Patent ID: 8833273
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: A47B

Abstract:
1. A table device comprising: a base, a tabletop, and a footing that supports the tabletop above the base, wherein the base comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being rotatable in a horizontal plane relative to the lower portion; two casters that support rotation of the upper portion relative to the lower portion, wherein the two casters rollably abut the lower portion and are disposed on opposite sides of a rotational center of the upper portion; and a friction element connected to the upper portion outside of a pivot axis that extends between the two castors, wherein the friction element abuts the lower portion of the base when the upper portion is pivoted about the pivot axis with respect to the lower portion; wherein the upper portion comprises a support plate, a cover plate and a counterweight, wherein the counterweight is disposed on an opposite side of the pivot axis relative to the friction element; wherein the friction element abuts the lower portion when a moment is applied to the footing that tilts the counterweight about the pivot axis away from the lower portion, and wherein the friction element counteracts rotation of the upper portion with respect to the lower portion; wherein the tabletop is turnable with respect to the base between an inward position and an outward position; and wherein turning the tabletop to the inward position so that a center of gravity of the tabletop is on a same side of the pivot axis as the counterweight causes the upper portion to tilt about the pivot axis and move the friction element away from the lower portion, thus allowing rotation of the upper portion with respect to the lower portion.