Expandable table and corresponding method

Abstract

An expandable table (10) comprises a fixed structure (12), first and second sliders (16, 17) moving in opposite directions in a direction of movement (X), associated with first and second main top surfaces (19, 20); a support (27) for the expanded top surface (26) configured to allow the expanded top surface (26) to rotate and simultaneously rise from a position below the main top surfaces (19, 20) to be coplanar with and between the main top surfaces (19, 20); lifting means (42) configured to cooperate with the support (27) to vertically rotate and move the expanded top surface (26) when the sliders (16, 17) are moved in the direction of movement (X).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an extendable table having at least two main top surfaces and an extension top surface which is movable between a lowered position below the two main top surfaces and a raised position horizontally between the two main top surfaces. In general, the embodiments described in the invention are applicable to any furniture element having two main top surfaces and at least one removable extension top surface. The invention also relates to a method for opening and closing the extendable table. Background Art

[0002] Different types of extendable tables are known, in which there are two main top surfaces and at least one movable extension top surface which is hidden under the main top surfaces and can be pulled out relative to the main top surfaces and placed coplanarly and side by side with the main top surfaces.

[0003] A disadvantage of known extendable tables is that the extending top is manually extracted, which is awkward, complicated and requires strength and precision from the user.

[0004] These tables use mechanical structures to clamp and release the extended top surface relative to the main top surface, and these mechanical structures are generally expensive to manufacture and complicated to use.

[0005] Typically these mechanisms have at least one lever that the user must actuate and coordinate with the movement of the extended top surface to properly open and close the table.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an expandable table and corresponding method to overcome at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0007] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an extendable table that is simple to move and does not require complicated clamping / releasing mechanisms.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to perfect a method of opening / closing an extendable table that can be easily performed by any user without requiring excessive effort on the part of the user.

[0009] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to obtain the above and other purposes and advantages. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0011] According to the above purpose, and in order to solve the above technical problems in a novel and original way, while also having considerable advantages over the prior art, an expandable table according to the present invention includes a fixed structure, a first movable slider and a second movable slider, the two sliders move in a synchronized manner from opposite sides relative to the fixed structure in a substantially horizontal direction. The table also includes a first top surface located on the first slider, a second top surface located on the second slider, and an extended top surface supported by a support member, the support member being configured to allow the extended top surface to rotate from a position below the main top surface and simultaneously rise to be coplanar with the main top surface and located between the main top surfaces.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the table includes a lifting device configured to cooperate with the support member when the main top surface moves along the moving direction to automatically and vertically rotate and move the extended top surface at the same time. This has the advantage, at least, that the table can be extended in a simple and automatic manner, without requiring excessive effort from the user and without the need for manually actuating levers or clamping or releasing mechanisms.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the support member includes a guide element defining a terminal preset elevation path for the extended top surface, and a guide pin configured to cooperate with the guide element and move on the elevation path.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, the support member includes a fixed support fixed on a fixed structure and a movable support rotating relative to the fixed support, and the extended top surface is arranged on the movable support, wherein one of the fixed support or the movable support includes a guide element and the other includes a guide pin.

[0015] The lifting device also includes a connecting pin integral with the extended top surface, and a connecting head integral with one of the sliders, which is configured to cooperate with the connecting pin so as to bring the extended top surface from a lowered retracted position to a raised extended position, and vice versa, when the slider moves along the moving direction.

[0016] The connecting pin may be connected to the movable support, and the connecting head is configured to cooperate with the connecting pin so as to rotate the movable support relative to the fixed support when the slider moves along the moving direction.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the connecting head comprises a central seat configured to push the connecting pin at least in a direction parallel to the moving direction, and at least one side seat configured to pull the connecting pin at least in a direction parallel to the moving direction.

[0018] Furthermore, the table comprises a moving device configured to move the slides simultaneously in opposite directions in a symmetrical manner relative to the fixed structure in the moving direction.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, the table includes a clamping device configured to fix the extended top surface alternately in a lowered retracted position or in a raised extended position by elastic pullback, wherein in the retractable position, the extended top surface is located below the main top surface, the two are side by side and abut against each other; in the extended position, the extended top surface is coplanar with the main top surface, the main top surface is located between the extended top surfaces and abuts against them.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, according to the method for opening or closing a table of the present invention, the slider can be moved simultaneously in the moving direction from both sides relative to the fixed structure, in such a way that the extension device cooperates with the extended top surface to rotate the latter and simultaneously move it in the vertical direction so as to move from the lowered retracted position to the raised extended position, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of non-limiting example, in which: Figures 1 to 9 is a bottom view of an expandable table according to an embodiment of the present invention in different opening and closing steps, with some parts omitted for a clearer description; Fig.10 yes Figure 1 A zoomed-in view of the table details in the figure; Fig.11 yes Figure 1 An enlarged side cutaway view of the table in FIG. Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a table according to a possible embodiment.

[0022] We must point out that the words and terms used in this specification, as well as the numbers in the accompanying drawings, have the sole purpose of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, and their function is to provide non-limiting examples of the present invention, because the scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the claims.

[0023] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used as much as possible in the figures to identify the same common elements. It is understood that the elements and features in one embodiment can be conveniently incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Referring to the drawings, the expandable table 10 according to the present invention includes two main top surfaces ( 19 , 20 ) and an extended top surface 26 .

[0025] The table 10 is configured to be in a closed state ( Fig. 9 ) to enter the open state ( Figure 5), in a closed state, the two main top surfaces (19, 20) are coplanar and side by side with each other, and the extended top surface is placed below the main top surface; in an open state, the extended top surface 26 is coplanar with the two main top surfaces (19, 20) and inserted therein, abutting against the opposite side edges of each main top surface (19, 20).

[0026] Reference Figure 1 The table 10 includes a frame 11 having a fixed structure 12 ( Fig.11 , 12 ), the fixed structure includes a leg 13, on which at least one crossbeam 14 (or a fixed plate) is fixed, and the crossbeam supports two longitudinal beams 15 ( Figure 1 ).

[0027] We must explain that, for the convenience of description, the legs 13 and the crossbeam 14 are Figure 1-9 Not shown.

[0028] The frame 11 further comprises a first movable slider 16 and a second movable slider 17, which are slidably mounted relative to the longitudinal beam 15 along a substantially horizontal direction of the moving direction X. In this case, the longitudinal beam 15 can be regarded as a guide rail for the sliders (16, 17).

[0029] The first main top surface 19 is arranged on the first slide 16 , and the second main top surface 20 is arranged on the second slide 17 .

[0030] The table 10 further comprises a moving device 21, which is configured to move the sliders (16, 17) simultaneously, synchronously and in opposite directions in a moving direction X. Preferably, the moving device 21 is configured to move the sliders (16, 17) in a moving direction X in a direction X. Fig.11 , 12 ) moves the slides (16, 17) symmetrically, simultaneously and in opposite directions.

[0031] In the example given here, the mobile device 21 comprises a central rod 22 articulated to the fixed structure 12 (via its central portion or fulcrum C) and two transmission rods ( 23 , 24 ).

[0032] The first transmission rod 23 is connected to a first end of the center rod 22 , and the second transmission rod 24 is connected to a second end of the center rod 22 opposite to the first end.

[0033] The first transmission rod 23 is also hinged on the first slider 16, and the second transmission rod 24 is connected to the second slider 17. Therefore, the traction force of the first slider 16 will trigger the traction force of the first transmission rod 23, so that the center rod 22 rotates around the fulcrum C (i.e., its hinge point). The rotation of the center rod 22 pushes the second transmission rod 24, thereby also pushing the second slider 17 to move in the opposite direction to the direction in which the first slider 16 is pulled. It is not difficult for those skilled in the art to understand that the same effect can be achieved by pulling the second slider 17.

[0034] In a similar manner, the thrust of the first slider 16 triggers the thrust of the first transmission rod 23, which in turn causes the center rod 22 to rotate about the fulcrum C (i.e., its hinge point). The rotation of the center rod 22 pulls the second transmission rod 24, which in turn pulls the second slider 17 to move in the opposite direction to the direction in which the first slider 16 is pushed. In this case, those skilled in the art should also understand that the same effect can be achieved by pushing the second slider 17.

[0035] We must point out that the moving device 21 can also take a different form from the above, for example, it can be a horizontal sliding mechanism, such as a double track / guide rail type, a counterweight type, a pulley type, a rope type, a spring type or a rod type, or it can be a combination of the above forms.

[0036] In other embodiments that can be combined with the above-mentioned embodiments, the moving device 21 can be driven by a driving component (such as an electric drive) to move the slider (16, 17).

[0037] The table 1 further comprises an extended top surface 26 connected to the fixed structure 12 via supports 27 configured to allow the extended top surface 26 to rotate and rise simultaneously.

[0038] In this embodiment, the extended top surface 26 is connected to the crossbeam 14 of the fixed structure 12 .

[0039] In particular, the support member 27 allows the extended top surface 26 to be moved from the lowered retractable position ( Fig. 9 ) to the raised, extended position ( Figure 5 ).

[0040] In the example given here, in the lowered retracted position, the extended top surface 26 is arranged below the main top surfaces (19, 20), and in the raised extended position, the extended top surface 26 is at the same height as the main top surfaces (19, 20) and is located between the main top surfaces. In addition, in the raised extended position, the extended top surface 26 abuts against the opposite side edges of each main top surface (19, 20).

[0041] Preferably, the extended top surface 26 is rotated about 90° relative to the vertical rotation axis Z from the lowered, retracted position to the raised, extended position.

[0042] In the example given here, the support member 27 includes a fixed support 29 fixed to the fixed structure 12 (for example, fixed to the upper part of the support leg 13 or fixed to the crossbeam 14) and a movable support 30, the extended top surface 26 is fixed to the movable support, and the movable support cooperates with the fixed support 29.

[0043] The mobile support 30 is rotatably mounted relative to the fixed support 29, and one of the mobile support 30 or the fixed support 29 includes a guide element 31 ( Fig.11 , 12 ), the guide element defines a terminal preset elevation path for the extended top surface 26, and the other includes a guide pin 32, which is suitable for cooperating with the guide element 31 and moving on the elevation path.

[0044] In this embodiment, the guide member 31 includes a groove 31 a formed on the fixed support 29 , the groove having a first end 35 corresponding to the lowered position of the extended top surface 26 and a second end 36 corresponding to the raised position of the extended top surface 26 .

[0045] The first end 35 and the second end 36 of the slot are arranged at different heights, in particular, the first end 35 is arranged at a lower height than the second end 36, and in addition, they are offset by about 90° relative to the rotation axis Z.

[0046] The guide pin 32 is fixed on the movable support 30 and inserted into the guide element 31, so that the rotation of the movable support 30 relative to the fixed support 29 corresponds to the sliding of the guide pin 32 in the guide element 31, and the extended top surface 26 is simultaneously raised and rotated from the lowered position to the raised position along the lifting path.

[0047] See also Fig.12 Optionally, an axial bearing 39 and a spring 40 are provided between the fixed support 29 and the mobile support 30, the axial bearing being used for the rotation of the mobile support 30 relative to the fixed support, and the spring being used for the raising of the mobile support 30 and the extended top surface 26. The axial bearing 39 is advantageously connected to the fixed support 29 and is located in a first column 37 fixed to the fixed support 29. The spring 40 is advantageously provided between the mobile support 30 and the axial bearing 39 and is located in a second column 38 fixed to the mobile support 30 and partially located in the first column 37. This significantly reduces the manual effort required by the user to lift the extended top surface 26 from the lowered position to the raised position, and guides the rotation between the mobile support 30 and the fixed support 29.

[0048] The table 10 further includes a lifting device 42 configured to rotate and raise the extended top surface 26 while the main top surfaces ( 19 , 20 ) move along the moving direction X.

[0049] Specifically, the lifting device 42 is configured to cooperate with the support 27, especially when the main top surface (19, 20) moves away from the fixed structure 12 along the moving direction X, the mobile support 30 rotates relative to the fixed support 29 to trigger the guide pin 32 to move from the first end 35 of the guide element 31 to the second end 36 along the lifting path, and lift the extended top surface 26. In addition, the lifting device 42 is configured to rotate the mobile support 30 relative to the fixed support 29 when the main top surface (19, 20) moves toward the fixed structure 12 along the moving direction X, so as to trigger the guide pin 32 to move from the second end 36 of the guide element 31 along the lifting path to the first end 35, and lower the extended top surface 26.

[0050] In the example given here, the lifting device 42 comprises a connection member 43 (or guide arm) fixed to the second slider 17 and a connection pin 44 fixed to the mobile support 30. The connection member 43 is fixed to the second slider 17, located on the other side of the second main top surface 20 relative to the fixed structure 12, and comprises a body 45, which is hinged to the second slider 17 and is provided with a connection head 46. In addition, the connection pin 44 is fixed to the mobile support 30 and is aligned with the connection member 43 in a direction substantially parallel to the movement direction X.

[0051] When the second slider 17 moves away from the fixed structure 12 , the connecting member 43 moves toward the connecting pin 33 , and when the second slider 17 moves toward the fixed structure 12 , the connecting member 43 moves away from the connecting pin 33 .

[0052] The connecting member 43 is swingable relative to the second slider 17 , and further comprises a maintaining element 47 , which is configured to maintain the connecting head 46 at a specific neutral position relative to the connecting pin 44 and the second slider 17 by elastic retraction.

[0053] There are three seats (50, 51, 52) on the connector 46 ( Fig.10 ), each seat is configured to cooperate with the connecting pin 44 so as to cooperate with the movement of the slider (16, 17) along the movement direction X to correctly move the extended top surface 26.

[0054] Specifically, the connector 46 includes a central seat 50 , a first side seat 51 disposed at one side relative to the central seat 50 , and a second side seat 52 disposed at the other side relative to the central seat 50 .

[0055] In the example given here, the connecting head 46 is located in a horizontal plane and the connecting pin 44 is vertical, so that the first side seat 51 is side by side with the center seat 50 and faces the interior of the table 10, and the second side seat 52 is side by side with the center seat 50, is located more forward relative to the center seat, and faces the fixed structure 12.

[0056] However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in other possible embodiments, the connector 46 may be located in a vertical plane, and the connector pin 44 may be horizontal. In this case, one of the side seats (51, 52) is located above the center seat 50, and the other side seat (51, 52) is located below the center seat 50.

[0057] The shape of the center seat 50 is at least partially complementary to the outer shape of the connecting pin 44 and faces the connecting pin. The first side seat 51 has a C-shaped inner shape, suitable for surrounding a portion of the connecting pin 44 so as to maintain the connecting pin inside it; the first side seat faces the outer portion of the connecting pin 44, forming an inclined surface from the inside of the table 10 to the outside. In addition, the second side seat 52 has a C-shaped inner shape, suitable for surrounding a portion of the connecting pin 44 so as to maintain the connecting pin inside it; the second side seat faces the outer portion of the connecting pin 44, forming an inclined surface from the outside of the table 10 to the inside.

[0058] The center seat 50 is configured to engage the connecting pin 44 when the table 10 is unfolded, that is, to move the extended top surface 26 from the lowered retracted position to the raised extended position ( Figure 2 , 3 and 4). During this movement, the center seat 50 is squeezed by the connecting pin 44.

[0059] The first side seat 51 is configured to engage with the connecting pin 44 when the table 10 is closed to lower the extended top surface 26 ( Figure 6 ). During this process, the first side seat 51 is pulled by the connecting pin 44.

[0060] The second side seat 52 is configured to cooperate with the connecting pin 44 when the table 10 is closed to properly reposition the extended top surface 26 below the main top surface (19, 20), as will be described in detail below ( Figure 7 , 8 ). During this process, the second side seat 52 is pulled by the connecting pin 44.

[0061] The lifting device 42 further includes a positioning portion 53 configured to release the connecting head 46 from the connecting pin 44 .

[0062] The positioning portion 53 includes a shape element 55 and a contrast element 56 , and the contrast element is configured to contact the shape element 55 and continuously move the connection head 46 .

[0063] In the example given here, the shape element 55 is integral with the connecting head 46 , whereas the contrast element 56 is integral with the first slide 16 .

[0064] In other embodiments not shown in the drawings, the shape element 55 may be integral with the first slide 16 , while the contrast element 56 may be integral with the connecting head 46 .

[0065] In other embodiments not shown in the drawings, one of the shape element 55 or the contrast element 56 is fixed to the fixing structure 12 , while the other of the shape element 55 or the contrast element 56 may be integral with the connecting head 46 .

[0066] Specifically, the positioning portion 53 is configured to move the connector 46 in a lateral direction relative to the moving direction X when the second slider 17 moves toward the fixed structure 12, so that the connecting pin 44 is disengaged from the second side seat 52 when the extended top surface 26 fully reaches the lowered retractable position ( Figure 8-9 ).

[0067] In a possible variant not shown in the figures, the lifting device 42 may not be provided with the connecting piece 43 , but may include a cam element configured to cooperate with the connecting pin 44 to determine the movement of the extended top surface 26 .

[0068] The cam element may be a closed cam, which may be fixed to the fixed structure 12 or to the second slide 17. Optionally, the table 10 includes a clamping device 60 (only in the case of Figure 5 and Fig. 9 ), the clamping device is configured to stably hold the top surface (19, 20, 26) in a lowered position or a raised extended position.

[0069] In particular, the clamping device 60 is configured to alternately utilize elastic retraction to maintain the extended top surface 26 in a lowered retractable position, in which the extended top surface 26 is located below the main top surfaces (19, 20), and the main top surfaces are side by side and abut each other; or to maintain it in a raised extended position, in which the extended top surface 26 is coplanar with the main top surfaces (19, 20), located between the main top surfaces and abuts them.

[0070] The clamping device 60 includes a retaining member 61 configured to alternately retain a first support element 62 when the table 10 is in the lowered, retracted position, or to alternately retain a second support element 63 when the table 10 is in the raised, extended position.

[0071] The maintaining member 61 is fixed to the first sliding block 16 and includes two wheels (65, 66). The rotation axes of the two wheels are parallel to each other and are pressed against each other by an elastic portion (not shown).

[0072] The first support element 62 is fixed to the second slider 17, is elongated, and has a wedge-shaped tip 67 suitable for being inserted between the wheels (65, 66) of the retaining member 61. In addition, the wedge-shaped tip 67 also includes a groove 69 configured to cooperate with one of the wheels (65, 66).

[0073] The second bearing element 63 is fixed to the mobile support 30 and also has a wedge-shaped tip 70 suitable for being inserted between the wheels (65, 66) of the retaining member 61. Furthermore, the wedge-shaped tip 70 also comprises a groove 71 configured to cooperate with one of the wheels (65, 66).

[0074] When the table 10 is in the lowered retractable position ( Fig. 9 ), the wedge-shaped tip 67 of the first supporting element 62 is inserted between the wheels (65, 66) of the retaining member 61, wherein one of the wheels (65, 66) is located in the groove 69. The wheel 65 located in the groove 69 squeezes the other wheel 66 through the elastic portion, so that the wedge-shaped tip 67 is maintained between the wheels (65, 66), generating a slight resistance to the movement of the sliders (16, 17).

[0075] When the table 10 is in the raised extended position ( Figure 5 ), the wedge-shaped tip 70 of the second supporting element 63 is inserted between the wheels (65, 66) of the retaining member 61, wherein one of the wheels (65, 66) is located in the groove 71. The wheel 65 located in the groove 71 squeezes the other wheel 66 through the elastic portion, so that the wedge-shaped tip 70 is maintained between the wheels (65, 66), generating a slight resistance to the movement of the sliders (16, 17).

[0076] It should be noted that the clamping device 60 described herein can, on the one hand, prevent the slider (16, 17) from unnecessary movement and keep it in a stable position, and on the other hand, release the movement of the slider (16, 17) by traction without the use of levers or other complex clamping mechanisms.

[0077] The operation of the above-mentioned expandable table 10 corresponding to the method of the present invention includes the following steps.

[0078] To restore table 10 from the closed state ( Fig. 9 ) to the open state ( Figure 5 ), the moving device 21 moves at least one of the first slider 16 or the second slider 17 away from the fixed structure 12.

[0079] The moving device 21 can be driven manually by the user by pulling one of the two sliders ( 16 , 17 ).

[0080] Alternatively, the moving device 21 may also be driven by an electric device.

[0081] Then, the connecting pin 44 is inserted into the center seat 50 which is moving forward and is pushed by the center seat, so that the movable support 30 completes a rotation of about 90° relative to the fixed support 29, triggering the guide pin 32 to move along the rising path defined by the guide element 31 ( Figure 2-4 ).

[0082] The central seat 50 accompanies the connecting pin 44 throughout the rotation of the mobile support 30 until the guide pin 32 reaches the second end 36 of the guide element 31. When the guide pin 32 reaches the second end 36, the extended top surface 26 is rotated 90° relative to its lowered position and is level with the main top surface (19, 20). In fact, during this step, the guide pin 32 moves along a raised path so as to raise the extended top surface 26.

[0083] It should be noted that during the rotation process, the connecting pin 44 moves along a circular arc, and since the main body 45 is hinged and can rotate slightly relative to the second slider 17, the connecting head 46 can move accordingly.

[0084] It should be noted that the connecting pin 44 can slide freely in the vertical direction in one of the seats (50, 51, 52) during the raising / lowering of the mobile support 30. For example, during the raising of the mobile support 30, the connecting pin 44 slides upward in the central seat 50. In addition, during the lowering of the mobile support 30, the connecting pin 44 slides downward in the first side seat 51.

[0085] When the extended top surface 26 is in the raised position, it is at the same height as the main top surface (19, 20), and the slider (16, 17) moves toward the fixed structure 12 until the main top surface (19, 20) contacts the corresponding side of the extended top surface 26 ( Figure 5 In this step, the maintaining element 47 returns the connecting head 46 to the neutral position so that the connecting pin 44 is separated from the center seat 50.

[0086] Subsequently, in order to move the table 10 from the open state to the closed state, the two slides ( 16 , 17 ) are moved away from the fixed structure 12 .

[0087] In this step, the connecting head 46 moves integrally with the second slide 17 until it abuts against the connecting pin 44, which is aligned with the inner seat 51. In this way, the connecting pin 44 passes through the inclined outer part of the first side seat 51 until it is inserted therein ( Figure 6 ).

[0088] When the connecting pin 44 is located in the first side seat 51, the two sliders (16, 17) move towards the fixed structure 12. In this step, the connecting head 46 moves backwards away from the fixed structure 12 and drags the connecting pin 44 inserted into the inner seat 51.

[0089] This causes the mobile support 30 to rotate relative to the fixed support 29 and thus causes the guide pin 32 to slide in the guide element 31 .

[0090] In this step, the connecting pin 44 moves along a circular trajectory, so it also moves transversely with respect to the moving direction X. The moving trajectory of the connecting pin 44 and the geometric shape of the connecting head 46 make the connecting pin 44 withdraw from the first side seat 51 and be inserted into the second side seat 52 ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0091] Subsequently, the connecting pin 44 is inserted into the second lateral seat 52 , which continues to pull the connecting pin 44 away from the fixed structure 12 until the guide pin 32 reaches the first end 35 of the guide element 31 .

[0092] When the guide pin 32 reaches the first end 35 of the guide element 31 , the extended top surface 26 is again in the lowered, retractable position.

[0093] At this time, the movement of the slider (16, 17) toward the fixed structure 12 will also trigger the positioning portion 53, causing the connector 46 to move laterally relative to the moving direction X, causing the connecting pin 44 to separate from the second side seat 52 ( Figure 8-9 ).

[0094] The slides (16, 17) can then be moved toward the fixed structure 12 until the table 10 is in the closed position and the main top surfaces (19, 20) are again aligned and abut each other ( Fig. 9 ).

[0095] It is obvious that modifications and / or additional components may be made to the expandable table 10 and the corresponding method without departing from the field and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0096] It is also obvious that, although the invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person skilled in the art will be able to realize other equivalent forms of extendable tables which have the characteristics described in the claims and therefore fall within the field of protection defined by the claims.

[0097] In the following claims, references in parentheses are for the sole purpose of facilitating reading and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of protection of a particular claim.

Claims

1. Extendable table (10), include: A fixed structure (12), a first slide (16) and a second slide (17) movable in opposite directions in a substantially horizontal movement direction (X), the slides being associated with the first main top surface (19) and the second main top surface (20); A support (27) for the extended top surface (26) configured to allow the extended top surface (26) to rotate from a position below the main top surfaces (19, 20) and simultaneously rise to be coplanar with the main top surfaces (19, 20) and between the main top surfaces; The lifting device (42) is configured to cooperate with the support member (27) to vertically, simultaneously and automatically rotate and move the extended top surface (26) when the sliders (16, 17) move along the moving direction (X).

2. The table (10) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The support member (27) includes a guide element (31) defining a terminal preset elevation path for the extended top surface (26) and a guide pin (32) configured to cooperate with the guide element (31) and move on the elevation path.

3. The table (10) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The support member (27) comprises a fixed support (29) fixed on the fixed structure (12) and a movable support (30) rotatable relative to the fixed support (29), the extended top surface (26) being arranged on the movable support, and one of the fixed support (29) or the movable support (30) comprises the guide element (31), and the other comprises the guide pin (32).

4. The table (10) according to claim 3, It is characterized in that An elastic component (40) is provided between the fixed support (29) and the movable support (30), and is configured to promote the lifting of the movable support (30) relative to the fixed support (29).

5. Table (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The lifting device (42) includes a connecting pin (44) integral with the extended top surface (26) and a connecting head (46) integral with the slider (16, 17), the connecting head being configured to cooperate with the connecting pin (44) when the slider (16, 17) moves along the moving direction (X) so as to bring the extended top surface (26) from a lowered retractable position to a raised extended position, and vice versa.

6. The table (10) according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The connecting pin (44) is connected to the movable support (30), and the connecting head (46) is configured to cooperate with the connecting pin (44) so ​​that when the slider (16, 17) moves along the moving direction (X), the movable support (30) rotates relative to the fixed support (29).

7. Table (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The connecting head (46) comprises a central seat (50) configured to push the connecting pin (44) at least in a direction parallel to the moving direction (X) and at least one side seat (51, 52) configured to pull the connecting pin (44) at least in a direction parallel to the moving direction (X).

8. Table (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that It comprises a moving device (21) configured to move the slides (16, 17) simultaneously and oppositely in the moving direction (X) and in a symmetrical manner relative to the fixed structure (12).

9. Table (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that A clamping device (60) is included, which is configured to alternately utilize elastic retraction to keep the extended top surface (26) at a position below the main top surfaces (19, 20), or to keep it at a position coplanar with the main top surfaces (19, 20) and between the main top surfaces.

10. Method of using a table (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The method provides a way to move the sliders (16, 17) simultaneously along the movement direction (X) from both sides relative to the fixed structure (12), in this way, the extension device (42) cooperates with the extension top surface (26) to rotate the extension top surface and simultaneously move it in the vertical direction so as to move from a lowered retracted position to a raised extended position, and vice versa.

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