US20040194675A1 - Folding table with handles - Google Patents

Abstract

A table includes a table top and a table frame. The table frame preferably includes one or more side rails, end rails, table legs, and support braces. The table also includes a mounting structure that is provided on the underside of the table top. At least a portion of a support assembly is connected to the mounting structure. Preferably, one end of the support braces is pivotally attached to the support assembly and the other end is pivotally attached to a table leg. Advantageously, the support assembly provides a “planar” support area to a portion of the table top. In addition, the table includes handles for enabling a person to transport the table.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims priority to and benefit of Chinese Application No. 02270466.3 filed Oct. 24, 2002 and entitled “Folding Table with Handle,” which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. The Field of the Invention[0002]
• The present invention generally relates to furniture such as tables and, in particular, to folding tables with handles.[0003]
• 2. The Relevant Technology[0004]
• A wide variety of tables are well known in the art and used for a variety of purposes. For example, a well-known type of table is commonly referred to as a utility table. Conventional utility tables often include two leg assemblies that are pivotally connected to the table top. The leg assemblies are typically movable between a collapsed position in which the legs are located near the lower surface of the table top and an extended position in which the legs extend outwardly from the table top.[0005]
• A conventional folding table that can be used, for example, for outdoor activities is shown in FIG. 4. Its main components include a[0006]table top1′ andtable frame2′. As shown in FIG. 4, thetable frame2′ includes twoside rails21′, threecross bars22′, two sets offoldable legs23′, and twosupport braces24′. Theside rails21′ are typically fastened to the underside of thetable top1′. The threecross bars22′ are separately and pivotally attached to both ends and the middle portion of theside rails21′. The two sets oftable legs23′ are connected to thecross bars22′ that are located near the ends of theside rails22′. In addition, one end of eachsupport brace24′ is fastened to thetable leg23′ and the other end of the support brace is pivotally attached to thecross bar22′ that is attached to the center portion of theside rails21′.
• When folding the[0007]table legs23′ of the conventional table shown in FIG. 4 into the collapsed position, one typically turns thetable top1′ so that the underside of the table top is facing upwards. Thetable legs23′ are then folded downwardly towards the table top. Because thecross bars22′ that are fastened to thetable legs23′ are pivotally attached to theside rails21′, and thesupport braces24′ are pivotally attached to thetable legs23′, thetable legs23′ come to rest on the underside of thetable top1′, thus reducing its volume.
• The center portion of the[0008]table top1′ of this type of conventional folding table, however, is only supported by onecross bar22′ that pivotally attached to the twosupport braces24′. This may allow the center portion of the table to undesirably deflect, shift or move. In addition, if thecross bar22′ in the center portion of the table top is damaged, theentire table frame2′ must be removed in order to repair or replace the damaged cross bar. Removing theentire table frame2′ from thetable top1′ typically requires a significant amount of time and effort.
• Additionally, once the table is folded, the user must grip the table by the perimeter of the table top or part of the table frame. Where the table top or frame is heavy, it becomes difficult for a person to transport the table in such a manner. Even where the table is constructed of lighter material, the dimensions of the table make it unwieldy for a person to carry.[0009]
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• A need therefore exists for a table that eliminates the above-described disadvantages and problems.[0010]
• One aspect of the invention is a table with legs that are movable relative to the table top between a collapsed position in which the legs are positioned proximate the lower surface of the table top and an extended position in which the legs extend outwardly from the table top. The table legs are preferably securely connected to the table top and the table legs may securely support the table top above a surface such as the floor. The table also includes handles for assisting a person in transporting the table when folded.[0011]
• Another aspect is a folding table that includes a table top with a top surface and a bottom surface; a mounting structure centrally disposed on the bottom surface of the table top, the mounting structure forming a unitary storage space on the bottom surface of the table top; a support assembly at least partially connected to the mounting structure; and a frame assembly including a first leg connected to the bottom surface of the table top; a support brace having a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to the first leg and the second end being attached to the support assembly; and at least one handle disposed underneath the bottom surface of the table top.[0012]
• The mounting structure may include a pair of C-shaped mounting ridges formed on the bottom surface of the table top.[0013]
• The support assembly may include a pair of spaced apart side rails configured to be attached to the mounting structure; and a first cross bar disposed transverse to the pair of side rails.[0014]
• The support assembly may include a pair of spaced apart side rails configured to be attached to the mounting structure; and a pair of spaced apart end rails disposed transverse to the pair of side rails.[0015]
• The support assembly may be formed integrally with the table top.[0016]
• The table top may be formed of blow-molded plastic.[0017]
• The mounting structure may be formed of blow-molded plastic.[0018]
• The frame assembly may include a pair of spaced apart side rails and a pair of spaced apart end rails disposed transversely to the pair of side rails and connected therebetween, wherein the table leg is connected to one of the pair of end rails.[0019]
• The frame assembly may include a second leg connected to the bottom surface of the table top; and a second support brace having a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to the second leg and the second end being attached to the support assembly, wherein the unitary storage structure is configured to receive at least a portion of the first leg and at least a portion of the second leg when the first leg and the second leg are in a folded position.[0020]
• The handle may include a cross rail connected to the mounting structure, wherein the cross rail is disposed transverse to the pair of end rails and attached therebetween.[0021]
• The handle may include a groove formed between the bottom surface of the table top and the mounting structure. The groove may be formed on the bottom surface of the table top and/or the outside edge of the mounting structure.[0022]
• The handle may also comprise a ridge or bracket disposed on the bottom surface of the table top. A pair of ridges or brackets may be disposed at each end of the table top.[0023]
• The handle may further be formed integrally with the table top in a blow-molded process.[0024]
• A further aspect is a table in which the center portion of the table is supported by the central support assembly. Preferably, the support braces are pivotally attached to the central support assembly, but the support braces do not have to be pivotally attached to the central support assembly. Advantageously, the central support may provide increased support for the center portion of the table. In addition, the central support assembly and/or the mounting structure provides a “planar” support strength that may be greater than the “linear” support strength of conventional tables.[0025]
• The handle(s) provides a convenient means for conveying the table in the folded position. The handle may be configured in a variety of structures and configured to accommodate one or more persons carrying the table.[0026]
• In addition, if the central support assembly is damaged, all that is required is to detach it from the mounting structure to repair it. It is not necessary to detach the parts of the outer support assembly, and thus less time and effort is required for maintenance.[0027]
• These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.[0028]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:[0029]
• FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a folding table according to one embodiment of the invention;[0030]
• FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a folding table according to another embodiment of the invention;[0031]
• FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a folding table according to yet another embodiment of the invention.[0032]
• FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a conventional folding table.[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• The present invention is generally directed to structures having reinforced center regions provided by a generally “H”-shaped center support. Advantageously, the “H”-shaped center support may provide a “planar” support structure versus the “linear” support structure that was provided in conventional tables. The “H”-shaped center support may provide added strength to the structure, whether the structure is a table, chair, shelf, or other type of furniture. While the present invention is described with relation to a folding table, it will be appreciated that the “H”-shaped center support may be used in connection with other suitable types' structures. In addition, the present invention is generally directed to structures having handles which assist in transporting the structure.[0034]
• As shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary folding table includes a[0035]table top1, atable frame2, and asupport assembly3. Table top1 can be constructed out of plastic such as, but not limited to, blow molded plastic or injection molded plastic. Other suitable materials include, but are not limited to wood and metal.Table top1 includes aperimeter13.
• [0036]Table frame2 includes two spaced apart side rails21, two spaced apart cross bars or endrails22 that are connected to the side rails, two sets of table leg sets23 connected to the end rails, and two support braces24. Eachside rail21 is fastened to the underside of one side oftable top1. The side rails21 include connecting apertures at each end. Anend rail22 is disposed in the facing connecting apertures of a pair of side rails21.
• Each table leg set[0037]23 includes a pair oftable legs231 and across bar232. One end of each table leg set23 is fastened to anend rail22. The support braces24 are constructed from threesupport bars241,242, and243. One end of the first and second support bars241 and242 is separately and pivotally attached to the lower part of the twotable legs231. The other ends converge and are pivotally attached to one end of thethird support bar243. The pivot area on thisthird support bar243 is encircled by a slidinglocking ring244 so that, when the table is supported, the force of gravity detains the first and second support bars241 and242, preventing the table leg sets23 from folding and thus increasing the firmness of thetable legs23. The other end of thethird support bar243 is pivotally attached to thesupport assembly3.
• A fastening or mounting structure[0038]11 is formed on the underside of thetable top1. In one embodiment, the mounting structure11 includes a pair of generally C-shaped mounting bases or ridges each mounting ridge having an elongate central portion and two shorter end portions or stop plates. The mounting ridges form two convex-shaped structures that face each other so that a box-like region is formed at the center oftable top1.
• The mounting structure[0039]11 can be formed integrally withtable top1 during the blow-molded process or injection molding process to form a one-piece structure. Thus, the mounting structure11 is formed in a single step and does not require additional manufacturing or cooling time. Alternatively, the mounting structure11 could be formed from discrete parts and later attached or adhered to table top1. The mounting structure11 is configured to support at least a portion or theentire support assembly3.
• The[0040]support assembly3 is connected to mounting structures11 withinperimeter13. Thesupport assembly3 is preferably constructed with a generally “H”-shape configuration with twoside rails31 and two cross bars or end rails32. Eachside rail31 is desirably attached to the inside surface of a mounting ridge of the mounting structure11. The side rails31 include connecting apertures at each end. Anend rail32 is disposed in the facing connecting apertures of a pair of side rails31. An end of thethird support bar243 of asupport brace24 is pivotally attached to anend rail32. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, ahandle12 is disposed transversely to endrails32 and connected therebetween. One skilled in the art will appreciate that thesupport assembly3 could have other suitable shapes and configurations depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table.
• Because the[0041]support assembly3 has a generally “H”-shaped structure, thesupport assembly3 provides a “planar” support structure to the central portion oftable top1. It will be appreciated that the generally “H”-shaped structure of thesupport assembly3 may be formed from twoside rails31 and twoend rails32 or from asingle end rail32 disposed between a pair of end rails31 (forming a true “H”). A “planar” support structure distributes forces along the plane. In contrast, the center portion of a conventional table top was often supported by a “linear” structure in which the forces were focused along a central line. Thus, failure of thetable top1 is more likely with a “linear” structure than with a “plane” structure. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention provide unique mounting structures for support braces24 which ultimately provide greater support strength for thetable top1.
• In addition, when[0042]support assembly3 is damaged, it can be replaced or repaired simply by detaching the two side rails31. Thus, there is no need to go to the trouble of disassembling theentire table frame2. Furthermore, the ridge-shaped nature of the mounting ridges provides that fastening structure such as bolts, rivets, nails and the like are protected from exposure. Of course, any suitable type of fastener or connectors could be used to attached thesupport assembly3 to the table or assemble the table.
• In order to fold the table into the collapsed or storage position, the table is preferably turned upside down with the underside facing up. Under the effect of gravity, the[0043]locking ring244 may automatically slide down under the effect of its own weight and will remove the constraint on the pivoting region of the support braces24. Applying force to the pivoting region folds the two sets of table leg sets23 in a downwards direction. The table leg sets23 will come to rest on the underside of thetable top1, thus facilitating storage or transport. By picking up the table byhandle12, a person can easily transport the folding table.
• With reference to FIG. 2, an alternative embodiment of a folding table is shown. The embodiment of FIG. 2 does not require the use of side rails[0044]21. Further details regarding a folding table without side rails is found in Chinese Patent Application No. 02269593.1, filed Sep. 24, 2002, entitled “UTILITY TABLE WITH NO SIDE RAIL,” which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In addition, disposed between the mounting structure11 andtable top1 is ahandle12. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, thehandle12 includes a groove formed at the outer edge of one or both mounting ridges of the mounting structures11. The groove may be formed in the bottom surface of thetable top1 or may be formed in the mounting structure11. In addition, the groove may be formed during a blow-molded process which, advantageously, reduces the number of manufacturing steps and manufacturing parts.
• In FIG. 3, another embodiment of the handles of the folding table is shown therein in which the[0045]handles12 are composed of a pair of ridges or brackets which are attached to each end of the underside oftable top1.Handles12 are disposed substantially parallel to each other. Alternatively, thehandles12 may be offset from each other. This embodiment may be particularly useful where two people are transporting the folding table, providing ahandle12 for each person.
• The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.[0046]

Claims (17)

What is claimed is:

1. A table comprising:

a table top having a top surface and a bottom surface;

a mounting structure centrally disposed on the bottom surface of the table top;

a support assembly at least partially connected to the mounting structure;

a frame assembly comprising:

a first leg connected to the bottom surface of the table top; and

a support brace having a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to the first leg and the second end being attached to the support assembly; and

at least one handle disposed underneath the bottom surface of the table top.

2. The table as recited inclaim 1, wherein the mounting structure comprises a pair of C-shaped mounting ridges formed on the bottom surface of the table top.

3. The table as recited inclaim 1, wherein the support assembly comprises:

a pair of spaced apart side rails configured to be attached to the mounting structure; and

a first cross bar disposed transverse to the pair of side rails and attached therebetween.

4. The table as recited inclaim 1, wherein the support assembly comprises:

a pair of spaced apart side rails configured to be attached to the mounting structure; and

a pair of spaced apart end rails disposed transverse to the pair of side rails and attached therebetween.

5. The table as recited inclaim 1, wherein the support assembly is formed integrally with the table top.

6. The table as recited inclaim 1, wherein the table top is formed of blow-molded plastic.

7. The table as recited inclaim 1, wherein the mounting structure is formed of blow-molded plastic.

8. The table as recited inclaim 1, wherein the frame assembly further comprises a pair of spaced apart side rails and a pair of spaced apart end rails disposed transversely to the pair of side rails and connected therebetween, wherein the table leg is connected to one of the pair of end rails.

9. The table as recited inclaim 1, wherein the at least one handle comprises a cross rail connected to the mounting structure.

10. The table as recited inclaim 4, wherein the at least one handle comprises a cross rail disposed transverse to the pair of end rails and attached therebetween.

11. The table as recited inclaim 1, wherein the at least one handle comprises a groove formed between the bottom surface of the table top and the mounting structure.

12. The table as recited inclaim 1, wherein the at least one handle comprises a groove formed on the bottom surface of the table top.

13. The table as recited inclaim 1, wherein the at least one handle comprises a groove formed on the outside edge of the mounting structure.

14. The table as recited inclaim 1, wherein the at least one handle is formed integrally with the table top in a blow-molded process.

15. The table as recited inclaim 1, wherein the at least one handle comprises a bracket disposed on the bottom surface of the table top.

16. The table as recited inclaim 15, wherein the bracket is disposed at one end of the table top.

17. The table as recited inclaim 1, wherein the handle comprises a ridge formed on the bottom surface of the table top.

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