Patent ID: 7614351

Claim:
A folding table comprising a base structure ( 12 ) and a resting surface ( 14 ) mounted upon the base structure ( 12 ), wherein said resting surface oscillates between an upright inoperative position, and a substantially horizontal operative position, characterized in that the resting surface ( 14 ) is mounted so that it can oscillate with respect to the base structure ( 12 ) about a first horizontal pivot axis ( 26 ), and in that the aforesaid base structure ( 12 ) comprises a retention device ( 38 ), which includes: at least one articulation arm ( 40 ) articulated to the base structure ( 12 ) about a second horizontal pivot axis ( 30 ) parallel to the first axis ( 26 ); and a connection member ( 42 , 142 ) operatively set between said arm ( 40 ) and the aforesaid resting surface ( 14 ), wherein said connection member is pivotably interconnected with said arm ( 40 ) for movement about a third horizontal pivot axis parallel to the first and second axes, is pivotably interconnected with said resting surface for movement about a fourth horizontal pivot axis parallel to the first, second, and third axes and extends horizontally adjacent an underside of the resting surface when the resting surface is in the horizontal operative position, and wherein the third and fourth horizontal pivot axes lie above the first horizontal pivot axis when the resting surface is in the upright inoperative position.