Abstract:
A bench has first and second benchtop halves. A leg assembly is mounted to each half and collapses independently of the other and is movable between an extended position and a stowed position. A locking hinge pivotally connects the halves and automatically disengages a locking feature of the hinge when one of the leg assemblies is pivoted. The hinge includes first and second hinge members. The second hinge member includes a pawl pin slot and a pawl pin, which slides in the slot between a first position and a second position. Rotation of the first hinge member with respect to the second hinge member is prevented in the first position and is permitted in the second position. A cable is mounted between the leg assembly and the pawl pin. Pivoting the leg assembly causes the pawl pin to be automatically moved from the first position to the second position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 14/800,935, entitled “Table Hinge &amp; Folding Mechanism”, filed Jul. 16, 2015. The contents of the &#39;935 application are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a hinge for a foldable table or bench, and more particularly to a hinge for a center-folding table or bench having a latch that is operated automatically by rotating a leg of the foldable table or bench. 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
     A conventional table is available for providing a support effect, thereby facilitating the user using the table. However, the conventional table has a fixed structure and cannot be folded when not in use, thereby increasing space of storage, and thereby causing inconvenience in storage, package and transportation. 
     An objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable article of furniture (such as a table or bench) that is supported rigidly and stably when being expanded and is folded when not in use, thereby enhancing the versatility of foldable table or bench. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable table or bench having a hinge. 
     A further objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable article of furniture (such as a table or bench) that is folded when not in use, thereby saving space of storage, package and transportation. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable table having a hinged connection between adjacent table top surfaces that includes a latch that may be placed into a stowed or a use position and wherein the latch is operated automatically by rotating one of the table legs. 
     Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable bench having a hinged connection between adjacent bench seating surfaces that includes a latch that may be placed into a stowed or a use position and wherein the latch is operated automatically by rotating one of the bench legs. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a collapsible table having a first tabletop half and a second tabletop half. The first and second tabletop halves each have a substantially planar top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, an inner edge, and an opposing outer edge which is substantially parallel to the inner edge. There are first support tubes disposed along a first edge of each of the first and second table top halves, which are mounted to the bottom surface thereof. Also, second support tubes spaced apart from the first support tubes are disposed along a second edge of each of the first and second table top halves and mounted to the bottom surface thereof. 
     The table also includes a collapsible leg assembly having a crossbar pivotally mounted between the first and second support tubes of each of the first and second table top halves. Each leg assembly is operable to collapse independently of the other leg assembly and is movable between an extended position and a stowed position. 
     The table also includes a locking hinge assembly for pivotally connecting together the first and second table top halves and for automatically disengaging a locking feature of the hinge assembly when at least one of the collapsible leg assemblies is moved from the extended position to the stowed position. In particular, the hinge assembly includes a first hinge member and a second hinge member. Each is mounted to one of the first support tubes. The second hinge member has a pawl pin slot configured to receive a pawl pin. Additionally, a third hinge member and a fourth hinge member are each mounted to one of the second support tubes. A hinge pin or rod pivotally connects the first and second hinge members together and pivotally connects the third and fourth hinge members together. 
     A pawl pin is positioned in the pawl pin slot and slides in the slot between a first position and a second position. The pawl pin engages a notch of the first hinge member in the first position and prevents rotation of the first hinge member with respect to the second hinge member. The pawl pin disengages the notch of the first hinge member in the second position and allows rotation of the first hinge member with respect to the second hinge member. A spring member having spring arms engages the pawl pin and biases it toward the first position. 
     The locking hinge assembly includes a cable having a first end and a second end. The first end of the cable is configured to be fixedly mounted to a portion of the at least one collapsible leg assembly and the second end of the cable is configured to be fixedly mounted to the pawl pin. Pivoting the at least one collapsible leg assembly from an extended position to a stowed position causes the pawl pin to be automatically moved from the first position to the second position. Thereby disengaging the pawl pin from the notch of the first hinge member and allowing rotation of the first hinge member with respect to the second hinge member. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a collapsible article of furniture, such as a foldable table or bench. The article of furniture includes a furniture support surface including a first support surface half and a second support surface half, the first and second support surface halves each having a substantially planar top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, an inner edge, and an opposing outer edge which is substantially parallel to the inner edge. For instance, the article of furniture may include first and second table top surfaces or first and second bench seating surfaces. 
     The article of furniture also includes a collapsible leg assembly attached to the bottom surface of each of the support surface halves. Each leg assembly is operable to collapse independently of the other leg assembly and is movable between an extended position and a stowed position. Moreover, each leg assembly has a crossbar mounted between side frame members. The crossbar rotates as the respective leg assembly is pivoted from the extended position to the stowed position. 
     The article of furniture also includes a first and a second support member. Each of the support members has a first end and a second end, and the first end of each support member is pivotably mounted to one of the collapsible leg assemblies. 
     The article of furniture also includes a locking hinge assembly, which pivotally connects together the first and second support surface halves and automatically disengages a locking feature of the hinge assembly when at least one of the collapsible leg assemblies is moved from the extended position to the stowed position. This hinge assembly includes a first hinge member having a notch for selectively engaging a pawl pin, and a second hinge member which is pivotally connected to the first hinge member. The second hinge member includes a slot configured to receive the pawl pin. 
     The hinge assembly also includes a hinge rod that rotationally connects the first and second hinge members together and extends across the width of the support surface halves. 
     The hinge assembly pawl pin has opposite ends and a side surface. The pawl pin is disposed in the slot of the second hinge member and operable to slide in the slot between a first position and a second position. The pawl pin engages the notch of the first hinge member when in the first position, thereby preventing rotation of the first hinge member with respect to the second hinge member. The pawl pin disengages the notch of the first hinge member when in the second position, thereby allowing rotation of the first hinge member with respect to the second hinge member. 
     The article of furniture also includes a cable having a first end and a second end. The first end of the cable is secured to a portion of the at least one collapsible leg assembly. The second end of the cable is secured to the pawl pin, such that moving the at least one collapsible leg assembly from an extended position to a stowed position causes movement of the second end of the cable, thereby moving the pawl pin from the first position to the second position to disengage the pawl pin from the notch. 
     In addition, the article of furniture includes a third furniture leg assembly. This third leg assembly is mounted to, and extends down from, the hinge rod. 
     Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a foldable table with collapsible legs and a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a bottom surface of the table depicted in  FIG. 1  with support units shown in an extended position; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged side view of a first end of the hinge assembly depicted in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged side view of a second end of the hinge assembly depicted in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the foldable depicted in  FIG. 1  with one support unit shown in a stowed position; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged side view of a first end of the hinge assembly depicted in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged side view of a second end of the hinge assembly depicted in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view depicting the hinge assembly shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the foldable table depicted in  FIG. 1  in a closed position. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a foldable bench with collapsible legs and a hinge assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a bottom surface of the bench depicted in  FIG. 10  with support units shown in an extended position; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged side view of a first end of the hinge assembly depicted in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged side view of a second end of the hinge assembly depicted in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the foldable depicted in  FIG. 10  with one support unit shown in a stowed position; 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged side view of a first end of the hinge assembly depicted in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged side view of a second end of the hinge assembly depicted in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view depicting the hinge assembly shown in  FIG. 11 ; and 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the foldable bench depicted in  FIG. 10  in a closed position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In a first aspect, the following disclosure relates to a center-folding table having a locking center hinge and collapsible legs or support members. The center-folding table may be placed in an extended or use position and also in a stowed position. In the use position, the locking hinge located between two tabletop halves ensures that the table is not inadvertently collapsed. The present invention allows this locking hinge to be disengaged automatically by simply rotating one of the support stands from the extended position to the stowed position. The locking hinge may be engaged by rotating the support stand from the stowed position to the extended position. 
     Referring to the drawings, there is provided in  FIGS. 1 and 2  a center-folding table  5  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The table  5  comprises two table boards  1  pivotally connected with each other. Each of the two table boards  1  has a bottom formed with a receiving space  11 . The receiving space  11  of each of the two table boards  1  has two sides each provided with a support tube  14  secured on each of the two table boards  1  by a plurality of screws. 
     The table  5  also includes two support units  4 , which are each foldably mounted on a respective one of the two table boards  1 . Each of the support units  4  includes a support stand  2  that is mounted in the receiving space  11  of a respective one of the two table boards  1 . As shown in  FIGS. 2, 5 and 8 , each support stand  2  has a crossbar member  80  that spans the width of the table  5  and has opposing ends  82  that extend through openings  84  in the support tubes  14 . The openings  84  are sized and configured to permit the crossbar  80  to rotate within the opening. 
     Each support unit  4  also includes a support member  3 , which includes a substantially straight support bar  30  mounted to a substantially V-shaped extension bar  31 . The opposite end of the extension bar  31  is pivotally mounted at a mediate portion of the support stand  2 . The opposite end of the support bar  30  is pivotally mounted to a portion of a hinge assembly  12  connecting the two table boards  1 , as discussed below. The support units  4  are configured to rotate from an extended position, shown in  FIG. 2 , to a stowed position, shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     The two table boards  1  are pivotally connected with each other by two pivot members  12 , which are also referred to herein as hinge assemblies  12 , and are configured to rotate from an extended position, shown in  FIG. 1 , to a stowed position, shown in  FIG. 9 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  5  and  8 , each of the hinge assemblies  12  includes two hinge members  50  and  52  pivotally connected together by a hinge pin  56  which passes through apertures  50   a  and  52   a  in circular tabs  50   c  and  52   c  of the hinge members  50  and  52 . A single pin  56  spans the width of the table, along the intersection of the two table boards  1 , and an end of the pin connects together each of the hinge assemblies  12 . The support bar  30  mentioned above is pivotally mounted to the pin  56 . 
     On either side of the hinge member  52  are slots  52   b  through which passes a pawl pin  58 . The pawl pin  58  also passes through slots  52   b  on either side of the hinge member  52 . The pawl pin  58  is operable to slide laterally in the slots  52   b  between a first position and a second position. As shown best in  FIG. 4 , in the first position, the pawl pin  58  engages notches  50   b  in the tabs  50   c  of the hinge member  50 , thereby preventing rotation of the hinge member  50  with respect to the hinge member  52 . In the second position, shown in  FIG. 7 , the pawl pin  58  disengages the notches  50   b , thereby allowing rotation of the hinge member  50  with respect to the hinge member  52 . 
     A spring  62  is connected to the hinge member  52  by way of a spring pin  60 . The spring pin  60  passes through apertures  52   d  in the hinge member  52  ( FIG. 8 ) and through a coil  62   c  formed in the spring  62 . The spring  62  has spring arms  62   a  extending from the coil  62   c  that engage the pawl pin  58 . Due to tension in the coil  62   c , the spring arms  62   a  constantly press against the pawl pin  58 , thereby urging the pawl pin  58  toward the first position in the slots  52   b.    
     The table  5  also includes a cable  86 , which is disposed along the length of one of the table boards  1  parallel with the respective support tube  14  and connects the pawl pin  58  to the crossbar  80 . The cable  86  enables the pawl pin to be moved from the first position to the second position automatically (and vice versa) when the support stand  2  is rotated. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the cable  86  includes a first end  88 A and a second end  88 B. The first end  88 A is mounted to the crossbar member  80  proximate one of the ends  82 . The cable  86  is fixedly mounted to the crossbar member  80 , such that rotational movement of the crossbar also causes the first end  88 A of the cable to move. As shown in  FIG. 2-4 , when the support stand  2  is in an extended position, the end  88 A of the cable  86  is disposed along a rightward-facing surface of the crossbar  80 , the pawl pin  58  is in the first position engaging the notch  50   b , and rotation of the hinge members  50  and  52  with respect to one another is prevented. On the other hand, as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , when the support stand  2  is in a stowed position, the end  88 A of the cable  86  is disposed along a downward-facing surface of the crossbar  80 , the pawl pin  58  is in the second position not engaging the notch  50   b , and rotation of the hinge members  50  and  52  with respect to one another is permitted. Accordingly, the pawl pin  58  may be disengaged automatically by simply rotating one of the support stands  2  from an extended position to a stowed position and engaged by rotating the support stand from the stowed position to the extended position. 
     In a second aspect, the following disclosure relates to a center-folding article of furniture having a locking center hinge and collapsible legs or support members. For instance, the article of furniture may be a folding table or bench. In the case of a bench, the center-folding bench may be placed in an extended or use position and also in a stowed position. In the use position, the locking hinge located between two benchtop halves ensures that the bench is not inadvertently collapsed. The present invention allows this locking hinge to be disengaged automatically by simply rotating one of the legs or support stands from the extended position to the stowed position. The locking hinge may be engaged by rotating the support stand from the stowed position to the extended position. 
     Referring to the drawings, there is provided in  FIGS. 10 and 11  a center-folding bench  105  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The bench  105  comprises two seating surface halves  101  pivotally connected with each other. Each of the two seating surface halves  101  has a bottom formed with a receiving space  111 . The receiving space  111  of each of the seating surface halves  101  has two sides each provided with a frame member  114  secured on each of the two seating surface halves  101  by a plurality of screws. 
     The bench  105  also includes two support units (leg assemblies)  104 , which are each foldably mounted on a respective one of the two seating surface halves  101 . Each of the support units  104  includes a leg or support stand  102  that is mounted in the receiving space  111  of a respective one of the seating surface halves  101 . As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 14 , each support stand  102  has a crossbar member  180  that spans the width of the bench  105  and has opposing ends  182  that extend through openings  184  in the frame members  114 . The openings  184  are sized and configured to permit the crossbar  180  to rotate within the opening. 
     Each support unit  104  also includes at least one support member  103 , and preferably two support members  103 . Each support member  103  includes a folding leg brace  130 , having first and second ends. The first end of the folding leg brace  130  is pivotally mounted to a portion of the support stand  102 . The second end of the folding leg brace  130  is pivotally mounted to a portion of one of the frame members  114  secured to the seating surface halves  101 . The support units  104  are configured to rotate from an extended position, shown in  FIG. 11 , to a stowed position, shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     The two seating surface halves  101  are pivotally connected with each other by two pivot members  112 , which are also referred to herein as hinge assemblies  112 , and are configured to rotate from an extended position, shown in  FIG. 10 , to a stowed position, shown in  FIG. 18 . As shown in  FIGS. 11, 14 and 17 , each of the hinge assemblies  112  includes two hinge members  150  and  152  pivotally connected together by a hinge pin  156  which passes through apertures  150   a  and  152   a  in circular tabs  150   c  and  152   c  of the hinge members  150  and  152 . A single pin  156  spans the width of the bench, along the intersection of the two seating surface halves  101 , and an end of the pin connects together each of the hinge assemblies  112 . 
     The bench  105  also preferably includes a third leg assembly or support stand  108  which is centrally located about the intersection of the two seating surface halves  101 . This third leg assembly  108  is attached to the hinge pin or rod  156  which extends across the width of the bench. The third leg assembly  108  may also be connected to both of the seating surface halves  101  by a plurality of folding leg braces  110 . These support members  110  are pivotally connected to the third leg assembly  108  and are preferably both pivotally and slidingly connected to the respective seating surface halves  101 . 
     On either side of the hinge member  152  are slots  152   b  through which passes a pawl pin  158 . The pawl pin  158  also passes through slots  152   b  on either side of the hinge member  152 . The pawl pin  158  is operable to slide laterally in the slots  152   b  between a first position and a second position. As shown best in  FIG. 13 , in the first position, the pawl pin  158  engages notches  150   b  in the tabs  150   c  of the hinge member  150 , thereby preventing rotation of the hinge member  150  with respect to the hinge member  152 . In the second position, shown in  FIG. 16 , the pawl pin  158  disengages the notches  150   b , thereby allowing rotation of the hinge member  150  with respect to the hinge member  152 . 
     A spring  162  is connected to the hinge member  152  by way of a spring pin  160 . The spring pin  160  passes through apertures  152   d  in the hinge member  152  ( FIG. 17 ) and through a coil  162   c  formed in the spring  162 . The spring  162  has spring arms  162   a  extending from the coil  162   c  that engage the pawl pin  158 . Due to tension in the coil  62   c , the spring arms  162   a  constantly press against the pawl pin  158 , thereby urging the pawl pin  158  toward the first position in the slots  152   b.    
     The bench  105  also includes a cable  186 , which is disposed along the length of one of the seating surface halves  101  parallel with the respective support tube  114  and connects the pawl pin  158  to the crossbar  180 . The cable  186  enables the pawl pin to be moved from the first position to the second position automatically (and vice versa) when the support stand  102  is rotated. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the cable  186  includes a first end  188 A and a second end  188 B. The first end  188 A is mounted to the crossbar member  180  proximate one of the ends  182 . The cable  186  is fixedly mounted to the crossbar member  180 , such that rotational movement of the crossbar also causes the first end  188 A of the cable to move. As shown in  FIG. 11-13 , when the support stand  102  is in an extended position, the end  188 A of the cable  186  is disposed along a rightward-facing surface of the crossbar  180 , the pawl pin  158  is in the first position engaging the notch  150   b , and rotation of the hinge members  150  and  152  with respect to one another is prevented. On the other hand, as shown in  FIGS. 14-16 , when the support stand  102  is in a stowed position, the end  188 A of the cable  186  is disposed along a downward-facing surface of the crossbar  180 , the pawl pin  158  is in the second position not engaging the notch  150   b , and rotation of the hinge members  150  and  152  with respect to one another is permitted. Accordingly, the pawl pin  154  may be disengaged automatically by simply rotating one of the support stands  102  from an extended position to a stowed position and engaged by rotating the support stand from the stowed position to the extended position. 
     The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.