Patent Publication Number: US-8113128-B2

Title: Folding table assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/213,841, filed Jul. 21, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a folding assembly for attaching to a furniture structure such as a chair or couch. The invention is particularly directed to a folding table assembly that can be easily attached to and removed from a chair or couch. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various folding table device have been used for temporary use in association with a chair or other seating device. Folding chairs are also known in the art that can be used in association with a folding table or other horizontal support surface. 
     One example of a prior folding chair and table assembly is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,627 to Einsel et al. The device includes an attachable table for a lawn chair with a hinged table top and adjustable leg. The table top can attach to a chair with two loop and pile fastener strips that pass through slots in the end of the table top. The leg adjusts to the height of the lawn chair by sliding two slotted legs pieces together and then tightening a wing nut. 
     Another table attachment is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,635,680 to Zentmire. This device includes a slide plate engaged in a guide way and slides on lower flanges. The guide way is attached to the underside of the seat frame of the chair. A standard extends upwardly from the sliding plate. A table is attached to the top end of the standard. The device can be folded to a compact size to be able to slide under the chair along the guide way. 
     Still another folding table arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,583,760 to McGregor. This device includes a table-holding frame positioned along the side of a vehicle seat where the table is movable in a fore and aft direction. A hinge connects the table to the holding frame. The table can be lifted to a vertical position and rotated downward to a horizontal position. 
     Another device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,586,368 to Guild. This device includes a tray pivotably connected to a mounting plate having spring clamps for mounting the plate and tray to the arm of a chair. The tray is mounted to the plate at an off center pivot to allow the tray to swing over the seat. 
     Another folding chair and tray assembly is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,386 to Anton. This device includes a removable table top for use with a folding chair. The chair has a frame coupled to the platform with connectors and a chair bracket. The platform can be converted from a folded mode to an unfolded mode. 
     One example of a collapsible table is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,022,617 to Henderson. The table is designed for supporting clothing and includes a stand with a tubular telescoping post. The upper end of the post has an arm the can be pivoted from a folded vertical position to a horizontal position for use. 
     While the above devices have generally been suitable for the intended use, there is a continuing need for improved folding table assemblies. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a folding table assembly that can be folded from a stored position and an unfolded position for use. The invention is particularly directed to a folding table assembly that can be attached to and removed from a chair, couch, or other furniture device such as a bed or cabinet. 
     Accordingly and primary aspect of the invention is provide a folding table that can be attached to a chair or couch without modifying the chair or couch. The folding table of the invention is foldable to a compact, low profile shape that stands next to the chair in an upright position. 
     Another aspect of the invention is to provide a folding table that can be coupled to the chair or couch and folded to a vertical, compact and slim construction when not in use. The table can then be unfolded to a horizontal position for use. 
     The folding table assembly of the invention has a slim, narrow construction when in the stored position. The table assembly includes a vertical base and a table leaf that fold flat against the base when not in use. The table leaf can then be folded to a horizontal position for use. The table assembly includes a base having an upright orientation that can be positioned along the side of the chair. A hinged table leaf is coupled to the base to pivot between a vertical retracted position and a horizontal position. The bottom end of the base has a coupling assembly for removably attaching the table assembly to the bottom of the chair. In one embodiment the coupling mechanism is a spring arm that extends outwardly from the base and has an outer end that engages the bottom of the chair while the base engages the floor. 
     The table leaf can be moved from the vertical position to the horizontal position by various mechanical arrangements. The table leaf preferably includes a latching or locking mechanism to hold the table leaf in the horizontal position. The latching mechanism can be a slot with a recess for receiving a pin on the table leaf. 
     The various aspects of the invention are basically attained by providing a folding table assembly including a base having a vertical dimension with a top end and bottom end for engaging the floor and supporting the base. A table leaf is coupled to the base and is movable between and retracted position lying substantially parallel to the base and an extended horizontal position substantially perpendicular to the base. A coupling mechanism is provided for coupling the base to a chair or couch. 
     The aspects of the invention are also attained by providing a retractable table assembly for removably coupling to a chair or table where the assembly includes a table base having a substantially planar configuration with a floor-engaging bottom end, and first side, a second side and top end. A table leaf is coupled to the base and is movable between a retracted position substantially parallel to and against the side of the base and an extended position substantially perpendicular to the first side of the base. A latching mechanism is provided for retaining the table leaf in the extended position. A coupling mechanism is included having a first end coupled to the base and a second end removably coupled to the bottom face of the chair or couch. 
     The various aspects of the invention are further attained by providing a folding table assembly for removably coupling with a furniture support having a downwardly facing surface. A table base has a substantially planar configuration with a bottom floor engaging end and a top end. A table leaf is pivotally coupled to the base and is movable between a retracted position lying substantially parallel against the base and an extended position substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal dimension of the base. A coupling mechanism has a first end coupled to the base and second end engaging the bottom surface of the furniture support. The coupling mechanism is adapted for removably coupling the base to the furniture support. 
     These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following annexed drawings and the detailed description of the invention which disclose various embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following is a brief description of the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the folding table assembly in the folded position in one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the folding table assembly of  FIG. 1  in the extended position; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional end view of the table assembly in the folded position; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional end view of the table assembly in the extended position; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the table assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view in partial cross-section of the table assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the spring member in one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the spring member in a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the spring member in a third embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the spring member in a fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the table assembly in a second embodiment showing the table in the folded position; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 11  showing the table in the extended position; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional end view of the embodiment of  FIG. 11  showing the table in the folded position; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional end view showing the table in the extended position; 
         FIG. 15  is a rear view of the table assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of the table assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional end view of the table assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the table assembly in a third embodiment; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18  showing the table in the extended position; 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional end view of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a rear view of the table assembly of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional end view of the table assembly of  FIG. 18  showing the table in the extended position; 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional end view showing the table assembly in the locked position; 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional end view of another embodiment showing the coupling mechanism; 
         FIG. 25  is a partial perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a partial perspective view of the coupling mechanism in another embodiment; 
         FIG. 27  is an end view of the coupling mechanism in a further embodiment; 
         FIG. 28  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a front view of a further embodiment of the coupling mechanism; 
         FIG. 31  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a partial perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of the coupling mechanism in another embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of the rear side of the coupling mechanism of  FIG. 33 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a table assembly that can be easily coupled to a chair, couch or other furniture item without altering or damaging the chair or couch. The invention is particularly directed to a folding table assembly that can be removably coupled to and supported by a chair or couch along the side and where the table can be folded from a retracted position to an extended position. 
     Referring to the drawings, the invention is directed to a folding table assembly  10  having a base  12  and a table leaf  14 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6 , base  12  has a substantially planar configuration and is constructed to be oriented in a substantially upright position as shown in  FIG. 1 . Base  12  in the embodiment illustrated has a panel  16  with an outer face  18  and an inner face  20  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Panel  16  has a bottom edge  22  for engaging the floor and a top end  24 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , base  12  includes end rails  26  that extend the full length of panel  16 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , end rails  26  are oriented along the outer side edges of panel  16  and extend from the inner face  20 . End rails  26  and panel  16  define an internal cavity  28  for table leaf  14  when table leaf  14  is in the retracted and stored position as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Base  12  further includes a coupling mechanism  30  for coupling table assembly  10  to a chair  32  or other furniture item. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling mechanism engages the bottom or underside of the chair to hold the base in an upright position without the need for multiple legs or supports. In the embodiment shown, coupling mechanism  30  is a spring  34  that is coupled to base  12  for coupling table assembly  10  to chair  32  and retaining table assembly  10  in an upright position. In one embodiment, spring  34  shown in  FIG. 7  has a pair of arms  36 , and outer end member  38  extending between the arms  36 . Outwardly extending legs  40  extend from an inner end of the arms  36  for coupling with the rails  26  of base  12 . 
     Rails  26  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  include a plurality of aligned holes  42  for receiving legs  40  of spring  34 . Holes  42  are spaced apart and provide vertical adjustment of spring  34  to accommodate the chair  32  and space between the underside of the chair and the floor. As shown in  FIG. 7 , arms  36  have an angled portion  44  to engage panel  16  when spring  34  is pivoted downwardly and to bias legs  40  in an upward direction. Legs  40  and outer end member  38  of spring  34  are spring biased to engage a bottom surface  46  of chair  32  with a sufficient force to retain table assembly  10  in an upright position as shown in the drawings. Spring  34  can be adjusted to a selected height by bending legs  40  inwardly to release the legs from a respective hole  42  in end rails  26  and position the legs  40  in a desired hole. Spring arms  36  are preferably biased in an upward direction as shown by the phantom lines in  FIGS. 3 and 5 . Spring arms  36  and end member  38  are manually flexed downwardly to the position shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  5  and positioned to engage the bottom of the chair  32  with sufficient force to retain table assembly in an upright position. Legs  40  of spring  34  can pivot within the respective holes in end rails  22  so that spring  34  can pivot upwardly against the inner surface of panel  18  when not in use as shown in phantom lines in  FIG. 5 . In one embodiment, spring  34  can have slip-resistant members or a coating of slip resistant plastic material  41  that engage the bottom surface of the chair or other support to resist separation of the spring from the chair. 
     Table leaf  14  is coupled to base  12  in a manner to retract when not in use and to be extended in a horizontal position for use in supporting various objects. In the embodiment shown, table leaf  14  has a dimension to fit within cavity  28  between end rails  26 . End rails  26  have a top end  48  that extends above the top edge of panel  16 . End rails have a longitudinal slot  50  that face inwardly into the cavity defined by the end rails  26  and panel  16 . 
     Table leaf  14  has side edges  52 , an inner edge  54 , and an outer edge  56 . Side edges  52  include a hinge pin  58  adjacent the inner edge  54  and extend outwardly toward end rails  26 . Hinge pins  58  are received in the slot  50  to enable table leaf  14  to slide between a retracted position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3  to an extended position shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , slots  50  extend along the length of end rails  26  above the top edge of panel  16  to enable table leaf  14  to pivot downwardly to a horizontal position shown in  FIG. 4  and engage the top end of panel  16 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a stop member  59  extends inwardly from each side rail adjacent the rear face to hold the table leaf  14  in the retracted position and prevent the table leaf from falling backwards when separated from the furniture. The stop member in the embodiment illustrated is a pin that engages the top side of the table leaf when the table leaf slides into the retracted position. 
     The top end of panel  16  defines a support to support the table leaf  14  in a horizontal position and in a position substantially perpendicular to the plane of base  12 . The slot  50  terminates at a point above the top end of panel  16  a distance so that travel of pins  58  stops at a point to hold table leaf  14  in a horizontal position when table leaf  14  pivots downward into contact with the top end  24  of panel  16 . The top end  51  of slot  50  and top end  24  of panel  16  define a stop mechanism to hold the table leaf  14  in a horizontal position perpendicular to the plane of the panel  16 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , table leaf  14  has a rounded outer edge and a block  60  adjacent the outer edge of table leaf  14 . Block  60  has a thickness to lie in the same plane as the outer face of base  12  when table leaf  14  is in the retracted position shown in  FIG. 1  to provide an aesthetic uniform appearance. Block  60  can include a finger hole  62  or other gripping member to allow the user to easily grip the table leaf and lift the table leaf with respect to the base  12  upwardly and to pivot the table leaf downwardly to the operating position. 
     Spring  34  is constructed of a suitable spring steel material to provide a sufficient biasing force to engage the bottom surface of chair  32  to retain table assembly  10  in an upright position. Various designs of a suitable spring can be constructed for retaining the table assembly in the upright position. In an alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , spring  64  has a circular loop  66  and a downwardly extending leg portion  68  to engage the inner surface of panel  16 .  FIG. 9  shows an alternative embodiment where spring  70  includes a loop  72  and leg portions  74  that extend inwardly from the loop  72 .  FIG. 10  shows another embodiment of a spring  76  having an inwardly extending leg portion  78  to engage the outer surface of end rails  26 . 
     In a second embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 11-17 , folding table assembly  80  includes a base  82  and table leaf  84 . Base  82  includes a spring  86  which serves as a coupling member for coupling table assembly  80  to a chair  88  in a manner substantially the same as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-10 . Spring  86  in the illustrated embodiment has a construction similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . Spring  86  is spring biased in an upward direction to engage the bottom surface of the chair  88  as in the previous embodiment with sufficient force to hold table assembly  80  in an upright position. 
     Base  82  has a substantially planar dimension with a panel  89  having opposite side edges  90 , a bottom edge  92  and a top end  94  shown in  FIG. 13 . Bottom end  92  has a substantially flat edge to engage the floor or ground. Base  82  includes side rails  96  coupled to side edges  90  of the panel  89  of base  82 . In the embodiment illustrated, side rails  96  have a height slightly greater than the height of the panel  89  and a width greater than the width of the panel  89  to extend perpendicular from the inner face and outer face of the panel. The inner surface  98  of side rails  96 , as shown in  FIG. 14 , include a plurality of aligned holes  102  adjacent the inner surface of the panel for adjusting the vertical position of the coupling spring  86  in a manner similar to the previous embodiment. 
     Base  82  includes a top rail  104  coupled to the upper ends of side rails  96 . Side rails  96  have a height greater than the panel  89  so the top rail  104  is spaced from the top edge of the panel  89  as shown in  FIG. 13 . A transverse slot  106  extends transversely on the inner side of each side rail  96  adjacent the top end and extending transversely through the gap between the top end of panel  89  and the top rail  104 . 
     Table leaf  84  has a planar dimension with an inner edge  108 , an outer edge  110  and side edges  112 . Side rails  96  have a width to extend from the outer face  100  of panel  89  to define a recessed area sufficient to receive the table leaf  84 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , table leaf  84  has a thickness corresponding to the depth of the recess on the outer face  100  of panel  89 . 
     Table leaf  84  includes an outwardly extending hinge pin  114  extending outwardly from each side edge  112  of panel  89  adjacent the inner edge  108 . The hinge pin  114  is received in a respective slot  106  for allowing limited pivoting and sliding movement of table leaf  84  with respect to base  82 . Slot  106  is oriented with respect to base  82  to allow table leaf  84  to pivot in a downward position shown in  FIG. 13  to a retracted position and to fit within the recess formed by the side rails  96  and top rail  104 . Table leaf  84  is pivoted in an upward direction indicated by arrow  116  in  FIG. 14  to a horizontal position perpendicular to the plane of base  82 . Table leaf  84  then slides along slot  106  inwardly between the gap formed between the top end  94  of panel  89  and the bottom surface of top rail  104  so that the hinge pins  114  slide to the inner end of the respective slot  106  as shown in  FIG. 14 . In the position shown in  FIG. 14 , table leaf  84  is retained in the extended position. Table leaf  84  is cantilevered with respect to base  82  by the top surface of table leaf  84  engaging the bottom side of top rail  104  and the inner bottom face of table leaf  84  engaging the top end of panel  89 . The hinge pins  114 , slot  106 , top end  94  of panel  89  and top rail  104  define a support to retain the table leaf in the extended operating position. Table leaf  84  is retracted by pulling the table leaf  84  outwardly with respect to base  82  until the hinge pins  114  reach the outer end of the respective slot  106 . At that point, table leaf  84  can be folded downwardly to the retracted position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , spring  86  preferably has a length to accommodate for different shapes of the couch or chair while being able to engage the bottom surface of the chair to retain the table assembly  80  in the upright position. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18-23 , another embodiment of table assembly  118  is shown. Table assembly  118  includes a base  120 , a table leaf  122  and a coupling spring  124  for coupling table assembly  118  to a chair  126 . Spring  124  corresponds to the springs of the previous embodiments of  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  and has an upward biasing force sufficient to engage the bottom surface of chair  126  and retain table assembly  118  in the upright position. 
     Base  120  in this embodiment includes a pair of side rails  128  oriented in a vertical direction, a bottom rail  130  and a top rail  132  spaced from bottom rail  130  and extending between the opposite side rails  128 . Side rails  128  have an inner face  134  with a plurality of aligned holes  136  for receiving the spring  124  in a selected position as in the previous embodiments. Side rails  128 , bottom rail  130  and top rail  132  are spaced apart to define an open area  138  having a dimension for receiving the table leaf  122 . In the embodiment illustrated, top rail  132  has a width less than the width of side rails  128  and is positioned adjacent an inner side of side rails  128  and base  120 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 22 , each side rail  128  includes a longitudinal slot  140  extending in a vertical direction from the bottom end towards the top end of each side rail  128 . The upper end  142  of slot  140  is spaced from the top end of each side rail as shown in  FIG. 22 . Slot  140  includes a horizontal portion extending perpendicular from the longitudinal dimension of the side rails  128  to define a horizontal latching portion  144 . 
     Table leaf  122  includes a main portion  146  and a supporting leg portion  148  defining a brace. Main portion  146  and leg portion  148  are coupled together by hinge  150 . Main portion  146  has an inner edge  152 , an outer edge  154  and side edges  156 . Side edges  156  include a pin  158  that are received in a respective hole on the inner face of side rails  128  adjacent the top end to allow main portion  146  to pivot between a retracted vertical position shown in  FIG. 18  and a horizontal extended position shown in  FIG. 19 . 
     Leg portion  148  has a top end  160  coupled to main portion  146  by hinge  150  and a bottom end  162 . Bottom end  162  is provided with outwardly extending pins  164  that are received in a respective slot  140 . 
     Table leaf  122  is movable between a retracted position shown in  FIG. 18  where main portion  146  of table leaf  122  is folded downwardly and leg portion  148  slides downwardly to the position shown in  FIG. 20 . Table leaf  122  is moved to the upright extended position by pivoting main portion  146  in an upward direction indicated by arrow  166  in  FIG. 22  so that pins  164  extending from leg portion  148  slide upwardly along the slot  140  until the pins  164  reach the top end and slide into the horizontal latching portion  144  as shown in  FIG. 23 . The horizontal latching portion  144  of slot  140 , pins  164  and leg portion  148  define a support mechanism for the table leaf  122  to retain the table leaf in the horizontal position. Table leaf  122  is retracted by pulling the leg portion  148  outwardly until pins  164  reach the longitudinal slot  140  and are able to slide downwardly to the retracted position shown in  FIG. 20 . 
     In the previous embodiments, the table assembly of the invention is removably coupled to a couch or chair by a spring that engages the bottom surface of the chair with sufficient force to retain the table assembly in the upright position. In the embodiments using the spring, preferably the spring is not fixed to the underside of the chair. Other mechanisms can also be used for removably attaching the table assembly to a chair or other furniture item. For example, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 24 and 25 , an L-shaped bracket  168  defines a coupling mechanism for the table assembly. The L-shaped bracket has a bottom leg  170  and a vertical leg  172 . Bottom leg  170  can be attached to the bottom surface of a chair  174  by screws  176  or other fasteners that extend into the bottom of the chair  174 . By mounting the bottom leg  170  to the bottom of the chair, the coupling mechanism can be removed from the chair without damaging the chair or damaging the appearance of the chair. The base  178  of the table assembly  180  is provided with a U-shaped bracket  182  for mating with the vertical leg  172 . In the embodiment illustrated, the U-shaped bracket  182  extends in a horizontal direction with respect to the vertical leg  172  to accommodate different heights and dimensions of the chair and table assembly. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , a single coupling mechanism is shown. It will be understood that two or more coupling mechanisms can be included in each table assembly to provide a secure attachment of the table assembly to the chair. The table assembly  180  is coupled to the coupling mechanism by positioning the U-shaped bracket  182  above the vertical leg  172  of bracket  168  and lowering the table assembly and bracket  182  onto the leg  172  or by sliding the bracket  182  laterally onto the vertical leg  172  as indicated by the arrow  183  in  FIG. 25 . The table assembly is separated from the chair by lifting or sliding the table assembly upward to separate the U-shaped bracket  182  from the L-shaped bracket  168 . 
     In a further embodiment shown in  FIG. 26 , the table assembly can include a bracket  184  having a vertically oriented slot  186  to receive the L-shaped bracket  168 . In another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 27-29 , the inner face of the respective side rails can include a clip member  188  for engaging the L-shaped brackets  168 . In the embodiment shown, clip  188  has a substantially U shape with a pair of legs  190  that are received in the holes  192 . In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 30-32 , a bracket  194  having a bottom leg  196  is attached to the bottom surface of a chair. Bracket  194  includes an upwardly extending pin  198  that is received within a U-shaped spring clip  200  that is attached to the inner face of the side rails of the table assembly. In another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34 , an L-shaped bracket  202  has a bottom leg  204  and a vertical leg  206  with an adhesive fastener  208  on the outer surface. The table assembly  210  includes corresponding adhesive fastener  212  for mating with the adhesive fastener  208  on the bracket  202 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adhesive fasteners  208  and  212  are a hook and pile-type fastener such as a Velcro-type fastener system. Fastener  212  alternatively can be a magnetic sheet and bracket  202  can be a metal angle. 
     While various embodiments have been shown to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.