Folding table

A fold-in-half table may include a first half constructed from molded plastic, such as blow-molded plastic, and a second half constructed from a wire rack. An inner engagement surface of the first half of the table top may engage an inner engagement surface of the second half of the table top when the table is in the unfolded position. The first and second inner engagement surfaces may be spaced apart when the table is in the folded position. The fond-in-half table may also include first and second support structures connected to the first and second halves of the table top and the support structures may be movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to structures including at least a portion constructed from plastic and, in particular, to furniture, such as tables and chairs, that may include molded plastic components.

2. Description of Related Art

Many different types of tables are well known and used for a variety of different purposes. For example, conventional tables may include legs that are pivotally attached to a table top and the legs may be movable between a use position in which the legs extend outwardly from the table top and a storage position in which the legs are folded against the table top. Conventional tables with relatively large table tops and folding legs are often referred to as “banquet tables” and these tables are frequently used in assembly halls, banquet halls, convention centers, hotels, schools, churches and other locations where large groups of people meet. These types of tables can often be positioned in an assortment of different configurations and used in a variety of settings. When the banquet tables are no longer needed, the table legs can be moved into the storage position and the tables may be more easily moved or stored.

Tables are also often used for other purposes such as displaying items, allowing objects to be easily accessed and eating. For example, one or more persons can eat at a table, and tables can be used to display and allow access to food such as at a picnic, banquet or other type of gathering.

Many conventional tables include table tops constructed from relatively light-weight materials such as plastic. Conventional tables may include a frame that is connected to the table top. The frame may include a pair of side rails that are connected to sides of the table top using fasteners. Undesirably, when a large load or force is applied to some known tables, the table top and/or frame may bend or deform. In addition, the fasteners used to connect the frame to the table top may detach or separate from the table top. The fasteners may even damage and tear through the table top if the load or force exceeds a certain amount. Further, the frames or fasteners of some known tables may collapse in some circumstances.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A need therefore exists for a table that eliminates or diminishes the above-described disadvantages and problems.

One aspect is a table that may include a table top and one or more support structures or legs sized and configured to support the table top above a surface such as the floor or ground. The table may also include a frame and the legs connected to the frame. The legs may be movable relative to the table top between a collapsed or storage position and an extended or use position. In particular, the legs may be pivoted between a collapsed position in which the legs are disposed at least proximate a lower surface of the table top and an extended position in which the legs extend outwardly from the table top. If desired, the legs may at least partially contact or abut the lower surface of the table top when the legs are in the collapsed position.

Another aspect is a table that may be folded-in-half, which may facilitate moving and storage of the table. For example, the table may include a table top with a first portion and a second portion that are movable between a use position in which an upper surface of the first and second portions are generally aligned, and a storage position in which the first and second portions are at least partially folded together and disposed in generally adjacent or proximate positions. The first and second portions of the table top may pivot or rotate, for instance, between the use and storage positions.

Still another aspect is a table that may include a table top with sections that are constructed from different materials and processes. In particular, a first section or half of the table top may be constructed from materials and processes that are different from a second section or half of the table top. Desirably, the first half of the table top may have a first set of qualities, properties, characteristics and/or features that are significantly different than the qualities, properties, characteristics and/or features of the second half of the table top. Advantageously, this may allow the different halves of the table top to be used for different purposes. Significantly, this may greatly increase the potential uses and environments in which the table can be used. For example, the first half of the table top may be used for storing, displaying and/or supporting items or objects with one or more features or characteristics. The second half of the table top may be used for storing, displaying and/or supporting items or objects with one or more different features or characteristics than the first half of the table top.

Yet another aspect is a table that may include a table top with a first half constructed from plastic and a second half constructed from a metal grid. The plastic and metal halves of the table top are preferably connected by one or more hinges to create a fold-in-half table. Advantageously, the plastic half of the table top may have a first set of qualities, properties, characteristics and features that are significantly different than the qualities, properties, characteristics and features of the metal half of the table top. For example, the plastic half of the table top may be used for preparation and displaying of food at relatively low temperatures so as not to melt or deform the plastic. On the other hand, the metal half of the table top may be used for cooking, heating and/or displaying hot items. In particular, these hot items may be at temperatures that would melt or deform the plastic.

Still yet another aspect is a table that may be relatively lightweight, which may allow the table to be more easily transported and moved. For example, the table may include a lightweight table top and that may reduce the overall weight of the table. In particular, a first portion of the table top may be constructed from plastic, such as blow-molded plastic, which may create a table top that is relatively rigid, high-strength and capable of withstanding repeated use and wear. The blow-molded plastic portion of the table top may be relatively quickly, easily and efficiently manufactured. In addition, the blow-molded plastic portion of the table top may be readily molded into the desired size and shape. The blow-molded plastic portion of the table top may be relatively lightweight because, for instance, it may include a hollow interior portion that is integrally formed during the blow-molding process. The blow-molded plastic portion of the table top may further include two opposing walls, which may be spaced apart by a generally constant and/or predetermined distance, and that may help increase the strength and rigidity of the table top. Additionally, the blow-molded plastic portion of the table top may be generally weather resistant and temperature insensitive. Further, the blow-molded plastic portion of the table top may not corrode, rust or otherwise deteriorate over an extended period of time, which may help create a long-lasting table.

A further aspect is a table top that may include a portion constructed from blow-molded plastic and one or more features may be integrally formed during the molding process as part of a unitary, one-piece construction. For example, the molded plastic table top may include one or more depressions (also referred to as “tack-offs”) and the depressions may be designed to increase the strength of the table top and/or interconnect the spaced apart walls. The depressions may also be sized and configured to create a structure with particular characteristics and qualities, such as a table top with generally uniform strength, rigidity and/or structural integrity. The molded plastic table top may also include other features such as structures that increase the strength, rigidity and/or torsion resistance of at least a portion of the table top.

A still further aspect is a table top that may include a portion constructed from metal such as a wire rack. The wire rack may be constructed from a number of wires that may have a hollow or solid construction. The wires may have a generally cylindrical configuration with a plurality of interlocking and/or overlapping portions that may be welded and/or otherwise interconnected. The wires may also be disposed in a grid or lattice configuration with a number of openings or holes that extend through this portion of the table top.

Another further aspect is a table that may include components that can be quickly and easily manufactured. For example, the plastic and metal portions of the table top, and the legs and side rails of the frame may be relatively straightforward to manufacture. In addition, the legs and/or side rails of the frame may be quickly and easily attached to the table top, which may reduce manufacturing costs. The table may also be constructed from only a few parts and a limited number of fasteners may be required, which may allow the table to be quickly and easily assembled by the manufacturer, retailer and/or consumer.

Yet another further aspect is a table that may include a frame with a first portion disposed along one side of the table top and a second portion disposed along a second side of the table top. In particular, the frame may include a first side rail disposed along a first side of the table top and a second side rail disposed along a second side of the table top. The side rails may extend along the length and/or width of the table top and the side rails may help support the table top and/or facilitate connection of the legs to the table top. Each side rail may include a body and may be constructed from relatively strong materials such as metal.

Still yet another further aspect is a table that may include a frame and a portion of the frame may be disposed along an edge or perimeter of the table top. For example, the first portion of the table top may be constructed from blow-molded plastic and it may include a downwardly extending lip that is integrally formed with the table top during the blow-molding process as part of a unitary, one-piece construction. The second portion of the table top may be a wire rack and it may include a downwardly extending lip that is integrally formed from wire as part of a unitary, one-piece construction. The frame may include a first side rail disposed at least proximate a portion of the lip of the blow-molded plastic portion of the table top and the wire rack portion of the table top. The frame may further include a second side rail disposed at least proximate an opposing portion of the lip of both the blow-molded plastic and wire rack portions of the table top. Advantageously, the frame may support both the blow-molded plastic and wire rack portions of the table top. The lower portion of the frame may be aligned with a lower portion of the lip constructed from blow-molded plastic and/or the wire rack.

Another aspect is a table that may include a table top with a plurality of openings in the upper surface. For example, the first half or section of the table top may be constructed from blow-molded plastic and it may include a generally planar upper surface without any openings in the upper surface. The second half or section of the table top may include a plurality of openings because it may be constructed from a wire rack. The openings may have a generally consistent size and shape, such as square, rectangular, oval or the like. Advantageously, the openings may facilitate heat transfer and/or allow high-temperature items to be placed on the wire rack such as heated pots, pans and the like. The wire rack portion of the table top may also allow cooking and other activities to be conducted at elevated temperatures that may not be possible on the blow-molded plastic portion of the table top. The openings in the wire rack portion of the table top may extend along at least a majority, substantially all or the entire length and/or width of the table top. While the openings in the table top may have generally the same size, shape, configuration and arrangement, the openings could also have different sizes, shapes, configurations and arrangements. For example, the openings along the sides and/or lip of the wire rack portion of the table top may be smaller than the openings proximate a center portion of the table top, by a factor such as two, three, four, five, ten, or more.

Still another aspect is a table that may include a frame that contacts, engages and/or supports a lip and/or outer perimeter of the table top. Advantageously, if the frame is disposed along the outer edges of the table top, then the frame may provide increased support for the edges or extremities of the table top. In addition, if a portion of the frame is disposed below or proximate the lip, then the frame may help prevent the table top from being damaged. For example, the frame may absorb impacts or forces that otherwise may damage the table top.

Yet another aspect is a table that may include a frame and leg assemblies that are constructed from relatively strong and durable materials such as metal, steel and the like. It will be appreciated, however, that the frame and leg assemblies may be constructed from other materials with suitable properties and characteristics. In addition, the table, frame, leg assemblies and the like may have a variety of other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table.

Still yet another aspect is a table that may include a table top at least partially constructed from blow-molded plastic and the plastic portion of the table top may include a plurality of depressions. The plurality of depressions may be closely spaced and may cover at least a majority, substantially all, virtually all or all of a lower surface of the table top. The plurality of depressions may also be disposed in a generally uniform pattern in which the depressions have generally the same size, shape configuration, orientation and arrangement. In addition, at least a majority of the depressions in the plurality of depressions may be spaced apart from one or more adjacent depressions by a generally consistent or uniform distance. Advantageously, the depressions may help create a table top with increased strength, rigidity and/or structural integrity. Additionally, if the depressions in the plurality of depressions are generally uniformly spaced and disposed in a generally uniform pattern, that may help create a table top with generally uniform characteristics.

A further aspect is a fold-in-half table may include a table top with a first half constructed from molded plastic and a second half constructed from metal. The first half may include a first inner engagement surface that extends across at least a portion of a width of the first half of the table top and the second half may include a second inner engagement surface that extends across at least a portion of a width of the second half of the table top. The first inner engagement surface may be disposed at least proximate the second inner engagement surface when the table is in the unfolded position. On the other hand, the first inner engagement surface may be spaced apart from the second inner engagement surface when the table is in the folded position. In addition, the first inner engagement surface and the second inner engagement surface may be generally aligned and disposed in a plane when the table is in the folded position. Advantageously, the first inner engagement surface may be integrally formed with the first half of the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece structure.

A still further aspect is a fold-in-half table in which the first half of the table top may have a first set of characteristics and properties, the second half of the table top may have a second set of characteristics and properties, and the first set of characteristics and properties may be different than the second set of characteristics and properties. Additionally, a plurality of openings may be disposed in the second half of the table top and the openings may cover at least a substantial portion of an upper surface of the second half of the table top. A plurality of openings may also be disposed in a lip of the second half of the table top.

Another further aspect is a table top that may include a first half with an upper surface, a lower surface, a hollow interior and a first inner engagement surface that are integrally formed during a molding process as part of a unitary, one-piece construction. The second half of the table top may include a wire rack with a second inner engagement surface. The first inner engagement surface and the second inner engagement surface may be generally aligned and disposed in a plane when the table is in the folded position. In addition, the wire rack may form the second half of the table top or the wire rack is disposed within a border in the second half of the table top.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following brief description of the drawings, the drawings, the detailed description of preferred embodiments and appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is generally directed towards tables. The principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to tables. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the tables disclosed herein can have a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements. In addition, while the tables shown in the accompanying figures are banquet or utility tables, it will be appreciated the tables may have any suitable style or configuration such as round, personal, conference or card tables. Further, the invention disclosed herein may be successfully used in connection with other types of furniture and/or structures.

Additionally, to assist in the description of preferred embodiments of the tables, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left may be used to describe the accompanying figures which may be, but are not necessarily, drawn to scale. It will further be appreciated the tables can be disposed in a variety of desired positions or orientations, and used in numerous locations, environments and arrangements. A detailed description of preferred embodiments the table now follows.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary table10may include a table top12with an upper surface or portion14, a lower surface or portion16, and a perimeter18. The table top12may include a first portion20and a second portion22. As shown in the accompanying figures, the first portion20may form a half of the table top12and the second portion22may form the other half of the table top. In addition, the table10may be a fold-in-half table and the first and second portions20,22of the table top12may be movable between a use position in which the upper surfaces14of the table top are generally aligned and a collapsed or storage position. It will be appreciated the table top12may have various shapes and sizes such as rectangular, square, round, oval and the like. It will also be appreciated that the first and second portions20,22may form any desired portions of the table top12, and the first and second portions may have various shapes and sizes depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table10.

The first and second portions20,22of the table top12may be constructed from different materials and processes. For example, the first portion20may have a first set of qualities, properties, characteristics and/or features and the second portion22may have a second set of qualities, properties, characteristics and/or features. If desired, the first and second portions20,22of the table top12may have significantly different qualities, properties, characteristics and/or features. Advantageously, this may allow the different portions20,22of the table top12to be used for different purposes, which may greatly increase the potential uses of the table10.

For example, a portion of the table top12, such as the first portion20, may be constructed blow-molded plastic. The blow-molded plastic portion20of the table top12may include the upper surface14that is spaced apart from the lower surface16by a distance, which may be a generally constant distance. The blow-molded plastic portion20may also include a hollow interior portion disposed between the upper and lower surfaces14,16of the table top12. In addition, the first portion20of the table top12may include a lip24, which may extend downwardly from the lower portion16of the table top. The first portion20of the table top12may further include sides26,28; corners30,32; and an end34. The first portion20of the table top12—which may include the upper surface14, the lower surface16, the lip24, the sides26,28, the corners30,32and the end34—may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during the blow-molding process. It will be appreciated that the first portion20of the table top12may also be formed using other processes such as injection molding, rotary molding and the like; and the table top may be constructed from other materials with suitable characteristics.

As shown inFIGS. 5-7, the first portion20of the table top12may include a number of depressions36formed in the lower surface16. The depressions36may be disposed in a generally uniform pattern that covers at least a substantial portion or almost the entire lower surface16of the table top12. The depressions36may have generally the same size, shape, configuration and arrangement, and the depressions may be spaced apart from adjacent depressions by a generally constant distance. In addition, the depressions36may be aligned in a number of rows and/or columns that extend along a width and/or length of the table top12. Further, adjacent rows and/or columns of the depressions36may be offset and the depressions may be aligned with the lip24and/or other portions of the table. The first portion20of the table top12could also include one or more strengthening members38which could be integrally formed in the lip24; sides26,28; corners30,32; and/or end34. Additional information concerning depressions, strengthening members and other features that may be included in the table10are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,069,865; 7,111,563; 7,475,643; 7,814,844; and 8,042,476; each of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety. In addition, the table10may have other suitable features and configurations, such as disclosed in Assignee's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/372,515, entitled HIGH-STRENGTH, LIGHTWEIGHT BLOW-MOLDED PLASTIC STRUCTURES, filed Mar. 9, 2006, currently pending, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The second portion22of the table top12may be constructed from one or more supports40. The supports40may be interconnected in a predetermined pattern and may form a grid, lattice, network, and the like. The supports40may consist of one or more wires, bars, beams, links, cross members and the like, and the supports may intertwine, interlock and/or overlap. In addition, the supports40may be connected by means such as welding, adhesives, and the like.

The supports40are preferably constructed from a relatively high-strength material such as metal. Additionally, the supports40are preferably constructed from a material that is heat-resistant or may withstand a relatively large amount of heat for purposes such as cooking. Therefore, the supports40may be constructed from high-strength steel, but it will be understood the second portion22of the table top12may be constructed from other materials with suitable characteristics.

The metal supports40may be disposed in a generally consistent and uniform pattern. For example, the metal supports40may be spaced apart by a generally constant distance and the metal supports may be disposed in a series of rows and columns that extend along the length and width of the second portion22of the table top12. In addition, the metal supports40may be disposed in a generally parallel configuration and the supports may be disposed in a generally perpendicular arrangement.

The second portion22of the table top12may include a plurality of openings or holes42disposed between the metal supports40. The openings42may have a generally square or rectangular configuration and may be formed by two generally parallel supports disposed in a first direction and two generally parallel supports disposed in a second direction. The openings42may cover the majority, substantially all or the entire upper surface14of the second portion22of the table top12. It will be appreciated the openings42may have other shapes, sizes, configurations and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table10.

The second portion22of the table top12may also include an edge44that forms at least a portion of the outer perimeter18. The edge44may be formed by an outer wall46that is disposed generally perpendicular to the upper surface14of the table top12. As best seen inFIG. 4, the supports40may be connected to the outer wall46. The outer wall46may have generally the same size and configuration as the outer surface of the lip24, which may help create an aesthetically pleasing table10. The outer wall46, however, could have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements. Further, the outer wall46is not required.

The outer wall46may include one or more inwardly extending flanges48to facilitate attachment of the supports40to the outer wall. In addition, the supports40may include one or more bends, curves, and the like to align ends50of the supports with the flanges48. For example, as shown inFIG. 4, the ends50of the supports40extending across a width of the second portion22of the table top12may include downwardly extending portions disposed proximate the outer wall46. The ends52of the supports40extending across a length of the second portion22of the table top12may include upwardly extending portions disposed proximate the outer wall46. Advantageously, an upper surface of the supports40and the outer wall46may be generally disposed in the same plane to create a generally planar, level upper surface14of the second portion22of the table top12.

The table10may also include a one or more support structures54, which may be sized and configured to support the table top12above a surface such as the floor or ground. The support structures54may include one or more legs56and a connecting member58may interconnect the legs. The length of the support structures54is preferably adjustable. For example, the legs56legs may include a pair of telescoping members in which a first member60is movable or slidable within a second member62to allow the height of the support structure54to be adjusted. A locking member64, such as a pin or detent, may be used to secure the legs56at the desired height.

The support structures54may be movable between an extended or use position in which the legs56extend outwardly relative to the table top12and a collapsed or storage position in which the legs are positioned at least proximate the table top. One or more sliding braces66may be used to facilitate movement of the support structures54between the use and collapsed positions. For example, the support structures54may be connected to a cross bar68and the sliding brace66may include a pin70is disposed within a slot72. As the support structure54is moved between the use and collapsed positions, the pin70may move within the slot72. In addition, the braces66may be used to lock the support structures54in a desired position, such as the use or collapsed position, if desired.

As shown in the accompanying drawings, when the legs56are in the refracted position, the legs may have a length less than one-half the length of the table top12, which may allow the support structure54to have a length less than one-half of the table top. In particular, as shown inFIG. 5, the legs56may be disposed in a use position and have an extended length. This may allow the table10to be disposed at a desired height. The legs56may be disposed in a retracted position as shown inFIG. 6, which may allow the support structures54to be disposed in a collapsed position as shown inFIG. 7. When the legs56are retracted and the support structures54are collapsed, then the table10can be folded as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9.

The support structures54may be connected to the table top12by a frame74. For example, the cross bar68may be movably connected to the frame74to allow the support structures54to move between the outwardly extending or use position and the collapsed or storage position. In particular, the frame74may include elongated support members or side rails76,78and the cross bar68may be connected to the side rails. It will be appreciated that the cross bar68may also be part of the frame74. The side rails76,78may extend along the length and/or width of the table top12and the side rails may help support the table top.

The support structures54, the legs56and the cross bar68do not have to be connected to the frame74. Instead, the support structures54, the legs56and the cross bar68may be connected to any suitable portions of the table10. It will also be appreciated that the table10may include any suitable number of the support structures54, the legs56and the cross bar68depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table. It will further be appreciated that the table top12, the support structures54, the legs56and the braces68may have various sizes, shapes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table10. It will further be appreciated that the table10may have other components, features, aspects, characteristics and the like, if desired.

The frame74may also be sized and configured to facilitate folding of the table10. For example, the side rails76,78of the frame74may be disposed along the sides of the table top12. Advantageously, if the side rails76,78are disposed proximate the sides of the table top12, then the sides of the table top may be supported by the frame74, which may help create a strong and sturdy table10. In addition, the side rails76,78may be sized and configured to help transfer forces towards a center portion of the table and away from the perimeter18, which also help create a strong and sturdy table10.

If the side rails76,78are disposed below or proximate the lower portion of the lip24of the first portion20of the table top12and/or the outer wall46of the second portion22of the table top, then the frame74may help prevent the table top from being damaged. In particular, this may allow the frame74to absorb impacts or forces that otherwise may damage the table top12. A lower portion of the side rails76,78may also be generally aligned and coplanar with a lower portion of the lip24and the outer wall46, which may facilitate stacking and/or folding of the table10.

As shown in the accompanying figures, the table10may include one or more features, which may be freely combined depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table. For example, the table10may include a handle80that is connected to a side rail76of the frame74. The table10may also include one or more hooks82that may be connected to one of the support structures54. The hooks82may be sized and configured to support items such as cooking utensils, tools and other types of devices. In addition, the table10may include racks or supports such as a towel rack84. The towel rack84may also be connected to one of the support structures54and it may include first and second engaging portions86,88that are sized and configured to support a roll of towels90, as shown inFIGS. 10,11and13.

The table10that may include one or more foot or end caps92attached to the feet94of the support structures54and/or legs56. For example, the support structures54and/or the legs56may be constructed from tubular pieces of metal with a generally circular, oval, oblong, rectangular or other suitable cross-sectional configuration. The foot caps92may include a lower surface96that is sized and configured to engage a floor. In particular, the foot caps92are preferably sized and configured to allow the support structures54and/or legs56to rest securely and in a stable position relative to the floor. While the table10may include any number and combination of features, none of the features are required.

The table10may also have other exemplary embodiments such as shown inFIGS. 10 to 13. In this embodiment, the second portion22of the table top12may include metal supports100that also form a lip or outer edge102. As best seen inFIG. 12, the metal supports100may include downwardly curved ends104which may be connected to a lower support member106to form the lip102. The lip102may be generally aligned with and have the same configuration as the lip24from the first portion20of the table top12. In addition, the lip102may include a plurality of openings108.

The lip102may facilitate attachment of components to the table10such as a support bracket or holder110. The holder110may be attached to the lower support member106and may include a number of hooks112or other support members. Advantageously, the holder110may be connected to various suitable portions of the table top12.

Another exemplary embodiment of the table10is shown inFIG. 14in which the table top120includes a second portion122in which the metal supports124are disposed within a border or frame126. For example, as discussed above, the metal supports124may be disposed in a grid to form a wire rack128, which may allow the table10to support items at an elevated temperature. The border126may have a similar construction and configuration as the first portion20of the table top12, but include an opening130in which the wire rack128may be disposed.

One of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate after reviewing this disclosure that the tables disclosed herein may have a number of different aspects, features, characteristics and configurations. Further, a table may have any suitable number of aspects, features, characteristics and configurations depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table.

Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only by the claims which follow.