Expandable table and corresponding method

Abstract

The expandable table comprises a first top surface (12) and at least one second top surface (13) which are movable simultaneously between a lowered first retractable position and at least one raised second expanded position in which they are placed side by side and coplanar with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described herein relate to an extendable table, in particular a table having at least two top surfaces, at least one removable extension top surface and a main top surface, ie, the top surface in the non-extended state.

[0002] In general, the embodiments of the invention are applicable to any furniture element having a stationary main top surface and at least one removable extension top surface.

[0003] The invention also relates to a method for opening and closing the extendable table. Background Art

[0004] Different types of extendable tables are known, wherein there is a main top surface and at least one movable extension top surface which is retractably located below the main top surface and can be withdrawn relative to the main top surface and placed coplanarly and side by side therewith.

[0005] 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.

[0006] These tables use mechanical structures to clamp and release the extended top surface relative to the main top surface. Generally, these mechanical structures are expensive to manufacture, complicated to use, and difficult for users to understand.

[0007] These mechanisms typically have at least one lever that the user must actuate, and the user must coordinate the movement of the extended top surface to properly open and close the table.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an expandable table and corresponding method to overcome at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0009] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an extendable table which is simple to operate and does not require complicated clamping / releasing mechanisms.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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

[0012] 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.

[0013] In accordance with the above objectives, an embodiment of the present invention relates to an expandable table comprising a frame with a fixed support structure, and at least a first top surface and a second top surface movable and associated with the fixed support structure.

[0014] The frame includes a first moving slider and a second moving slider, and the first top surface and the second top surface are positioned mutually on the moving sliders.

[0015] The first moving slide and the second moving slide are configured to be mutually movable relative to the fixed support structure, one relative to the other in a moving direction, in such a way that the first top surface and the second top surface are simultaneously moved from opposite sides.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the table further comprises at least one extension device associated with the second top surface and a corresponding second movable slide.

[0017] The extension device is configured to cooperate with the second movable slider to move and position the second top surface perpendicular to the moving direction (preferably the vertical direction) so as to be selectively in a lowered first retractable position and at least one raised second extended position, in which the second top surface is raised relative to the second movable slider to automatically be coplanar with the first top surface and side by side with it, and vice versa.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the extension device may be driven by alternating movements of the corresponding second movable slide blocks in a movement direction relative to the fixed support structure.

[0019] In this way, at least the second top surface can be positioned and raised relative to the movement direction, thereby extending the length of the table, and conversely it can be lowered in a suitable manner to restore the original dimensions of the table.

[0020] The movement of the second movable slider and the corresponding second top surface may be direct, or may be achieved by moving the first movable slider and the corresponding first top surface.

[0021] In any event, an advantage of the embodiments described herein is that they allow a single drive mechanism to open and close the table by acting directly on one or the other of the first top surface or the second top surface.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the table includes a moving device for selectively and simultaneously moving the first moving slide and the second moving slide from a lowered retractable position to a raised extended position and vice versa.

[0023] The present invention discloses some embodiments in which the table comprises only a first top surface and a second top surface, wherein the first top surface constitutes a main top surface and the second top surface is an extended top surface. In these embodiments, in the first lowered retracted position, the second top surface is located below the first top surface, and in the second raised extended position, the second top surface is side by side and coplanar with the first top surface.

[0024] It is within the capabilities of a person skilled in the art to provide an embodiment in which two extended top surfaces are intended to be arranged at both longitudinal ends of a centrally fixed third main top surface of the table. Therefore, in other embodiments, in addition to the first top surface and the second top surface, the table may also include a third fixed top surface located in an intermediate position between the first top surface and the second top surface. In this case, the first top surface and the second top surface are extended top surfaces, and the third top surface is a fixed main top surface. In these embodiments, in the lowered first retractable position, the first top surface and the second top surface are located below the third fixed top surface, and in the raised second extended position, the first top surface and the second top surface are side by side and coplanar with the corresponding side surfaces of the third top surface.

[0025] In all the embodiments described herein, the first moving slide and the second moving slide can advantageously be moved simultaneously and automatically by the moving device in a direction opposite to the fixed structure and parallel to the moving direction.

[0026] With the moving device, the sliding of the first top surface and the second top surface relative to the fixed structure, in all its configurations, requires minimal effort from the user and does not require the activation of other drive mechanisms such as release / clamping mechanisms, keys, levers or other auxiliary or additional mechanisms, making the table easy to open and close, reducing its components, thereby reducing its cost and storage space.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for opening / closing an extendable table.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the method provides a method for simultaneously moving the first top surface and the second top surface in an alternating manner along the moving direction from opposite sides, so that the extension device cooperates with at least the second moving slider to selectively move the second top surface from a lowered retractable position to a raised extended position, and vice versa, in sequence. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] 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: Figure 1 is a top view of an expandable table in a closed state according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1The cross-section of the table along line II-II; Figure 3 is a top view of the table in an intermediate state between a closed state and an open state; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The table in the figure is a cross-section along line IV-IV; Figure 5 A top view of the table in its open state; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The section view of the table along line VI-VI; Figure 7-Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the table in an intermediate state between a closed state and an open state; Fig.10 , Fig.11 yes Figure 1 A cutaway side view of a trigger component of the table in FIG. Fig.12 is a top view of an expandable table in a closed state according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig.13 yes Fig.12 The table in the figure is a section view along the line XII-XII; Fig.14 is a top view of the table in an intermediate state between a closed state and an open state; Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Section of the table along line XIV-XIV; Fig.16 A top view of the table in its open state; Fig.17 yes Fig.15 Section of the table along line XVI-XVI; Figure 18-Figure 20 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the table in an intermediate state between a closed state and an open state; Figure 21-24 yes Fig.12 A perspective view of the trigger component portion of the table in .

[0030] 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

[0031] Now we will describe in detail possible embodiments of the present invention, one or more of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Each embodiment is intended to illustrate the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. For example, one or more features shown or described, as long as they are part of one embodiment, can be changed or adopted on other embodiments, or together with other embodiments to produce another embodiment. It should be clear that the present invention should include all such modifications and variations.

[0032] Before describing these embodiments, we must also point out that the application of this description is not limited to the structural and arrangement details of the components described in the following description using the drawings. This description can provide other embodiments and can be obtained or implemented in various other ways. In addition, we must point out that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes only and cannot be regarded as limiting.

[0033] Some embodiments of an expandable table 10 (hereinafter referred to as table 10 for ease of description) will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings that represent non-limiting embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] In some embodiments, table 10 includes a frame 11 with a fixed support structure 15 , a first top surface 12 , and at least one second top surface 13 .

[0035] The first top surface 12 and the second top surface 13 move along the movement direction X and are associated with a fixed support structure 15 .

[0036] The movement direction X is preferably horizontal or in any case parallel to the first and second top faces 12, 13 and may coincide with the longitudinal axis of the development of the fixed support structure 15. In other variants, the movement direction X may be transverse to the longitudinal axis of the development of the fixed support structure 15.

[0037] In some embodiments, the second top surface 13 is an extended top surface, which can be used in combination with all the described embodiments.

[0038] We must point out that the embodiment described here is applicable to the case where the table 10 has two top surfaces, in which case the first top surface 12 should be understood as the main top surface, and the second top surface 13 should be understood as a single extended top surface, and the two top surfaces (12, 13) can be moved simultaneously; it is also applicable to the case where the table 10 has three top surfaces, in which the first top surface 12 and the second top surface 13 are both extended top surfaces, which are movable relative to the fixed third main top surface.

[0039] For ease of description, we will now illustrate with reference to the accompanying drawings an embodiment in which the first top surface 12 is the main top surface of the table 10 and there is only one extended top surface (ie, the second top surface 13 ).

[0040] In some embodiments, the frame 11 includes a first movable slider 20 and a second movable slider 19 , and the first top surface 12 and the second top surface 13 are respectively located on the two sliders.

[0041] The first slider 20 and the second slider 19 are configured to mutually move from opposite sides along the moving direction X with respect to the fixed structure 15 so as to simultaneously move the first top surface 12 and the second top surface 13 from opposite sides.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the table 10 comprises at least one extension device 14 associated with the second top surface 13 and the second slide 19 .

[0043] The extension device 14 is configured to cooperate with at least the second slide 19 to move and position the second top surface 13 relative to a direction perpendicular to the movement direction X, preferably in a vertical direction. In particular, the second top surface 13 can be selectively in a lowered first retracted position and at least one raised second extended position, wherein the second top surface 13 is raised relative to the second slide 19 so as to be coplanar with the first top surface 12 and side by side with it, and vice versa.

[0044] The extension device 14 can only be driven by a movement of the slides ( 19 , 20 ) relative to the fixed structure 15 in the movement direction X.

[0045] Advantageously, the user can easily actuate the extension device 14 without having to operate an additional lever.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the table 10 includes only two top surfaces, namely, only a first top surface 12 and a second top surface 13. The first top surface 12 is a main top surface and the second top surface 13 is an extended top surface. In these embodiments, in the lowered first retracted position, the second top surface 13 is located below the first top surface 12, and in the raised second extended position, the second top surface 13 is coplanar with the first top surface 12 and is side by side with it.

[0047] In an embodiment where the table 10 includes three top surfaces, that is, there is a third fixed top surface at an intermediate position between the first top surface 12 and the second top surface 13, the top surface (12, 13) is an extended top surface that moves relative to the third top surface, and the third top surface is fixed.

[0048] In these embodiments, the first top surface 12 and the second top surface 13 are made in a substantially similar manner, so unless otherwise specified, the features described for one top surface and the components and parts related thereto are also applicable to the other top surface. In these embodiments, the table 10 includes an additional extension device 14 associated with the first top surface 12 and the first slider 20. The additional extension device 14 is configured to cooperate with the first slider 20 so as to move and position the first top surface 12 perpendicular to the moving direction X.

[0049] In these embodiments, the first top surface 12 can also be selectively in a lowered first retractable position and at least one raised second extended position, in which the first top surface 12 is raised relative to the first slide 20 so as to be coplanar and side by side with the second top surface 13 and the third fixed top surface, and vice versa. The additional extension device 14 can be driven by the alternating movement of the associated first slide 20 relative to the fixed structure 15 in the movement direction X. In these embodiments, in the lowered first retractable position, the first top surface 12 and the second top surface 13 are located below the third fixed main top surface, while in the raised second extended position, the first top surface 12 and the second top surface 13 are side by side and coplanar with the corresponding side surfaces of the third fixed main top surface.

[0050] According to some embodiments (which can be combined with all the described embodiments), the table 10 can be formed into a closed state ( Figure 1 and 12 ) and the open state ( Figure 5 and 16 ), wherein the second top surface 13 is respectively in a lowered retractable position and a raised extended position.

[0051] The second top surface 13 can be positioned in a lowered retracted position or in a raised extended position by a linear movement relative to the fixed structure 15 in the movement direction X. The linear movement can be direct or a result of a movement of the first top surface 12 .

[0052] In the example described, the fixing structure 15 has a pair of mutually parallel supporting longitudinal members 16 ( Figure 1 and 12 ), at least one transverse member 17 transversely connecting the two longitudinal members 16, and one or more legs 18 for supporting the frame 11.

[0053] The sliders (19, 20) can be arranged inside and outside the fixing structure 15, respectively, or vice versa. For example, the first slider 20 is arranged outside relative to the longitudinal member 16, while the second slider 19 is arranged inside relative to the longitudinal member 16.

[0054] In order to move the two sliders (19, 20) simultaneously, the table 10 includes a moving device 21, which is configured to simultaneously move the first slider 20 and the second slider 19 away from / closer to the fixed structure 15 along a movement direction X, the movement being from a position where the sliders are squeezed on the fixed structure 15 to an extended position, in which the second slider 19 and the first slider 20 are laterally pulled out relative to the fixed structure 15, and vice versa.

[0055] The moving device 21 is configured to automatically and simultaneously move the first slide 20 and the second slide 19 along a moving direction X in opposite directions as a result of a traction or thrust force exerted on one and / or the other or both slides ( 19 , 20 ).

[0056] In this way, the user only needs to apply an external pulling force on at least one of the sliders (19, 20) to activate the moving device 21, thereby determining the simultaneous movement of the first top surface 12 and the second top surface 13, thereby facilitating and simplifying the opening of the table 10.

[0057] In other embodiments, the mobile device 21 may be driven by a driving component (eg, an electric drive).

[0058] Preferably, the moving device 21 is configured to make the two sliders ( 19 , 20 ) move away from or closer to each other along the moving direction X relative to the fixed structure 15 .

[0059] If the table 10 also includes a third fixed main top surface, and the first top surface 12 and the second top surface 13 each become an extended top surface, the moving device 21 can be configured to symmetrically move the two sliders (19, 20) away from / closer to each other along the moving direction X relative to the fixed structure 15 and the third fixed main top surface.

[0060] In some embodiments, each longitudinal member 16 is associated with its corresponding moving device 21, which cooperates with the first slider 20 and the second slider 19 to symmetrically and simultaneously guide the second top surface 13 and the first top surface 12 to move between the closed and open states of the table 10, and vice versa.

[0061] The moving device 21 can be a horizontal sliding mechanism, such as a double track / guide rail type, equipped with a counterweight, pulleys, ropes, springs or rods, or a combination of the above devices.

[0062] exist Figure 12-20 In another embodiment shown, the moving device 21 comprises a transmission pulley for guiding the rope connected to each slider (19, 20). The transmission pulley can rotate on the supporting longitudinal member 16, which is also the track / guide device of each slider (19, 20).

[0063] In another embodiment, Figure 1-9 As shown, the mobile device 21 comprises a central rod 102 hinged to the fixed structure 15 (through its central part) and two transmission rods (103, 104).

[0064] The first transmission rod 103 is connected to a first end of the center rod 102 , and the second transmission rod 104 is connected to a second end of the center rod 102 opposite to the first end.

[0065] The first transmission rod 103 is also hinged on the first slider 20, and the second transmission rod 104 is connected to the second slider 19. Therefore, the traction of the first support slider 20 will induce the traction of the first transmission rod 103, so that the central rod 102 rotates around its pivot point. The rotation of the central rod 102 pushes the second transmission rod 104, thereby also pushing the second slider 19 to move in the opposite direction to the direction in which the first slider 20 is pulled. For ease of description, Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7-9 The rods (102, 103, 104) are not shown.

[0066] It should be clear that the legs 18 do not move, and it is the first top surface 12 and the second top surface 13 that move relative to the fixed structure 15 .

[0067] In particular, by means of the moving device 21, the first top surface 12 and the second top surface 13 can be moved symmetrically relative to the legs 18 to obtain a single top surface in the open state, which is evenly distributed on the legs 18. Similarly, if the top surfaces (12, 13) are both extended top surfaces and there is also a third main top surface, the extended top surface can be moved symmetrically relative to the third main top surface so as to evenly distribute the weight on the legs 18.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment (combinable with all the embodiments described), the extension device 14 comprises a mobile support 22 associated with the second slide 19 and configured to selectively cooperate with the second top face 13 .

[0069] The mobile bracket 22 is configured to move together with the second slide 19 from a lowered, retractable position to a raised, extended position, and vice versa.

[0070] The extension device 14 comprises a moving portion 23 defining a terminal predetermined path for lifting the moving bracket 22 relative to the second slide 19 in order to move the second top surface 13 from the lowered retractable position to the raised extended position and vice versa.

[0071] Specifically, the lifting path provides a descending state in which the second top surface 13 is in a lowered position retracted in the frame 11 and located below the first top surface 12; and an ascending state in which the second top surface 13 is in an elevated second extended position, coplanar with the first top surface 12 and maintained horizontally, and vice versa.

[0072] In the example given here, the moving part 23 is configured to convert the relative movement between the moving bracket 22 and the slider 19 along the moving direction X into a movement perpendicular to the moving direction X, that is, a movement perpendicular to the plane where the second top surface 13 is located. Preferably, the movement perpendicular to the moving direction X includes a vertical component.

[0073] In particular, the moving portion 23 acts as a linear cam to convert the relative movement between the moving bracket 22 and the slider 19 along the moving direction X into a vertical lifting movement of the moving bracket 22 , and then into a vertical lifting movement of the second top surface 13 .

[0074] According to some embodiments, the moving portion 23 includes at least one guide element 24 defining a preset elevation path and at least one guide pin 25 adapted to cooperate with the guide element 24 and slide along the path.

[0075] The guide element 24 and the guide pin 25 are installed in cooperation with each other and cooperate with the second sliding block 19 and the corresponding moving bracket 22 .

[0076] For example, referring to the drawings, the guide element 24 is provided on the second slide block 19 , and the guide pin 25 is provided on the moving bracket 22 .

[0077] According to a variant that is not shown, the guide element 24 is arranged on the sliding support 22 and the guide pin 25 is arranged on the second slide 19 .

[0078] In the example given here, the guide element 24 is an inclined groove or an inclined linear cam, which defines an inclined surface facing the inside of the fixing structure 15 in a direction opposite to the opening direction of the second top surface 13 .

[0079] The guide element 24 has a first stroke end portion 24a and a second stroke end portion 24b, the second stroke end portion being located above the first portion 24a and offset relative to the first portion 24a.

[0080] The development direction of the second portion 24b is substantially parallel to the moving direction X, thereby determining a stable equilibrium position of the guide pin 25 when the second top surface 13 is in a raised state.

[0081] See also Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6-9 as well as Fig.13 , Fig.15 , Figure 18-20 The guide pin 25 is inserted into the guide element 24 and slides inside the guide element 24 from the first stroke end portion 24a to the second stroke end portion 24b, and vice versa.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the second top surface 13 may be supported on the second slider 19. In this case, the moving bracket 22 is transferred from the lowered state to the raised state, which vertically moves the second top surface 13 relative to the second slider 19.

[0083] In addition, the second top surface 13 may also be supported on the mobile bracket 22. In this case, when the mobile bracket 22 is transferred from the lowered state to the raised state (or vice versa), the second top surface 13 placed thereon is vertically lifted.

[0084] The mobile bracket 22 may include a support element 26 for stably supporting the second top surface 13, and the support element may be a rubber member or a buffer member extending from the mobile bracket 22, or a rolling member, such as a roller, a needle roller, a roller, a cylinder or the like. In this way, the support element 26 contacts the second top surface 13 in the state from lowering to raising (and vice versa), thereby reducing friction and preventing possible wear.

[0085] These supporting elements 26 may be rollers capable of facilitating a correct raising of the second top surface 13 relative to the second slide 19 .

[0086] For example, the second top surface 13 can be selectively removed from the second slide 19 in order to be replaced with another type of top surface, and the support element 26 will not interfere during the replacement process.

[0087] In addition, the second top surface 13 may also include a protruding pin (not shown) configured to be slidably inserted into a suitable socket (not shown) in the second slider 19. In this case, the mobile bracket 22 can vertically raise the second top surface 13 relative to the second slider 19 to keep it in the correct position relative to the first top surface 12, so that the protruding pin slides into the socket.

[0088] The extension device 14 includes a trigger member 40 configured to trigger the vertical movement of the mobile bracket 22 along a terminal preset elevation path so as to move the second top surface 13 from the lowered retractable position to the raised extended position, and vice versa.

[0089] It must be made clear that, although the triggering member 40 is fixed to the fixed structure 15 in this example, it is functionally included in the extension device 14 because it facilitates the raising of the mobile support 22 .

[0090] The trigger member 40 is configured to cooperate with the moving portion 23 and is used to raise and lower the moving bracket 22, thereby raising and lowering the second top surface 13, thereby avoiding the use of a mechanism with complicated startup, production and installation processes to open the table 10.

[0091] Two embodiments of the trigger member 40 are described below, which are also applicable to the case where the first top surface 12 is an extended top surface. In this case, the table 10 can include two extension devices 14, each of which is associated with its corresponding slider (19, 20) relative to the movement direction X and is suitable for cooperating with the slider (19, 20).

[0092] In such Figure 1-11 In the first preferred embodiment shown, the trigger member 40 associated with the second slider 19 includes a central body 41, a first end 42 of which is hinged to the cross member 17 and a second end 43 of which is freely rotatable. Preferably, the central body 41 is hinged to the center of the cross member 17 in the transverse direction or width direction of the table 10, with the first end 42 facing the outside of the table 10 and the second end 43 facing the inside of the table 10.

[0093] Alternatively, the first end 42 faces the inner side of the table 10 , and the second end 43 faces the outer side of the table 10 .

[0094] On the second end 43 , there is a support seat 45 and a connecting seat 46 located above the support seat 45 .

[0095] In this first embodiment, the device 14 also comprises a connection element 49 integrally connected to the mobile support 22, for example by one or more supporting rods 50. The connection element 49 is aligned with the central body 41 along the movement direction X and comprises a connection pin 51 configured to cooperate with the support seat 45 during a step of raising the second top surface 13, during which the mobile support 22 is translated toward the outside of the table 10 along the movement direction X. During this raising step, the connection element 49 slides along the movement direction X until the connection pin 51 abuts against the support seat 45, stopping the translation of the mobile support 22.

[0096] Stopping the translation of the mobile bracket 22 causes mutual translation between it and the second slider 19, and the latter continues to translate along the moving direction X, thereby triggering the mobile slider 22 to move along the terminal preset path to raise the moving part 23. In addition, in the step of lowering the second top surface 13, the connecting pin 51 is also configured to cooperate with the connecting seat 46. In this step, the mobile bracket 22 first moves away from the fixed structure 15 along the moving direction X, and then translates toward the fixed structure 15.

[0097] In the lowering step, the moving bracket 22 and the second slide block 19 move in the moving direction X away from the fixed structure 15 until the connecting pin 51 engages with the connecting seat 46 .

[0098] Therefore, the mobile bracket 22 and the second slider 19 are pushed toward the inside of the table 10 along the moving direction X. In this case, the connecting seat 46 is designed to temporarily fix the connecting pin 51 therein to stop the translation of the mobile bracket 22 and to cause relative translation between the mobile bracket 22 and the second slider 19, thereby triggering the mobile bracket 22 to move along the terminal preset path to raise the moving part 23.

[0099] Support seat 45 ( Fig.10 and Fig.11 ) is adapted to receive the connecting pin 51 and abut against the connecting pin when the mobile bracket 22 is raised. The support seat 45 is composed of the end wall 52 of the central body 41 and a wedge-shaped element 53 that can rotate horizontally corresponding to the second end 43 of the central body 41. Under the action of the spring 55, the wedge-shaped element 53 is moved to a position relative to the end wall 52 protruding from the central body 41. The wedge-shaped element has a lower wall 56, which together with the end wall 52 of the central body 41 constitutes the support seat 45.

[0100] The connection seat 46 has an inner shape (e.g., C-shape) suitable for partially covering the connection pin 51. In addition, the second end 43 of the central body 41 is in an inclined shape, and the connection pin 51 cooperates with it, and the central body 41 is raised until its second end 43 passes over the connection pin 51, and the connection pin 51 is thus introduced into the connection seat 46, and the connection seat partially covers the connection pin.

[0101] The position of the central body 41 and of its bearing seats 45 and connecting seats 46 are coordinated in the vertical dimension (relative to the direction of movement X) with the position of the connecting element 51 when the table 10 is opened and closed.

[0102] exist Figures 12 to 24 In the second embodiment schematically shown in FIG. , the triggering member 40 comprises: - a rod 28 , a first end 29 of which is articulated to the cross member 17 and a second support end 30 of which is opposite to the first articulated end 29 ; A connecting piece 33 integral with the mobile support 22 , configured to slide along the rod 28 and to selectively cooperate with the second support end 30 .

[0103] In particular, the second support end 30 is free to rotate relative to the first hinge end 29 and has a strip-shaped extension downwards, ie towards the fixed structure 15 , so as to limit the movement of the connecting element 33 along the rod 28 between the first hinge end 29 and the second support end 30 .

[0104] See also Figure 21-24 The second supporting end 30 includes a supporting seat 31 and a connecting seat 32, and the connecting seat is transversely arranged above the supporting seat relative to the moving direction X.

[0105] The connecting member 33 is configured to selectively cooperate with the supporting seat 31 or the connecting seat 32 .

[0106] According to some embodiments, the connector 33 is configured to cooperate with the support seat 31 during the process from the lowered retractable position to the raised extended position. The connector 33 cooperates with the support seat 31 to temporarily stop the movement of the mobile bracket 22 away from the fixed structure 15 along the direction X so as to generate a relative translation between the mobile bracket and the second slider 19, thereby activating the moving part 23. In this way, the moving part 23 lifts the mobile bracket 22 from the lowered state to the raised state along a preset path until a stable equilibrium position is reached, at which the first top surface 12 and the second top surface 13 are coplanar.

[0107] In addition, the connecting member 33 is configured to cooperate with the connecting seat 32 during the process from the raised extended position to the lowered retractable position. In particular, the connecting member 33 cooperates with the connecting seat 32 to instantly stop the movement of the mobile bracket 22 toward the fixed support structure 15 along the direction X, so as to generate a relative translation between the mobile bracket and the second slider 19, thereby activating the moving part 23. In this way, the moving part 23 lowers the mobile bracket 22 from the raised state to the lowered state along the preset raising path.

[0108] See also Figure 21-24 The connector 33 is designed to enclose and at least partially accommodate the rod 28, for example, its shape allows it to be placed on the rod.

[0109] The connecting member 33 comprises an arc-shaped plate 35 (ie bent into a U-shape) and a connecting pin 34 . The connecting pin 34 and the arc-shaped plate 35 together form a transverse sliding seat 36 in which the rod 28 is placed.

[0110] According to some embodiments, the connecting pin 34 is configured to selectively cooperate with the supporting seat 31 or the connecting seat 32 .

[0111] The lower part of the transverse sliding seat 36 is closed by a connecting pin 34 which connects the opposite sides of the curved plate 35, constraining the rod 28 inside the plate 35. In this way, the connecting piece 33 can slide along the rod 28 parallel to the direction of movement X, with different heights relative to the rod 28, without affecting the correct operation of the extension device 14.

[0112] In particular, these heights are coordinated with the vertical dimension across the sliding seat 36 relative to the direction of movement X and the position of the connecting element 33 when the table 10 is opened and closed.

[0113] Advantageously, the length of the rod 28 is coordinated with the length of the table 10 .

[0114] Since the connecting member 33 is integral with the mobile support 22, it also has two states, a lowered state and an ascending state, in which the connecting pin 34 is aligned and matched with the support seat 31. It must be noted that the connecting pin 34 may not contact the rod 28 in the lowered state.

[0115] In addition, the connecting member 33 also has a rising state, in which the connecting pin 34 is aligned and matched with the connecting seat 32. In this rising state, the connecting pin 34 can contact with the rod 28.

[0116] The support seat 31 is configured to at least partially cover the connecting pin 34 and has an inverted “L” shape or a ring shape (eg, a quarter circle shape), or any other shape suitable for covering a portion of the circumference of the connecting pin 34 .

[0117] According to some embodiments, the connection seat 32 is configured to at least partially cover the connection pin 34 , and its shape is “C”-shaped, “J”-shaped, hook-shaped or arc-shaped, or a ring-shaped shape suitable for covering a portion of the circumference of the connection pin 34 .

[0118] In particular, the shape of the connecting seat 32 is suitable for covering a portion of the circumference of the connecting pin 34, wherein the two opposing surfaces are perpendicular to the moving direction X.

[0119] Optionally, refer to Fig.13 , Fig.15 ,as well as Figure 17-20 The raising device 14 may include a maintaining element 27 for connecting the mobile support 22 to the second slide 19 and allowing the mobile support 22 to be correctly lowered from the raised position to the lowered position and vice versa.

[0120] The maintaining element 27 connects one end of the movable bracket 22 with one end of the second sliding block 19 , and when the second top surface 13 is in the raised position, the maintaining element can keep the movable bracket 22 in the balanced position.

[0121] The maintaining element 27 may be a flexible maintaining element with good elasticity, such as but not limited to a spring or other elastic materials.

[0122] Optionally, the table 10 includes a clamping device 60 (only in Figure 5 ), which is configured to stably secure the top surface (12, 13) in a raised, extended position.

[0123] In particular, the clamping device 60 is configured to fix the second top surface 12 at a position coplanar and side by side with the first top surface 12 through elastic feedback.

[0124] The clamping device 60 includes a retaining member 61 configured to retain the support element 62 when the table 10 is in the raised, extended position.

[0125] The maintaining member 61 is fixed on the transverse member 17 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 part (not shown).

[0126] The support element 62 is integral with the moving slider 22 and is fixed to the support rod 50, and includes two wedge-shaped tips (67, 68) adapted to be inserted between the wheels (65, 66) of the retaining member 61. In addition, each wedge-shaped tip (67, 68) also includes a groove (69, 71) configured to cooperate with one of the wheels (65, 66).

[0127] When the table 10 is in the raised extended position, the wedge-shaped tips (67, 68) are inserted between the wheels (65, 66) of the retaining member 61 until the wheels are inserted into their respective grooves (69, 71). The wheels (65, 66) in the grooves (69, 71) press against the wedge-shaped tips (67, 68) through the elastic portion, thereby keeping the wedge-shaped tips (67, 68) between the wheels (65, 66), and the wheels provide slight resistance to the movement of the sliders (19, 20).

[0128] It should be noted that the clamping device 60 described herein can, on the one hand, prevent the slider (19, 20) from moving unnecessarily, thereby keeping it in a stable position, and on the other hand, can release the movement of the slider (19, 20) simply by its traction force, without the need for levers or other complex clamping mechanisms.

[0129] Corresponding to the opening and closing method according to the present invention, the operation of the aforementioned table 10 includes the following steps, which are applicable to the case where only one extended top surface 13 is provided, and also to the case where the top surface (12, 13) is an extended top surface relative to the third fixed main top surface.

[0130] According to some embodiments (combinable with all described embodiments), the method provides for simultaneously moving the first top surface 12 and the second top surface 13 along the movement direction X in an alternating manner, respectively from opposite sides.

[0131] It is not important whether the first top surface 12 or the second top surface 13 is pulled or pushed, because as long as a pulling force or a pushing force is applied to one of the top surfaces (12, 13), the other top surface (12, 13) will automatically and simultaneously move in the opposite direction.

[0132] In fact, the first slider 20 and the second slider 19 are kinematically connected to each other by the moving device 21, which ensures that the movement of one slider automatically and simultaneously causes the opposite movement of the other slider. Therefore, here and below, when we describe the movement of the second slider 19 under the action of traction or thrust, we consider that the movement of the first slider 19 directly and indirectly pulls and pushes the first slider 20.

[0133] This movement in the movement direction X is performed in that the extension means 14 cooperate with the second slide 19 to bring the second top face 13 from the lowered, retracted position to the raised, extended position and vice versa.

[0134] In the first embodiment, when the second slider 19 moves outward, the connecting element 49 slides along the moving direction X until the connecting pin 51 abuts against the support seat 45, stopping the translation of the movable bracket 22, and the second slider 19 continues to translate along the moving direction X. Alternatively, in the second embodiment, the connecting member 33 slides along the rod 28 of the extension device 14 until the connecting pin 34 is inserted into the support seat 31, stopping the translation of the movable bracket 22.

[0135] In both cases, stopping the translation of the movable bracket 22 will cause mutual translation between it and the second slider 19, and the second slider 19 continues to translate along the moving direction X, thereby triggering the movable bracket to move along the preset path of the terminal to lift the movable part 23.

[0136] Specifically, this involves the sliding of the guide element 24 relative to the guide pin 25, which is raised along a preset raising path from a first stroke end portion 24a to a second stroke end portion 24b until a stable equilibrium position is reached in which the top surfaces (12, 13) are coplanar.

[0137] When the guide pin 25 reaches the second stroke end portion 24 b , the second slider 19 stops translating outward in the moving direction X, and the two top surfaces ( 12 , 13 ) are in a coplanar state.

[0138] In the first embodiment, the connecting pin 51 is retained in the bearing seat 45 during the raising process, causing the second end 43 of the central body to rise.

[0139] Then, the user pulls the second slide block 19 toward the fixing structure 15 until the top surfaces ( 13 , 12 ) are in coplanar contact or the third top ends are in coplanar contact, thereby forming an open state.

[0140] In the first embodiment, the translation into the interior of the fixing structure 15 also causes the connection pin 51 to be disengaged from the support seat 45 .

[0141] In the second embodiment, the translation into the interior of the fixed structure 15 also causes the connection pin 34 to disengage from the support seat 31. In addition, in this step, because the connection pin 34 is integral with the mobile bracket 22, the connection pin 34 translates along the rod 28 toward the hinge end 29 and maintains contact with the hinge end 29.

[0142] In the step of closing the table 10 , the user may move the second slider 19 (eg, pull it toward himself again) to move the second slider toward the outside of the fixed structure 15 .

[0143] In this closing step, in the first embodiment ( Figure 7-9 ), the mobile bracket 22 and the second slider 19 are translated away from the fixed structure 15 along the moving direction X until the connecting element 49 is connected to the connecting seat 46. Subsequently, the mobile bracket 22 and the second slider 19 are pushed toward the inside of the table 10 along the moving direction X. In this case, the connecting seat 46 becomes an obstacle to the movement of the connecting element 49 and instantly stops the translation of the mobile bracket 22, while the second slider 19 continues to move toward the inside of the table 10.

[0144] In the second embodiment, the connecting member 33 slides along the rod 28, and the connecting pin 34 contacts the rod 28 until the connecting pin 34 enters the connecting seat 32. Then, referring to Figure 18-20 , move the second slider 19 back to the fixed structure 15, and the connecting pin 34 fixed in the connecting seat 32 will hinder the horizontal movement of the movable bracket 22, causing it to stop instantly, while the second slider 19 continues to move toward the inside of the table 10.

[0145] In both embodiments, the momentary stop of the movable bracket will cause the guide element 24 to slide relative to the guide pin 25, thereby causing the guide pin 25 to leave the stable equilibrium position, from the second stroke end portion 24b to the first stroke end portion 24a, and lower relative to the second slider 19, thereby also lowering the movable bracket 22.

[0146] In the first embodiment, the lowering of the mobile bracket 22 causes the connecting pin 51 to disengage from the connecting seat 46. In this process, the wedge-shaped element 53 helps the connecting pin 51 to disengage from the connecting seat 46 through the pushing force of the elastic portion 55. Subsequently, the mobile bracket 22 together with the second slider 19 slides toward the inside of the table 10 again along the moving direction X to reach the retractable position where the table 10 is in the closed state.

[0147] In the second embodiment, the mobile bracket 22 is lowered until it is in the lowered state, the connecting pin 34 is disengaged from the connecting seat 32, and the connecting member 33 is allowed to slide along the rod 28 until the second top surface 13 is in the lowered retractable position and the table 10 reaches the closed state.

[0148] It is obvious that modifications and / or additional components or steps may be made to the table 10 and the corresponding method described above without departing from the field and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0149] It is also obvious that although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific examples, a person skilled in the art will certainly be able to realize many other equivalent forms of the table 10 and the corresponding method, which have the characteristics described in the claims and therefore belong to the protection field defined by the claims.

[0150] 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. An extendable table (10), comprising: A frame (11) having a fixed support structure (15) and a first movable slider (20) and a second movable slider (19), wherein the first movable slider and the second movable slider can move relative to the fixed structure (15) from opposite sides simultaneously and approximately horizontally along a moving direction (X); At least a first top surface (12) arranged on the first slider (20) and at least a second top surface (13) arranged on the second slider (19), due to being associated with the extension device (14), the second top surface can be selectively moved alternately between a lowered first retractable position and at least a raised second extended position by moving the second slider (19), wherein in the extended position, the second top surface (13) is coplanar with the first top surface (12) and is side by side with one side of the first top surface.

2. The expandable table (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one extending device (14) comprises at least one movable bracket (22), a moving part (23) and a triggering member (40), wherein the movable bracket is associated with the at least second slider (19) and is movable relative to the second slider, the moving part defining a terminal preset path and being used to lift the movable bracket (22) relative to the second slider (19), and to lift the movable bracket from a lowered state in which the second top surface (13) is in the lowered first retractable position in the frame (11) to an ascending state in which the second top surface (13) is in the elevated second extended position and is coplanar and horizontal with the first top surface (12), and vice versa, and the triggering member is configured to trigger the movement of the movable bracket (22) along the terminal preset ascending path to move the second top surface (13).

3. The expandable table (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The moving part (23) comprises at least one guide element (24) defining the preset lifting path and at least one guide pin (25) adapted to cooperate with the guide element (24); the guide pin (25) is installed in cooperation with the guide element (24) and cooperates with the second slide block (19) and the moving bracket (22).

4. The expandable table (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The trigger member (40) is configured to temporarily stop the movement of the mobile bracket (22) in the moving direction (X) and cause relative movement between the mobile bracket (22) and the second slider (19) in the moving direction (X), while the moving portion (23) is configured to convert the relative movement between the mobile bracket (22) and the second slider (19) along the moving direction (X) into a vertical ascending / descending movement of the mobile bracket (22).

5. The expandable table (10) according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that: The trigger component (40) further comprises: An articulated element (41, 28), wherein a first end (42, 29) is articulated to the fixed support structure (15), and a second end (43, 30) is relatively and freely rotatable with respect to the first end (42, 29), and comprises a support seat (45, 31) and a connecting seat (46, 32) arranged vertically one above the other with respect to the moving direction (X); A connecting piece (49, 33) integrated with the movable bracket (22) is configured to selectively cooperate with the supporting seat (45, 31) or the connecting seat (46, 32).

6. The expandable table (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that It comprises a single hinge element (41) centrally arranged relative to the fixed support structure (15), and a single connecting member (49) aligned with the hinge element (41) in the moving direction (X), and the second end (43) faces the connecting member (49).

7. The expandable table (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The connecting member (49, 33) is configured as follows: Cooperating with the support seat (45, 31) during the process from the lowered retractable position to the raised extended position, the movable bracket (22) is lifted from the lowered state to the raised state along the preset lifting path until a stable equilibrium position is reached, in which the second top surface (13) and the first top surface (12) are coplanar; In the process of moving from the raised extended position to the lowered retractable position, the mobile bracket (22) cooperates with the connecting seat (46, 32) to lower the mobile bracket (22) from the raised state to the lowered state along the raised path.

8. The expandable table (10) according to claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that: The connecting member (49, 33) comprises at least one connecting pin (51, 34), which is configured to selectively cooperate with the supporting seat (45, 31) or the connecting seat (46, 32), wherein: In the descending state, the connecting pin (51, 34) is aligned and matched with the supporting seat (45, 31); In the raised state, the connecting pin (51, 34) is aligned and matched with the connecting seat (46, 32).

9. The expandable table (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that: It comprises at least one maintaining element (27) for connecting the movable bracket (22) with the second slide block (19).

10. An extendable table (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The invention comprises a moving device (21) configured to simultaneously move the first slide block (20) and the second slide block (19) away from / close to a fixed structure (15) along a moving direction (X), and the moving device (21) is configured to cooperate with the at least one extension device (14) and the moving portion (23) to at least move the second top surface (13) from the lowered retractable position to the raised extended position, and vice versa.

11. The expandable table (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The moving device (21) is configured to move the first slider (20) and the second slider (19) away from or closer to each other along a moving direction (X) relative to the fixed structure (15).

12. An extendable table (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least the second top surface (13) is an extended top surface.

13. An extendable table (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that It only comprises the first top surface (12) and the second top surface (13), wherein the first top surface (12) is the main top surface and the second top surface (13) is the extended top surface.

14. The expandable table (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that In the lowered first retractable position, the second top surface (13) is located below the first top surface (12), and in the raised second extended position, the second top surface (13) is coplanar with the first top surface (12) and is parallel to one side thereof.

15. The expandable table (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: In addition to the first top surface (12) and the second top surface (13), a third fixed top surface is also included at an intermediate position between the first top surface (12) and the second top surface (13), and the first top surface (12) and the second top surface (13) are respectively a first extended top surface and a second extended top surface.

16. The expandable table (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that The invention also comprises an additional extension device (14) associated with the first top surface (12) and the corresponding first slide block (20), wherein the additional extension device (14) is configured to cooperate with the first slide block (20) so as to move and position the first top surface (12) perpendicularly to the movement direction (X) so as to be selectively in a lowered first retractable position and at least a raised second extended position, in which the first top surface (12) is raised relative to the first slide block (20) so as to be coplanar with the second top surface (13) and the third fixed top surface and side by side with the corresponding side thereof, and vice versa, and the additional extension device (14) can be driven by the alternating movement of the associated first slide block (20) in the movement direction (X) relative to the fixed structure (15).

17. The expandable table (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that In the lowered first retractable position, the second top surface (13) and the first top surface (12) are located below the third fixed main top surface, and in the raised second extended position, the corresponding sides of the second top surface (13) and the first top surface (12) fixed main top surface are side by side and coplanar.

18. A method for opening / closing an extendable table (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that: A method is provided for simultaneously moving the first top surface (12) and the second top surface (13) in an alternating manner along a moving direction (X) from opposite sides, respectively, so that the at least one extension device (14) cooperates with at least the second slider (19) to selectively move at least the second top surface (13) from the lowered retractable position to the raised extended position, and vice versa, in sequence.

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