Table with truss support structure

Abstract

A folding table may include a tabletop, a frame, a truss support structure, and support structures. The tabletop may include a first tabletop section and a second tabletop section that are generally aligned in the same plane in the unfolded position and are disposed generally adjacent and parallel in the folded position. The frame is connected to the tabletop and may include a side rail with a first rail section connected to the first tabletop section and a second rail section connected to the second tabletop section. The truss support structure may be connected to the first rail section and the second rail section of the side rail. The truss support structure extends across an interface between the first and second tabletop sections in the unfolded position. The support structures may support the tabletop above a surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62 / 133,825, filed on Mar. 16, 2015, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention generally relates to tables and, in particular, to tables that are capable of being folded and unfolded.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]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 tabletop and the legs may be movable between a use position in which the legs extend outwardly from the tabletop and a storage position in which the legs are folded against an underneath portion of the tabletop. Conventional tables with relatively large tabletops and folding legs are often referred to as “banquet tables” and these tables are frequently used...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]A need therefore exists for a table that eliminates or diminishes the disadvantages and problems described above.

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 tabletops are unable to support a significant amount of weight.

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

Additionally, the connection between the tabletop 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 tabletop.

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.

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