Extensible table having a table top formed by intercoupled strips

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extensible table including a table top formed by intercoupled strips, comprising a first and second end stands, opposite to one another, therefrom extend supporting and guiding cross-members which are mutually slidable and support S-shape arms mutually articulated and provided with supporting pins for supporting the strips or staves. The latter can be arranged in a mutually adjoining relationship for defining sad table top.

Description: The present invention relates to an extensible table having a table top formed by mutually intercoupled strips. As is known, several extensible table types are commercially available which, as a common feature, allow the table top to be extended by discrete lengths, which can be obtained by using one or more elements having a preset length. A table according to the preamble of claim 1 is shown in US-A-2 848 291. DE-C-83027 and EP-A-0 087 684 show extensible tables comprising scissor-type arms but not comprising a table top constituted by a plurality of mutually interconnected strips disposed in parallel both in the retracted and extended positions of the table. Thus, it is not possible to provide a continuously extensible table; in other words, the table cannot be extended in a continuous manner, since the table length can be changed exclusively by discrete portions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the aim of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned problem, by providing an extensible table having a table top formed by mutually intercoupled strips, allowing to adjust at will and in a continuous manner the table length, starting from a minimum length value, which is that corresponding to a fully withdrawn condition of the table top, to a maximum length value, which is that corresponding to the maximum extension condition of the table top. Within the scope of the above mentioned aim, a main object of the present invention is to provide such an extensible table which allows to modify its useful length in a very quick and easy manner, without the need of using separated tools or elements. Another object of the present invention is to provide such an extensible table which, owing to its specifically designed construction, is very reliable and safe in operation. According to the present invention, the above mentioned aim and objects, are achieved by the table defined in the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent hereinafter from the following detailed disclosure of a preferred, though not exclusive, embodiment of an extensible table provided with a table top including a plurality of mutually intercoupled strips, and being illustrated, by way of an indicative, but not limitative, example, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, where: Figure 1 is a schematic elevation view illustrating the table according to the invention in a minimum length condition thereof; Figure 2 is a top plan view of the table according to the present invention, also shown in a shortened condition; Figure 3 schematically illustrates the table according to the present invention in a shortened position, and clearly shows the positions of the supporting and guiding cross members and the S-shaped arms; Figure 4 is a side elevation view illustrating the subject table in an extended condition thereof; Figure 5 is a top plan view illustrating the subject table in an extended condition thereof; Figure 6 is a top plan view illustrating the subject table in an extended condition thereof, and clearly showing the supporting and guiding cross members and S-shape arms; and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the S-shape arms and locking means for locking the table at a set position or condition. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to the number references of the above mentioned figures, the extensible table, including a table top formed by a plurality of mutually intercoupled strips, according to the present invention, which is generally indicated by the reference number 1, comprises a first and second stands, respectively indicated by the reference numbers 2 and 3, which have U-shape and are constituted by section members having a substantially triangular cross-section. The end stands 2 and 3, more specifically, are opposite to one another and therefrom extend supporting and guiding cross-members which comprise inner cross-members 10, extending, for example, from the first stand 2, and outer supporting and guiding cross-members 11, extending from the second stand 3. Said cross-members are designed for sliding with respect to one another and, at a withdrawn or short length condition of the table, as shown in figure 3, they are mutually facing and opposite. The cross members 10 and 11 support moreover S-shape arms, indicated by the reference number 20, which are mutually articulated. More specifically, and as clearly shown in figures 3, 6 and 7, the arms 20 are articulated, at their end portions, with further arms 20, opposite to one another and, at an intermediate position, they are articulated by a central peg 21, extending into a pin 22, engaged in a strip or stave 23 which, adjoining further strips, provides the table-top construction. In particular, the afore mentioned arms 20, at their end portions, are articulated with side pins 25, so arranged as to practically provide a Nuremberg scissors coupling. To the central pin or peg 21, is coupled a sliding shoe 30, which can be displaced in a sliding guide 31 defined by the opposite cross-members 10 and 11. Moreover, coupling rollers 40 engaging in sliding tracks 41, defined on said cross members, are provided. As shown, the table comprises furthermore a locking handle 50, adapted to be engaged through a fixed bushing 51 provided in a guide track 41, and being coupled to a locking shoe 52, provided in the opposite cross-member which, as the handle is operated, can be slidably driven to provide a locking action. More specifically, the locking means, formed in said handle 50, allow to lock the table upon having achieved a desired or set length thereof. As shown, under one of the stands, for example under the first stand 2 are provided small rollers 60, whereas under the other stand bearing fixed foot elements 61 are arranged. For extending the table, it is sufficient to apply a pulling force on one of the stands, for example on the stand 2, which can be freely slide, thereby causing the articulated arms to be mutually displaced, with a consequent gradual spacing of the strips or staves forming the table top. The scissors connection of said S-shape articulated arms causes the table top to be evenly extended through all the strips, thereby providing all the desired lengths for the table top. Upon achieving the desired table top length, it would be sufficient to operate the handle 50 to lock at the achieved position the table top while preventing the cross members 10 and 11 from mutually sliding. From the above disclosure it should be apparent that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects. In particular, the fact is to be pointed out that an extensible table having a table top formed by mutually intercoupled strips has been provided, allowing to achieve a continuous changing of the table top. The invention, as disclosed, is susceptible to several modifications and variations, all of which will come within the scope of the invention as specified in the claims.

Claims: An extensible table (1) having a table top constituted by a plurality of parallel transversely extending strips (23), said table comprising first and second end stands (2, 3), opposite to one another, bearing supporting and guiding longitudinal members (10, 11) for said strips (23), characterized in that said parallel transversely extending strips (23) are intercoupled and are continuously brought from a first mutually intercoupled closely spaced condition to a plurality of second intercoupled differently spaced conditions, in that said supporting and guiding longitudinal members (10, 11) comprise two pairs of supporting and guiding longitudinal inner and outer mutually slidable parallel strip elements (10, 11), each pair of strip elements (10, 11) extending outwardly from and between said bearing stands (2, 3), and in that , for continuously bringing said intercoupled transversely extending strips (23) from their first condition to any of their second conditions, between each said pair of said longitudinal inner (10) and outer (11) strip elements there are supported adjoining S-shaped articulated cross arms (20) provided with pins for supporting said parallel transversely extending strips (23), said S-shaped arms being so articulatedly coupled to provide a Nuremberg-type coupling scissor pattern. An extensible table, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said stands (2, 3) have a U shape. An extensible table, according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that one of said stands (2, 3) comprises ground bearing rollers (60), the other stand comprising fixed foot elements (61). An extensible table, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said inner (10) and outer (11) longitudinal members are coupled to one another by sliding rollers (40), which can slidably driven in sliding tracks (41) defined by said longitudinal members (10, 11). An extensible table, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said arms (20) are arranged in a hinged crossed relationship, by a central pin (21) on an extension of which is arranged a supporting side pin (25). An extensible table, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said table (1) comprises moreover locking means (50) for locking said interconnected cross members (23) at any set sliding intercoupled second conditions thereof. An extensible table, according to Claim 6, characterized in that said locking means (50) comprises a handle element (50) coupled to a threaded stem passing through a bushing (51) provided on a guiding track (41) of said inner longitudinal member (10) and engageable with a locking shoe (52) movable in a guide track of said outer longitudinal member (11).

Inventors: MASCHERONI LUIGI, MASCHERONI, LUIGI
Applicants: HELMSTADT METALLWERK, MWH METALLWERK HELMSTADT GMBH
Application year: 2001
Main classification: A47B1
IPC codes: A47B1