Abstract:
A compact, hinged, foldably deployable table utilizes a main square or rectangular member which pivotally supports a pair opposing side members from a position flatly adjacent the main member to a position at a right angle from the main member. An overlying top frame section folds from a position parallel to the main member and adjacent the side members, to a position at a right angle with respect to the main member. Locking members in the top frame positively engage and stabilize the side members. An overlying top which fits exactly within the upper frame is carried by the frame and provides sturdy support. The structural members are preferably made from eighteen gauge steel or better and the main support elements of each of the main, side and top frame sections is formed of a square tubular shape, typically 0.625 inches square, externally. A series of from two to four telescoping leg extensions may be each employed within the two vertical members of the main support and within one of the vertical members of the side supports farthest from hinged connection to the main support. A series of button detents in the are preferably used to set the telescoping extension distance of the telescoping leg extensions from the vertical members in which they reside, to enable a quantitative leveling of the resulting support structure.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to an improvement in providing a stable, efficient load bearing deployable table which is especially useful for quick setups and break down, and more particularly to a foldable table with advantageously located locking mechanisms.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Foldably deployable and stowable tables are known in the art which give some flexibility to the user in terms of providing a somewhat stable structure in the deployed position and which provide some reduction in space for storage. From card tables to folding leg tables, all compromise significantly in structure to achieve stowability.  
         [0003]     In cases where expensive or delicate equipment is involved, there is an acute need for extremely sturdy raised working surfaces which have the capability for securely holding significant weight. The weight of the tables is always an issue, and the support structures used for the equipment should not overly burden the total weight of transport of the support and equipment to be supported.  
         [0004]     Where support structures have the ability to be stowed and deployed, a number of considerations must be addressed including the lockability in the stowed position so that the table support may be manually transported without injury, as well as the deployed position locking stability. Lack of stowed stability can result in injury, whereas the lack of deployed position locking stability can result in both damage to equipment and more severe injury.  
         [0005]     Further, where equipment has to be transported and set up on areas which may be cramped or uneven, the ability to provide rough leveling is similarly important. The ability of a support platform to provide leveling should not be accomplished with the addition of excessive weight or complexity. All of the needed attributes should be available without having to resort to space occupying support members which eliminate the ability to utilize the space beneath the table support.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     A compact, hinged, foldably deployable table utilizes a main square or rectangular member which pivotally supports a pair opposing side members. The side members pivot from a position flatly adjacent the main member to a position at a right angle from the main member. An overlying top frame section folds from a position parallel to the main member and adjacent the side members, to a position at a right angle with respect to the main member. Locking members in the top frame positively engage the side members. An overlying top which fits exactly within the upper frame may be carried separately from the top frame or attached to it, and provides a sturdy support. The structural members are preferably made from strong materials, for example eighteen gauge steel or better; chrome molybedenum, aluminum and the like, just to name two examples. The main support elements of each of the main, side and top frame sections is formed of a square tubular shape, typically 0.625 inches square, externally. A series of from two to four telescoping leg extensions may be each employed within the two vertical members of the main support and within one of the vertical members of the side supports farthest from hinged connection to the main support. A series of button detents in the are preferably used to set the telescoping extension distance of the telescoping leg extensions from the vertical members in which they reside, to enable a quantitative leveling of the resulting support structure. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]     The invention, its configuration, construction, and operation will be best further described in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of the support table of the invention seen from an upper rearward viewpoint;  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  is an assembled view of the support table seen in  FIG. 1  from a slightly lower perspective than seen in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view taken through the first upper frame section and showing attachment of a hinge member;  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the second vertical member and looking through the second horizontal member and illustrating the orientation of attachment of a hinge member to the second horizontal member;  
         [0012]      FIG. 5  combines the views of  FIGS. 3 and 4  to illustrate the pivoting action of the upper frame member with respect to the second vertical member so as to create a space for accommodating the first and second side support sections;  
         [0013]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of an engagement structure to be attached to the upper frame member;  
         [0014]      FIG. 7  is a partial sectional view illustrating the engagement structure of  FIG. 6  attached to the upper frame member and into an opening in the first vertical member to lock the upper frame member into a stable configuration;  
         [0015]      FIG. 8  is a view I accord with the view of  FIG. 7  with the manually operated pull latch moved to the release position and with the upper frame member raised enough to clear the engagement structure clear of the first vertical member;  
         [0016]      FIG. 9  is a partially broken away view of the lower portion of the first vertical member illustrating the internals of both a first vertical member and a leg extension;  
         [0017]      FIG. 10  illustrates a view of the table support with the upper frame section raised sufficiently to enable initiation of the folding to a compact stowed configuration;  
         [0018]      FIG. 11  illustrates a view in accord with  FIG. 10  and illustrates the folding of the first and second side support sections to a position generally parallel with a rear main support section;  
         [0019]      FIG. 12  illustrates a view in accord with  FIGS. 10 and 11  and illustrates the folding down of the upper frame section to a position generally parallel with a rear main support section while capturing the first and second side support sections in a secured and stable position;  
         [0020]      FIG. 13  illustrates a closeup view consistent with a position just before achieving the stowed locked view of  FIG. 12  and shown with the lower portions of the main support section and second side support axially separated and displaced to illustrate details of the lower pull latch;  
         [0021]      FIG. 14  illustrates the completion of the action of closure which was shown as about to be completed in  FIG. 13 ; and  
         [0022]      FIG. 15  is a plan view of a preferred hinge member used for securing the side support sections, main support section and upper frame section.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0023]     The description and operation of the shutter system of the invention will be best described with reference to  FIG. 1  which illustrates an exploded view of the table support  21  of the invention. In the lower foreground is a main support section  23  which includes a first vertical member  25 , a second vertical member  27 , a first horizontal member  29  and a second horizontal member  31 . A diagonal member  33  is shown attached at the side of and near one end of the first horizontal member  29  and at the side of and near one end of the second horizontal member  31 , preferably by welding the periphery of the end of the diagonal member  33  to its contact area at the side of first and second horizontal members  29  and  31 . The attachment at the underside of second horizontal member  31  occurs flush to the side edges facing the viewer of  FIG. 1 . An end  35  of second horizontal member  31  is seen as overlying the first vertical member  25  to illustrate the position of attachment.  
         [0024]     As can be seen, the second horizontal member  31  has a slightly different shape than that seen for the members  25 ,  27 ,  29  and  33 . Second horizontal member  31  is preferably a rectangular tube member which preferably has interior dimension of 0.750 inches by 1.50 inches and is constructed of eighteen gauge steel. The larger size facilitates the more rearward support of a pivoting member, to be described. The remaining members  25 ,  27 ,  29  and  33  are preferably square members having an external dimension of about 0.675 inches and made of eighteen gauge steel.  
         [0025]     To one side of main support section  23 , a first side support section  43  is seen. First side support section  43  also has a first vertical member  45  second vertical member  47 , first horizontal member  49 , second horizontal member  51  and a diagonal member  53 . The A diagonal member  33  is shown attached at the side of and near one end of the first horizontal member  29  and at the side of and near one end of the second horizontal member  31 , preferably by welding the periphery of the end of the diagonal member  33  to its contact area at the side of first and second horizontal members  29  and  31 . The attachment at the underside of second horizontal member  31  occurs flush to the side edges facing the viewer of  FIG. 1 . An end  35  of second horizontal member  31  is seen as overlying the first vertical member  25  to illustrate the position of attachment.  
         [0026]     As can be seen, the second horizontal member  31  has a slightly different shape than that seen for the members  25 ,  27 ,  29  and  33 . Second horizontal member  31  is preferably a rectangular tube member which preferably has interior dimension of 0.750 inches by 1.50 inches and is constructed of eighteen gauge steel. The larger size facilitates the more rearward support of a pivoting member, to be described. The remaining members  25 ,  27 ,  29  and  33  are preferably square members having an external dimension of about 0.675 inches and made of eighteen gauge steel.  
         [0027]     To one side of main support section  23 , a first side support  41  is seen. First side support section  43  also has a first vertical member  45  second vertical member  47 , first horizontal member  49 , second horizontal member  51  and a diagonal member  53 . Diagonal member  53  is again shown attached at the side of and near one end of the first horizontal member  49  and at the side of and near one end of the second horizontal member  51 .  
         [0028]     To the other side of main support section  23 , a second side support section  63  is seen. Second side support section  63  also has a first vertical member  65  second vertical member  67 , first horizontal member  69 , second horizontal member  71  and a diagonal member  73 . Diagonal member  73  is again shown attached at the side of and near one end of the first horizontal member  69  and at the side of and near one end of the second horizontal member  71 . Because all of the members  45 ,  47 ,  49 ,  51 ,  53 ,  65 ,  67 ,  69 , and  71  are preferably the same shape and size they naturally fit in a flush manner with respect to each other. Also, members  45 ,  47 ,  49 ,  51 ,  53 ,  65 ,  67 ,  69 , and  71  are preferably have external square dimension of about 0.675 inches and made of eighteen gauge steel.  
         [0029]     Shown over the main support section  23 , an upper frame section  74  is seen. Upper frame section  74  also has a first upper frame member  75  closest to the main support section  23  and a second upper frame member  77  which lies spaced apart from first upper frame member  75 . A third upper frame member  79  connects one set of ends of upper frame members  75  and  77  while a fourth upper frame member  81  connects the other set of ends of upper frame members  75  and  77 .  
         [0030]     The upper frame members  75 ,  77 ,  79  and  81  are preferably made from “L” or angled steel having a thickness of about 0.125 inches and main dimensions of 0.625 inches to match the outer dimension of the members  25 ,  27 ,  29 ,  25 ,  27 ,  33 ,  45 ,  47 ,  49 ,  51 ,  53 ,  65 ,  67 ,  69 , and  71 . The inwardly directed lip of the upper frame members  75 ,  77 ,  79  and  81  will provide a resting area for a top  83  shown above the upper frame section  74 . Top  83  may be made to be fixably or not fixably connected to the upper frame members  75 ,  77 ,  79  and  81 . Top  83  may be made of half inch steel to lend sufficient support to up to several hundred pounds of supported structures placed atop the table support  21 .  
         [0031]     Upper frame section  74  may also preferably have one or more cross support braces  85 , one of which is shown in  FIG. 1 . A cross support brace  85  helps to strengthen and stabilize the parallel orientation of the upper frame members  75  and  77 . Preferably the cross support brace  85  will be attached in a way which does not appreciably interrupt the inwardly directed support edge of the upper frame members  75 ,  77 ,  79  and  81 , so as to not upset the balance and fit of the top  83 .  
         [0032]     Also seen are a series of hinge members  89 . Four of the hinge members  89  are seen in a position to join the first side support section  43  to the main support section  23 , while four of the hinge members  89  are seen in a position to join the second side support section  63  to the main support section  23   
         [0033]     Note that the members  25 ,  27 ,  29 ,  25 ,  27 ,  33 ,  45 ,  47 ,  49 ,  51 ,  53 ,  65 ,  67 ,  69 , and  71  are attached so that the vertical members  25 ,  27 ,  45 ,  47 ,  65 , and  67  have open ends at their top and bottom ends. A first embodiment is seen as a series of four leg extensions  91  are shown underneath the vertical members  45 ,  25 ,  27 , and  65 . The four leg extensions  91  should have the ability to assume specific positions with respect to the vertical members  45 ,  25 ,  27 , and  65  to enable at least rough leveling.  
         [0034]     The leg extension  91  have an internal spring which operates a detent button  93  which is seen on two of the leg extensions  91 , and which engaged one of a series of vertically aligned apertures  95  in the vertical members  65 ,  27 ,  25  and  45 . By simple thumb pressure on the detent button  93 , the leg extensions  91  can be adjusted for height of the table support  21 . Other supports may be employed which enable the degree of leveling to range from a continuous level of selectability to a quantified level of selectability. Apertures  95  may have center to center spacings of about one inch in order to provide even inch adjustability, and may have diameters of about 0.329 inches. The leg extension  91  has a square axial profile and an external dimension of 0.500 inches and is sized to fit within the first and second vertical members  25  and  27  of main support section  23 , the first vertical member  45  of first side support section  43 , and the first vertical member  65  of the second side support section  63 . Quantified selectability is typically preferred for ease and structural security.  
         [0035]     Also seen in  FIG. 1  are a pair of engagement structures  97  which are seen to be attached just underneath the corners of the upper frame section  74 . Engagement structures  97  are used to interfit with the openings  99  of the upper end of the first vertical member  45  of the first side support  43  and the upper end of the first vertical member  65  of the second side support  43  when the table support  21  is in the deployed position. A small, manually operated upper pull latch  101  is seen immediately adjacent the opening  99  of the first vertical member  45  of the first side support  43 .  
         [0036]     One such manually operated upper pull latch  101  which may be preferably employed can be pulled and turned to lock it to the open position. This enables users to unlock one side and then another sequentially, to enable one person operation where two such manually operated upper pull latches  101  are in use. Pulling the upper pull latch  101  outward will free the engagement structures  97  so that the upper frame section can be upwardly pivoted about the hinge members  89 .  
         [0037]     A second set of openings  103  are seen on first vertical member  25  and second vertical member  27 . Only on first vertical member  25  can a lower pull latch  105  be seen, the lower pull latch  105  on the second vertical member  27  being hidden from view. As will be seen, the second openings  103  and lower pull patches  105  are used to secure the engagement structures  95  when the table support  21  is in a stowed position.  
         [0038]     In the stowed position, after first and second side support sections  43  and  63  are folded inward, the engagement structures  93  are used to engage openings in the first vertical member  45  of the first side support section  43  and the first vertical member  65  of the second side support section  63 .  
         [0039]     An optional reinforcing member  97  is shown underneath the second upper frame member  77 . As will be seen, the engagement structures  93  have a block base and an extension portion, and the downward extend of the optional reinforcing member  97  only extends as far as the block base of the engagement structures. Further, the presence of optional reinforcing member  97  lends additional adjacent structure to which the engagement structure  93  can be attached, as a second adjacent flat surface.  
         [0040]     Note also that the hinge members  89  are seen as side-by-side hinge members rather than interfitting finger type hinges and thus the adjacency of the hinge members  89  is selected to maximize the expected force support capability. Since upper frame section  74  will bear the brunt of the support force, the placement of its hinge members  89  atop the hinge members  89  of the first and second side support sections  43  and  63  enables the upper frame section  74  to receive more support from the first and second side support sections  43  and  63 .  
         [0041]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a view of the assembled table support  21  is shown. The compact relationship between the components is seen, and the operation of the leg extensions  91  is seen.  
         [0042]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2  illustrates a sectional view of first upper frame member  75  and its attached hinge member  89 . The hinge members  89  shown are simple single scroll structures, although more complex hinges could be utilized. The hinge members  89  also have a significant area in contact with the underside of the first upper frame member  75 . First upper frame member  75  “L” shape is shown as having an upwardly directed shelf  111  and an inwardly directed wall  113 . Hinge members  89  has a bore  115  for engaging a pin (not shown) for enabling hinge members  89  for pivoting with respect to each other.  
         [0043]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a section taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2  illustrates the relationship of the second horizontal member  31  with respect to the second vertical member  27  of the main support section  0 . 23 . The orientation of  FIG. 4  matches the orientation of  FIG. 3 , and is shown separately to make clearer the relationship of the hinge members  89 .  
         [0044]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a closeup view shows the pivoting interaction between the first upper frame member  75  of upper frame section  74 , and the second horizontal member  31  of the main support section  23  is shown. In the upper, deployed position, the shelf  111  is upwardly directed and forms a support for either gravity capture of the top  83  or a space for the attachment of the top  83 . Attachment may be accomplished by welding, riveting or the like. The lower, stowed position is shown by the dashed line illustration. In the lower or stowed position, a space  117  is formed between the frame section  74  and the main support section  23  which is sized to easily accommodate the first and second side support sections  43  and  63  which are folded inward first, before the frame section  74  is lowered. This configuration enables the stowed assembly to be carried with the main support section  23  upright and in a position for the frame section  74  to effectively trap the first and second side support sections  43  and  63  which will not inadvertently fall open. In addition, the engagement structures  97  attached to the frame section  74  will engage the second vertical members  47  and  67  of the first and second side support sections  43  and  63 , respectively, as will be shown.  
         [0045]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an expanded version of the engagement structure  97  is shown as having a block base  121  and an extension portion  123 . The block base  121  is about 0.625 inches wide to match the other structural members of the table support  21 , and has a height of about 0.855 inches. The uppermost extent of the extension portion has a slight conical or circularly beveled surface  125  to help act as a guide for insertion into a matching aperture. The extension portion has a lateral notch  127  having a height of about 0.27 inches to be engaged by a spring loaded lock which provides an interference member to fit within the lateral notch  127  to capture the engagement structure  93 . Capture is had to result in a stable, locked deployed position as well as a stable locked foldably stowed position. The height of the extension portion is about 0.583 inches, and its diameter is about 0.375 inches.  
         [0046]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a partial sectional view illustrates a partially broken away view of the upper part of first vertical member  45  and an expanded view of the upper pull latch  101  and its engagement with the lateral notch  127  of the engagement structure  97 . The positioning of the right hand upper pull latch  101  is shown, and oriented toward the left hand upper pull latch  101  to enable a user to grasp the pull latches  101  and pull them toward each other to release the engagement structures  97  to release the upper frame section  74 . As can be seen from the view of  FIG. 7 , the upper pull latch  101  has an insertion member  131  which engages the lateral notch  127  to prevent the upper frame section  74  from being lifted up and to keep the table support  21  is a stable configuration. Note that the block base  121  (previously shown in  FIG. 6 ) provides a stand off or gap between the third upper frame member  79  and the second horizontal member  51 .  
         [0047]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a partial sectional view in accord with the view shown in  FIG. 7  illustrates the upper pull latch  101  in the withdrawn position enabling the disengagement of engagement structure  97  and the upward movement of the upper frame member  74 . A simplified upper pull latch  101  is shown for clarity and simplicity, and in use a pull latch  101  will be spring loaded and mount using a sleeve or other structure which keeps it engaged with the lateral notch  127  when latch  101  is at rest.  
         [0048]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a perspective partially broken away view of the lower portion of the first vertical member  45  reveals the internals of both the first vertical member  45  and the leg extension  91  within it. A “U” shaped spring  135  is seen attached to the detent button  93 . This configuration enables the spring  135  and detent button  93  to be inserted into the upper end of the leg extension  91  until the detent button  93  extends through a detent aperture  137  at the upper end of the leg extension. The detent button  93  is then pushed in enough to clear the lower edge of the first vertical member  45  and until it encounters one of the series of vertically aligned apertures  95  where it is urged outwardly to a locking position. Movement from one of the series of vertically aligned apertures to the next is accomplished by pressing in the detent button  93  along with up or down axial pressure on the leg extension  91 . The spring  135  and axial length of the detent button  93  insures that once the leg extension  91  is locked into place that it will not move, even under heavy load.  
         [0049]     Referring to  FIGS. 10-12 , a perspective series of views illustrates the folding of the table support  21  to a compact position for transfer or storage. Once the upper pull latches  101  are pulled toward each other, the engagement structures are freed as to enable the upper frame section  74  to be raised. The views of  FIG. 10-12  assume that the top  83  is attached to and stays with the upper frame section  74  on folding and storage.  
         [0050]     Once the upper frame section  74  is raised, the first and second side support sections  43  and  63  are pivoted toward each other and then toward the main support section  23 . The solid line rendering of first and second side support sections  43  and  63  are shown in a position immediately adjacent the main support section  23 . The location and orientation of the hinges  89  are so as to enable such immediate flat adjacency to the main support section  23 .  
         [0051]     Likewise, the combination of the hinges  89  and the width of the second horizontal member  31  will enable the pivot axis of the upper frame section  74  to be rearward enough with respect to  FIG. 11  to enable the upper frame section  74  to fold over the outside of and immediately adjacent the first and second side support sections  43  and  63  capture them against the main support section  23 . In  FIG. 12 , the engagement structures  27  are seen as interfitting within the second set of openings  103  to lock the upper frame section  74  into main support section  23 .  
         [0052]     Referring to  FIG. 13 , a closeup view consistent with a position just before achieving the view of  FIG. 12  is shown with the lower portions of the main support section  23  and second side support  63  axially separated and displaced to illustrate an open section view of the second vertical member  27  of the main support section  23  and second vertical member  67  of the second side support  63 . The lower pull latch  105  is shown in the pulled open position, ready to accept the engagement structure  97  which is shown in half section. If extension portion  123  is of the correct length to enable the conical or circularly beveled surface  125  to urge the lower pull latch  105  out of the way, entering engagement of the engagement structure  97  may be somewhat automatic. The same is true for the upper pull latch  101 .  
         [0053]     In addition, a small section of second upper frame member  77  is removed to show the relationship of the top  83  within the upper frame section  74 . The relationship of the hinges  89  are shown and the gap between the second vertical member  27  of the main support section  23  and the fourth upper frame member  81  is seen to accommodate the second vertical member  67  of the second side support  63 .  
         [0054]      FIG. 14  illustrates the completion of the action of closure which was shown as about to be completed in  FIG. 13 , and is consistent with the configuration shown in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 14  is also shown with the lower portions of the main support section  23  and second side support  63  axially separated and displaced to illustrate the same details surrounding the second pull latch  105  shown in  FIG. 13 .  
         [0055]     Referring to  FIG. 15 , a plan view of a preferred hinge  89  is seen as having a first plate  141  having three projections and a second plate  143  having two interfitting projections. A pin  145  is shown in dashed line format. The preferred hinge  89  has a thickness of about 0.0600, an a length in the axial direction of the pin  145  of about two inches. The distance from the pivot pin to the outer edge is preferably about 0.750 inches.  
         [0056]     While the present invention has been described in terms of a table deployment, stowage, and support system for enabling quick set up and take down of a horizontal table support having significant weight bearing characteristics, one skilled in the art will realize that the structure and techniques of the present invention can be applied to many structures, including structures where stable deployment and stowage is an advantage.  
         [0057]     Although the invention has been derived with reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, included within the patent warranted hereon are all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of this contribution to the art.