Patent ID: 7171911

Claim:
A folding table in combination with a folding table assembly for assisting in the transition of a folding table between an open position and a closed position, said folding table assembly comprising: a folding table comprising a first table section hingedly connected to a second table section; wherein an open position is when said first and second table sections are substantially horizontal; and wherein a closed position is when said first and second table sections are substantially vertical; a center torsion bar mechanism comprising a clutch mechanism and a center torsion bar coupled to said first table section such that said folding table folds relative to said second table section about said center torsion bar; a first end of said center torsion bar fixed to said second table section and an opposite second end of said center torsion bar moveably coupled to said first table section via said clutch mechanism; said clutch mechanism engaging said center torsion bar at a first semi-folded position as said table is unfolded from said closed position; said center torsion bar storing folding potential energy between said first semi-folded position and said open position as said folding table continues unfolding to said open position; said center torsion bar adapted to provide a lifting force between said open position and a second semi-folded position as said folding table is folded from said open to said closed position; and wherein said lifting force is provided via release of said stored folding potential energy in said center torsion bar until said clutch mechanism disengages said center torsion bar at said second semi-folded position as said table continues to fold to said closed position.