Patent Publication Number: US-9833062-B1

Title: Collapsible table

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Due to an increase in individuals living in homes having a smaller square footage, furniture design has evolved to become both modular and multi-functional. For example, coffee tables that have variable heights or coffee tables that transform into dining tables are available in the industry. However, such tables remain in the middle of the living room or in front of the couch, taking up valuable space that can be used for other purposes. 
     SUMMARY 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a collapsible table including a table top and a supporting mechanism configured to be disposed in an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. In the extended configuration, the supporting mechanism maintains the table top at an extended elevation for regular use. In the collapsed configuration, the supporting mechanism folds such that the table top is positioned at a collapsed height (e.g., a fraction of the extended elevation). Thus, in the collapsed configuration, the table can be stored away in various locations, such as underneath a couch or in a closet, to leave unobstructed room for other purposes. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary collapsible table is provided. The table includes a table top including a top surface and a bottom surface. The table includes a supporting mechanism coupled to the table top and including a first support assembly and a second support assembly. Each of the first and second support assemblies can be configured to be disposed in an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. In the extended configuration, the first and second support assemblies mechanically engage the table top to maintain the table top elevated at an extended height. In the collapsed configuration, the first and second support assemblies collapse (e.g., to a position underneath the bottom surface of the table top) to maintain the table top elevated at a collapsed height. 
     Each of the first and second support assemblies can include a first support section extending substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the table top. Each of the first and second support assemblies can include a second support section rotatably coupled to the first support section. In some embodiments, the second support section can define a substantially C-shaped configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the second support section can be configured to extend substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the table top. 
     In the extended configuration, the second support section can be configured to be rotated about or substantially 90 degrees relative to the first support section. The second support section can include a bar extending therefrom. The table top includes a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface including at least two openings (e.g., substantially circular openings extending into the table top by a partial width). In the extended configuration, the bars of the first and second support assemblies can be configured and dimensioned to fit within the two openings to maintain the table top elevated at the extended height. 
     In some embodiments, the first support section can include an interior passage and an elongated gap extending along the first support section. The elongated gap includes a first end and a second end defining the limits of travel within the gap. Each of the first and second support assemblies includes a gas spring (e.g., furniture gas springs) including a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end can be mounted to the bottom surface of the table top. The distal end includes a protrusion attached to a neck. One end of the neck can be configured to slide within a piston cylinder of the gas spring, and the opposing end of the neck includes the protrusion (e.g., a ball). The protrusion can be disposed within the interior passage of the first support section such that the neck extends through the elongated gap, and the distal end of the gas spring can be configured to slide along the elongated gap between the first end and the second end. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary method of operating a collapsible table is provided. The method includes providing the collapsible table as described herein. For example, the collapsible table can include a table top including a top surface and a bottom surface. The collapsible table can include a supporting mechanism coupled to the table top and including a first support assembly and a second support assembly. The method includes positioning the first and second support assemblies in an extended configuration and mechanically engaging the table top with the first and second support assemblies to maintain the table top elevated at an extended height. The method includes positioning the first and second support assemblies in a collapsed configuration by collapsing the first and second support assemblies to maintain the table top elevated at a collapsed height. 
     Each of the first and second support assemblies can include a first support section extending substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the table top and a second support section rotatably coupled to the first support section. Positioning the first and second support assemblies in the extended configuration can include rotating the second support section about or substantially 90 degrees relative to the first support section. The second support section can include a bar extending therefrom, and the table top can include a rear surface including at least two openings. Mechanically engaging the table top with the first and second support assemblies can include inserting the bars into the two openings to maintain the table top elevated at the extended height. Positioning the first and second support assemblies in the collapsed configuration can include rotating the second support section about or substantially 90 degrees relative to the first support section such that the second support section extends substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the table top. 
     The first support section can include an interior passage and an elongated gap extending along the first support section. The elongated gap includes a first end and a second end. Each of the first and second support assemblies can include a gas spring including a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end can be mounted to the bottom surface of the table top, and the distal end includes a protrusion attached to a neck. The protrusion can be movably or slidably disposed within the interior passage of the first support section such that the neck extends through the elongated gap. Positioning the first and second support assemblies in the extended configuration can include sliding the distal end of the gas springs along the elongated gaps from the first end to the second end. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary collapsible table is provided that includes a table top including a top surface, a bottom surface, and a rear surface, the rear surface including at least two openings. The collapsible table includes a supporting mechanism coupled to the table top and including a first support assembly and a second support assembly. Each of the first and second support assemblies can be configured to be disposed in an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. Each of the first and second support assemblies can include a first support section, a second support section rotatably coupled to the first support section, and a bar extending from the second support section. 
     In the extended configuration, the second support sections can be rotated relative to the first support sections and the bars can be inserted into the two openings of the table top to maintain the table top elevated at an extended height. In the collapsed configuration, the bars can be disengaged from the two openings of the table top and the second support sections can be rotated relative to the first support sections to maintain the table top elevated at a collapsed height. 
     In some embodiments, the first support section can include an interior passage and an elongated gap extending along the first support section. The elongated gap can include a first end and a second end. Each of the first and second support assemblies can include a gas spring including a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end can be mounted to the bottom surface of the table top, and the distal end can include a protrusion attached to a neck. The protrusion can be disposed within the interior passage of the first support section such that the neck extends through the elongated gap. The distal end of the gas spring can be configured to slide along the elongated gap between the first end and the second end. 
     Any combination and/or permutation of embodiments is envisioned. Other objects and features will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosed collapsible table, reference is made to the accompanying figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic, top view of an exemplary collapsible table of the present disclosure in a collapsed configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic, perspective view of an exemplary collapsible table of the present disclosure in an extended configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic, perspective view of a first support section and a gas spring of an exemplary collapsible table of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic, rear view of a table top of an exemplary collapsible table of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic, rear view of a table to of an exemplary collapsible table of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a collapsible table including a table top and a supporting mechanism configured to be disposed in an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. In the extended configuration, the supporting mechanism maintains the table top at an extended elevation for regular use. In the collapsed configuration, the supporting mechanism folds such that the table top is positioned at a collapsed height (e.g., a fraction of the extended elevation). Thus, in the collapsed configuration, the table can be stored away in various locations, such as underneath a couch or a closet, to leave unobstructed room for other purposes. The features of the exemplary collapsible table provide for efficient modularity between the collapsed and extended configuration, allowing for convenient use of the table. The term “about” as used herein is defined as any amount equal to or substantially equal to the noted amount. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  are diagrammatic, top and perspective views of an exemplary collapsible table  100  (hereinafter “table  100 ”) of the present disclosure. In particular,  FIG. 1  shows the table  100  in a collapsed configuration, and  FIG. 2  shows the table  100  in an extended configuration. The table  100  includes a table top  102  configured and dimensioned to support one or more items thereon. Although illustrated as defining a substantially rectangular configuration, it should be understood that the table top  102  can be any configuration, such as rectangular, square, circular, or the like. 
     The table top  102  generally includes a body  104  with a top surface  106 , a bottom surface  108 , a front surface  110 , a rear surface  112 , and first and second sides  114 ,  116 . The top and bottom surfaces  106 ,  108  define substantially planar surfaces, with the top surface  106  configured to support items thereon. The table top  102  can be fabricated from a variety of materials, such as melamine-coated particleboard, stainless steel, wood, or the like, and can have a variety of finishes and/or colors. 
     The table  100  includes a supporting mechanism in the form of a first support assembly  118  and a second support assembly  120 . The first and second support assemblies  118 ,  120  can be fabricated from, e.g., metal, wood, plastic, or the like. The first and second support assemblies  118 ,  120  can be mechanically coupled to the table top  102 . Each of the first and second support assemblies  118 ,  120  is configured to be disposed in an extended configuration (e.g.,  FIG. 2 ) and a collapsed configuration (e.g.,  FIG. 1 ). As will be discussed in greater detail below, in the extended configuration, the first and second support assemblies  118 ,  120  mechanically engage the table top  102  to maintain the table top  102  elevated at an extended height  122 . In the collapsed configuration, the first and second support assemblies  118 ,  120  collapse to a position substantially or partially underneath the bottom surface  108  of the table top  102  to position the table top  102  at a collapsed height (e.g., the height of the first and second support assemblies  118 ,  120  in the collapsed configuration). 
     The support assemblies  118 ,  120  each include a first support section  124 ,  126  extending substantially parallel to the bottom surface  108  of the table top  102 . The first support sections  124 ,  126  define elongated, linear bars or tubes (e.g., square, hollow tubes) configured to be positioned on a supporting surface, such as a floor. Thus, the first support sections  124 ,  126  can be the only components of the table  100  in contact with the supporting surface when the table  100  is in an extended position. 
     In some embodiments, the first support sections  124 ,  126  can each include a single, elongated element. In some embodiments, the first support sections  124 ,  126  can be telescoping and include at least one partition  128 ,  130  between first support section halves and second support section halves, such that the first support section halves can linearly extend out of or be retracted into the respective second support section halves allowing the length of the first support sections  124 ,  126  to be varied. The length of the first support section  124  can be independently varied via the telescoping functionality from the first support section  126 . Similarly, the length of the first support section  126  can be independently varied via the telescoping functionality from the first support section  124 . The telescoping functionality of the first support sections  124 ,  126  allows the support assemblies  118 ,  120  to be adjusted if additional support is needed for the table  100  and/or allows the support assemblies  118 ,  120  to be collapsed into a more compact configuration for storage of the table  100 . In one embodiment, the first support sections  124 ,  126  can include an engagement or locking mechanism (e.g., multiple spaced openings in the first support section halves and a spring-loaded push button extending from the second support section halves) such that the first and second support section halves can be independently interlocked to maintain the desired length. 
     The support assemblies  118 ,  120  each include a second support section  132 ,  134  hingedly and/or rotatably coupled to the respective first support sections  124 ,  126 . The second support section  132  can be independently rotatable relative to the second support section  134 , and the second support section  134  can be independently rotatable relative to the second support section  132 . The second support section  132 ,  134  can define elongated, curved bars with one end rotatably coupled to the respective first support sections  124 ,  126 . In some embodiments, the second support sections  132 ,  134  define substantially C-shaped configurations. In some embodiments, the second support sections  132 ,  134  can be coupled to the first support sections  124 ,  126  via locking mechanisms  136 ,  138 . 
     The locking mechanism  136 ,  138  can be in the form of spring-loaded push buttons or pins extending from the second support sections  132 ,  134  engaged with complementary openings  140 ,  142 ,  144  in the first support sections  124 ,  126 . For example, one end of the first support sections  124 ,  126  can be configured to at least partially concentrically receive an end of the second support sections  132 ,  134  including the spring-loaded pin. The first support sections  124 ,  126  each include two openings  140 ,  142 ,  144  radially separated by approximately 90 degrees and configured to receive the spring-loaded pin. For example, a first opening  142 ,  144  can be located in the top wall of the first support sections  124 ,  126  (as illustrated in the top down view of  FIG. 1 ), and a second opening  140  can be located in the right wall of the first support section  124  and the left wall of the first support section  126  (relative to the top down view of  FIG. 2 ). Although the opening in the left wall of the first support section  126  is not shown, it should be understood that the opening is substantially similar to the opening  140  in the first support section  124  and faces the opening  140 . The openings  140  in the right wall of the first support section  124  and the left wall of the first support section  126  therefore both face each other and a central longitudinal axis of the table  100 . 
     The locking mechanism  136 ,  138  thereby functions to selectively and independently interlock the first support sections  124 ,  126  with the second support sections  132 ,  134  in the collapsed configuration or the extended configuration. In the collapsed configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , the second support sections  132 ,  134  can extend substantially parallel to the bottom surface  108  of the table top  108 , with the C-shaped elements extending or curving towards each other (e.g., towards a central longitudinal axis of the table  100 ). The spring-loaded pin of the second support section  132  can be engaged with the opening  140  in the right wall of the first support section  124  to maintain the collapsed configuration of the second support section  132 . The spring-loaded pin of the second support section  134  can be engaged with an opening in the left wall of the first support section  126  to maintain the collapsed configuration of the second support section  134 . 
     To position the second support sections  132 ,  134  in the extended configuration, the spring-loaded pin of the second support section  132  can be disengaged from the opening  140 , the second support section  132  can be rotated approximately 90 degrees to the position shown in  FIG. 2 , and the spring-loaded pin can be engaged with an opening  142  in the top wall of the first support section  124 . Similarly, the spring-loaded pin of the second support section  134  can be disengaged from the opening in the left wall of the first support section  126 , the second support section  134  can be rotated approximately 90 degrees to the position shown in  FIG. 2 , and the spring-loaded pin can be engaged with an opening  144  in the top wall of the first support section  126 . Thus, in the extended configuration, the second support sections  132 ,  134  extend in a substantially upward, vertical or perpendicular direction relative to the first support sections  124 ,  126  and substantially parallel relative to each other. 
     Each second support section  132 ,  134  includes a rod or bar  146 ,  148  (e.g., a substantially linear bar, a linear cylindrical bar, or the like) extending from the end opposing the locking mechanism  136 ,  138 . The bars  146 ,  148  extend perpendicularly from the end of the second support sections  132 ,  134  and substantially parallel to the first support sections  124 ,  126  such that the first support sections  124 ,  126 , the second support sections  132 ,  134 , and the bars  146 ,  148  are substantially aligned along the respective planes defined by the support assemblies  118 ,  120 . The bar  146  can extend from the second support section  132  in the direction of the first support section  124  while remaining parallel to the first support section  124 . Similarly, the bar  148  can extend from the second support section  134  in the direction of the first support section  126  while remaining parallel to the first support section  126 . In one embodiment, the bars  146 ,  148  can be telescoping such that the overall length of the bars  146 ,  148  extending from the second support sections  132 ,  134  can be independently varied. 
     The rear surface  112  of the table top  102  includes two spaced openings  150 ,  152  that extend from the rear surface  112  in the direction of the front surface  110  in a substantially parallel orientation. In particular, the openings  150 ,  152  extend a partial distance (e.g., approximately 12 inches) from the rear surface  112  in the direction of the front surface  110 . In some embodiments, the openings  150 ,  152  can extend greater than half of the depth of the table top  102 . In some embodiments, the openings  150 ,  152  can extend at least two-thirds of the depth of the table top  102 . The distance of the openings  150 ,  152  can be substantially equal to the length of the bars  146 ,  148 . After the support assemblies  118 ,  120  have been positioned in the extended configuration (e.g., the second support sections  132 ,  134  have been rotated into the substantially vertical orientation), the bars  146 ,  148  can be inserted into the openings  150 ,  152  up to the second support sections  132 ,  134  to maintain the table top  102  elevated above the supporting surface at the height  122 . 
     In some embodiments, the table  100  can include an engagement or locking mechanism at the rear surface  112  of the table top  102  and/or at the bars  146 ,  148  to interlock the bars  146 ,  148  with the table top  102 , thereby preventing disengagement of the table top  102  from the bars  146 ,  148 . In some embodiments, the outer surface of the bars  146 ,  148  can include a textured or low friction surface that prevents disengagement of the bars  146 ,  148  from the table top  102 . In some embodiments, the weight of the table top  102  can prevent the bars  146 ,  148  from disengaging from the table top  102 . 
     The first support sections  124 ,  126  include a hollow, interior passage  156 ,  158 . For example, the first support sections  124 ,  126  can be formed from a tubular material including the hollow, interior passage  156 ,  158 . The first support sections  124 ,  126  include an elongated track or gap  160 ,  162  formed in and extending along the top surface. In some embodiments, the width of the gap  160 ,  162  can be approximately 4-5 mm. The gap  160 ,  162  can extend a partial length of the first support section  124 ,  126 , and extends from the top surface into the interior passage  156 ,  158 . Each gap  160 ,  162  includes a first end  164 ,  166  and a second end  168 ,  170  that define the endpoints at which portions of the support assemblies  118 ,  120  travel, the first end  164 ,  166  corresponding with the collapsed configuration and the second end  168 ,  170  corresponding with the extended configuration. 
     The support assemblies  118 ,  120  each include a hydraulic or gas spring mechanism  172 ,  174  mechanically coupled between the bottom surface  108  of the table top  102  and the first support sections  124 ,  126 . Each spring mechanism  172 ,  174  is configured to provide support to the table top  102  in the extended configuration of the table  100 . Although illustrated as having two spring mechanisms  172 ,  174 , one on each side of the table top  102 , in some embodiments the table  100  can include two spring mechanisms  172 ,  174  on each side of the table top  102  to provide additional support. Each spring mechanism  172 ,  174  includes proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end can be in the form of a dampening cylinder  176 ,  178  and the distal end can be in the form of a piston or neck  180 ,  182 . The neck  180 ,  182  slides within the cylinder  176 ,  178  and the gas or hydraulic action of the cylinder  176 ,  178  provides the necessary resistance to support the weight of the table top  102 . In one embodiment, the spring mechanisms  172 ,  174  can extend and retract independently of each other. In one embodiment, the spring mechanisms  172 ,  174  can extend and retract in a substantially coordinated or simultaneous manner. 
     The proximal end of the spring mechanism  172 ,  174  can be mounted to the bottom surface  108  of the table top  102  with mounting brackets  184 ,  186 . The connection between the proximal end of the spring mechanism  172 ,  174  and the mounting bracket  184 ,  186  can be a hinge or pivoting connection, allowing the angle between the spring mechanism  172 ,  174  and the table top  102  to vary as the support assembly  118 ,  120  is oriented from a collapsed configuration to an extended configuration. The distal end of the neck  180 ,  182  includes a protrusion  188 ,  190  (e.g., a ball, an approximately 10 mm diameter steel ball socket, or the like) configured and dimensioned to be disposed within the interior passage  156 ,  158  of the first support section  124 ,  126 . In particular, a portion of the neck  180 ,  182  can extend through the gap  160 ,  162  into the interior passage  156 ,  158  and the protrusion  188 ,  190  can slide within the interior passage  156 ,  158 . The width or diameter of the protrusion  188 ,  190  is dimensioned greater than the width of the gap  160 ,  162 , thereby preventing the distal end of the spring mechanism  172 ,  174  from disengaging the first support section  124 ,  126 . 
     In some embodiments, the cylinder  176 ,  178  of the spring mechanism  172 ,  174  can include an internal locking mechanism allowing the spring mechanism  172 ,  174  to lock in the extended position (e.g., shown in  FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, the interior passage  156 ,  158  can include a groove  192  at or near the second end  168 ,  170  of the gap  160 ,  162  into which the protrusion  188 ,  190  fits corresponding with the fully extended configuration of the table  100 . The protrusion  188 ,  190  can be engaged with the groove  192  to prevent the spring mechanism  172 ,  174  from sliding towards the first end  164 ,  166  of the gap  160 ,  162 . In some embodiments, the first support sections  124 ,  126  can include lateral openings  194  extending from side-to-side, located at or near the second end  168 ,  170  of the gap  160 ,  162 , and configured to receive a toggle pin  196 . Insertion of the pin  196  prevents the spring mechanism  172 ,  174  from sliding towards the first end  164 ,  166 , thereby maintaining the spring mechanism  172 ,  174  in the extended configuration. 
     Thus, in the collapsed configuration, the spring mechanisms  172 ,  174  can be oriented substantially parallel to the supporting surface or the bottom surface  108  of the table top  102 , and the entire height of the collapsed table  100  can be the height of the table top  102 , the spring mechanism  172 ,  174 , and the first support section  124 ,  126 . In some embodiments, the table top  102  can rest on top of the spring mechanisms  172 ,  174  in the collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, the bottom surface  108  of the table top  102  can include cutouts configured to at least partially receive the spring mechanisms  172 ,  174  to reduce the overall height of the table  100  in the collapsed configuration. 
     The collapsed height of the table  100  allows the table  100  to be stored in small areas, such as underneath a couch. In some embodiments, the overall collapsed height of the table can be approximately 5 inches, including the height of the table top  102 . To deploy the table  100  into the extended position, the table  100  can be pulled out of its storage position and the second support sections  132 ,  134  are rotated approximately 90 degrees into the substantially vertical orientation. The locking mechanism  136 ,  138  can be used to securely lock the second support sections  132 ,  134  in the substantially vertical orientation. 
     In some embodiments, the table top  102  can include clamps (e.g., C-clamps) to engage the first support section  124 ,  126  when in the collapsed configuration to prevent the table top  102  from being lifted by the spring mechanisms  172 ,  174 . Disengagement of the clamps allows the spring mechanisms  172 ,  174  to automatically lift the table top  102  as the cylinder  176 ,  178  extends the neck  180 ,  182  from the cylinder  176 ,  178 . As the spring mechanisms  172 ,  174  lift the table top  102 , the neck  180 ,  182  slides along the gap  160 ,  162  from the first end  164 ,  166  in the direction of the second end  168 ,  170 . In some embodiments, a toggle pin or alternative locking mechanism can be used to prevent the spring mechanism  172 ,  174  from collapsing from a maximum expanded height. The fully deployed length of the spring mechanisms  172 ,  174  defines the maximum height  122  or elevation of the table top  102  relative to the supporting surface. 
     Upon reaching the maximum height with the support of the spring mechanisms  172 ,  174 , the bars  146 ,  148  are inserted into the openings  150 ,  152  at the rear surface  112  of the table top  102 . As the bars  146 ,  148  are inserted into the openings  150 ,  152 , the neck  180 ,  182  slides up to or near the second end  168 ,  170 . The pin  196  (or another locking mechanism) can be used to lock the spring mechanisms  172 ,  174  in place and prevent lowering of the table top  102  or sliding of the spring mechanism  172 ,  174  along the gap  160 ,  162 . In some embodiments, the table top  102  can include a cam lock to prevent the table top  102  from sliding backwards into the collapsed configuration. The spring mechanisms  172 ,  174  and the support assemblies  118 ,  120  thereby support the table top  102  at the expanded elevation or height  122 . In some embodiments, the expanded height  122  can be approximately 20 inches or more. 
     In some embodiments, in the expanded configuration, the spring mechanisms  172 ,  174  can extend substantially perpendicularly to the first support sections  124 ,  126 . In some embodiments, in the expanded configuration, the spring mechanisms  172 ,  174  can extend at an angle relative to the first support sections  124 ,  126  (e.g., angled towards the bars  146 ,  148 ). The angled configuration of the spring mechanisms  172 ,  174  can provide structural support to the table top  102  by urging the table top  102  in the direction of the second support sections  132 ,  134 , while the bars  146 ,  148  and second support sections  132 ,  134  provide support in the opposite direction, thereby stabilizing the table top  102 . 
     To collapse the table  100 , the cam lock or locking pins are disengaged from the table top  102 , and the bars  146 ,  148  are removed from the openings  150 ,  152 . The pins  196  (or alternative locking mechanism) are removed to allow the spring mechanism  172 ,  174  to slide towards the first end  164 ,  166 . The table top  102  can be steadied by the user as the spring mechanisms  172 ,  174  gradually allow the table top  102  to lower. As the table top lowers  102 , the spring mechanism  172 ,  174  retract and slide into a substantially parallel configuration relative to the bottom surface  108  of the table top  102 . The second support sections  132 ,  134  can be rotated substantially 90 degrees into one or more substantially parallel configurations relative to the bottom surface  108  of the table top  102 . The collapsed table  100  can further be slid into a storage area. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the table  100  can include a pull out insert  198  that can be slidably extended from the table top  102 . For example, the insert  198  can be extended for use as a computer or keyboard support. The insert  198  generally defines planar top and bottom surfaces  200 ,  202 . The insert  198  further includes a front surface  204 , a rear surface  206 , and first and second side surfaces  208 ,  210 . In some embodiments, the insert  198  can be a smaller version of the table top  102 , and defines a substantially rectangular support surface. The table  100  can include mounting tracks securing the insert  198  to the bottom surface  108  of the table top  102  such that the insert  198  can be slid out from under the table top  102  for use. In some embodiments, the front surface  110  of the table top  102  can include a cutout configured and dimensioned to receive the insert  198  therein. In such embodiments, the insert  198  can be slid out of the cutout for use, and retracted into the cutout for storage. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic, perspective and partial view of the support assembly  118 . As noted above, the first support section includes the hollow, interior passage  156  with the elongated gap  160  formed in the top surface and extending into the interior passage  156 . The spring mechanism  172  includes the neck  180  with the protrusion  188  in the form of a ball. The ball has a diameter dimensioned greater than the width of the gap  160 , thereby preventing the ball from passing through the gap  160  and out of the interior passage  156 . The spring mechanism  172  slides along the gap  160  from the first end  164  (e.g., corresponding to the collapsed configuration) to the second end  168  (e.g., corresponding to the extended configuration). 
     The end nearest the second end  168  of the gap  168  includes the opening  142  formed in the top surface and the opening  140  formed in the right surface. The opening  142  engages with the locking mechanism  136  (e.g., spring-loaded pin) of the second support section  132  when the second support section  132  is rotated into the extended configuration, and the opening  140  engages with the locking mechanism  136  of the second support section  132  when the second support section  132  is rotated into the collapsed configuration. 
       FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic, rear view of the table top  102  with one variation of the insert  198 . In particular, the table top  102  includes a cutout  212  extending a partial distance from the front surface  110  in the direction of the rear surface  112 . The cutout  212  can be configured and dimensioned to at least partially receive therein the insert  198 . In some embodiments, the insert  198  can define a substantially rectangular, planar configuration, and the cutout  212  defines a similar configuration having a greater width, height and depth to receive the insert  198 . In some embodiments, sliding tracks  214 ,  216  can mount the bottom surface  202  of the insert  198  to an inner surface of the cutout  212 . The insert  198  can thereby slide out of the cutout  212  along the sliding tracks  214 ,  216  into an extended position for use, and can be retracted along the sliding tracks  214 ,  216  into the cutout  212  for storage. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic, rear view of the table top  102  with another variation of the insert  198 . In particular, rather than including the cutout  212 , the table top  102  includes the insert  198  slidably mounted to the bottom surface  108  of the table top  102 . The table top  102  includes sliding tracks  214 ,  216  mounted to the bottom surface  108  and engaged with at least one of the surfaces of the insert  198 . The insert  198  can thereby slide out from under the table top  102  along the sliding tracks  214 ,  216  into an extended position for use, and can be retracted along the sliding tracks  214 ,  216  to a position substantially under the table top  102  for storage. 
     While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expressly noted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, but rather that additions and modifications to what is expressly described herein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations are not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.