Patent Description:
Many types of tables are well known and used for a variety of different purposes. For example, conventional tables may include legs that are pivotally attached to a tabletop and the legs may be movable between a use position in which the legs extend outwardly from the tabletop and a storage position in which the legs are folded against an underneath portion of the tabletop. Conventional tables with relatively large tabletops and folding legs are often referred to as "banquet tables" or "utility tables" and these types of tables are frequently used in assembly halls, banquet halls, convention centers, hotels, schools, churches, and other locations where large groups of people meet. When the tables are no longer needed, the table legs can be moved into the storage position and the tables may be moved or stored.

The tabletops of conventional banquet tables are relatively large. For example, many known banquet tables have a length between six and ten feet and a width between three and four feet. As a result, many conventional banquet tables require a large storage area even when the legs are in the storage position. This large storage area may be especially problematic for larger facilities, such as hotels, schools, and churches, because a considerable number of tables may have to be stored. Thus, a significant amount of storage space may be required. In addition, smaller facilities, such as restaurants, offices, and homes, may use one or more conventional banquet tables. These smaller facilities may use the tables less frequently, such as during special occasions and events. Conventional banquet tables, even when the legs are folded, are often too bulky and awkward to be conveniently stored at such smaller facilities. As a result, it is often necessary for both larger and smaller facilities to rent and/or borrow banquet tables when needed. Disadvantageously, renting and/or borrowing banquet tables can be inconvenient, time consuming, and costly. Further, renting and/or borrowing banquet tables may be difficult because transportation of the tables may be required.

Documents <CIT> and <CIT> describe locking mechanisms for a folding table according to the state of the art.

Conventional banquet tables are often difficult to move or transport from one location to another because of the large size of the tables. For example, it may be problematic for a single person to move a conventional banquet table because of the length of the table. In addition, the length may preclude conventional banquet tables from being transported in the trunk or back seat of a typical passenger car. Accordingly, conventional banquet tables may have to be transported by a truck, trailer, or oversized vehicle, such as a sports utility vehicle. These and other factors may make conventional banquet tables time consuming and expensive to move.

It is also known to construct tables that are capable of being folded in half. In particular, many conventional fold-in-half tables include a tabletop with two sections pivotally connected by hinges. The sections of the tabletop usually have the same size and shape, and the hinges are typically located at the center of the tabletop. The sections of the tabletop may be moved between an unfolded or use position in which the sections of the tabletop are generally aligned in the same plane, and a folded or collapsed position in which the sections are positioned generally adjacent to each other for storage.

Disadvantageously, many conventional fold-in-half tables are unable to support a significant amount of weight. For example, the connection between the sections of the tabletop for many known fold-in-half tables is relatively weak, which may allow a portion of the tabletop to undesirably sag or slump. Additionally, the connection between the sections may be relatively frail and may break if a significant load or force is applied to the tabletop. In order to construct a stronger table, it is known to make the tabletop sections out of stronger and thicker materials. This may increase the weight of the tabletop, which may make the table more difficult to manufacture, ship, carry and move.

An additional shortcoming of many conventional fold-in-half tables is the tables may be relatively difficult and time consuming to use. For example, multiple steps may be required to set up and take down conventional fold-in-half tables. For instance, known fold-in-half tables may have to be unfolded, a first leg assembly moved from a storage to use position, a first cross brace moved into an extended position, a second leg assembly moved from a storage to use positions, a second cross brace moved into an extended position, a first locking ring moved into a locked position to secure the first leg assembly in a locked position, a second locking ring moved into a locked position to secure the second leg assembly in a locked position, and then a sliding bolt may be used to lock the tabletop in the use or unfolded position. Thus, numerous steps may be required before the table can be used. In addition, many of the same steps may be required to fold or store the table. For instance, the sliding bolt may have to be manually unlocked and the locking rings moved from the locked to the unlocked positions. The first and second braces may have to be moved from the extended positions to angled positions. The first and second leg assemblies may then be moved from the use to the storage positions, and then the tabletop may be folded into the collapsed position. Therefore, a number of steps may be required each time the table is desired to be used, moved and/or stored.

A need therefore exists for a table that eliminates or diminishes the disadvantages and problems described above.

A locking mechanism for a folding table according to claim <NUM> is here provided.

Preferential embodiments are carried out in the dependent claims.

The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments to further illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantages and features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:.

The present invention is generally directed towards locking mechanisms for furniture, such as locking mechanisms for folding or fold-in-half tables. The principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to locking mechanisms for furniture or locking mechanisms for folding tables. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the locking mechanism may be successfully used in connection with other types of structures, devices, and the like.

Additionally, to assist in the description of the locking mechanism and folding tables, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left may be used to describe the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated the locking mechanism and folding tables may be disposed in other positions and/or arrangements, used in a variety of situations, and may perform different functions. In addition, the drawings may be to scale, and the drawings may illustrate various shapes, sizes, configurations, arrangements, aspects, and features of the locking mechanism, folding tables, and the like. It will be appreciated that the locking mechanisms, folding tables, and the various components may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table. Further, the locking mechanism and the folding table may include any suitable number or combination of components, aspects, features, and the like. While the locking mechanism and folding table may include various components, aspects, features, and the like, the various components, aspects, features, and the like may not be required. A detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the locking mechanism and folding table now follows.

As shown in the accompanying figures, an exemplary table <NUM> may include a tabletop <NUM> with an upper portion or surface <NUM>, a lower portion or surface <NUM>, a first side <NUM>, a second side <NUM>, a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The upper portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> may have a generally planar configuration, and the upper portion of the tabletop may create a working surface. The upper portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> may be textured, and the tabletop may include an outer perimeter or edge <NUM>. The tabletop <NUM> may include a lip <NUM>, and the lip may be disposed about the periphery or perimeter <NUM> of the tabletop. As shown in the accompanying figures, the lip <NUM> may have different heights, and the lip may extend about the entire perimeter <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. The lip <NUM> may have different heights, for example, to allow a handle to be connected to the table <NUM>. The lip <NUM> may also be sized and configured to facilitate folding and/or unfolding of the table <NUM>. In addition, the lip <NUM> may be sized and configured to create a table <NUM> with pleasing aesthetics, and the lip may be sized and configured to cover, conceal, and/or protect portions of the table <NUM>, such as a frame and/or support structures. Further, the tabletop <NUM> may include other features and aspects, such as grooves, recesses, and receiving portions, and the edges of the tabletop <NUM> may be beveled, sloped, and/or rounded.

The lip <NUM> may extend downwardly relative to the upper portion <NUM> and/or the lower portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. The lip <NUM> may also be disposed near or at least proximate the perimeter <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. For example, the lip <NUM> may extend downwardly relative to the upper portion <NUM> and the lower portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>, and the lip <NUM> may be aligned with and/or form at least a part of the perimeter <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. It will be appreciated that all or a portion the lip <NUM> may be spaced inwardly from the perimeter <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>, and the lip <NUM> may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements. While the exemplary tables <NUM> and the exemplary tabletops <NUM> shown in the accompanying figures include the lip <NUM>, it will be appreciated that the lip <NUM>, and other features and aspects of the table <NUM>, may not be required or necessary. It will also be appreciated that the table <NUM> and its various components may have other shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table <NUM>. It will further be appreciated that the table <NUM> can include any suitable number of features, aspects, and the like, such as disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

As shown in the accompanying figures, the tabletop <NUM> may have a generally rectangular configuration with rounded corners. The tabletop <NUM> may have a relatively large size and the table <NUM> may be configured for use as a banquet or utility table. For example, the tabletop <NUM> may have a length between about <NUM>,<NUM> meters and about <NUM>,<NUM> meters (<NUM> feet to <NUM> feet), such as a length of about <NUM>,<NUM> meters (<NUM> feet), about <NUM>,<NUM> meters (<NUM> feet), about <NUM>,<NUM> meters (<NUM> feet), and the like. The tabletop <NUM> may have a width between about <NUM>,<NUM> meters and about <NUM>,<NUM> meters (<NUM> feet to <NUM> feet), such as about <NUM>,<NUM> meters (<NUM>,<NUM> feet). It will be appreciated that the tabletop <NUM> could be larger or smaller, and it will be appreciated that the tabletop <NUM> could have other suitable shapes and configurations such as square, circular, oval and the like; and the sides, corners, edges and other portions of the tabletop <NUM> could have various shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table <NUM>. Further, the table <NUM> could be any suitable type of table such as a folding table, non-folding table, card table, personal table, round table, conference table, and the like. The table <NUM> could also be used for various purposes such as a desk, support structure, display, etc..

The tabletop <NUM> may be constructed from lightweight materials such as plastic. In particular, the tabletop <NUM> may be constructed from materials such as high-density polyethylene, but other suitable plastics and types of materials may also be used. The tabletop <NUM> may be formed using a blow-molding process, and blow-molding may allow a relatively strong, lightweight, rigid, and/or sturdy tabletop <NUM> to be created. The tabletop <NUM> may be rather quickly and inexpensively manufactured from blow-molded plastic. The blow-molded plastic tabletop <NUM> may be relatively durable, weather resistant, temperature insensitive, corrosion resistant, rust resistant, and may not deteriorate over time. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the tabletop <NUM> does not have to be constructed from blow-molded plastic and other suitable materials and/or processes can be used to construct the tabletop <NUM>. For example, the tabletop <NUM> may be constructed from other types of plastics, polymers, synthetic materials, natural materials, and the like. The tabletop <NUM> may also be formed from processes such as injection molding, rotational molding, rotary molding, etc. In addition, the tabletop <NUM> may be constructed from other materials with sufficient strength and desirable characteristics such as wood, metal, alloys, composites, fiberglass, ceramics, and the like.

The tabletop <NUM> may include spaced apart outer walls, such as the upper surface <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM>, which may help create a strong and rigid tabletop <NUM>. For instance, the upper and lower surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> may be separated by a distance, and the distance may be a generally constant distance. The upper and lower surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> may be generally aligned and/or disposed in generally parallel planes. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the tabletop <NUM> may include one or more depressions <NUM>, which may also be known as tack-offs. The depressions <NUM> may be disposed in the lower surface <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>, and the depressions <NUM> may be sized and configured to increase the strength, structural integrity, and/or rigidity of the tabletop <NUM>. The depressions <NUM> may also be used to create a tabletop <NUM> with more uniform properties and characteristics, and the depressions may cover a majority, substantially all, or the entire lower surface <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. Advantageously, the depressions <NUM> may be integrally formed with the tabletop <NUM> as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, and the depressions <NUM> may be formed in any desired portions of the tabletop <NUM>. The depressions <NUM>, and other portions of the table <NUM>, may have other shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements, and may include other features, such as disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>; and <CIT>.

The table <NUM> may include one or more support structures sized and configured to support the tabletop <NUM> above a surface. For example, the table <NUM> may include a first support structure <NUM> and a second support structure <NUM>, and each support structure may include one or more legs or supports <NUM>. The legs <NUM> may be connected by one or more connecting members <NUM>. The support structures <NUM>, <NUM> may be movable between an extended or use position in which the legs <NUM> extend outwardly from the tabletop <NUM>, and a collapsed or storage position in which the legs <NUM> are disposed at least proximate the tabletop <NUM>. After reviewing this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will be appreciated that the table <NUM> may include any suitable number, size, shape, configuration, and/or arrangement of the support structures <NUM>, <NUM>; the legs <NUM>; and/or the connecting members <NUM> depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table <NUM>.

The table <NUM> may be a folding or fold-in-half table, and the tabletop <NUM> may include a first section <NUM> and a second section <NUM>. The first and second sections <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> may be movable between a use or unfolded configuration, such as shown in <FIG>, and a collapsed or folded configuration such as shown in <FIG>. In addition, the first and second support structures <NUM>, <NUM> may be movable between use and collapsed configurations. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the table <NUM> may be in the unfolded or use configuration, and the first support structure <NUM> may extend outwardly relative to the first section <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. In addition, the second support structure <NUM> may extend outwardly relative to the second section <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first support structure <NUM> may be disposed generally parallel to and/or at least proximate the lower portion <NUM> the first section <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> when the first support structure is in the collapsed or storage position. Similarly, the second support structure <NUM> may be disposed generally parallel to and/or at least proximate the lower portion <NUM> of the second section <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> when the second support structure is in the collapsed or storage position. In addition, the first and second sections <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> may be movable between folded and unfolded positions. The first and second sections <NUM>, <NUM> may be generally aligned and/or disposed in generally the same plane when the tabletop <NUM> is in the unfolded position, and the first and second sections <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> may be disposed generally adjacent and/or parallel to each other when the tabletop <NUM> is in the folded position.

As shown in the accompanying figures, the first and second sections <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> may have a generally rectangular configuration. The first and second sections <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> may also have a generally symmetrical and/or mirror-image configuration. In addition, the first section <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> may include an inner surface <NUM> that is sized and configured to contact and/or engage an inner surface <NUM> of the second section <NUM> of the tabletop when the table <NUM> is in the unfolded position. The inner surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be spaced apart when the tabletop <NUM> is in the folded position. As shown in <FIG>, the inner surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> may include one or more interlocking, overlapping and/or connecting portions, such as an engaging portion <NUM> and a receiving potion <NUM>, which may provide additional strength, stability and/or rigidity to at least the center portion of the tabletop. The tabletop <NUM> may also have other shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements, such as shown in <CIT>.

As seen in the accompanying figures, the table <NUM> may include a frame <NUM> and the frame may be connected to the tabletop <NUM>. The exemplary frame <NUM> may include one or more elongated members, such as rails. For example, a first siderail <NUM> may be disposed at least proximate the first side <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>, and a second siderail <NUM> may be disposed at least proximate the second side <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. The first siderail <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> connected to the first section <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> connected to the second section <NUM> of the tabletop. The second siderail <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> connected to the first section <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> connected to the second section <NUM> of the tabletop. The first and second siderails <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned at least proximate the lip <NUM> along the first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>, and the first and second siderails <NUM>, <NUM> may extend almost the entire length of the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the frame <NUM> may have other shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table <NUM>. For example, the frame <NUM> could include one or more features or aspects such as disclosed in <CIT>, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The first and second siderails <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM> may be pivotally connected. For example, a first hinge assembly <NUM> may be connected to the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first side rail <NUM>, and a second hinge assembly <NUM> may be connected to the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the second side rail <NUM>. The first and second hinge assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may allow the table <NUM> to be moved between the folded and unfolded positions.

The first support structure <NUM> may be connected to the frame <NUM>. For example, a first cross member <NUM> may connect the first support structure <NUM> and the frame <NUM>, and a second cross member <NUM> may connect the second support structure <NUM> and the frame. As seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the ends of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed in openings in the siderails <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, which may allow the cross members <NUM>, <NUM> to rotate relative to the frame <NUM>. The cross member <NUM>, <NUM> may be part of the support structures <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the frame <NUM>, if desired. The support structures <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the cross members <NUM>, <NUM> may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements, such as shown in <CIT>.

The table <NUM> may include any suitable number of cross members, such as the cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, and the cross members may be disposed in various positions of the table <NUM>. For example, the cross members <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed towards the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>, of the tabletop <NUM>, and one or more cross members may be disposed between the cross members <NUM>, <NUM>. For instance, a cross member <NUM> may be disposed between the cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, and the cross member <NUM> may be disposed at least proximate a center portion of the tabletop <NUM>. The cross member <NUM> may be aligned with an axis of rotation as the table <NUM> moves between the folded and unfolded positions. The cross member <NUM> may be connected to the hinge assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the cross member <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to one or both of the hinge assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. The cross member <NUM> could also be connected to other suitable portions of the table <NUM>. The table <NUM> could include one or more cross members, and other features and aspects, such as disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

table <NUM>, however, may not include the cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>. As seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, a first cross brace <NUM> may connect the cross member <NUM> and the first support structure <NUM>, and a second cross brace <NUM> may connect the cross member <NUM> and the second support structure <NUM>. The first and second cross braces <NUM>, <NUM> may include a pair of arms <NUM>, and the arms may be pivotally connected to the legs <NUM>. The cross braces <NUM>, <NUM> may be rotatably or non-rotatably connected to the cross member <NUM>. After reviewing this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will be appreciated that the cross braces <NUM>, <NUM> may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements. For example, the first cross brace <NUM> may connect the support structure <NUM> and the frame <NUM>, and the second cross brace <NUM> may connect the support structure <NUM> and the frame <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cross brace <NUM> may connect the first support structure <NUM> and the first side rail <NUM> and/or the second side rail <NUM>. For instance, the first cross brace <NUM> may connect the first portion <NUM> of the first side rail <NUM> and/or the first portion <NUM> of the second side rail <NUM> and the first support structure <NUM>. The second cross brace <NUM> may connect the second support structure <NUM> and the first side rail <NUM> and/or the second side rail <NUM>. For example, the second cross brace <NUM> may connect the second portion <NUM> of the first side rail <NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM> of the second side rail <NUM> and the second support structure <NUM>. After reviewing this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciated the cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the cross braces <NUM>, <NUM> may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cross member <NUM> may be connected to the hinge assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, such as shown in <FIG>. The cross member <NUM>, however, does not have to be connected to the hinge assemblies, and the table <NUM> may not include the cross member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, the first hinge assembly <NUM> may include a first bracket <NUM>, and the first bracket <NUM> may be connected to the first portion <NUM> of the first siderail <NUM>. The first hinge assembly <NUM> may also include a second bracket <NUM>, and the second bracket <NUM> may be connected to the second portion <NUM> of the first siderail <NUM>. The first bracket <NUM> may include one or more flanges, such as a first pair of flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, and the second bracket <NUM> may include one or more flanges, such as a second pair of flanges <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second brackets <NUM>, <NUM> of the first hinge assembly <NUM> may be pivotally connected. For example, the first and second brackets <NUM>, <NUM> of the first hinge assembly <NUM> may be pivotally connected by one or more connectors <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may be a pin, rivet, connecting member, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector <NUM> may be the cross member <NUM>. For instance, an end of the cross member <NUM> may be inserted through one or more apertures in the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>. After reviewing this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the connector <NUM> may have different shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the type of table <NUM>.

The second hinge assembly <NUM> may have a size, shape, configuration, and/or arrangement that is similar the first hinge assembly <NUM>. For example, the second hinge assembly may include a first bracket <NUM> connected to the first portion <NUM> of the second siderail <NUM>. The second hinge assembly <NUM> may also include a second bracket <NUM> connected to the second portion <NUM> of the second siderail <NUM>. The first bracket <NUM> may include one or more flanges, such as a first pair of flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, and the second bracket <NUM> may include one or more flanges, such as a second pair of flanges <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second brackets <NUM>, <NUM> of the second hinge assembly <NUM> may be pivotally connected. For example, the first and second brackets <NUM>, <NUM> of the second hinge assembly <NUM> may be pivotally connected by one or more connectors <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may be a pin, rivet, connecting member, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector <NUM> may be the cross member <NUM>. For instance, an end of the cross member <NUM> may be inserted through one or more apertures in the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>. After reviewing this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hinges assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may have a similar or different shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements. In addition, the table <NUM> may include any suitable number of hinge assemblies and the hinge assemblies may be disposed in various locations and positions depending, for example, upon the size of the table <NUM>.

A locking mechanism <NUM> may be used to lock the tabletop <NUM> in a fixed position, such as the extended or use position. The locking mechanism <NUM> may also be used to lock the tabletop <NUM> in other positions, such as an unlocked position. The locking mechanism <NUM> may be biased into one or more desired positions or configurations. For example, the locking mechanism <NUM> may be biased to lock the tabletop <NUM> in a locked position when the tabletop <NUM> is disposed in the extended or use position. If desired, the locking mechanism <NUM> may be sized and configured to automatically lock when the tabletop <NUM> is in a desired position, such as the extended or use position. A force or other input may be required to unlock the locking mechanism <NUM>. For instance, when the tabletop <NUM> is in the extended or use position and the locking member <NUM> is disposed in the locked position, a force or input may be required to unlock the locking mechanism <NUM>. When the locking mechanism <NUM> is unlocked, the tabletop <NUM> may be moved between the use and collapsed positions. After reviewing this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the locking mechanism <NUM> may be sized, shaped, configured, and/or arranged to lock the tabletop <NUM> into any desired positions and the locking mechanism <NUM> may allow the tabletop <NUM> to be freely moved between the use and collapsed positions when the locking member <NUM> is unlocked.

The locking mechanism <NUM> may be disposed at least proximate one of the hinge assemblies, such as the first hinge assembly <NUM>. For example, the locking mechanism <NUM> may be at least partially disposed between the first bracket <NUM> and/or the second bracket <NUM> of the first hinge assembly <NUM>. After reviewing this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the table <NUM> may include more than one locking mechanism <NUM>, such as a first locking mechanism <NUM> with the first hinge assembly <NUM> and a second locking mechanism <NUM> with the second hinge assembly <NUM>. One of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the locking mechanism <NUM> may be connected to any desired portions of the table <NUM>.

As seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the locking mechanism <NUM> may include a locking member <NUM>, and the locking member may include a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> may be connected to a first portion of the table <NUM>, such as the connector <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> may be connected to a locking structure <NUM>, such as a locking pin. The locking structure <NUM> may be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking structure <NUM> is in the locked position, the tabletop <NUM> may be disposed in a fixed position. When the locking structure <NUM> is in the unlocked position, the tabletop <NUM> may be movable between the use and collapsed positions.

The locking member <NUM> may include a connecting member <NUM>, and the connecting member <NUM> may connect the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the locking member <NUM>. The first portion <NUM>, the second portion <NUM>, and the connecting member <NUM> may be part of a unitary, one-piece structure or construction. Advantageously, the unitary, one-piece structure of the locking member <NUM> may facilitate assembly of the locking mechanism <NUM> and/or table <NUM>. The unitary, one-piece structure of the locking member <NUM> may also reduce the number of parts, simplify fabrication, increase production efficiency, streamline manufacturing, and the like.

In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting member <NUM> may be sized and configured to bias locking member <NUM> into one or more desired positions or configurations. For example, the locking member <NUM> may bias the second portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> into a desired position. For instance, the first portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> may be connected in a fixed portion of the table <NUM>, such as the connector <NUM>, and the second portion <NUM> of locking member may be movable relative to the first portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the connector <NUM>, and the second portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> may be connected to the locking structure <NUM>. The locking mechanism <NUM> and/or locking member <NUM> may be sized and configured to move the locking structure <NUM> between one or more positions, such as locked and unlocked positions. The connecting member <NUM> may be sized, shaped, configured, and/or arranged to bias the locking structure <NUM> into a desired position, such as a locked position. For example, the connecting member <NUM> may be constructed from a flexible, elastic, and/or resilient material that allows the second portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> to move relative to the first portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM>. The connecting member <NUM> may be sized and configured to apply a force that tends to move the second portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> into a desired position, such as the locked position.

As shown in <FIG>, for example, the first portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> may include an aperture <NUM> that is sized and configured to allow the locking member to be connected to the connector <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> may include an aperture <NUM> that is sized and configured to allow the locking member to be connected to the locking structure <NUM>. The connecting member <NUM> may have a curvilinear configuration with one or more curved portions. For example, the connecting member <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM>, and the first portion <NUM> may have a slightly bowed or arched configuration. The connecting member <NUM> may include a second portion <NUM>, and the second portion <NUM> may have a curled or coiled configuration, such as a generally U-shaped configuration. The connecting member <NUM> may include a third portion <NUM>, and the third portion may have a curved configuration that extends in a different direction and/or different angle than the first portion <NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM>. For example, the first portion <NUM> of the connecting member <NUM> may be disposed at an angle of about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, or less. The second portion <NUM> of the connecting member <NUM> may be disposed in a generally U-shaped configuration, but it could also be disposed in other configurations such as a generally V-shaped configuration, generally W-shaped configuration, etc. The third portion <NUM> may be disposed at an angle of about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, about <NUM> degrees, or more. After reviewing this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the locking mechanism <NUM> and the locking member <NUM> may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table <NUM>.

The locking member <NUM> may be constructed from relatively sturdy and durable materials such as plastic. The locking member <NUM> may also be constructed from rather lightweight materials, which may reduce the weight of the table <NUM>. The locking member <NUM> may also include one or more apertures, such as aperture <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> may reduce the weight of the locking member <NUM>, and the aperture <NUM> allow the locking member <NUM> to be constructed with less material. After reviewing this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the locking member <NUM> may be constructed from other materials with appropriate characteristics.

The locking member <NUM> may include a control <NUM>, and the control <NUM> may be used to move or otherwise control the locking member <NUM>. For example, the control <NUM> may be used to move the locking member <NUM>, such as rotating the first portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> about the connector <NUM>. The control <NUM> may extend outwardly from the first portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM>, and the control may include a surface <NUM>, such as an engagement or contact surface.

A force or input may be applied to the control <NUM>, such as the engagement surface <NUM>, to lock and/or unlock the locking member <NUM>. For example, when the locking member <NUM> is in the locked position, a force or input may be required to unlock the locking member <NUM>. For instance, a force greater than the biasing force may be required to unlock the locking member <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, a force may be applied to the engagement surface <NUM> of the control <NUM>, and the force may unlock the locking mechanism <NUM>. In greater detail, a force may be applied to the engagement surface <NUM> of the control <NUM> and the first portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> may rotate in a first direction. The rotation of the first portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> may cause the second portion <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> to move the locking structure <NUM> between the locked and unlocked positions. When the force is removed from the control <NUM>, or the force is decreased a sufficient, the locking member <NUM> may be biased to return the locking mechanism <NUM> into the locked configuration.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the locking mechanism <NUM> may be at least partially disposed between the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> of the first and second brackets <NUM>, <NUM> of the first hinge assembly <NUM>. The control <NUM> may extend outwardly relative to the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>, which may increase access to the engagement surface <NUM>. The positioning of the locking mechanism <NUM> at least partially between the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> may help protect the locking mechanism <NUM> from damage, and may help position the locking member <NUM> in a desired location or arrangement. After reviewing this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the locking mechanism <NUM> may be disposed in other positions, and the locking mechanism <NUM> may have other shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements.

As discussed above, the locking mechanism <NUM> may lock the tabletop <NUM> in an unfolded or use position. The locking mechanism <NUM> may also unlock the tabletop <NUM> so that the tabletop <NUM> is capable of being moved between the use and collapsed positions. In greater detail, the locking mechanism <NUM> may be sized and configured to lock a hinge assembly, such as the first and/or second hinge assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, in a fixed position, which may prevent folding of the tabletop <NUM>. While the accompanying figures illustrate the locking mechanism <NUM> in connection with the first hinge assembly <NUM>, it will be appreciated that the locking member may also be used in connection with the second hinge assembly <NUM>. Further, the table <NUM> may include any suitable number of locking mechanisms, such as a first locking mechanism used with the first hinge assembly <NUM> and a second locking member used with the second hinge assembly <NUM>.

As shown in the accompanying figures, the locking structure <NUM> may be disposed within an opening <NUM>, such as a slot. In particular, the locking structure <NUM> may be movable within the opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be disposed in a portion of a hinge assembly, such as the flange <NUM> of the second bracket <NUM> of the first hinge assembly <NUM>. The locking structure <NUM> may be movable within the opening <NUM> between a first position in which the locking structure locks the hinge assembly <NUM> and a second position in which the hinge assembly is unlocked. As shown in the accompanying figures, the locking structure <NUM> may have a generally cylindrical configuration, which may facilitate movement of the locking structure within the opening <NUM>. The locking structure <NUM> may also have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements depending, for example, upon the configuration of the hinge assembly <NUM> and/or the opening <NUM>.

In greater detail, the opening <NUM> may be disposed in the flange <NUM> and/or the flange <NUM> of the second bracket <NUM>. The first bracket <NUM> may include a receiving portion or engagement surface <NUM> and a curved or cam surface <NUM>. The engagement surface <NUM> may be sized and configured to abut, contact, and/or engage the locking structure <NUM> when the locking structure is in the locked position. The contact between the locking structure <NUM> and the engagement surface <NUM> may secure the hinge assembly <NUM> in a fixed position, and the contact between the locking structure and the engagement surface may prevent the hinge assembly from closing or folding. The cam surface <NUM> may contact the locking structure <NUM> when the locking mechanism <NUM> is disposed in the unlocked position, which may allow the hinge assembly <NUM> to be opened or closed. The cam surface <NUM> may help maintain the locking structure <NUM> in an unlocked position, which may facilitate movement of the hinge assembly <NUM>, and allow folding and/or unfolding of the tabletop <NUM>. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, when the locking structure <NUM> of the locking mechanism <NUM> is in the locked position, the locking structure <NUM> may contact the engagement surface <NUM> and that may prevent the hinge assembly <NUM> from closing. On the other hand, when the locking structure <NUM> is in the unlocked position, the locking structure <NUM> may not contact the engagement surface <NUM> and the hinge assembly <NUM> may be opened or closed. This may allow the tabletop <NUM> to be readily moved between the folded and unfolded configurations. As shown in <FIG>, the locking structure <NUM> may engage the engagement surface <NUM> to secure the hinge assembly <NUM> in the open position. In this exemplary configuration, the locking structure <NUM> may be disposed towards one end of the opening <NUM>, such as a first end <NUM>, and this may be referred to as the locked position because the locking structure <NUM> may engage the engagement surface <NUM> to lock the hinge assembly <NUM> in a fixed position. When the hinge assembly <NUM> disposed in a fixed position, the tabletop <NUM> may be disposed in a fixed position, such as the open or use position. As shown <FIG>, the locking structure <NUM> may move within the opening <NUM>. For example, the locking structure <NUM> may move between the first end <NUM> of the opening <NUM> and a second end <NUM> of the opening. When the locking structure <NUM> is disposed towards the second end <NUM> of the opening <NUM>, the locking structure <NUM> may not abut, contact, and/or engage the engagement surface <NUM>, which may allow the hinge assembly <NUM> to be moved or closed. This may be referred to as the unlocked position because the locking structure <NUM> may not engage the engagement surface <NUM>, and this may allow the hinge assembly <NUM> to be opened or closed. When the locking structure <NUM> is disposed in the unlocked position, the locking structure may be spaced apart from and/or contact the cam surface <NUM> when the hinge assembly <NUM> is being opened or closed. After reviewing this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the locking mechanism <NUM>, the locking member <NUM>, the locking structure <NUM>, the opening <NUM>, the engagement surface <NUM>, the cam surface <NUM>, etc. may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table <NUM>.

In operation, the table <NUM> may be disposed in a folded configuration, such as shown in <FIG>. The tabletop <NUM> may be disposed in an unfolded configuration, such as shown in <FIG>, and the first and second support structures <NUM>, <NUM> may be moved from the collapsed to the use position, such as shown in <FIG>. When the tabletop <NUM> is moved from the folded to unfolded positions, the locking mechanism <NUM> may automatically lock the tabletop in the unfolded position. For example, as the tabletop <NUM> is moved from the folded position to the unfolded position, the locking structure <NUM> may follow the cam surface <NUM>. When the tabletop <NUM> is in the unfolded position, the locking member <NUM> may bias the locking structure <NUM> into a locked position where the locking structure <NUM> engages the engagement surface <NUM>. Advantageously, the locking mechanism <NUM> may allow the tabletop <NUM> to be automatically locked in the unfolded position when the tabletop is moved into the unfolded position. When it is desired to move and/or fold the tabletop <NUM>, a user may apply a force and/or press the control <NUM>, which may cause the locking member <NUM> to move the locking structure <NUM> within the opening <NUM>. In particular, the locking member <NUM> may move the locking structure <NUM> so that it no longer abuts, contacts, and/or engages the engagement surface <NUM>, which may allow the hinge <NUM> to rotate and the tabletop <NUM> to be moved between the unfolded and folded positions, Thus, when the locking structure <NUM> is no longer disposed in the locked position, the tabletop <NUM> may be moved between the folded and unfolded positions.

One of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate after reviewing this disclosure that the table <NUM> and various components, such as the tabletop <NUM>, the support structures <NUM>, <NUM>, the frame <NUM>, the hinge assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, the cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, the locking mechanism <NUM>, and the like may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A locking mechanism (<NUM>) for a folding table (<NUM>), the locking mechanism sized and configured to lock the tabletop (<NUM>) in a fixed position, the locking mechanism comprising:
a hinge assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a first bracket (<NUM>) including a cam surface (<NUM>) and an engagement portion (<NUM>);
a second bracket (<NUM>) including an elongated opening (<NUM>); and
a connector (<NUM>) rotatably connecting the first bracket (<NUM>) and the second bracket (<NUM>);
a locking member (<NUM>) including a first portion (<NUM>), a second portion (<NUM>), and a connecting portion (<NUM>) connecting the first portion and the second portion, the connecting portion being resiliently deformable, the first portion, the second portion, and the connecting portion being a unitary, one-piece structure, the first portion of the locking member connected to the connector (<NUM>) of the hinge assembly (<NUM>); and
a locking structure (<NUM>) disposed within the elongated opening (<NUM>) in the second bracket (<NUM>) of the hinge assembly (<NUM>), the locking structure connected to the second portion (<NUM>) of the locking member (<NUM>), the locking structure (<NUM>) movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking member (<NUM>) sized and configured to bias the locking structure (<NUM>) into the locked position, the resiliently deformable connecting portion sized and configured to allow the locking structure to move between the locked and unlocked positions.