Patent ID: 7448330

Claim:
A folding table comprising: first and second table sections, each table section having a frame structure pivotally connected to each other at two center hinges and adapted to fold about a center pivot axis; said frame structure adapted to support a plurality of center and end leg assemblies, each frame structure having a center tube for the connection of a plurality of drive links pivotally interconnected to corresponding center and end leg assemblies to thereby transition said folding table between a closed and an open position; a center torsion bar assembly comprising a torsion bar and a clutch mechanism, the center torsion bar assembly connected to said first table section at a first end of said torsion bar, and to said second table section by said clutch mechanism between said center hinges; said clutch mechanism comprising a slotted pin guide attached to said first table section and received by a first end of said torsion bar and a pin attached to said first end of said torsion bar, said slotted pin guide having a slot for receiving said pin, wherein said pin moves freely within said slot and engages one end of said slot to thereby restrict further rotation of said torsion bar when said folding table is moved between said closed position and said open position; said center torsion bar assembly storing folding potential energy through said clutch mechanism only between a first semi-folded position and said open position as said folding table is unfolded from said closed position to said open position wherein said first semi-folded position is between and does not include said open position and said closed position; and, said center torsion bar assembly adapted to release said folding potential energy through said clutch mechanism to provide a lifting assistance force between said open position and a second semi-folded position as said folding table is folded from said open to said closed position.