Foldable table

Abstract

The present invention provides for a foldable table assembly movable between an open and a closed position. The foldable table assembly comprises a base including a base wall surrounding a hollow interior for containing a folding table, the folding table being movable between a closed folded and an open unfolded position and a screw Jack assembly moving the folding table between the folded position inside the hollow interior of the base and unfolded substantially horizontal position removed from the hollow interior wherein operation of the Jack assembly permits the folding and unfolding of the table. The foldable table assembly has a lifting plate engaged with the Jack having a plurality of lifting arms each arm having a first end attached to the lifting plate and a pair of table top segments hingedly connected between a pair of said lifting arms. The pair of table top segments are connected one to another by means of a flexible hinge to allow the pivot point between the pair of table top segments to be located at the surface of the table top segments. In this way the table top surface in the open unfolded position has a smooth finish with no projections rising above the surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention is directed to a foldable table and in particular to a jack operated foldable table having a segmented solid table top.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Foldable furniture, particularly tables and chairs are well known in the art. Foldable furniture, particularly foldable tables offer many benefits, especially for apartment dwellers. In the current real estate market with more and more people living in condominiums with small apartments, modular foldable furniture becomes desirable. Foldable tables occupy little space during storage and can accommodate several people in the unfolded operating state. In addition foldable tables in the folded state may also be used as a side table, increasing the usability.[0003]There are number of collapsible tables and collapsible dining sets described in prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,802 discloses a folding table and a seating apparatus comprising a circular table and eight stools. This assembly, ev...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]The present invention provides for a foldable table assembly movable between an open and a closed position. The foldable table assembly comprises a base including a base wall surrounding a hollow interior for containing a folding table, the folding table being movable between a closed folded and an open unfolded position and a screw Jack assembly moving the folding table between the folded position inside the hollow interior of the base and unfolded substantially horizontal position removed from the hollow interior wherein operation of the Jack assembly permits the folding and unfolding of the table. The foldable table assembly has a lifting plate engaged with the Jack having a plurality of lifting arms, each arm having a first end attached to the lifting plate and a pair of table top segments hingedly connected between a pair of said lifting arms. The pairs of table top segments are connected one to another by means of a flexible hinge to allow the pivot point between the pair of table top segments to be located at the surface of the table top segments. In this way the table top surface in the open unfolded position has a smooth finish with no projections rising above the surface.

[0019]In yet another aspect of the invention, the lid is provided with a Lazy Susan type assembly to improve the serving capability of the lid when the foldable table assembly is in the open position.

Problems solved by technology

This assembly, even in a folded state, occupies a large space and does not provide a sufficient solution to space limitations in condominiums.

These tables which occupy a small space are disadvantageous in that, when collapsed, the upper table surface folds outward and remains open to air subjected to dust and dirt.

This is undesirable due to sanitary concerns.

The described design has a limitation in the size of the table which can be nested inside the interior.

Further there some operational limitations: the folding and the unfolding of the table are complicated and physically challenging.

Finally this type of assembly is adapted to be used mostly outdoors and is not suitable for the indoor use.

There were numerous attempts to develop foldable tables with a seat assembly, however most of those tables had various deficiencies.

Others have a complicated mechanical structure while others occupied a lot of storage space.

Another deficiency of the foldable tables described in the prior art was the folding and unfolding operation.

All the tables had to be manually operated and therefore the procedure of folding and unfolding required physical strain and limited the manufacturing of tables to a smaller size.

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