AU2003276647B2

AU2003276647B2 - Folding table with handles

Info

Publication number: AU2003276647B2
Application number: AU2003276647A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Wen Al; Shenghao Jin
Original assignee: Lifetime Hong Kong Ltd
Current assignee: Lifetime Hong Kong Ltd
Priority date: 2002-10-24
Filing date: 2003-10-24
Publication date: 2008-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 2023-10-24
Also published as: CA2493469A1; WO2004037040A3; US20040194675A1; MXPA05002351A; CN2574491Y; AU2003276647A1; WO2004037040A2

Description

FOLDING TABLE WITH HANDLES CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and benefit of Chinese Application No. 02270466.3 filed October 24, 2002 and entitled "Folding Table with Handle," which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to furniture such as tables and, in particular, to folding tables with handles.

The Relevant Technology 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.

A conventional folding table that can be used, for example, for outdoor activities is shown in Figure 4. Its main components include a table top 1' and table frame As shown in Figure 4, the table frame 2' includes two side rails 21', three cross bars 22', two sets of foldable legs 23', and two support braces 24'. The side rails 21' are typically fastened to the underside of the table top The three cross bars 22' are separately and pivotally attached to both ends and the middle portion of the side rails 21'. The two sets of table legs 23' are connected to the cross bars 22' that are located near the ends of the side rails 22'. In addition, one end of each support brace 24' is fastened to the table leg 23' and the other end of the support brace is pivotally attached to the cross bar 22' that is attached to the center portion of the side rails 21'.

When folding the table legs 23' of the conventional table shown in Figure 4 into the collapsed position, one typically turns the table top 1' so that the underside of the table top is facing upwards. The table legs 23' are then folded downwardly towards 2 0the table top. Because the cross bars 22' that are fastened to the table legs 23' are pivotally attached to the side rails 21', and the support braces 24' are pivotally attached to the table legs 23', the table legs 23' come to rest on the underside of the table top thus reducing its volume.

The center portion of the table top 1' of this type of conventional folding table, however, is only supported by one cross bar 22' that pivotally attached to the two support braces 24'. This may allow the center portion of the table to undesirably ID deflect, shift or move. In addition, if the cross bar 22' in the center portion of the table top is damaged, the entire table frame 2' must be removed in order to repair or replace the damaged cross bar. Removing the entire table frame 2' from the table top 1' 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.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a table comprising: a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic, the table top including a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end, an upper portion, a lower portion and a hollow interior portion formed during the blow-molding process; a first leg assembly connected proximate the first end of the table top, the first leg assembly movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top; a second leg assembly connected proximate the second end of the table top, the second leg assembly movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top; a support assembly disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly, the support assembly disposed between the first side and the second side of the table top, the support assembly comprising: 00 a first mounting structure integrally formed in the lower portion of the table 0 Stop during the blow-molding process as part of a unitary structure, the first mounting (-i structure including an inner portion disposed towards an inner portion of the table top, an outer portion disposed towards an outer portion of the table top, a lower portion that is spaced downwardly and away from the lower portion of the table top, and an upper portion that is disposed at least proximate the lower portion of the table top, the outer portion of the first mounting structure forming at least a portion of a side wall, the side wall being disposed between the upper portion of the first mounting structure IN and the lower portion of the first mounting structure; a first support member connected to the inner surface of the first mounting Sstructure, the first support member being disposed generally parallel to the first side of the table top; a second mounting structure integrally formed in the lower portion of the table top during the blow-molding process as part of a unitary structure, the second mounting structure including an inner portion disposed towards the inner portion of the table top, an outer portion disposed towards the outer portion of the table top, a lower portion that is spaced downwardly and away from the lower portion of the table top, and an upper portion that is disposed at least proximate the lower portion of the table top, the outer portion of the second mounting structure forming at least a portion of a side wall, the side wall being disposed between the upper portion of the second mounting structure and the lower portion of the second mounting structure; a second support member connected to the inner surface of the second mounting structure, the second support member being disposed generally parallel to the second side of the table top, the first support member being disposed generally parallel to the second support member; and a crossbar connected to the first support member and the second support member, the cross bar being disposed generally parallel to the first end and the second end of the table top; and a handle integrally formed in the side wall of the first mounting structure of the support assembly during the blow-molding process as part of a unitary structure, the handle being sized and configured to facilitate carrying the table.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a table comprising: a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic, the table top including a 00 first side, a second side, a first end, a second end, an upper portion, a lower portion 0 Sand a hollow interior portion formed during the blow-molding process; a first leg assembly connected proximate the first end of the table top, the first leg assembly movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative _to the table top; a second leg assembly connected proximate the second end of the table top, the second leg assembly movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top; IN a support assembly disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly, the support assembly disposed between the first side and the second side of the table top, the support assembly comprising: a first mounting structure integrally formed in the lower portion of the table top during the blow-molding process as part of a unitary structure, the first mounting structure including an inner side wall disposed towards an inner portion of the table top, an outer side wall disposed towards an outer portion of the table top, a lower portion that is spaced downwardly and away from the lower portion of the table top, and an upper portion that is disposed at least proximate the lower portion of the table top, the inner side wall and the outer side wall being disposed between the upper portion of the first mounting structure and the lower portion of the first mounting structure; a first support member connected to the inner surface of the first mounting structure, the first support member being disposed generally parallel to the first side of the table top; a second mounting structure integrally formed in the lower portion of the table top during the blow-molding process as part of a unitary structure, the second mounting structure including an inner surface and an outer surface; a second support member connected to the inner surface of the second mounting structure, the second support member being disposed generally parallel to the second side of the table top, the first support member being disposed generally parallel to the second support member; and a crossbar connected to the first support member and the second support member, the cross bar being disposed generally parallel to the first end and the second end of the table top; and 00 a handle integrally formed in the outer side wall of the first mounting structure of the support assembly during the blow-molding process as part of a unitary structure, the handle being at least substantially disposed between the upper portion of the first mounting structure and the lower portion of the first mounting structure, the _handle being sized and configured to facilitate carrying the table..

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a table comprising: a table top including a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer perimeter and a Nhollow interior portion that are integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during the blow-molding process; a frame connected to the table top, the frame including a first side rail and a second side rail; a first leg assembly connected to the table top, the first leg assembly movable between a collapsed position and an extended position relative to the table top; a second leg assembly connected to the table top, the second leg assembly movable between a collapsed position and an extended position relative to the table top; a mounting structure integrally formed in the bottom surface of the table top as part of the unitary, one-piece structure during the blow-molding process, the mounting structure comprising: a first mounting ridge including an inner portion disposed towards an inner portion of the table top, an outer portion disposed towards the outer perimeter of the table top, a lower portion that is spaced downwardly and away from the bottom surface of the table top, and an upper portion that is disposed at least proximate the bottom surface of the table top; and a second mounting ridge including an inner portion disposed towards the inner portion of the table top, an outer portion disposed towards the outer perimeter of the table top, a lower portion that is spaced downwardly and away from the bottom surface of the table top, and an upper portion that is disposed at least proximate the bottom surface of the table top; a support assembly at least partially connected to the mounting structure, the support assembly including a first portion connected to the first mounting ridge of the 00 mounting structure and a second portion connected to the second mounting ridge of 0 0the mounting structure; a first support brace connected to the first leg assembly and the support Sassembly; _a second support brace connected to the second leg assembly and the support assembly; and a handle integrally formed in the outer portion of the first mounting ridge as part of \the unitary, one-piece structure during the blow-molding process, the handle being Ndisposed between the upper portion of the first mounting ridge and the lower portion (.i Sof the first mounting ridge BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Advantages and features of the present invention, will be ascertained 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: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a folding table according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a folding table according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a folding table according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a conventional folding table.

7 00 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to structures having Sreinforced center regions provided by a generally 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, Swhether the structure is a table, chair, shelf, or other type of furniture. While the r- 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.

As shown in Figure 1, an exemplary folding table includes a table top 1, a table frame 2, and a support assembly 3. Table top 1 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 top I includes a perimeter 13.

Table frame 2 includes two spaced apart side rails 21, two spaced apart cross bars or end rails 22 that are connected to the side rails, two sets of table leg sets 23 connected to the end rails, and two support braces 24. Each side rail 21 is fastened to the underside of one side of table top 1. The side rails 21 include connecting apertures at each end. An end rail 22 is disposed in the facing connecting apertures of a pair of side rails 21.

Each table leg set 23 includes a pair of table legs 231 and a cross bar 232. One end of each table leg set 23 is fastened to an end rail 22. The support braces 24 are constructed from three support bars 241, 242, and 243. One end of the first and second support bars 241 and 242 is separately and pivotally attached to the lower part of the two table legs 231. The other ends converge and are pivotally attached to one end of the third support bar 243. The pivot area on this third support bar 243 is encircled by a sliding locking ring 244 so that, when the table is supported, the force of gravity detains the first and second support bars 241 and 242, preventing the table leg sets 23 from folding and thus increasing the firmness of the table legs 23. The other end of the third support bar 243 is pivotally attached to the support assembly 3.

A fastening or mounting structure I 1 is tformed on the underside of the table top 1. In one embodiment, the mounting structure 11 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 of table top 1.

The mounting structure 11 can be formed integrally with table top 1 during the blowmolded process or injection molding process to form a one-piece structure. Thus, the mounting structure 11 is formed in a single step and does not require additional manufacturing or cooling time. Alternatively, the mounting structure 11 could be formed from discrete parts and later attached or adhered to table top 1. The mounting structure 11 is configured to support at least a portion or the entire support assembly 3.

The support assembly 3 is connected to mounting structures 11 within perimeter 13.

The support assembly 3 is preferably constructed with a generally "H"-shape configuration with two side rails 31 and two cross bars or end rails 32. Each side rail 31 is desirably attached to the inside surface of a mounting ridge of the mounting structure 11. The side rails 31 include connecting apertures at each end. An end rail 32 is disposed in the facing connecting apertures of a pair of side rails 31. An end of the third support bar 243 of a support brace 24 is pivotally attached to an end rail 32.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, a handle 12 is disposed transversely to end rails 32 and connected therebetween. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the support assembly 3 could have other suitable shapes and configurations depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table.

Because the support assembly 3 has a generally "H"-shaped structure, the support assembly 3 provides a "planar" support structure to the central portion of table top 1.

It will be appreciated that the generally "H"-shaped structure of the support assembly 3 may be formed from two side rails 31 and two end rails 32 or from a single end rail 32 disposed between a pair of end rails 31 (forming a true 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 the table top 1 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 braces 24 which ultimately provide greater support strength for the table top 1.

In addition, when support assembly 3 is damaged, it can be replaced or repaired simply by detaching the two side rails 31. Thus, there is no need to go to the trouble of disassembling the entire table frame 2. 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 the support assembly 3 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 locking ring 244 may automatically slide down under the effect of its own weight and will remove the constraint on the pivoting region of the support braces 24. Applying force to the pivoting region folds the two sets of table leg sets 23 in a downwards direction. The table leg sets 23 will come to rest on the underside of the table top 1, thus facilitating storage or transport. By picking up the table by handle 12, a person can easily transport the folding table.

With reference to Figure 2, an alternative embodiment of a folding table is shown.

The embodiment of Figure 2 does not require the use of side rails 21. Further details regarding a folding table without side rails is found in Chinese Patent Application No.

02269593.1, filed September 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 structure 11 and table top 1 is a handle 12.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the handle 12 includes a groove formed at the outer edge of one or both mounting ridges of the mounting structures 11. The groove may be formed in the bottom surface of the table top 1 or may be formed in the mounting structure 11. In addition, the groove may be formed during a blow-molded process which, advantageously, reduces the number of manufacturing steps and manufacturing parts.

In Figure 3, another embodiment of the handles of the folding table is shown therein in which the handles 12 are composed of a pair of ridges or brackets which are attached to each end of the underside of table top 1. Hlandles 12 are disposed substantially parallel to each other. Alternatively, the handles 12 may be offset from each other. This embodiment may be particularly useful where two people are transporting the folding table, providing a handle 12 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.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A table comprising: a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic, the table top including a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end, an upper portion, a lower portion and a hollow interior portion formed during the blow-molding process; ND a first leg assembly connected proximate the first end of the table top, the first leg assembly movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top; a second leg assembly connected proximate the second end of the table top, the second leg assembly movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top; a support assembly disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly, the support assembly disposed between the first side and the second side of the table top, the support assembly comprising: a first mounting structure integrally formed in the lower portion of the table top during the blow-molding process as part of a unitary structure, the first mounting structure including an inner portion disposed towards an inner portion of the table top, an outer portion disposed towards an outer portion of the table top, a lower portion that is spaced downwardly and away from the lower portion of the table top, and an upper portion that is disposed at least proximate the lower portion of the table top, the outer portion of the first mounting structure forming at least a portion of a side wall, the side wall being disposed between the upper portion of the first mounting structure and the lower portion of the first mounting structure; a first support member connected to the inner surface of the first mounting structure, the first support member being disposed generally parallel to the first side of the table top; a second mounting structure integrally formed in the lower portion of the table top during the blow-molding process as part of a unitary structure, the second mounting structure including an inner portion disposed towards the inner portion of the table top, an outer portion disposed towards the outer portion of the table top, a lower portion that 00 O O is spaced downwardly and away from the lower portion of the table top, and an upper ct portion that is disposed at least proximate the lower portion of the table top, the outer portion of the second mounting structure forming at least a portion of a side wall, the side wall being disposed between the upper portion of the second mounting structure and the lower portion of the second mounting structure; a second support member connected to the inner surface of the second mounting structure, the second support member being disposed generally parallel to the second side of the table top, the first support member being disposed generally parallel to the second support member; and a crossbar connected to the first support member and the second support member, the cross bar being disposed generally parallel to the first end and the second end of the table top; and a handle integrally formed in the side wall of the first mounting structure of the support assembly during the blow-molding process as part of a unitary structure, the handle being sized and configured to facilitate carrying the table.

2. The table as in Claim 1, further comprising a second cross bar connected to the first support member and the second support member, the second cross bar being disposed generally parallel to the second end of the table top, the first cross bar being disposed generally parallel to the second cross bar.

3. The table as in Claim 1, wherein the first mounting structure has a generally C- shaped configuration with a first end, a second end and an elongated body; wherein the second mounting structure has a generally C-shaped configuration with a first end, a second end and an elongated body; and wherein the first mounting structure is spaced apart from and faces the second mounting structure.

4. The table as in Claim 3, wherein the first end of the first mounting structure is generally aligned with and spaced apart from the first end of the second mounting structure; and O 00 wherein the second end of the first mounting structure is generally aligned with Ct and spaced apart from the second end of the second mounting structure.

A table comprising: a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic, the table top including a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end, an upper portion, a lower portion and a Ihollow interior portion formed during the blow-molding process; IND a first leg assembly connected proximate the first end of the table top, the first leg assembly movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top; a second leg assembly connected proximate the second end of the table top, the second leg assembly movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top; a support assembly disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly, the support assembly disposed between the first side and the second side of the table top, the support assembly comprising: a first mounting structure integrally formed in the lower portion of the table top during the blow-molding process as part of a unitary structure, the first mounting structure including an inner side wall disposed towards an inner portion of the table top, an outer side wall disposed towards an outer portion of the table top, a lower portion that is spaced downwardly and away from the lower portion of the table top, and an upper portion that is disposed at least proximate the lower portion of the table top, the inner side wall and the outer side wall being disposed between the upper portion of the first mounting structure and the lower portion of the first mounting structure; a first support member connected to the inner surface of the first mounting structure, the first support member being disposed generally parallel to the first side of the table top; a second mounting structure integrally formed in the lower portion of the table top during the blow-molding process as part of a unitary structure, the second mounting structure including an inner surface and an outer surface; a second support member connected to the inner surface of the second mounting 00 O O structure, the second support member being disposed generally parallel to the second ct side of the table top, the first support member being disposed generally parallel to the second support member; and a crossbar connected to the first support member and the second support member, the cross bar being disposed generally parallel to the first end and the second end of the table top; and a handle integrally formed in the outer side wall of the first mounting structure of the support assembly during the blow-molding process as part of a unitary structure, the handle being at least substantially disposed between the upper portion of the first mounting structure and the lower portion of the first mounting structure, the handle being sized and configured to facilitate carrying the table.

6. The table as in Claim 5, further comprising a second cross bar connected to the first support member and the second support member, the second cross bar being disposed generally parallel to the second end of the table top, the first cross bar being disposed generally parallel to the second cross bar.

7. The table as in Claim 5, wherein the first mounting structure has a generally C- shaped configuration with a first end, a second end and an elongated body; wherein the second mounting structure has a generally C-shaped configuration with a first end, a second end and an elongated body; and wherein the first mounting structure is spaced apart from and faces the second mounting structure.

8. The table as in Claim 5, wherein the first end of the first mounting structure is generally aligned with and spaced apart from the first end of the second mounting structure; and wherein the second end of the first mounting structure is generally aligned with and spaced apart from the second end of the second mounting structure. 00 l O O

9. A table comprising: t a table top including a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer perimeter and a hollow interior portion that are integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during the blow-molding process; a frame connected to the table top, the frame including a first side rail and a second side rail; a first leg assembly connected to the table top, the first leg assembly movable between a collapsed position and an extended position relative to the table top; (Ni a second leg assembly connected to the table top, the second leg assembly movable between a collapsed position and an extended position relative to the table top; a mounting structure integrally formed in the bottom surface of the table top as part of the unitary, one-piece structure during the blow-molding process, the mounting structure comprising: a first mounting ridge including an inner portion disposed towards an inner portion of the table top, an outer portion disposed towards the outer perimeter of the table top, a lower portion that is spaced downwardly and away from the bottom surface of the table top, and an upper portion that is disposed at least proximate the bottom surface of the table top; and a second mounting ridge including an inner portion disposed towards the inner portion of the table top, an outer portion disposed towards the outer perimeter of the table top, a lower portion that is spaced downwardly and away from the bottom surface of the table top, and an upper portion that is disposed at least proximate the bottom surface of the table top; a support assembly at least partially connected to the mounting structure, the support assembly including a first portion connected to the first mounting ridge of the mounting structure and a second portion connected to the second mounting ridge of the mounting structure; a first support brace connected to the first leg assembly and the support assembly; a second support brace connected to the second leg assembly and the support assembly; and 00 r a handle integrally formed in the outer portion of the first mounting ridge as part t of the unitary, one-piece structure during the blow-molding process, the handle being Sdisposed between the upper portion of the first mounting ridge and the lower portion of the first mounting ridge.

The table as in Claim 9, wherein the handle is a groove disposed in the outer \portion of the first mounting ridge.

11. The table as in Claim 9, wherein the support assembly includes a first side rail Sattached to the inner portion of the first mounting ridge and a second side rail attached to the inner portion of the second mounting ridge; and wherein at least one cross bar is connected to and disposed between the first side rail and the second side rail of the support assembly.

12. The table as in Claim 9, wherein the first mounting ridge of the mounting structure has a generally C-shaped configuration with an elongated central portion and two shorter end portions, the elongated central portion forming the inner portion and the outer portion of the first mounting ridge; and wherein the second mounting ridge of the mounting structure has a generally C-shaped configuration with an elongated central portion and two shorter end portions, the elongated central portion forming the inner portion and the outer portion of the second mounting ridge.

13. The table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.