Frame for a folding table

Abstract

A foldable table may include a table top and legs movable between an extended position and a collapsed position. A first portion of a side rail may be connected to a first table top section and a second portion of the first side rail may be connected to a second table top section. An engaging portion of the first portion of the side rail may be at least partially disposed in a receiving portion of the second portion of the side rail when the table top is in the folded position and an engaging portion of the second portion of the side rail may be at least partially disposed in a receiving portion of the first portion of the side rail when the table top is in the folded position

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 559,062, which was filed on Jul. 26, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,555,789, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.[0002]U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 559,062, which was filed on Jul. 26, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,555,789, claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 513,422, entitled FRAME FOR A FOLDING TABLE, which was filed on Jul. 29, 2011, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention generally relates to furniture and, in particular, to tables that are capable of being folded and unfolded.[0005]2. Description of Related Art[0006]Many different 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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a table that can be extended or collapsed for easy movement and storage. The table has support structures that extend out when in use and can be disposed parallel to the table when in collapsed position. The table can be used for various purposes and is easier to maneuver. Additionally, this patent describes a folding table that has a first and second section with support structures on each section, a frame with a hinge assembly, and an unfolded and folded position to decrease the height of the frame. The technical effects of the patent include improved portability, flexibility, and versatility of the table.

Problems solved by technology

As a result, many conventional banquet tables require a large storage area even when the legs are in the collapsed 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 space may be required to store the tables.

Conventional banquet tables, even when the legs are folded, are often too bulky and awkward to be conveniently used and stored at such smaller facilities.

Disadvantageously, this process of renting and / or borrowing banquet tables can be inconvenient, time consuming and costly.

Conventional banquet tables are also often difficult to move or transport from one location to another.

For example, because of the length of many conventional banquet tables, it is often difficult for a single person to move the table.

In addition, the extended length of conventional banquet tables may preclude the tables from being transported in the trunk or back seat of a typical passenger car.

These and other factors may make conventional banquet tables difficult, time consuming and expensive to move.

Disadvantageously, many conventional fold-in-half tables with foldable table tops are unable to support a significant amount of weight.

For example, the connection between the two sections of the table top for many known fold-in-half tables is relatively weak, which may cause, for example, a portion of the table top to sag or slump.

Additionally, the connection between the table top sections for many known fold-in-half tables may be relatively frail and may break if a significant load or force is applied to the table top.

In order to construct a stronger table, it is known to increase the size and thickness of the frame, but this may undesirably increase the weight and cost of the table.

Further, many conventional fold-in-half tables require a large amount of space even when the table is folded, which may make the tables awkward or difficult to move.

The large size may also limit the number of fold-in-half tables that can be stored in a given area.

Images