US20110017107A1

US20110017107A1 - Folding table

Info

Publication number: US20110017107A1
Application number: US12/509,460
Authority: US
Inventors: Wen-Shan Ko
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-07-25
Filing date: 2009-07-25
Publication date: 2011-01-27

Abstract

The present invention provides a folding table, including a main body with table panel and foot stand as well as a folding mechanism. The folding mechanism includes a fixed limiting seat, which is provided with assembly portion and first locating portion. A moveable limiting seat is provided with a second locating portion. A moveable control rod is, interconnected with the moveable limiting seat for simultaneous assembly and positioning. The folding mechanism allows the moveable control rod to shift transversely, so that the moveable limiting seat is activated simultaneously, enabling the second locating portion to move transversely for positioning together with the first locating portion, preventing the swinging of the table panel, or removing the limiting state of the second locating portion of the moveable limiting seat in reverse transversing. The table panel can move rotatably.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a folding table, and more particularly to an innovative table featuring easy operation and simplified structure.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.
Table is a necessity for the general public. Due to the large space occupied by a table, a folding table structure has been developed for space-saving purposes.
Thus, to overcome the aforementioned problems of the prior art, it would be an advancement in the art to provide an improved structure that can significantly improve efficacy.
Therefore, the inventor has provided the present invention of practicability after deliberate design and evaluation based on years of experience in the production, development and design of related products.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is enhanced efficacy of the present invention.
Based on the unique folding table of the present invention, a fixed limiting seat is provided with a first locating portion, which is arranged in collaboration with the moveable limiting seat with a second locating portion, and connected with the a moveable control rod for simultaneous assembly and positioning. The moveable control rod can be shifted to drive the moveable limiting seat, so that the second locating portion of the moveable limiting seat is assembled slidably on the first locating portion, enabling the table panel to be stretched in a flat state. Alternatively, the limiting state of the first and second locating portions can be removed. In such state, the user can swing the table panel into a folding state, and operate it easily and robustly with a simple and efficient folding structure, thereby improving the structural stability and easy operation with better applicability.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an assembled perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the local assembly step of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged schematic view of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows an assembled sectional view of the folding mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of actuation of the moveable control rod of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of the present invention fitted with a snapping member.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a comparison of the present invention, wherein the table panel is stretched and folded.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of the present invention, wherein a plurality of main bodies is interconnected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-4 depict preferred embodiments of a folding table of the present invention. The embodiments are provided for only explanatory objectives with respect to the patent claims.
The folding table comprises a main body 10, containing a table panel 12 with back surface 11 and foot stand 13. A pivot joint 14 is preset on the main body 10, and a folding mechanism 20 is also arranged on the main body 10.
The folding mechanism 20 comprises at least a fixed limiting seat 21, which is provided with assembly portion 211 and first locating portion 212. The assembly portion 211 is mounted onto the back surface 11 of the table panel 12. The folding mechanism 20 also comprises at least a moveable limiting seat 22, which is provided with a second locating portion 222. The second locating portion 222 can move transversely, and be mated with the first locating portion 212 in limited state. There is a moveable control rod 23, which is extended transversely along the main body 10, assembled onto the pivot joint 14 and connected with the moveable limiting seat 22 for simultaneous assembly and positioning. Next, a locator 24 is used to retain securely the moveable control rod 23, enabling the folding table to be opened or folded in tune with the user requirements.
The first locating portion 212 of the fixed limiting seat 21 is of an inverted concave profile to form two vertical locating walls 213 and locating plates 215. The locating plates 215 are protruded from the end of two vertical locating walls 213. The second locating portion 222 can penetrate transversely like a groove, so that the second locating portion 222 is transversely assembled onto the locating plate 215 for a limitation state. The locator 24 is formed by the concave flange of the first locating portion 212.
Referring to FIG. 8, interlocked assembly portions 30 are arranged at four corners on the back surface 11 of the table panel 12 of the main body 10, so that a plurality of main bodies 10 is assembled and connected. An embedded bulge 31 and an embedded groove 32 are placed at both ends of the interlocked assembly portion 30, allowing for easy connection and separation via the interlocked assembly portion 30 of different main bodies 10.
Two handles 231 are arranged at both ends of the moveable control rod 23 for pushing and pulling purposes. Since the handles 231 are arranged at both ends of the moveable control rod 23, the user is allowed for control from either end.
Referring to FIG. 6, the main body 10 is fitted with a snapping member 40, which is arranged onto the locating seat 41 of the back surface 11 of the table panel 12, and also onto the locking seat 42 of the foot stand 13 of the main body 10. A locking end 411 is formed on one end of the locating seat 41, so that when the folding table is folded rotatably, the locking end 411 can be locked into the locking seat 42 for limitation purpose.
Based upon the above-specified structures, the fixed limiting seat 21, moveable limiting seat 22 and moveable control rod 23 of the folding mechanism 20 of the folding table are incorporated onto the main body 10 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3. Firstly, the assembly portion 211 of the fixed limiting seat 21 is mounted onto the back surface 11 of the table panel 12, whilst the concave locator 24 and a through-hole 141 of the pivot joint 14 are arranged transversely at interval (shown in FIG. 2( a)). Thus, the fixed limiting seat 21 and table panel 12 are located securely. Referring also to FIG. 2( b), the moveable control rod 23 is penetrated into the through-hole 141 of the pivot joint 14 and extended into a punch hole 223 on the moveable limiting seat 22, allowing it to be fastened securely into the punch hole 223 via a bolt 25. Moreover, the second locating portion 222 of the moveable limiting seat 22 can be assembled transversely onto the locating plates 215 of the fixed limiting seat 21 (also referring to FIG. 2( a) and FIG. 4), helping to prevent the swinging of the table panel 12. In such case, the table panel 12 of the main body 10 is stretched in a flat state as shown in FIG. 7( a).
When the folding table is folded, referring to FIG. 5, the moveable control rod 23 is shifted transversely so that the moveable limiting seat 22 is activated simultaneously, enabling the second locating portion 222 to disengage from the locating plate 215 (referring also to FIG. 2( c)). As such, the table panel 12 can move rotatably. The table panel 12 of the main body 10 can thus be folded rotatably by taking the pivoted portion 15 of the main body 10 as a pivot, as shown in FIG. 7( b). In such case, as the locating seat 41 of the snapping member 40 is arranged on the back surface 11 of the table panel 12, when the table panel 12 is folded rotatably, the locking end 411 of the locating seat 41 is embedded downwards into the locking seat 42, so that the folding state of the main body 10 is limited securely. When it is intended to stretch the table panel 12, the locking state of the snapping member 40 shall be removed, so that the table panel 12 is stretched upwards in a swinging state, whilst the moveable control rod 23 is shifted transversely and reversely. Then, the second locating portion 222 of the moveable limiting seat 22 is reversely assembled onto the locating plate 215 of the fixed limiting seat 21, allowing for easily stretching the table panel 12 for operation.

Claims

1. A folding table, comprising:

a main body, containing a table panel with a back surface and foot stand;

a pivot joint being preset on said main body; and

a folding means arranged on said main body, said folding means comprising:

a fixed limiting seat, provided with assembly portion and first locating portion, said assembly portion being mounted onto said back surface of said table panel;

a moveable limiting seat, provided with a second locating portion being transversely moveable and mated with said first locating portion in a limited state;

a moveable control rod, extended transversely along said main body, assembled onto said pivot joint and connected with said moveable limiting seat for simultaneous assembly and positioning; and

a locator securely retaining said moveable control rod.

2. The folding table defined in claim 1, wherein the first locating portion of the fixed limiting seat is of an inverted concave profile to form two vertical locating walls and locating plates, the locating plates being protruded from an end of two vertical locating walls, the second locating portion transversely penetrating and being transversely assembled onto the locating plate for a limitation state, the locator being formed by a concave flange of the first locating portion.

3. The folding table defined in claim 1, wherein interlocked assembly portions are arranged at four corners on the back surface of the table panel of the main body, a plurality of main bodies being assembled and connected.

4. The folding table defined in claim 3, wherein the interlocked assembly portion has an embedded bulge and an embedded groove placed at both ends thereof, connecting and separating via the interlocked assembly portion of different main bodies.

5. The folding table defined in claim 1, wherein said pivot joint is arranged at a top of said foot stand of the main body, and provided with a through-hole for the penetration of the moveable control rod.

6. The folding table defined in claim 1, wherein said moveable control rod has two handles arranged at both ends thereof for pushing and pulling.

7. The folding table defined in claim 1, wherein said main body is fitted with a snapping member, being arranged onto the locating seat of the back surface of the table panel, and also onto the locking seat of the foot stand of the main body, a locking end being formed on one end of the locating seat, the locking end being locked into the locking seat.