Patent Publication Number: US-6666151-B2

Title: Folding table

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/478,607 filed Jan. 6, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,074. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to folding tables. More specifically, the present invention concerns a portable, foldable table that is made of lightweight material, is sturdy and can be folded into a compact unit for easy carrying and storage. 
     2. Description of the Background of the Invention 
     Some conventional folding tables comprise twin table top portions each having a surface and limb members which are pivotably connected to a supporting frame. The frame has two pairs of legs that are pivotably connected such that the two pair of legs can be transformed from an opened position, where the legs form a crisscross pattern and the twin table top portions form the flat surface, to a closed position, where the legs are collapsed into a vertical position and the twin table top portions are also collapsed such that they are separated and substantially parallel to one another. Certain forms of this type of folding table have the disadvantage of being unstable and prone to being overturned because of frail connections between the limbs and the legs. For instance, when the table is bumped by a person walking past the table or getting up from being seated at the table, the limbs can be easily disconnected from the legs. 
     Another disadvantage of this type of folding table is that the table top section is usually a relatively small table top surface that can only support light items placed on the table. Generally, no support is provided across the span of the table top surface to prevent it from flexing or turning over if a heavy item is placed at the edge of the table top surface. 
     Accordingly, the need exists for a foldable, portable table having a table top surface that is strong enough to support a variety of sized items without resulting in the table top flexing or the table turning over. 
     There is also a need for a foldable, portable table having sturdy pivotable connections between the table top portions and the legs which provide for the table not being inadvertently collapsed when the table is bumped or when a heavy item is placed thereon. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the present invention provides a folding table having a base member and first and second table top portions. The table may include at least two first arm members, each having a first end and a second end. Each of the first arm members is connected to and extends from the first table top portion at the first end, and is pivotably connected to the base member at the second end. The table may also include at least two second arm members, each having a first end and a second end. Each of the second arm members is connected to and extends from the second table top portion at the first end, and is pivotably connected to the base member at the second end. In one embodiment the table may include a first rod member that is connected to and extends between the first arm members, and a first rib attached to at least one of first and second table top portions. The first rib is sized to engage the first rod member when the table is in its assembled position. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For the present invention to be readily understood and practiced, several embodiments of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the following figures wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a folding table of the present invention in the fully assembled position; 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the folding table shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the folding table shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the folding table shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a first table top portion of the folding table of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, which includes a handle portion; 
     FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a second table top portion of the folding table of the present invention shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the folding table of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 with a cut-away portion of the table illustrating the handle portion; 
     FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the folding table shown in FIG. 7 taken along line  8 — 8 ; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pair of outer legs of the folding table of the invention shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pair of inner legs of the folding table of the present invention shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a pivotable connection between the arm members of the table top portions and the legs of the base member of the folding table of the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 a  is an exploded view of another embodiment of a pivotable connection between the arm members of the table top portions and the legs of the base member of the folding table of the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 b  is a portion of the side plan view of the lug of the arm members shown FIG. 12 a;    
     FIG. 12 c  is a potion of the top plan view of the lug of the arm members shown in FIG. 12 a;    
     FIG. 12 d  is a portion of the top plan view of another embodiment of the lug of the arm members of the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 a  is an enlarged view of a boss of the pivotable connection between the pair of inner legs and the pair of outer legs of the folding table of the present invention shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 13 b  is a sectional view of another embodiment of the pivotable connection between the pair of inner legs and the pair of outer legs of the folding table of the present invention; 
     FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a projection and receptacle connector of the folding table of the present invention shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 15 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the projection of the folding table of the present invention; 
     FIG. 16 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the projection of the folding table of the present invention; 
     FIG. 17 is an elevational view of yet another embodiment of the projection of the folding table of the present invention; 
     FIG. 18 a  is an sectional view of another embodiment of a projection and receptacle connector of the folding table of the present invention; 
     FIG. 18 b  is yet another embodiment of a projection and receptacle connector of the folding table of the present invention; 
     FIG. 19 is a partial side view of the folding table of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in the fully collapsed position; 
     FIG. 20 is a front view of the folding table of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in the fully collapsed position; 
     FIG. 21 is side view of the folding table of the present invention show in FIG. 1 in the partially collapsed position; 
     FIG. 22 is a partial side view of the folding table of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in the partially collapsed position, wherein the projection and receptacle connectors are shown in hidden lines; 
     FIG. 23 is another embodiment of the folding table of the present invention having an addition slat member; 
     FIG. 24 is a side plan view of another embodiment of the folding table of the present invention having a retractable brace with a living hinge, wherein the retractable brace is in the extended position; 
     FIG. 25 a  is an enlarged view of the retractable brace shown in FIG. 24 in the extended position; 
     FIG. 25 b  is an enlarged view of the retractable brace shown in FIG. 24 in the collapsed position; 
     FIG. 25 c  is an enlarged view of a portion of another embodiment of the folding table of the present invention having a retractable and detachable brace in the collapsed position; 
     FIG. 25 d  is an enlarged view of a portion of the folding table of the present invention shown in FIG. 25 c , wherein the brace is in the extended position; 
     FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the folding table of the present invention having another type of retractable brace; 
     FIG. 27 a  is a side plan view of the folding table shown in FIG. 26; and 
     FIG. 27 b  is a enlarged view of the retractable brace of the folding table of the present invention shown in FIG. 26, wherein the retractable brace is in the partially contracted position; 
     FIG. 28 is a partial cut-away side view of another embodiment of the folding table of the present invention in the fully assembled position; 
     FIG. 29 is a partially cut-away side view of the folding table shown in FIG. 28, wherein the table is in the partially collapsed position; 
     FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the table of the present invention, shown in a partially assembled position; 
     FIG. 31 is a bottom perspective view of the table of FIG. 30, shown in an assembled position; 
     FIG. 32 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the table of the present invention, shown in a partially assembled position; 
     FIG. 33 is a bottom perspective view of the table of FIG. 32, shown in an assembled position; 
     FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the table of the present invention, shown in partially assembled position; 
     FIG. 35 is a bottom perspective view of the table of FIG. 34, shown in an assembled position; 
     FIG. 36 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the table of the present invention, shown in a partially assembled position; 
     FIG. 37 is a bottom perspective view of the table of FIG. 36, shown in an assembled position; 
     FIG. 38 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the table of the present invention, shown in a partially assembled position; and 
     FIG. 39 is a bottom perspective view of the table of FIG. 37, shown in an assembled position. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention will be described below in terms of a foldable table. It should be noted that describing the present invention in terms of a foldable table is for illustrative purposes only and the advantages of the present invention may be realized using other structures and technologies. The same reference numerals are used for similar structure throughout this Detailed Description of the Invention. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the folding table  10  of the present invention in the fully assembled position; FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the folding table  10 ; FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the folding table  10  also in the fully assembled position; and FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the folding table  10  in the fully assembled position. The folding table  10  of the present invention substantially comprises a table top  12  and a base member  14 . The table top  12  substantially comprises a first table top portion  16  and a second table top portion  18  that together form a substantially continuous table top surface  20  having a plurality of slat members  22 , all of which are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 5 through 8. The base member  14  substantially comprises a pair of inner legs  24  connected by a first brace member  26  and a pair of outer legs  28  connected by a second brace member  30 , all of which are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 9 and 10. The folding table  10  can be made of plastic material such as resin, wood or metal. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the folding table  10  of the present invention can be made of several other materials. Furthermore, although the table top  12  is substantially oblong shaped, it may be many sizes and shapes which will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the first table top portion  16  of the folding table  10  of the present invention including a handle portion  32  and fins  106 , which are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 7 and 8. The first table top portion  16  includes a first table top portion half section  34 , two arm members  36 , and the handle portion  32 . The first table top portion half section  34  substantially forms a first section of the table top  12  and includes ribs  38  that extend along the underside thereof, wherein the ribs  38  strengthen the table top  12 . Each of the two arm members  36  have a first end  40  and a second end  42 , wherein the first ends  40  are connected to the first table top portion  16  such that the arm members  36  extend from the first table top portion  16 . The two arm members  36  are spaced apart from one another and are substantially parallel to one another. Each of the arm members  36  also include one receptacle  39 , which is described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 14 through 18. A first pair of projections  37  and a second pair of projections  137  extend from the underside of the first table top portion  16 . The first pair of projections  37  and the second pair of projections  137  are described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 14 through 18 below. The handle portion  32  is a formed rod member that is fixedly connected to the arm members  36  such that the handle portion  32  is substantially perpendicular to the two arm members  36 . The handle portion  32  has fins  106  connected thereto. The handle portion  32  is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 7 and 8. The arm members  36  also have pivotable connectors  44 , shown in greater detail in FIG. 11, positioned on the exterior surface of the arm members  36  such that the pivotable connectors  44  extend away from one another. 
     FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the second table top portion  18  of the folding table  10  of the present invention shown in FIG.  1 . The second table top portion  18  includes a second table top portion half section  46  and two arm members  48 . The second table top portion half section  18  substantially forms a second section of the table top  12  and includes ribs  50  that extend along the underside of the second table top portion half section  46 , wherein the ribs  50  strengthen the table top  12 . The ribs  50  are sized and proportioned in order that the ribs will engage the handle portion  32  when the folding table  10  is in the fully assembled position, as described in greater detail in connection with FIGS.  7  and  30 - 35 . Each of the two arm members  48  have a first end  52  and a second end  54 , wherein the first ends  52  are connected to the second table top portion  18  such that the arm members  48  extend from the second table top portion  18 . Each of the arm members  48  also includes one receptacle  49 , as described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 14 through 18 below. A first pair of projections  47  and a second pair of projections  147  extend from the underside of the second table top portion  18 . The first pair of projections  47  and the second pair of projections  147  are described below in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 14 through 18. The two arm members  48  are spaced apart from one another and are substantially parallel to one another. It should be noted that the arm members  48  are spaced a distance different than the distance that the arm members  36  are spaced from one another such that the pairs of arm members  36  and  48  can form a scissors pattern and can lie in the same horizontal plane when the folding table  10  is in the fully assembled position (FIGS. 3 and 4) and can lie in the same vertical plane when the folding table  10  is in the fully collapsed position (FIGS.  19  and  20 ). The arm members  48  also have pivotable connectors  56 , which are the same as pivotable connectors  44 , which will be described in greater detail in connection with FIG.  11 . The pivotable connectors  56  are positioned on the interior of the arm members  48  such that the pivotable connectors  56  extend toward one another. 
     FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the folding table  10  with part of the table  10  eliminated such that the handle portion  32  and the fin  106  can be clearly illustrated. FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the folding table  10  shown in FIG. 7 taken along line  8 — 8 . As noted above, the handle portion  32  extends between the arm members  36  of the first table top portion  16 . The handle portion  32  may be a rod member having a waffle shaped cross-section (FIG.  8 ); however, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many other configurations may be employed. The waffle configuration has a plurality of longitudinal inlets  108  in the surface of the handle portion  32 . Fins or pins  106  may extend radially from and be connected to the handle portion  32 . The fins  106  may engage the underside of the table top  12  when the table  10  is in the fully assembled position such that they support the table top  12  and prevent the table top from flexing when several items are placed on the table top  12  by the user. Alternatively, although not illustrated, the fins  106  may be connected to the underside of the table top  12  such that when the table  10  is in the fully assembled position, the fins  106  may engage and rest upon the handle portion  32 . Yet another alternative that is not illustrated but may be employed is the handle portion  32  being offset such that when the table  10  is in the fully assembled position, the underside of the table top  12  will directly rest on the handle portion  32 . It should be understood that the fins  106  may take many other forms. Additional alternative embodiments are described in connection with FIGS. 30-35. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pair of the outer legs  28  of the folding table  10  of the present invention shown in FIG.  1 . The outer pair of legs  28  of the folding table  10  substantially comprises legs  28  each having a first end  58 , a second end  60 , an intermediate portion  68 , and a second brace member  30  connecting the two legs  28 . Each of the legs  28  define a recess  72  at the intermediate portion  68  thereof which opens toward the inner portion of the legs  28  such that the recesses  72  face each other. Each of the legs  28  also define a receptacle  139  at the first end portion  58  and a ledge member  69  or buttress at the intermediate portion  68 . 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pair of inner legs  24  of the folding table  10  of the present invention shown in FIG.  1 . The pair of inner legs  24  of the folding table  10  substantially comprise legs  24  having a first end  62 , a second end  64 , an intermediate portion  70 , and a first brace member  26  connecting the two legs  24 . Each of the legs  24  define a boss  74  at the intermediate portion  70  thereof, wherein the bosses  74  are on the outer portion of the legs  24  and extend away from one another. Each of the legs  24  also define a receptacle  139  at the first end portion  62  and a ledge member  69  at the intermediate portion  70 . The second ends  42  and  54  of the arm members  36  and  48  (FIGS. 5 and 6) are pivotably connected to the first ends  58  and  62  of the legs  28  and  24  by the pivotable connectors  44  and  56 , respectively. This pivotable connection is described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 11,  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c  and  12   d . The inner pair of legs  24  are pivotably connected to the outer pair of legs  28  at their intermediate portions  70  and  68 , respectively, by the bosses  74  which are pivotably received within the recesses  72 . This pivotable connection is described in greater detail in connection with FIG.  13 . Although the first and second brace members  26  and  30  are curved, the first and second brace members  26  and  30  may take many shapes and sizes. For example, the brace members  26  and  30  can be linear members that connect to the legs  24  and  28  and form a right angle therewith. 
     FIG. 11 is an exploded view of pivotable connectors  44  and  56  which connect the arm members  36  and  48  and the inner and outer pairs of legs  24  and  28  of the base member  14  of the folding table  10  of the present invention. The pivotable connectors  44  and  56  each comprise a lug  76  connected to the arm members second ends  42  and  54 , and an aperture  78  defined by the first ends  58  and  62  of the legs  24  and  28  thereof. The lugs  76  each have a plurality of protuberances  80  along the periphery thereof. The aperture  78  has two slots  82  in alignment with one another to form one of a plurality of channels  83  positioned around the periphery of the operative  78 . The aperture  78  is sized and proportioned such that the lug  78  can be received within the aperture  78  when the protuberances  80  are aligned with the channels  83 , but at no other time. Accordingly, when the protuberances  80  are aligned with the channels  83 , the lug  76  is able to enter the aperture  78 . The protuberances  80  must remain in alignment with the channels  83  until the protuberances  80  completely pass through the channels  83 , at which time the arms  36  and  48  can rotate relative to the legs  24  and  28  and be locked into the fully assembled position (FIGS.  1  through  4 ). Although not illustrated, the present invention may also comprise lug members  76  having two diametrically opposed protuberances  80  and the base member  14  having two diametrically opposed channels  83  which receive the diametrically opposed protuberances  80 . However, the more channels  83  in each of the pairs of legs  24  and  28 , the less plastic material is needed to make the pairs of legs  24  and  28 , thus, the less shrinkage will result during the molding process and the better fit between the legs  24  and  28  and the arm members  36  and  48 . 
     FIGS. 12 a ,  12   b  and  12   c  illustrate another embodiment of the pivotable connection between the arm members  36  and  48  and the legs  24  and  28 . FIG. 12 a  is an exploded view of this pivotable connection between the arm members  36  and  48  and the legs  24  and  28 ; FIG. 12 b  is a portion of the side plan of the lug  76  of the arm members  36  and  48 ; and FIG. 12 c  is a portion of the top plan view of the lug  76  of the arm members  36  and  48 . The pivotable connectors  44  and  56  each comprise a lug  76  connected to the arm members second ends  42  and  54 , and an aperture  78  defined by the legs  24  and  28  at the first ends  58  and  62  thereof. In this embodiment, the lug  76  has a single protuberance  80  at the periphery thereof. The protuberance  80  is tapered along its length and height such that it may be easily inserted within slot  82  (FIGS. 12 b  and  12   c ). The aperture  78  has a single slot  82 . The aperture  78  is sized and proportioned such that the lug  78  can be received within the aperture  78  when the protuberance  80  is aligned with the slot  82 , but at no other time. Accordingly, when the protuberance  80  is aligned with the slot  82 , the lug  76  is able to enter the aperture  78 . The protuberance  80  must remain in alignment with the slot  82  until the protuberance  80  passes through the slot  82 , at which time the arms  36  and  48  can rotate relative to the legs  24  and  28  and be locked into the fully assembled position (FIGS.  1  through  4 ). It should be noted that any number of protuberances  80  and slots  82  can be used in the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 d  is a portion of the top plan view of another embodiment of the lug  76  of the arm members  36  and  48  of the present invention. In this embodiment the protuberance  80  has a substantially linear portion  181 ′ that is angled relative to the front surface  183 ′ of the lug  76  and the surface  185  of the legs  24  and  28  (FIG. 12 a ). When this embodiment is assembled, the lug  76  is received by the aperture  78 , shown in FIG. 12 a , such that the protuberance  80  is received within the slot  82  until the protuberance  80  passes completely through the aperture  78 . The arm members  36  and  48  are then rotated relative to the legs  24  and  28  such that the linear portion  181 ′ of the protuberance  80  engages the surface  185  (FIG. 12 a ) and rides up along the linear portion  181 ′ resulting in the tightening of the connection between the legs  24  and  28  and the arm members  36  and  48 . 
     FIG. 13 a  is an enlarged view of the boss  74  of the pivotable connection between the pair of inner legs  24  and the pair of outer legs  28  of the folding table  10  of the present invention. FIG. 13 b  is a sectional view of another embodiment of the pivotable connection between the pair of inner legs  24  and the pair of outer legs  28  of the folding table  10 . Referring to FIG. 13 a , the inner legs  24  each have a boss  74  extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the legs  24  at the intermediate portion  70  thereof. Each boss  74  has a bead  86  along the periphery thereof. Each of the outer legs  28  define a recess  72  that is sized and proportioned to receive the boss  74  such that the inner legs  24  and the outer legs  28  form an interference fit which enables the inner and outer legs  24  and  28  to pivot relative to one another and form a crisscross pattern, as shown in FIG.  1 . It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the boss  74  and bead  86  can take many shapes and sizes. For example, as seen in FIG. 13 b , the bead  86  and the recess  72  may have complimentary tapered configurations. The boss  74  is received within the recess  72  as it moves in the J direction and the tapered bead  86  extends completely through the recess  72  defined by legs  28  such that the shoulder  86 ′ of the bead  86  engages the exterior surface  28 ′ of the outer legs  28  which prevents the boss  74  from moving in the direction opposite to the J direction thus, being disconnected from the outer legs  28  without applying substantial force. Thus, when the folding table  10  is opened and moves from a fully collapsed position (FIG. 20) to a fully assembled position (FIG.  1 ), the boss  74  and the outer legs  28  rotate relative to one another. Please note that the first table top portion  16 , the second table top portion  18 , the inner pair of legs  24  with the first brace member  26 , and the outer pair of legs  28  with the second brace member  30  can each be molded as unitary pieces by injection molding. However, it should be understood that each of the above noted unitary pieces can also be formed of several pieces. Furthermore, it will also be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the folding table  10  of the present invention may be manufactured by other methods and materials. 
     FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the projections  37  and  47  and receptacles  39  and  49  shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, of the first and second table top portions  16  and  18  of the folding table  10  of the present invention. The projections  37  and  47  may be cylindrical projections with a tapered end section  88 , wherein the projections  37  and  47  extend substantially perpendicular from the first and second table top portions  16  and  18  and are fixedly connected thereto. The receptacles  39  and  49  are defined by the arm members  36  and  48 . The projections  37  and  47  are sized and proportioned such that they may easily be received by the receptacles  39  and  49 . The receptacles  39  and  49  are spaced from the projections  37  and  47  such that when the folding table  10  moves from the fully collapsed position (FIGS. 19 and 20) to the fully assembled position (FIG.  1 ), the projections  37  and  47  engage and are received within the receptacles  39  and  49 . Thus, the projections  37  and  47  are moved toward the receptacles  39  and  49  in the direction A (FIG. 14) such that the projections  37  and  47  extend into the receptacles  39  and  49  preventing the first and second table top portions  16  and  18  from moving relative to one another. The projections  37  and  47  and the receptacles  39  and  49  may be sized and proportioned to form an interference fit. The projections  37  and  47  and the receptacles  39  and  49  are described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 21 and 22. 
     FIG. 15 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the projections  37  and  47  of the folding table of the present invention. In this embodiment, the projections  37  and  47  are substantially cylindrically shaped and extend from the first and second table top portions  16  and  18 . The projections  37  and  47  have an angled rib  90  on the end thereof that has a larger diameter than the receptacles  39  and  49 . The receptacles  39  and  49  take the same form of that shown in FIG.  14  and are sized and proportioned to receive the projections  37  and  47  shown in FIG.  15 . Thus, the projections  37  and  47  are urged into the receptacles  39  and  49  in the direction A (FIG. 14) such that the rib  90  extends into the receptacles  39  and  49  and such that the angled rib  90  will engage the edge  91  of the receptacles  39  and  49 . If the projections  37  and  47  are pulled in the direction opposite to direction A, the edge  91  will engage the rib  90  and prevent the projections  37  and  47  from becoming disengaged from the receptacles  39  and  49  unless substantial force is used. 
     FIG. 16 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the projections  37  and  47  of the folding table  10  of the present invention. In this embodiment, the projections  37  and  47  are substantially cylindrically shaped and extend from the first and second table top portions  16  and  18 . The projections  37  and  47  have a plurality of bumps  92  around the periphery thereof such that the bumps  92  will act to lock the projections  37  and  47  within the receptacles  39  and  49 . The receptacles  39  and  49  take the same form as that shown in FIG.  14 . The diameter of receptacles  39  and  49  is smaller than the outer dimensions of the bumps  92  of the projections  37  and  47  such that the projections  37  and  47  form an interference fit with the receptacles  39  and  49 . Thus, the projections  37  and  47  are urged into the receptacles  39  and  49  in the direction A (FIG. 14) such that the bumps  92  extend into the receptacles  39  and  49 . If the projections  37  and  47  is pulled in the direction opposite to direction A, the edge  91  will engage the bumps  92  and thus, the projections  37  and  47  will be prevented from becoming disengaged from the receptacles  39  and  49  unless substantial force is used. 
     FIG. 17 is an elevational view of yet another embodiment of the projections  37  and  47  of the folding table  10  of the present invention. In this embodiment, the projections  37  and  47  have a cylindrical section  94  and two spring fingers  96  that are able to flex in the directions shown by arrow B. The spring fingers  96  have tangs  98  on the ends thereof that will act to lock the projections  37  and  47  within the receptacles  39  and  49 . The receptacles  39  and  49  may take the same form as that shown in FIG.  14  and are sized and proportioned to receive the projections  37  and  47  shown in FIG.  17 . The projections  37  and  47  are urged into the receptacles  39  and  49  in the direction A (FIG. 14) such that the locking fingers  96  flex toward each other and extend into the receptacles  39  and  49 . The tangs  98  are tapered such that when the tangs  98  engage the receptacles the spring fingers  96  will move towards one another. If the projections  37  and  47  is pulled in the direction opposite to A, the edge  91  will engage the tangs  98  and thus, the projections  37  and  47  will be prevented from becoming disengaged from the receptacles  39  and  49  unless substantial force is used. 
     FIG. 18 a  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the projections  37  and  47  and receptacles  39  and  49  of the folding table  10  of the present invention. In this embodiment, the projections  37  and  47  have a cylindrical section  112  and a spherical end section  114 . The receptacles  39  and  49  are sized and proportioned to matingly receive the projections  37  and  47 , also shown in FIG. 18 a , in that the shape of the receptacle  39  and  49  substantially corresponds to the shape of the projections  37  and  47 . The diameter of the spherical end section  114  is larger than the diameter of the inlet portion  117  of the receptacles  39  and  49  such that a snap fit connection is formed between the projections  37  and  47  and the receptacles  39  and  49 . Thus, the projections  37  and  47  are urged into the receptacles  39  and  49  in the direction A such that the spherical section  114  enters the receptacles  39  and  49  into the bulbous recess  119 . If the projections  37  and  47  is pulled in the direction opposite to A, the tapered edge  118  of the projections  37  and  47  will engage the corresponding edge  116  of the receptacles  39  and  49  and thus, the projections  37  and  47  will be prevented from becoming disengaged from the receptacles  39  and  49  unless substantial force is used. 
     FIG. 18 b  illustrates yet another embodiment of the projections  37  and  47  of the present invention, wherein each of the projections  37  and  47  has two semi-spherical sections  115  and a hollow portion  41 . The receptacles  39  and  49  each have an inlet portion  117  and a bulbous portion  119 , wherein the diameter of the inlet portion  117  is smaller than the diameter of the two semi-spherical sections  115  such that the two semi-spherical sections  115  are urged toward each other into the hollow portion  41  when the projections  37  and  47  are inserted into the receptacles  39  and  49 . Once the semi-spherical sections  115  are inserted into the receptacles  39  and  49 , they are prevented from being disengaged therefrom because the edge  118  of the sections  11   5  engages the edge  116  of the receptacles  39  and  49 . Although not illustrated, the projections  37  and  47  and the receptacles  39  and  49  can take many other sizes and shapes as is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Referring to FIGS. 19 through 22, FIG. 19 is a partial side view of the folding table  10  of the present invention in the fully collapsed position; FIG. 20 is front view of the folding table  10  in the fully collapsed position; FIG. 21 is side view of the folding table  10  in the partially collapsed position; and FIG. 22 is an enlarged portion of the side view of the folding table in the partially collapsed position, wherein the projections  37  and  47  and receptacles  39  and  49  are shown in hidden lines. In use, the folding table  10  may be positioned in a fully collapsed position as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 such that it can be carried using the handle portion  32  or stored easily. In the fully collapsed position, the inner and outer pair of legs  24  and  28 , and the first and second table top portions  16  and  18  achieve a substantially vertical position such that the first and second table top portions  16  and  18  collapse on either side of the inner and outer pair of legs  24  and  28 , as shown in FIG.  19 . When in the fully collapsed position, the projections  137  and  147  of the first and second table top portions  16  and  18  (FIGS. 5 and 6) engage the receptacles  139  of the inner and outer legs  24  and  28  (FIGS. 10 and 9) such that when the user is carrying the folding table  10  in the fully collapsed position, the first and second table top portions  16  and  18  will remain in a substantially vertical position. The projections  137  and  147  and the receptacles  139  may take the form of the projections  37  and  47  and the receptacles  39  and  49 , respectively, discussed in detail above in connection with FIGS. 14-17,  18   a  and  18   b . Additionally, when the folding table  10  is in the fully collapsed position (FIG.  19 ), the ledges  69  which extend from the legs  24  and  28  (FIGS. 9 and 10) extend between the slat members  22  of the first and second table top portions  16  and  18 . If the folding table  10  is in the fully collapsed position and it is dropped or impacts another object, the momentum from the impact may force the first and second table top portions  16  and  18  to separate from the legs  24  and  28 . In this situation, the ledges  69  may contact the first and second table top portions  16  and  18  and absorb some of the force on the connections of the folding table  10 . 
     The folding table  10  can be transformed from the fully collapsed position (FIGS. 19 and 20) to the fully assembled position (FIGS.  1  through  4 ). First the user may move the first and second table top portions  16  and  18  from the vertical position (FIG. 19) to an angled position (FIG. 21) then to a horizontal position (FIG. 4) by grasping the first and second table top portions  16  and  18  at their distal ends  100  thereof and pivot the table top portions  16  and  18  about the first ends  62  and  58  of the inner and outer pair of legs  24  and  28 . Before the first and second table top portions  16  and  18  may be moved to the horizontal position, the projections  37  and  47  should be received within the receptacles  49  and  39 , respectively, as shown in FIG.  22 . While the first and second table top portions  16  and  18  are moving from a vertical position to a horizontal position, the inner and outer pairs of legs  24  and  28  are moving from a vertical position (FIG. 19) to an angled and crisscrossed pattern (FIG.  4 ). In order to transform the folding table  10  from the fully assembled position to the fully collapsed position, the user may disengage the projections  37  and  47  from the receptacles  39  and  49  and then pivot the first and second table top portions  16  and  18  about the first ends  62  and  58  of the inner and outer legs  24  and  28  to the vertical position shown in FIG.  19 . 
     FIG. 23 is another embodiment of the folding table  10  of the present invention having an additional removable slat member  22   a . Slat member  22   a  is an elongated member having at least one projection  150  and an opening  153  along the length thereof. The opening  153  is sized and proportioned to receive the stem of a patio umbrella (not shown). The slat member  22   a  may be made of the same material of the first and second table top portions  16  and  18  such as a plastic material. The addition of removable slat member  22   a  results in an increase in the overall surface area of the table top  12  of the folding table  10 . Thus, in order to further increase the surface area of the table top  12 , the removable slat member  22   a  may be made wider or more than one slat member  22   a  may be used. Please note that the projection  150  and the receptacle  151  may take the form of any of the projections  37  and  47  and the receptacles  39  and  49  discussed above in connection with FIGS. 14-17,  18   a  and  18   b . The projection  150  may be received either within receptacle  151  defined by one of the arm members  36  and  48  or received within receptacle  139  defined by one of the legs  24  and  28  (FIGS.  9  and  10 ). When the folding table  10  is being moved from the fully collapsed position (FIG. 19) to the fully assembled position (FIG.  1 ), the removable slat member  22   a  may be inserted between the first table top portion  16  and the second table top portion  18  by aligning the removable slat member  22   a  with the slat members  22  of the first and second table top portions  16  and  18  and positioning the projection  150  of the removable slat member  22   a  within the receptacle  151  of one of the arm members  36  and  48 . When the removable slat member  22   a  is not being used or the table  10  is in the fully collapsed position (FIG.  19 ), the removable slat member  22   a  may be attached to one of the legs  24  and  28  by inserting the projection  150  into the receptacles  139  (FIGS.  9  and  10 ). 
     FIGS. 24,  25   a  and  25   b  illustrated another embodiment of the folding table  10  of the present invention having a retractable brace  160  with a living hinge  162 , wherein the retractable brace  160  is illustrated in the extended position in FIGS. 24 and 25 a  and the retractable brace  160  is shown in hidden lines and illustrated in the collapsed position in FIG. 25 b . As shown in FIGS. 24,  25   a  and  25   b , the retractable brace  160  may be defined by a portion of each of the inner legs  24 ; however, the retractable brace  160  may also be defined by the outer legs  28 . The retractable brace  160  is an elongated body having a living hinge  162  at one end of the elongated body and a peg  164  at the other end of the elongated body, wherein the retractable brace  160  and the inner leg  24  are a unitary body. The peg  164  may be a cylindrical member extending substantially perpendicular to the brace  160 ; however, other configurations may also be used. The retractable brace  160  is connected to the inner leg  24  by the living hinge  162  and thus, is able to pivot about the living hinge  162  from a collapsed position (FIG. 25 b ) to an extended position (FIGS. 24 and 25 a ). When the retractable brace  160  is in the extended position (FIGS. 24 and 25 a ), the retractable brace  160  is held in place by the peg  164  being received in recess  166  defined by the outer leg  28 . When the retractable brace  160  is in the collapsed position, it is held in place by the peg  164  being received within the recess  163 . When the retractable brace  160  is in the extended position (FIGS. 24 and 25 a ) it strengthens the structural configuration of the folding table  10 . 
     FIGS. 25 c  and  25   d  are enlarged views of a portion of another embodiment of he folding table  10  of the present invention having a retractable and detachable brace  160  shown in the collapsed and extended position, respectively. The retractable brace  160  comprises an elongated member having a peg  164  fixedly connected at one end thereof and a snap-fit connector  171  connected to the other end thereof, wherein the snap-fit connector  171  provides a pivotable connection between the brace  160  and the leg  24  such that the retractable brace  160  can pivot about the snap-fit connector  171 . The snap-fit connector  171  may take the form of the projections  37  and  47  and receptacles  39  and  49  described previously in connection with FIGS. 14-17,  18   a  and  18   b . The snap-fit connector  171  further provides for the retractable brace  160  to be detached from the leg when a sufficient amount of force is used to disengage the snap-fit connector  171 . In the collapsed position (FIG. 25 c ), the retractable brace  160 , shown in hidden lines, is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the leg  24  and the peg  164  is received within opening  169  such that the retractable brace  160  is held in the collapsed position (FIG. 25 c ). When the retractable brace  160  is in the extended position (FIG. 25 b ), the retractable brace  160  is held in place by the peg  164  being received within opening  166  of the outer leg  28 . 
     FIGS. 26,  27   a  and  27   b  illustrate another embodiment of the folding table  10  of the present invention having other retractable braces  120 . In this embodiment, each of the retractable braces  120  (FIG. 27 b ) comprises a housing  121 , a torsion spring  122 , a wire member or tape  124  with a loop member  126  on the end thereof and a hook  128 . The housing  121  is fixedly mounted inside the inner leg  24 . The housing  121  can be a variety of shapes; however, in this embodiment the housing  121  is circular shaped. The torsion spring  122  and the wire member  124  are mounted in the housing  121  such that the wire member  124  may be wound and unwound around the torsion spring  122 . The torsion spring  122  may be a commercially available product that is sized and proportioned for the specific application. The wire member  124  may be a metal such as steel; however, other material apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art may also be employed. The wire member  124  is fixedly attached to the torsion spring  122  at one end thereof. The loop member  126  is fixedly attached to the other end of the wire member  124 . The wire member  124  has a stop  133  fixedly attached along the length of the wire member  124  which prevents the wire member  124  from extending from the inner leg  24  beyond a desired length. The stop  133  may be any shaped member that has a width that is greater that the opening  134  in the inner leg  24  through which the wire member  124  extends. The hook  128  is fixedly attached to the outer leg  28 . The hook  128  and loop member  126  may be selected from commercially available products. An alternative embodiment of the present invention may eliminate the stop  133  by making the wire member  124  have a length equal to the desired length of separation between the inner and outer legs  24  and  28 . Furthermore, although not illustrated, other releasable or permanent fasteners can be used in place of the loop member  126  and hook  128 . 
     A retractable brace  120  may be mounted in both inner legs  24  such that the retractable brace  120  extends between each of the inner and outer leg  24  and  28 . A retractable brace  120  may also be mounted on either of the first and second brace members  26  and  30  such that when the retractable brace  120  is in the extended position (FIG.  26 ), the retractable brace  120  will extend between the first and second brace members  26  and  30 . The retractable brace member  120  may also be mounted on either of the inner and outer legs  24  and  28  such that it extends between the inner and outer legs  24  and  28  and the table top  12  (FIG.  26 ). 
     When transforming the retractable brace  120  from the collapsed position to the fully extended position, the user pulls the wire member  124  from the leg  24  such that the wire member  124  extends in the direction of the hook  128  and connects the loop  126  to the hook  128 . The stop  133  prevents the wire member  124  from extending through the opening  134  beyond the desired length. Specifically, the desired length is the desired length between the inner and outer legs  24  and  28  when the table  10  is in the fully assembled position. The loop  126  engages the hook  128  and the wire member  124  acts to strengthen the folding table  10 . Alternatively, the user may initially connect the hook  128  and the loop member  126  and then unfold the legs  24  and  28  from the collapsed position to the fully assembled position. As noted above, retractable braces  120  may be mounted in a variety of positions on the folding table  10  depending on what portion of the folding table  10  needs to be strengthened. 
     FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate yet another embodiment of the folding table of the present invention, wherein FIG. 28 illustrates the folding table in the fully assembled position and FIG. 29 illustrates the folding table in the partially collapsed position. This embodiment of the folding table  10  of the present invention comprises a biasing member  180 , a flexible elongated portion  183 , protuberances  182 , guides  187  and connectors  184 . The biasing member  180  may be made from metal wire or other suitable. The strength of the biasing member  180  will be dependent on the application. The biasing member  180  may take the form of a tape such as the tape  124  described in connection with FIGS. 27 a  and  27   b  or a spring, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. The flexible elongated portion  183  may be made of the same material as the biasing member  180 ; therefore if the spring member  180  is made of metal wire, the flexible portion  183  may also be made of flexible metal wire. Along the length of the flexible elongated portion  183  is a plurality of protuberances  182 . The protuberances  182  are fixedly connected to the flexible elongated portion  183  and are spaced along the flexible elongated portion  183  such that when the folding table  10  is in the fully assembled position (FIG.  28 ), one of the protuberances  182  engage the exterior portion of the leg  28  and prevent the biasing member  180  from moving in the direction F. The outer leg  28  may have guides  187  fixedly connected to the interior of the leg  28  such that the guides  187  form a pathway for the flexible portion  181 . The guides  187  may be substantially flat members; however, many other configurations may be employed. The guides  187  are sized and proportioned such that the protuberances  182  can freely move therebetween. The guides  187  may be formed from plastic material or from any other suitable material that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The flexible portion  181  is connected to the leg  28  by connectors  184 . The connectors  184  may be adhesive or connectors similar to the loop and hook connectors  126  and  128  as shown and described in connection with FIG. 27 b . Although not illustrated, the biasing member  180 , the elongated portion  183  and the guides  187  may alternatively be mounted within inner leg  24 . 
     When the user moves the table  10  from a collapsed position, to a partially collapsed position (FIG. 29) to a fully assembled position (FIG.  28 ), the biasing member  180  and the protuberances  182  are pulled in the G direction (FIG. 29) while the legs  24  and  28  are moved away from each other. Once the protuberances  182  are proximate the opening  190  of leg  28 , the user forces the elongated flexible portion  183  in the direction H by using his or her foot such that the protuberances  182  may pass through opening  190  and thus engage the exterior of the leg  28  as shown in FIG.  28 . When moving the folding table from the fully assembled position (FIG. 28) to the partially collapsed position (FIG. 29) and then finally to the fully collapsed position, the user must again disengage the protuberances  182  from the exterior of the leg  28  so that the flexible portion  183  will be free to move in the direction F (FIG.  28 ). The biasing member  180  will urge the elongated flexible portion  183  in the F direction. 
     FIGS. 30-39 illustrate embodiments of the table  10  that provide additional support and stability to the table  10  in its assembled position. In one embodiment, one of the table top portions  16 ,  18 , may include one or more tabs  200  and the opposing table top portion may include one or more corresponding receiving portions  202 , which are positioned in registry with and are sized to receive the tabs  200  when the table  10  is in its assembled position. See FIGS. 30-31. The tabs  200  may be attached to one of the table top portions  16 ,  18  by fasteners, such as screws. The tabs  200  may also be glued or formed as an integral part of the corresponding first tabletop portion  16  or second table top portion  18 . The receiving portions  202  are formed on the opposing of the table top portions  16 ,  18  and there may be cavities, grooves or cutouts. The engagement of the tabs  200  with the receiving portions  202  provides additional stability for the assembled position of the table  10 . 
     FIGS. 30-39 depict other embodiments for the handle portion  32 , fins  106  and ribs  50  in addition to those that were described in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8. FIGS. 30 and 31 depict an embodiment of the table  10 , in which a first rod member  204  extends between the arm members  36  of the first table top portion  16  and provides a handle for carrying the table  10  in its folded position. The first rod member  204  is positioned at a first location along the length of the arm members  36 , such that it may engage at least one correspondingly shaped rib element  206  when the table  10  is assembled to provide support for the table top  12 , as shown in FIG.  31 . In this embodiment, the rib element  206  may be attached to the second table top portion  18  by fasteners, such as screws or bolts, or it may be formed as an integral part of the second table top portion  18 . The rib element  206  may include a hook  208  for engagement with the rod member  204 . The hook  208  may be defined as an integral portion of the rib element  206 , as shown in FIG. 30, or it may be a separate element attached to the rib element  206 . The hook  208  is sized and shaped to receive the rib element  206 . 
     It will be appreciated that a plurality of rib elements  206  may be provided to engage the first rod member  204  at a plurality of locations along its length. It will also be understood that rod members  204  with differently-shaped cross-sections may be used, such as circular, oval, rectangular, etc., and the hook portions  208  of the corresponding rib elements  206  may be similarly shaped for providing engagement with the rod members  204 . 
     FIGS. 32-35 depict an embodiment of the table  10  that includes a second rod member  210  extending between the arm members  36  of the first table top portion  16  at a second location along the length of the arm members  36 . In the assembled position of the table  10 , shown in FIG. 33, the second rod member  210  is received in a hook  214  defined by or attached to a second rib element  212 . 
     FIGS. 34-35 depict an embodiment in which the second rod member  210  has a U-shaped handle portion  218 , which engages with the second rib element  212  in the assembled position of the table  10 . The first and second rib elements  206 ,  212  are spaced further apart to accommodate the height of the handle portion  218 . 
     FIGS. 36 and 37 depict an embodiment in which the first rod member  204  includes one or more connecting members  220  protruding from the first rod member  204  and are received in correspondingly shaped receiving rib elements  222 , when the table  10  is in its assembled position. The connecting members  220  may have a myriad of shapes, and may be include a ring portion  226 . FIGS. 38-39 depict an embodiment in which the connecting members  220  include extensions  224  that support the first table top portion  16 . 
     In one embodiment, the pivotable connectors  44 ,  56 , shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are sized such that the right connectors  44 ,  56  are slightly different in size that the left connectors  44 ,  56 . Similarly, the corresponding right apertures  78  are slightly different in size than the left apertures  78 . See FIG.  11 . The variably sized connectors  44 ,  56  and corresponding apertures  78  allow the arms  36 ,  48  to be connected to the legs  24 ,  28  only in one predetermined configuration, i.e. a configuration that ensures that the table  10  will be correctly assembled. 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that many modifications and variations of the present invention may be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The foregoing description and the following claims are intended to cover such modifications and variations.