Patent Abstract:
A folding table top has a locking assembly for holding the table top open. The locking assembly has an inner cross bars extending across each half of the table top near a pivot axis. The inner cross bars each have one of holes that are aligned when the table is open. The shaft of a pin may be inserted into the holes to prevent the table from folding closed. The pin may have a head normal to its shaft. A clip may be mounted to one half of the table to receive the head of the pin while the shaft of the pin is in the holes, and thereby prevent the pin from backing out of the holes. The clip may also be used to hold the pin when the table is folded and stored.

Full Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/289,554, filed Dec. 23, 2009. U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/289,554 and Canadian Application No. 2,690,422 filed Jan. 18, 2010, are incorporated herein by this reference to them. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The disclosure relates to folding tables. 
       INTRODUCTION 
       [0003]    The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,370 (Stanford) discloses pivotable folding utility table that includes a table top having a pair of support pedestals pivotally attached thereto. A first pivotal support brace includes a distal end and a proximal end attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support brace includes a distal end and a proximal end attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces are pivotally attached to a retaining assembly preferably mounted in relation to the table top. Specifically, the retaining assembly includes a cross-brace member operably disposed through openings formed in the distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces, thus providing a pivotal engagement in relation to the table top. Alternatively, a second retaining assembly including a cross-brace member may be mounted in relation to the table top. The distal end of the first pivotal support brace pivotally engages the first retaining member and the distal end of the second pivotal support brace pivotally engages the second retaining member. In addition, the first and second support pedestals may comprise at least one support leg. Each support leg of the first and second support pedestals are laterally offset from each other so as to permit an offset displacement of the support legs when the support pedestals are disposed in a collapsed position. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The following summary is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The summary is not intended to limit or define the claims. 
         [0006]    According to one aspect, a table top assembly for a folding table is provided. The table top assembly comprises a first table top portion and a second table top portion. The first and second table top portions each comprise an upper surface, a lower surface, an inner end, and an opposed outer end. A first frame is mounted to the lower surface of the first table top portion. The first frame comprises a first inner end portion adjacent the inner end of the first table top portion. A second frame is mounted to the lower surface of the second table top portion. The second frame comprises a second inner end portion adjacent the inner end of the second table top portion. At least one pivot joint pivotably connects the first inner end portion to the second inner end portion about a pivot axis. The table top assembly is reconfigurable between a folded configuration wherein the lower surfaces are pivoted towards each other about the pivot axis, and an in-use configuration wherein the lower surfaces are pivoted away from each other about the pivot axis and the upper surfaces are generally co-planar. 
         [0007]    The first frame may extend about the periphery of the lower surface of the first table top portion, and the second frame may extend about the periphery of the lower surface of the second table top portion. 
         [0008]    The first and second table top portions may be generally rectangular, and may each further comprise a left side and an opposed right side extending between the inner end and the outer end thereof. The first frame may comprise a first inner cross bar extending across the lower surface of the first table top portion adjacent the inner end of the first table top portion, a first outer cross bar extending across the lower surface of the first table top portion adjacent the outer end of the first table top portion, a first right side bar extending along the lower surface of the first table top portion adjacent the right side of the first table top portion, and a first left side bar extending along the lower surface of the first table top portion adjacent the left side of the first table top portion. The first inner cross bar and first outer cross bar may each extend between and be mounted to the first right side bar and first left side bar. Similarly, the second frame may comprise a second inner cross bar extending across the lower surface of the second table top portion adjacent the inner end of the second table top portion, a second outer cross bar extending across the lower surface of the second table top portion adjacent the outer end of the second table top portion, a second right side bar extending along the lower surface of the second table top portion adjacent the right side of the second table top portion, and a second left side bar extending along the lower surface of the second table top portion adjacent the left side of the second table top portion. The second inner cross bar and second outer cross bar may each extend between and be mounted to the second right side bar and second left side bar. 
         [0009]    The first right side bar and first left side bar may each comprise a first end portion at the first inner end portion of the first frame, and the second right side bar and second left side bar may each comprise a second end portion at the second inner end portion of the second frame. The at least one pivot joint may comprise a first pivot joint mounted to and between the first end portion of the first right side bar and the second end portion of the second right side bar. The at least one pivot joint may further comprise a second pivot joint mounted to and between the first end portion of the first left side bar and the second end portion of the second left side bar. 
         [0010]    The first and second pivot joints each comprise a first bracket secured to one of the first end portion of the first left side bar and the first end portion of the first right side bar, a second bracket secured to one of the second end portion of the second left side bar and the second end portion of the second right side bar, and a pivot pin inserted through the first bracket and the second bracket. 
         [0011]    The table top assembly may further comprise a locking assembly for securing the table top assembly in the in-use configuration. The locking assembly may comprise a first inner cross bar extending across the lower surface of the first table top portion adjacent the inner end of the first table top portion. The first inner cross bar may comprise a first aperture defined transversely therethrough. The locking assembly may further comprise a second inner cross bar extending across the lower surface of the second table top portion adjacent the inner end of the second table top portion. The second inner cross bar may comprise a second aperture defined transversely therethrough and co-linear with the first aperture when the table top assembly is in the in-use configuration. The locking assembly may further comprise a pin having an insertion portion and a locking portion. The insertion portion may be insertable into the first aperture and the second aperture to prevent pivoting of the lower surfaces towards each other. A clip may be mounted to one of the first table top portion and the second table top portion. The locking portion may be removably securable to the clip when the insertion portion is inserted into the first aperture and the second aperture to maintain the insertion portion in the first aperture and the second aperture. 
         [0012]    According to another aspect, a table top assembly for a folding table is provided. The table top assembly comprises a first table top portion and a second table top portion. The first and second table top portions each comprise an upper surface, a lower surface, an inner end, and an opposed outer end. The inner ends are positioned adjacent each other, and the first and second table top portions are pivotably connected together about a pivot axis such that the table top assembly is reconfigurable between a folded configuration wherein the lower surfaces are pivoted towards each other about the pivot axis, and an in-use configuration wherein the lower surfaces are pivoted away from each other and the upper surfaces are generally co-planar. The table top assembly further comprises a locking assembly for securing the table top assembly in the in-use configuration. The locking assembly comprises a first bar mounted to and extending across the lower surface of the first table top portion adjacent the inner end of the first table top portion. The first bar comprises a first aperture defined transversely therethrough. A second bar is mounted to and extends across the lower surface of the second table top portion adjacent the inner end of the second table top portion. The second bar comprises a second aperture defined transversely therethrough and co-linear with the first aperture when the table top assembly is in the in-use configuration. The locking assembly further comprises a pin having an insertion portion and a locking portion. The insertion portion is insertable into the first aperture and the second aperture to prevent pivoting of the lower surfaces towards each other. A clip is mounted to one of the first table top portion and the second table top portion. The locking portion is removably securable to the clip when the insertion portion is inserted into the first aperture and the second aperture to maintain the insertion portion in the first aperture and the second aperture. 
         [0013]    The insertion portion may be securable to the clip to store the pin when the table top assembly is in the folded configuration. 
         [0014]    The clip may be mounted to or integral with one of the first bar and second bar. 
         [0015]    The table top assembly may further comprise a first frame mounted to the lower surface of the first table top portion. The first bar may be a part of the first frame. The table top assembly may further comprise a second frame mounted to the lower surface of the second table top portion. The second bar may be a part of the second frame. 
         [0016]    The insertion portion and locking portion may form an L-shape. 
         [0017]    The locking portion may be snapably securable to the clip. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    Reference is made in the detailed description to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective illustration of a folding table including a table top assembly, wherein the table top assembly and legs are in an in-use configuration; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a bottom plan view of the folding table of  FIG. 1 , wherein the table top assembly is in the in-use configuration, and the legs are in a folded configuration; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of the region shown in Box  3  in  FIG. 2 , showing the table top assembly in the in-use configuration, and unlocked; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of the region shown in Box  3  in  FIG. 2 , showing the table top assembly in the in-use configuration, and locked. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Various apparatuses or methods will be described below to provide an example of each claimed invention. No example described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that are not described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Applicant reserves the right to claim such apparatuses or processes in other applications. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an example of a folding table  100  is shown. The folding table  100  comprises a table top assembly  102 , which is supported by first  104  and second  106  leg assemblies. As will be described in further detail hereinbelow, the folding table  100  is reconfigurable between an in-use configuration, shown in  FIG. 1 , and a folded configuration (not shown). Particularly, the table top assembly  102  of the folding table  100  is reconfigurable between an in-use configuration, shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and a folded configuration (not shown), and the leg assemblies  104 ,  106  are reconfigurable between an in-use configuration, shown in  FIG. 1 , and a folded configuration, shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the table top assembly comprises a first table top portion  108  and a second table top portion  110 . The first  108  and second  110  table top portions are fabricated by blow molding, as is known in the art. The first  108  and second  110  table top portions each comprise an upper surface  112 ,  114 , respectively, (shown in  FIG. 1 ), and an opposed lower surface  116 ,  118 , respectively, spaced from the upper surfaces  112 ,  114 . 
         [0026]    Referring still to  FIG. 2 , in the example shown, the first  108  and second  110  table top portions are generally rectangular, and each comprise an inner end  120 ,  122 , respectively, and an opposed outer end  124 ,  126 , respectively. The first and second table top portions each further comprise a right side  128 ,  130 , respectively, and an opposed left side  132 ,  134 , respectively, extending between the respective inner ends  120 ,  122 , and outer ends  124 ,  126 . The first  108  and second  110  table top portions are mounted together such that the inner ends  120 ,  122  are adjacent each other. When the table top assembly  102  is in the in-use configuration, shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the inner ends  120 ,  122 , of the first  108  and second  110  table top portions are positioned adjacent and facing each other, so that the upper surfaces  112 ,  124  are generally coplanar, and the first  108  and second  110  table top portions form a table top. When the table top assembly  102  is in the folded configuration (not shown), the lower surfaces  116 ,  118  are pivoted towards each other, such that the lower surfaces  116 ,  118  are in facing relation, the outer ends  124 ,  126  are adjacent each other. 
         [0027]    The terms “left” and “right” are used herein for simplicity with reference to the drawings, and in alternate examples the left side and right side may also be referred to as a first side and a second side. Further, in alternate examples, the first  108  and second  110  table top portions may be any other suitable shape, such as square, or semi-circular, for example, and may not necessarily include sides that are distinct from the ends. 
         [0028]    Referring still to  FIG. 2 , the lower surfaces  116 ,  118  may comprise one or more contoured features. In the example shown, the lower surfaces comprise a plurality of depressions  136  for providing increased strength to the table top. Further, the lower surfaces each comprise a raised periphery,  138 ,  140 , respectively, extending along the left sides  132 ,  134  and right sides  128 ,  130 , and along the outer ends  124 ,  126 . The raised peripheries  138 ,  140  each have a pair of beveled portions  143 ,  145  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), respectively, at the inner ends  120 ,  122  of the table top portions  108 ,  110 , for accommodating folding of the table top assembly  102 . In alternate examples, the lower surfaces  116 ,  118  may comprise additional contoured features, such as ribs, or may not comprise any contoured features. 
         [0029]    Referring still to  FIG. 2 , the table top assembly further comprises a first frame  142  mounted to the lower surface  116  of the first table top portion  108 , and a second frame  144  mounted to the lower surface  118  of the second table top portion  110 . The first  142  and second  144  frames provide support to the first  108  and second table top  110  portions, respectively. The first  142  and second  144  frames may be mounted to the first  108  and second  110  table top portions, respectively, in any suitable manner, such as with one or more fasteners. 
         [0030]    In the example shown, the first  142  and second  144  frames are each generally rectangular, and extend about the periphery of the first  108  and second  110  table top portions, respectively. Specifically, the first frame  142  comprises a first inner cross bar  146  and a first outer cross bar  148 . The first inner cross bar  146  extends across the lower surface  116  of the first table top portion  108  adjacent the inner end  120  of the first table top portion  108 , and the first outer cross bar  148  extends across the lower surface  116  of the first table top portion  108  adjacent the outer end  124  of the first table top portion  108 . The first frame further comprises a first right side bar  150  and a first left side bar  152 . The first right side bar  150  extends along the lower surface  116  of the first table top portion  108  adjacent the right side  128  of the first table top portion  108 , and the first left side bar  152  extends along the lower surface  116  of the first table top portion  108  adjacent the left side  132  of the first table top portion  132 . The first inner cross bar  146  and first outer cross bar  148  each extend between and are mounted to the first right side bar  150  and first left side bar  152 . 
         [0031]    Similarly, the second frame  144  comprises a second inner cross bar  154  and a second outer cross bar  156 . The second inner cross bar  154  extends across the lower surface  120  of the second table top portion  110  adjacent the inner end  122  of the second table top portion  110 , and the second outer cross bar  156  extends across the lower surface  120  of the second table top portion  110  adjacent the outer end  126  of the second table top portion  110 . The second frame  144  further comprises a second right side bar  158  and a second left side bar  160 . The second right side bar  158  extends along the lower surface  118  of the second table top portion  110  adjacent the right side  130  of the second table top portion  110 , and the second left side bar  160  extends along the lower surface of the second table top portion  110  adjacent the left side  134  of the second table top portion  110 . The second inner cross bar  154  and second outer cross bar  156  each extend between and are mounted to the second right side bar  158  and second left side bar  160 . 
         [0032]    The cross bars and side bars may be mounted together in any suitable manner. In the example shown, the first inner cross bar  146  is welded to the first left side bar  152  and the first right side bar  150 , and the second inner cross bar  154  is welded to the second left side bar  160  and second right side bar  158 . Further, as will be described in further detail hereinbelow, the first outer cross bar  148  is rotatably mounted between the first left side bar  152  and first right side bar  150  so that the first outer cross bar  148  may be rotated about its longitudinal axis to move the first leg assembly  104  between its folded configuration and its in-use configuration. Similarly, the second outer cross bar  156  is rotatably mounted between the second left side bar  160  and second right side bar  158  so that the second outer cross bar  156  may be rotated about its longitudinal axis to move the second leg assembly  106  between its folded configuration and its in-use configuration. 
         [0033]    As mentioned hereinabove, the leg assemblies  104 ,  106  are reconfigurable between an in-use configuration, shown in  FIG. 1 , and a folded configuration, shown in  FIG. 2 . When the leg assemblies  104 ,  106  are in the in-use configuration, they extend generally transversely from the lower surfaces  116 ,  118 , respectively to support the table top assembly. When the leg assemblies  104 ,  106  are in the folded configuration, they extend generally parallel to the lower surfaces  116 ,  118 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each leg assembly  104 ,  106  comprises a pair of legs  162 ,  164 , respectively, extending from the first  148 , and second  156  outer cross bars, respectively. The pairs of legs  162 ,  164  may be, for example, welded to the first  148  and second  156  outer cross bars, respectively. Each leg assembly  104 ,  106  further comprises a supporting strut  166 ,  168 , respectively. The supporting strut  166  of the first leg assembly  104  has an inner end portion  170  mounted to the lower surface  116  of the first table top portion  108  adjacent the inner end  120  of the first table top portion  108 , and a forked outer end portion  172  mounted to the pair of legs  162  of the first leg assembly  104 . The supporting strut  168  of the second leg assembly  106  has an inner end portion  174  mounted to the lower surface  118  of the second table top portion  110  adjacent the inner end  122  of the second table top portion  110 , and a forked outer end portion  176  mounted to the pair of legs  164  of the second leg assembly  106 . The forked outer end portions  172 ,  176  are pivotably mounted to the respective inner end portions  170 ,  174 . 
         [0035]    In order to move the leg assemblies  104 ,  106  between the in-use configuration and the folded configuration, the first  148  and second  156  outer cross bars may be rotated about their longitudinal axes to move the leg assemblies  104   106  between their folded configuration and their in-use configuration. Specifically, to move the leg assemblies  104 ,  106  from the in-use configuration to the folded configuration, the first  162  and second  164  pairs of legs may be pivoted inwardly towards the lower surfaces  116 ,  118  of the first  108  and second  110  table top portions, respectively. Simultaneously, the forked outer end portions  172 ,  176  of the struts  166 ,  168  may be folded towards inwardly towards the respective inner end portions  170 ,  174  of the struts. 
         [0036]    When the leg assemblies  104 ,  106 , are in the folded configuration, the table top assembly  102  may be reconfigured between the in-use configuration, shown in FIGS.  1  and  2 , and the folded configuration (not shown). Referring to  FIG. 2 , in order to reconfigure the table top assembly  102 , at least one pivot joint is provided. In the example shown, first  178  and second  180  pivot joints are provided. The pivot joints  178 ,  180  pivotably connect the first frame  142  to the second frame  144 . Specifically, the first frame  142  has a first inner end portion  182  adjacent the inner end  120  of the first table top portion  108 , and the second frame  144  has a second inner end portion  184  adjacent the inner end  122  of the second table top portion  110 . The pivot joints  178 ,  180  pivotably connect the first inner end portion  182  to the second inner end portion  184  about a pivot axis  186 , which is generally horizontal when the table  100  is in use. In the folded configuration, the lower surfaces  116 ,  118  are pivoted towards each other about the pivot axis  186 , and in the in-use configuration, the lower surfaces  116 ,  118  are pivoted away from each other about the pivot axis  186  and the upper surfaces  112 ,  114  are generally co-planar. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the pivot joints  178 ,  180  may be connected to any section of the inner end portions  182 ,  184  of the first and second frames  142 ,  144 . In the example shown, the first right side bar  150  and first left side bar  152  each comprise a first end portion  188 ,  190  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), respectively, at the first inner end portion  182  of the first frame  142 . The first end portions  188 ,  190 , each extend proud of the first inner cross bar  146 . Similarly, the second right side bar  158  and second left side bar  160  each comprise a second end portion  192 ,  194  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) at the second inner end portion  184  of the second frame  144 . The second end portions  192 ,  194  each extend proud of the second inner cross bar  154 . The first pivot joint  178  is mounted to and between the first end portion  188  of the first right side bar  150  and the second end portion  192  of the second right side bar  158 . The second pivot joint  180  is mounted to and between the first end portion  190  of the first left side bar  152  and the second end portion  194  of the second left side bar  152 . 
         [0038]    In alternate examples, the pivot joints  180 ,  182  may be connected elsewhere to the inner end portions  182 ,  184  of the frames  142 ,  144 , such as the first inner cross bar  146  and the second inner cross bar  154 . 
         [0039]    Referring still to  FIG. 3 , in the example shown, the first pivot joint  178  comprises a first bracket  196  secured to the first end portion  188  of the first right side bar  150 , and a second bracket  198  secured to the second end portion  192  of the second right side bar  158 . The first bracket  196  comprises first  200  and second  202  links, which are welded to the first end portion  188  of the first right side bar  150 , and which extend towards the second bracket  198 . The second bracket  198  comprises first  204  and second links  206 , which are welded to the second end portion  192  of the second right side bar  158 , and which extend towards the first bracket  196 . The links  200 ,  202  of the first bracket  196  are received within a space defined by the links  204 ,  206  of the second bracket  198 . A pivot pin  208  is inserted through the links  200 - 206 , generally perpendicular to the first  150  and second  158  right side bars, and defines the pivot axis  186 . The second pivot joint  180  is configured similarly to the first pivot joint  178 , and will not be separately described in detail herein. The first  108  and second  110  table top portions are pivotable about the pivot pins to reconfigure the table top assembly  102  between the folded configuration and the in use configuration. 
         [0040]    Referring still to  FIG. 3  and also to  FIG. 4 , the table top assembly  102  further comprises a locking assembly  210 , for securing the table top assembly  102  in the in-use configuration. The locking assembly  210  comprises a first bar  212  mounted to and extending across the lower surface  116  of the first table top portion  108  adjacent the inner end  120  of the first table top portion  108 , and a second bar  214  mounted to and extending across the lower surface  118  of the second table top portion  110  adjacent the inner end  122  of the second table top portion  110 . In the example shown, the first inner cross bar  146  is the first bar  212 , and the second inner cross bar  154  is the second bar  214 . However, in alternate examples, the first bar  212  and second bar  214  may be separate from the first inner cross bar  146  and second inner cross bar  154 . 
         [0041]    Referring still to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first bar  212  comprises a first aperture  216  defined transversely therethrough, and the second bar  214  comprises a second aperture  218  defined transversely therethrough. The second aperture  218  is aligned with the first aperture  216  and is co-linear with the first aperture  216  when the table top assembly  102  is in the in-use configuration. 
         [0042]    Referring still to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the locking assembly  210  further comprises a pin  220 . The pin comprises an insertion portion  222 , and a locking portion  224 . In the example shown, the locking portion  224  extends generally perpendicular to the insertion portion  222 , so that the pin  220  is generally L-shaped. Referring to  FIG. 4 , the insertion portion  222  is insertable into the first aperture  216  and second aperture  218  to prevent pivoting of the lower surfaces  116 , 118  towards each other. 
         [0043]    Referring still to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the locking assembly  210  further comprises a clip  226 , which may be mounted to one of the first table top portion  108  and the second table top portion  110 . The locking portion  224  is removably securable to the clip  226  when the insertion portion  222  is inserted into the first aperture  216  and the second aperture  218 , to maintain the insertion portion  222  in the first aperture  216  and the second aperture  218 . In the example shown, the clip  226  is mounted to the first table top portion  108  via the first inner cross bar  146 . Specifically, in the example shown, the clip  226  is integral with the first inner cross bar  146 . The clip  226  comprises a generally U-shaped member, having first  228  and second  230  opposed walls and a recess defined therebetween. The locking portion  224  is snapably receivable in the recess. 
         [0044]    In alternate examples, the clip  226  may be of another configuration, and may not be integral with the first inner cross bar  146 . For example, the clip  226  may be mounted to one of the first lower surface  116  and the second lower surface  118 , or may be separately formed from and mounted to one of the first inner cross bar  146  and second inner cross bar  154 . 
         [0045]    Referring back to  FIG. 4 , in order to unlock the table top assembly  102  from the in-use configuration, the insertion portion  222  of the pin  220  may be removed from the first  216  and second  218  apertures. The insertion portion  222  may be secured to the clip  226  to store the pin  220  when the table top assembly  102  is in the folded configuration. 
         [0046]    It will be appreciated that in  FIG. 2 , the locking assembly has been omitted for simplicity. Further, in  FIG. 3 , the contours of the lower surface of the table top, as well as the leg assemblies, have been omitted for simplicity.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0