the hinge tabs of the second hinge member.

7. The collapsible table of claim 6 wherein the means for retaining the spring further comprise:

a spring pin disposed through a coil in the spring, the spring pin having opposing ends; and

a pair of opposing spring pin apertures in the second hinge member for receiving the opposing ends of the spring pin.

8. The collapsible table of claim 1 wherein the table top halves are formed from blow-molded plastic.

9. A collapsible table comprising:

an elongate table top formed from blow-molded plastic, the table top comprising a first table top half and a second table top half, the first and second table top halves each having a substantially planar top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface;

a hinge pin disposed through the first tab apertures of the first hinge member, the second tab apertures of the second hinge member and the at least one latch aperture of the latch member, the hinge pin allowing the first hinge member, the second hinge member and the latch member to rotate in relation to each other;

wherein the pawl pin disengages from the peripheral tab notches of the first hinge member as the pawl pin slides toward the second position, thereby allowing rotation of the first hinge member in relation to the second hinge member; and

a spring disposed between the second hinge tabs of the second hinge member and engaging the pawl pin, the spring for pushing against the pawl pin thereby urging the pawl pin to slide laterally in the tab slots of the second hinge member;

10. A collapsible table comprising:

a pair of hinge assemblies for pivotally connecting the first pair of support members to the second pair of support members, whereby the first table top half is pivotally connected to the second table top half, thereby allowing the first and second table top halves to be folded together in a storage position; and

a handle assembly attached to the support frame, the handle assembly configurable in a use position wherein the handle assembly is operable for use in carrying the table when the table top halves are folded together, the handle assembly further configurable in a stowed position when the handle assembly is not being used to carry the table, the handle assembly comprising:

a flexible strap having opposing ends attached to a central portion of one of the support members of the support frame;

a grip attached to the strap;

fasteners for securing the opposing ends of the strap to the support member; and

a retaining strap for securing the grip adjacent the bottom surface of one of the table top halves when the handle assembly is in the stowed position.

11. The collapsible table of claim 1 wherein the grip includes a longitudinal passage through which the flexible strap passes.

12. The collapsible table of claim 1 wherein the retaining strap includes a hook-and-loop closure which wraps around the grip when the handle assembly is in the stowed position.