Abstract:
A collapsible table includes a blow-molded tabletop, a pair of opposing collapsible support stands, a pair of tubular frame members and a plurality of fasteners. The table top includes a hollow cavity between the top and bottom surfaces. A lip lies along the tabletop perimeter, encloses the hollow cavity, and extends beyond the bottom of the table. The support stands are pivotally attached to and between the frame members and support the tabletop in an upright position when positioned perpendicularly to the table top. The frame members are attached to the bottom of the table top by the fasteners. The fasteners extend through the frame members and bottom surface, but do not enter the top surface of the table top or the lip.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation of copending application Ser. No. 11/423,547 filed Jun. 12, 2006 titled “BLOW-MOLDED TABLE” which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/763,151 filed Jan. 21, 2004 titled “BLOW-MOLDED TABLE” which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,237 on Dec. 19, 2006. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a blow-molded table, and more particularly to a blow-molded table that is expanded easily and rapidly and is folded easily when not in use, thereby enhancing the versatility of the blow-molded table. 
       BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
       [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a blow-molded table that is supported rigidly and stably when being expanded and is folded when not in use, thereby enhancing the versatility of the blow-molded table. 
         [0005]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a blow-molded table, wherein the two support units are expanded outward rapidly to support the table board rigidly and stably, thereby facilitating the user expanding the blow-molded table. 
         [0006]    A further objective of the present invention is to provide a blow-molded table, wherein the support units are folded in the receiving space of the table board to fold the blow-molded table when not in use, thereby saving space of storage, package and transportation. 
         [0007]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a blow-molded table, comprising a table board, and two opposite support units each foldably mounted on a bottom of the table board, wherein the bottom of the table board is formed with a receiving space, and each of the two support units is mounted in the receiving space of the table board and includes a support stand pivotally mounted on either one of two ends of the table board, and a support member pivotally mounted on a mediate of the table board and pivotally connected with the support stand. 
         [0008]    In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a collapsible table having a blow-molded table top, a pair of substantially parallel frame members and a pair of opposing support stands pivotally attached to and between the frame members. The table top has an upper surface, a lower surface and a downwardly extending lip structure disposed about an outer perimeter of the table top. The frame members are attached adjacent the lip structure and the lower surface of the table top. The support stands are operable to be positioned in an upright position in which the support stands are disposed substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of the table top and in a collapsed position in which the support stands are disposed substantially parallel to the lower surface of the table top. The table includes a plurality of fasteners for fastening the frame members to the table top. In preferred embodiments, the fasteners pass through at least a portion of each frame member and engage the lower surface of the table top but do not engage the lip structure. 
         [0009]    In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a collapsible table comprising a blow-molded table top, a pair of substantially parallel frame members attached on opposing sides of the table top, first and second support stands, first and second cross braces and first and second support braces. The first and second support stands are pivotally attached to and between the frame members so they may be positioned in an upright position and a collapsed position. In the upright position, the support stands are disposed substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of the table top. In the collapsed position, they are disposed substantially parallel to the lower surface of the table top. Each support stand comprises a pair of leg members. 
         [0010]    The first cross brace includes a central elongate section disposed between first and second ends that are pivotally connected to a corresponding one of the opposing frame members. Disposed adjacent the first end of the first cross brace is a first substantially U-shaped bracket, and disposed adjacent the second end of the first cross brace is a second substantially U-shaped bracket. The first and second U-shaped brackets receive at least one of the leg members when at least one of the first and second support stands are in the collapsed position. The second cross brace includes a central elongate section disposed between first and second ends that are pivotally connected to a corresponding one of the opposing frame members. A third substantially U-shaped bracket is disposed adjacent the first end of the second cross brace, and a fourth substantially U-shaped bracket is disposed adjacent the second end of the second cross brace. The third and fourth U-shaped brackets also receive at least one of the leg members when at least one of the first and second support stands are in the collapsed position. 
         [0011]    The first support brace has a first end that is pivotally connected to the first support stand and a second end that is connected to the central elongate section of the first cross brace. The first support brace has an articulated joint disposed between its first and second ends whereby the first support brace is extended when the first support stand is in the upright position and the first support brace is folded when the first support stand is in the collapsed position. The second support brace has a first end pivotally connected to the second support stand and a second end connected to the central elongate section of the second cross brace. The second support brace has an articulated joint disposed between its first and second ends whereby the second support brace is extended when the second support stand is in the upright position and the second support brace is folded when the second support stand is in the collapsed position. 
         [0012]    In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a collapsible table comprising a blow-molded table top, a pair of substantially parallel frame members attached on opposing sides of the table top, first and second support stands, and first, second, third and fourth articulated support braces for bracing the support stands when they are in an upright position. The support stands, which are pivotally attached to and between the frame members, are operable to be positioned in the upright position and a collapsed position. In the upright position, the support stands are disposed substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of the table top. In the collapsed position, the support stands are disposed substantially parallel to the lower surface of the table top. The first and second support stands each include opposing first and second leg members. 
         [0013]    The first articulated support brace has an inner section pivotally connected to the first leg member of the first support stand and an outer section pivotally connected to an adjacent one of the frame members. The second articulated support brace has an inner section pivotally connected to the second leg member of the first support stand and an outer section pivotally connected to an adjacent one of the frame members. An articulated joint is disposed between the inner and outer sections of the first and second support braces so that the first and second support braces may be extended when the first support stand is in the upright position and folded when the first support stand is in the collapsed position. 
         [0014]    Similarly, the third articulated support brace has an inner section pivotally connected to the first leg member of the second support stand and an outer section pivotally connected to an adjacent one of the frame members. The fourth articulated support brace has an inner section pivotally connected to the second leg member of the second support stand and an outer section pivotally connected to an adjacent one of the frame members. An articulated joint is disposed between the inner and outer sections of the third and fourth support braces so that the third and fourth support braces may be extended when the second support stand is in the upright position and folded when the second support stand is in the collapsed position. 
         [0015]    The inner section of each of the articulated support braces includes a lower portion that is pivotally connected to the corresponding leg member, an upper portion having an aperture disposed at the articulated joint, and a dogleg portion disposed between the lower portion and the upper portion. The outer section of each of the articulated support braces comprises a single elongate piece of sheet metal folded to form an outer flange disposed on an outer side of the fold and a lower inner flange disposed on an inner side of the fold. The outer flange has an aperture disposed at the articulated joint, and the lower inner flange has an aperture substantially aligned with the second aperture in the outer flange. The upper portion of the inner section of each of the articulated support braces is sandwiched between the outer flange and the lower inner flange of the outer section. The aperture in the upper portion is substantially aligned with the aperture in the outer flange and the aperture in the lower inner flange. The articulated joint of each of the support braces includes a pivot fastener passing through the three apertures to pivotally connect the inner section of the brace to the outer section. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    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: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a blow-molded table in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of the blow-molded table as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a side plan view of the blow-molded table as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a bottom plan folded view of the blow-molded table as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a plan cross-sectional view of the blow-molded table taken along line  5 - 5  as shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a partially enlarged view of the blow-molded table as shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a partially enlarged view of the blow-molded table as shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a blow-molded table in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the blow-molded table as shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a bottom plan folded view of the blow-molded table as shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of a blow-molded table in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a side plan view of the blow-molded table as shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a plan folded view of the blow-molded table as shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a bottom perspective view of a blow-molded table in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a side plan view of the blow-molded table as shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  is a plan folded view of the blow-molded table as shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 17A  depicts a perspective view of a cross brace on the bottom surface of the blow-molded table of  FIGS. 11 ,  12  and  13  with legs extended; 
           [0034]      FIG. 17B  depicts a perspective view of a cross brace on the bottom surface of the blow-molded table of  FIGS. 11 ,  12  and  13  with legs collapsed; 
           [0035]      FIG. 18A  depicts a perspective view of cross braces on the bottom surface of the blow-molded table of  FIGS. 14 ,  15  and  16  with legs extended; 
           [0036]      FIG. 18B  depicts a perspective view of cross braces on a bottom surface of the blow-molded table of  FIGS. 14 ,  15  and  16  with legs collapsed; 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  depicts a perspective view of an articulated support brace in an extended position for supporting a table leg according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 20  depicts the articulated support brace of  FIG. 19  in a collapsed position; 
           [0039]      FIG. 21  depicts a perspective view of an articulated support brace in an extended position for supporting a table leg according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 22  depicts a bottom plan view of a circular table having collapsible legs according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    Referring to the drawings and initially to  FIGS. 1-7 , a blow-molded table  5  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a table board  1 , and two opposite support units  4  each foldably mounted on a bottom of the table board  1 . 
         [0042]    The bottom of the table board  1  is formed with a receiving space  11 . The receiving space  11  of the table board  1  has two opposite sides each provided with a support tube  12  which is secured on the table board  1  by a plurality of screws  13  as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . 
         [0043]    Each of the two support units  4  is mounted in the receiving space  11  of the table board  1  and includes a support stand  2  pivotally mounted on one of two ends of the table board  1 , and a support member  3  pivotally mounted on a mediate of the table board  1  and pivotally connected with the support stand  2 . 
         [0044]    The support stand  2  of each of the two support units  4  is provided with an auxiliary reinforcement member  21  having a mediate portion formed with a substantially C-shaped holder  22 . The support stands  2  of the two support units  4  are in alignment with each other as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0045]    The support member  3  of each of the support units  4  includes a substantially T-shaped support bar  30  having a first end pivotally mounted on the mediate portion of the table board  1 , and a substantially V-shaped extension bar  31  having a first end pivotally mounted on a second end of the support bar  30  and a second end pivotally mounted on the support stand  2 . The support bars  30  of the two support units  4  are juxtaposed to each other as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0046]    The receiving space  11  of the table board  1  is formed with a plurality of receiving recesses  14  for receiving the support stand  2  and the support member  3  of each of the support units  4  when being folded. 
         [0047]    In practice, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the support stand  2  of each of the support units  4  is pulled outward relative to the table board  1  to drive the support member  3  to extend outward, thereby fully stretching the support member  3 , so that the table board  1  is supported by the two support units  4  rigidly and stably, thereby fully expanding the blow-molded table  5  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIGS. 4-7 , when the user wishes to fold the blow-molded table  5 , the support stand  2  of each of the support units  4  is pressed toward the table board  1  to drive the extension bar  31  and the support bar  30  of the support member  3  to move and pivot inward, thereby moving and folding the support member  3  and the support stand  2  into the receiving recesses  14  of the table board  1 , so that the support units  4  are folded in the receiving space  11  of the table board  1 , thereby folding the blow-molded table  5  as shown in  FIG. 4 . When the support member  3  and the support stand  2  are folded, the holder  22  of the support stand  2  is clamped on the support bar  30  of the support member  3 ,  50  that the support member  3  is combined with the support stand  2 . 
         [0049]    Accordingly, the two support units  4  are expanded outward rapidly to support the table board  1  rigidly and stably, thereby facilitating the user expanding the blow-molded table  5 . In addition, the support units  4  are folded in the receiving space  11  of the table board  1  to fold the blow-molded table  5  when not in use, thereby saving space of storage, package and transportation. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , a blow-molded table  6  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the table board  61  has a length greater than that of the table board  1 . The bottom of the table board  61  is formed with a receiving space  62 . The receiving space  62  of the table board  61  has two opposite sides each provided with a support tube  63  which is secured on the table board  61  by a plurality of screws  64 . In such a manner, the support bars  30  of the two support units  3  are spaced from each other as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 11-3 , a blow-molded table  7  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the table board  71  has a length smaller than that of the table board  1 . The bottom of the table board  71  is formed with a receiving space  72 . The receiving space  72  of the table board  71  has two opposite sides each provided with a support tube  73  which is secured on the table board  71  by a plurality of screws  74 . The receiving space  72  of the table board  71  is formed with a plurality of receiving recesses  75  for receiving the support stand  2 ′ and the support member  3 ′ of each of the support units  4 ′ when being folded. In such a manner, the support bars  30 ′ of the two support units  3 ′ are spaced from each other as shown in  FIG. 11 , and the support stands  2 ′ of the two support units  4 ′ are arranged in a staggered manner as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIGS. 14-16 , a blow-molded table  8  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the table board  81  has a length smaller than that of the table board  1 . The bottom of the table board  81  is formed with a receiving space  82 . The receiving space  82  of the table board  81  has two opposite sides each provided with a support tube  83  which is secured on the table board  81  by a plurality of screws  84 . The receiving space  82  of the table board  81  is formed with a plurality of receiving recesses  85  for receiving the support stand  2 ″ and the support member  3 ″ of each of the support units  4 ″ when being folded. In such a manner, the support bars  30 ″ of the two support units  3 ″ are spaced from each other as shown in  FIG. 14 , and the support stands  2 ″ of the two support units  4 ″ are arranged in a staggered manner as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . In addition, the support stand  2 ″ of each of the support units  4 ″ has a narrower upper portion and a wider lower portion as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0053]      FIGS. 17A and 17B  depict detailed views of the underside of the table shown in  FIGS. 11 ,  12  and  13 . In particular, these views show details of the U-shaped brackets  34  at opposing ends of the cross braces  32  that pivotally connect the support braces  30 ′ to the support tubes  73 . As shown in  FIG. 17B , when the legs  2 ′ of the support stands are collapsed within the space  72  at the bottom surface of the table, the legs are substantially coplanar with the support tubes  73 . The tubular portions of the cross braces  32  are also substantially coplanar with the support tubes  73 . To preclude interference between the cross braces  32  and the legs  2 ′, the U-shaped brackets  34  extend into recesses  36  in the bottom surface of the table top. This allows the U-shaped brackets  34  to receive the legs  2 ′ at a position substantially coplanar with the tubular portions of the cross braces  32 . Recesses  37  and  38  are also provided in the bottom surface of the table top for receiving the legs  2 ′ when the legs  2 ′ are collapsed. This configuration allows all the support structures to be received within the space  72  on the bottom surface of the table when the legs  2 ′ are collapsed. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B , the U-shaped brackets  34  include vertical end sections  34   a - 34   b  disposed at opposing ends of a horizontal central section  34   c.  In the preferred embodiment, the end section  34   a  is rigidly secured to the tubular portion of the cross brace  32 , preferably by welding. An aperture  34   d  in the end section  34   b  receives a pivot pin  35  which preferably passes through the support tube  73 . The pivot pin  35  attaches the U-shaped bracket  34  to the support tube  73  and allows the U-shaped bracket  34  to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the cross brace  32 . 
         [0055]      FIGS. 18A and 18B  depict detailed views of the underside of the table shown in  FIGS. 14 ,  15  and  16 . In particular, these views show details of the U-shaped brackets  34  at opposing ends of the cross braces  32  that pivotally connect the braces  30 ′ to the support tubes  83 . As shown in  FIG. 18B , when the support stand legs  2 ″ are collapsed within the space  82  at the bottom surface of the table, the legs  2 ″ are substantially coplanar with the support tubes  83 . The tubular portions of the cross braces  32  are also substantially coplanar with the support tubes  83 . To preclude interference between the cross braces  32  and the legs  2 ″, the U-shaped brackets  34  extend into recesses  36  in the bottom surface of the table top. This allows the U-shaped brackets  34  to receive the legs  2 ″ at a position substantially coplanar with the tubular portions of the cross braces  32 . Recesses  37  and  38  are also provided in the bottom surface of the table top for receiving the legs  2 ″ when the legs  2 ″ are collapsed. This configuration allows all the support structures to be received within the space  82  on the bottom surface of the table when the legs  2 ″ are collapsed. 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIGS. 18A and 18B , the U-shaped brackets  34  include vertical end sections  34   a - 34   b  disposed at opposing ends of a horizontal central section  34   c.  In the preferred embodiment, the end section  34   a  is rigidly secured to the tubular portion of the cross brace  32 , preferably by welding. An aperture  34   d  in the end section  34   b  receives a pivot pin  35  which preferably passes through the support tube  83 . The pivot pin  35  attaches the U-shaped bracket  34  to the support tube  83  and allows the U-shaped bracket  34  to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the cross brace  32 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 22  depicts a bottom view of a table  9  having a circular blow-molded table top with a collapsible leg structure. Molded into the bottom surface of the table top is a lip structure  81  to which is attached opposing frame rails  83 . The frame rails  83  are preferably formed of metal and are attached to the lip  81  by fasteners such as screws. Pivotally connected to the opposing frame rails  83  are a pair of support bars  96  which are also preferably formed of metal. A pair of leg members  2 ′ are attached to the support tubes, such as by welding, so that the legs  2 ′ extend substantially perpendicularly from the support tubes  96 . The pivotal connection of the support tubes  96  to the frame rails  83  allows the legs  2 ′ to rotate between an upright position as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 21  and a collapsed position as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 22 . 
         [0058]    The table  9  includes an arcuate brace  95  extending between the opposing legs  2 ′ to provide additional support to the legs  2 ′. The positioning of the brace  95  adjacent the support tube  96  keeps the brace  95  from interfering with the knees of a person seated at the table  9 . 
         [0059]    The table  9  includes four articulated support braces  3 ′, each of which is connected at one end to an adjacent one of the four legs  2 ′ and at the opposite end to an adjacent one of the frame rails  83 . The braces  3 ′ are shown in extended positions in  FIGS. 19 and 21  and in folded positions in  FIGS. 20 and 22 . Each brace  3 ′ includes an outer section  88  that is pivotally connected to the frame rail  83  by a pin fastener  90  and an inner section that is pivotally connected to the leg  2 ′ by a pin fastener  87 . The inner section  86  and the outer section  88  of each brace  3 ′ are pivotally connected together by a pin fastener  89  to form an articulated joint. The braces  3 ′ are preferably formed from metal, such as steel. 
         [0060]    The inner section  86  of each brace  3 ′ comprises a lower portion  86   a  that is pivotally connected to the adjacent leg  2 ′, an upper portion  86   c  that is pivotally connected to the outer section  88  of the brace  3 ′, and a dogleg portion  86   b  between the lower and upper portions. Due to the curvature of the dogleg portion  86   b,  the lower portion  86   a  is laterally offset from and parallel to the upper portion  86   c.    
         [0061]    In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer section  88  of each brace  3 ′ is formed from a single piece of sheet metal that is folded to form an outer flange  88   d  on one side of the fold and an upper inner flange  88   c  and a lower inner flange  88   b  on the other side of the fold. A space  88   a  separates the upper inner flange  88   c  from the lower inner flange  88   b.  The upper portion  86   c  of the of the inner section  86  is sandwiched between the outer flange  88   d  and the lower inner flange  88   b  of the outer section  88 . The pin fastener  89  passes through the lower inner flange  88   b  of the outer section  88 , the upper portion  86   d  of the inner section  86  and the outer flange  88   d  of the outer section  88 . A pin fastener  90  passes through the upper inner flange  88   c  and the outer flange  88   d  and into the adjacent frame rail  83  to pivotally connect the outer section  88  to the frame rail  83 . 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIG. 20 , when the brace  3 ′ is in the folded position, the dogleg portion  86   b  of the inner section  86  of the brace  3 ′ passes through the space  88   a  When the brace  3 ′ is in the extended position ( FIGS. 19 and 21 ), a notch  86   d  in the upper portion  86   c  of the inner section  86  engages a stopper pin  88   e  disposed between the lower inner flange  88   b  and the outer flange  88   d  of the outer section  88 . The stopper pin  88   e  prevents the inner section  86  from rotating past a parallel alignment with the outer section  88 . 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIG. 22 , when the legs  2 ′ are in the collapsed position, one pair of the legs  2 ′ is interdigitated with the opposing pair of legs  2 ′. In this configuration, the innermost leg  2 ′ of each pair of legs is separated from the adjacent side rail  83  by the outermost leg  2 ′ of the opposing pair of legs. The two support braces  3 ′ connected to the two innermost legs  2 ′ are referred to herein as inner braces, and the two braces  3 ′ connected to the two outermost legs  2 ′ are referred to herein as outer braces. 
         [0064]    The outer section  88  of each inner brace  3 ′ is pivotally connected to the adjacent side rail  83  by way of an extension bracket  94  that is preferably L-shaped. The extension bracket  94  includes a vertical portion that is pivotally connected to the outer section  88  of the inner brace  3 ′ by the pivot fastener  90 . A horizontal portion of the extension bracket  94  is securely fastened to the adjacent side rail  83 , such as by welding. As shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , when the opposing pair of legs  2 ′ are collapsed, one of the legs  2 ′ lies between the vertical portion of the extension bracket  94  and the adjacent side rail  83 . With this arrangement, when the legs  2 ′ are in the collapsed position, the legs  2 ′, support tubes  96 , arcuate braces  95 , articulated support braces  3 ′ and side rails  83  are all substantially coplanar and disposed within the space  82  between the lips  81  of the table top. In this way, the table  9  occupies a very flat and compact envelop for stacking and storing. 
         [0065]    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.