Folding device for a folding table and folding table with this folding device

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding device for a folding table with at least one tabletop and at least one supporting structure according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a folding table with this folding device.

[0002] This concerns, in particular, a table for the catering industry, where folding tables are primarily in demand for outdoor use. Folding tables are also used in event halls and, of course, in private seating arrangements. In any case, these folding tables must be space-saving to store and quick and easy to set up again. Two-part folding tables are also known, in which the tabletop can be separated from the supporting structure for storage and transport purposes. A corresponding folding table can be seen in publication CH-705 825. The closest prior art is described in US-5 174 225. To release the locking mechanism for folding the table, two opposing locking bolts must be pulled simultaneously against the force of a spring each, with mirrored locking mechanisms on both sides of the table.

[0003] In familiar folding tables with a locking lever mechanism, at least one locking hook is located on the underside of the tabletop. It pivots around an axis attached to the tabletop. In the case of rectangular tables for four people, which usually have two vertical supports, there are typically two locking hooks, which may be connected by a horizontal handle. This allows both locking hooks to be engaged by pushing or pulling this handle. This locking lever mechanism is very simple in principle. However, upon closer inspection, it proves to be impractical. This is especially true when, as is often the case in the catering industry, a large number of folding tables need to be handled repeatedly. For example, when folding tables set up outdoors need to be put away overnight and set up again the next day, which is frequently the case with folding tables located on public property.The same applies to halls that must be made available for different purposes, requiring a varying number of differently arranged tables or even just chairs.

[0004] Several disadvantages become apparent. From above, it's impossible for staff handling the folding tables to see on which side the handle for releasing the folding mechanism is located. To determine this, one has to bend down under the tabletop and possibly stand up again, walk around the table, and reach under the tabletop from the opposite side to operate the handle running along the center of the table. Only then can the folding table be folded in the intended direction and carried away. It should be noted that the staff setting up the folding tables are usually not on the same shift as the staff who later put them away. Furthermore, it sometimes happens that the folding tables are moved around while they are in use, whether outdoors or indoors.Last but not least, the handle can be unintentionally released from its secure locking position by a guest by pushing with a knee or foot, which makes the folding table unstable and, in the worst case, can cause it to fold unintentionally.

[0005] Based on these findings, the invention aims to create a folding device for a folding table that is easy and safe to use, and that allows the folding table equipped with it to be handled optimally.

[0006] The folding device according to the invention corresponds to the characterizing features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are evident from the dependent claims. The folding table equipped with this folding device is described in claim 12.

[0007] Thanks to the inventive folding mechanism, the folding table according to the invention can be unlocked from either side and folded at will around either longitudinal axis. The question of the table's orientation becomes irrelevant. This applies not only to disassembly but also to setting up the tables. This saves time when handling numerous folding tables and reduces the time spent carrying and positioning them. Finally, it also eliminates the need to lift the tables more than absolutely necessary.

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Fig. 1 shows a view of an embodiment of a folding table; Figs. 2-3 show the same folding table, once with the tabletop folded to the left and once with it folded to the right; Fig. 4 shows the lifting and removal of the tabletop; Figs. 5-8 show the mechanically essential part of the folding mechanism in various locking and release positions; Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the mechanical part of the folding mechanism according to the Fig. 5 - 8 , where the position shown is that shown after Fig. 7 corresponds.

[0009] The folding table shown is to be understood as an example. The shape and design of the tabletop 1 are not part of the invention. Neither are those of the supporting structure 2 or the table base. These can be designed as desired. The essential element here is the folding mechanism 3.

[0010] The folding device 3 can, as in the present embodiment, be present in duplicate, that is, in the area of ​​each table end, there is one mirror-image folding device 3 and 4, each serving as a lock. The two folding devices 3 and 4 of this folding system are connected by a rod 6 which, in the present embodiment, runs inside a central tube 5. The central tube 5 has a rectangular cross-section here, but can also have a different shape. The rod 6 is thus invisible and optimally protected. It does not need to be accessible, as it no longer has the operating function of previous handles, but serves to mechanically connect the two folding devices 3 and 4, which are located opposite each other at the table ends. These can therefore be operated synchronously from either of the two table ends or narrow sides.

[0011] To operate the at least one folding device 3 and 4, an operating lever 7 accessible below the table edge is provided at the end of the table. In the present, preferred embodiment, an operating lever 7 and 8 are provided on the outside, as shown in Fig. 2 to be seen. Operation is optionally by actuating, that is, rotating one of the two operating levers 7 or 8.

[0012] As from the Fig. 5 bis 8 As can be seen, the folding devices 3 and 4 each have two movable locking elements 9 and 10, which are each rotatable about a pivot axis 11 and 12. These pivot axes 11 and 12 run parallel to the axis of rotation 13 of the operating levers 7 and 8, which also corresponds to the axis of the rod 6 connecting the two folding devices 3 and 4.

[0013] The two pivotable locking elements 9 and 10 each have a hook 14 and 15 at their upper ends. Therefore, with respect to the two folding devices 3 and 4, there is at least one hook 14 or 15 for each folding direction.

[0014] This makes the folding system symmetrical, and it doesn't matter from which side of the table it is operated. The tabletop 1 can be inserted, opened, closed, and removed from either side. In the present embodiment with two mirror-image folding devices 3 and 4 connected by the rod 6, each with an operating lever 7 and 8, it no longer even matters from which end of the table it is operated.

[0015] In any case, operation is achieved by rotating one of the two control levers 7 or 8. These can be turned both left and right. There are four different positions for control levers 7 and 8: a) Operating lever 7 or 8 downwards = Both hooks 14 and 15 are closed and the table top 1 is fixed in the horizontal position. See Fig. 5 b) Operating lever 7 or 8 to the left = The left, first hook 14 is open, the tabletop 1 is free on the left and can be folded to the right. However, it is still firmly fixed in the right, second hook 15 and cannot be removed. See Fig. 6 c) Operating lever 7 or 8 to the right = The right, second hook 15 is open, the tabletop 1 is free on the right and can be folded to the left. However, it is still firmly fixed in the left, first hook 14 and cannot be removed. See Fig. 7 d) Operating lever 7 or 8 upwards = Both hooks 14 and 15 are open and the table top 1 can be removed. See Fig. 8 .

[0016] The aforementioned hooks 14 and 15 each engage a bolt 16 and 17, which according to Fig. 1 The folding mechanism is arranged on a component 18 and 19 of the folding device 3 and 4, which is to be connected to the tabletop 1. This means that the tabletop 1, which is to be folded away, is pivoted either around the first bolt 16 or around the second bolt 17 and, when this bolt 16 or 17 is also released, can be lifted upwards and removed from the supporting structure 2. The bolts 16 and 17 are simultaneously the axis of rotation for the respective folding direction of the folding device 3 and 4, or of the tabletop 1 of the folding table equipped with it.

[0017] The pivotable locking elements 9 and 10, each having hooks 14 and 15 respectively, can be arranged according to Fig. 5 bis 8 Each hook is operatively connected to a spring 20 and 21. Against the force of these springs 20 and 21, the two hooks 14 and 15 can be opened, even if the operating lever 7 or 8 is in the locked position. For this purpose, the two hooks 14 and 15 are chamfered towards the tip on their upper edge, so that, due to the weight of the tabletop 1, they are pressed into the open position by the bolts 16 and 17 coming from above, and then close again due to the force of the springs 20 and 21. The tabletop 1 can thus be placed on the tabletop when setting up the folding table without having to operate the operating levers 7 or 8. These levers can remain in the locked position required when using the folding table. This simplifies the setup of the folding tables, eliminates the need for further considerations, and saves time.

[0018] The transmission of the rotation of the operating lever 7 or 8 to the pivotable locking elements 9 and 10, each having hooks 14 and 15, is carried out in the present embodiment according to Fig. 5 via a rotating element 22 which rotates with the operating lever 7 or 8. This has at least one eccentrically arranged drive stop 23 which interacts with one arm 25 and 26 of the locking elements 9 and 10.

[0019] In the present embodiment, two drive stops 23 and 24 are provided on a substantially disc-shaped rotating element 22. These each protrude from the surface of the rotating element 22 and project from its body as a widened sector or are attached to it. See also Fig. 9 , where the rotating element 22 can be seen from this perspective. The first drive stop 23 is arranged on one side of the rotating element 22, which here faces the viewer and is located in the Fig. 5 - 8 The second drive stop 24 is located on the opposite side of the rotating element 22, which here faces away from the viewer and is shown with a solid line. Fig. 5 - 8 The second drive stop 24, shown with a dashed line, is also offset from the first drive stop 23, that is, arranged with a rotational displacement. The first arm 25 of the first locking element 9 is assigned to the first drive stop 23 and projects in front of the first, here front, side of the rotating element 22. The second arm 26 of the second locking element 10 is assigned to the second drive stop 24 and projects in front of the second, here rear, side of the rotating element 22.

[0020] In the rotation position after Fig. 5 The first, approximately sector-shaped drive stop 23 projects upwards to the right, while the second, approximately sector-shaped drive stop 24 projects upwards to the left. In Fig. 8 It is located downwards to the left and downwards to the right. The first drive stop 23 is assigned to the first arm 25 of the first locking element 9 and pushes it in the rotation position. Fig. 5 downwards, so that hook 14 is in the open position. In the rotation position after Fig. 8 The second arm 26 of the second locking element 10 is also pressed downwards by the second drive stop 24, so that the second hook 15 is also in the open position.

[0021] The in the Fig. 5 - 9The folding device 3 and / or 4 shown each forms a separate assembly. Therefore, it can also be arranged as a separate, possibly detachable component on a corresponding mounting plate 27 of the supporting structure 2 of the folding table. This option is particularly interesting for the table manufacturer, as a standard supporting structure 2 can be equipped according to the order specifications. The range of configurations can extend from a non-folding, fixed mounting of the tabletop 1, to a version that folds only in one direction, to the equipment with the present folding device 3 and 4 according to the invention, which is designed such that the tabletop 1 can be folded away in two opposing directions. Retrofitting would also be theoretically possible.

[0022] The illustrated embodiment offers an optimal and very easy-to-use solution. However, it is of course within the scope of the invention according to claims 1 and 12 that the folding device and the folding table, as well as their components 3-27, can also be designed differently than shown. List of reference symbols:

[0023] 1 Tabletop 2 Support structure 3 Folding device 4 Folding device (second, mirror image part) 5 Central tube 6 Rod 7 First operating lever 8 Second operating lever 9 First locking element 10 Second locking element 11 First pivot axis 12 Second pivot axis 13 Rotation axis (of the operating lever) 14 First hook 15 Second hook 16 First bolt 17 Second bolt 18 First component to be mounted on the table 19 Second component to be mounted on the table 20 First spring 21 Second spring 22 Rotation element 23 First drive stop 24 Second drive stop 25 First arm 26 Second arm 27 Mounting plate

Claims

1. A folding device (3, 4) for a folding table with at least one tabletop (1) and at least one supporting structure (2), wherein the folding device (3, 4) has at least one locking device, so as to secure the tabletop (1) in a horizontal position relative to the supporting structure (2), and wherein the folding device (3, 4) is designed in such a way that the tabletop (1) can alternatively be folded down in two mutually opposing folding directions and has at least one locking device with which the folding device (3, 4) can be locked in each of the two folding directions, wherein the locking device has at least two movable hooks (14, 15), specifically one for each folding direction, as a result of which the tabletop (1) can be folded down to both sides and folded back up again, with at least one operating lever (7, 8), which can be pivoted around an axis of rotation and operatively connected with at least one of the at least two movable hooks (14, 15), which each interact with a locking mechanism that is arranged on a component (18, 19) to be connected with the tabletop (1), characterized in that the aforementioned locking mechanisms are designed as bolts (16, 17).

2. The folding device (3, 4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective aforementioned bolts (16, 17) simultaneously serve as an axis of rotation for one folding direction each, so that an axis of rotation is present for each folding direction.

3. The folding device (3, 4) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least two movable hooks (14, 15) are each arranged on a locking element (9, 10), which can be rotated around a respective pivoting axis (11, 12) to open or close the hooks (14, 15).

4. The folding device (3, 4) according to claim 1 and claim 3, characterized in that the two locking elements (9, 10) each have an arm (25, 26), which can be actuated by the at least one pivotable operating lever (7, 8) in such a way that the respective locking element (9, 10) rotates around its pivoting axis (11, 12).

5. The folding device (3, 4) according to claim 4, characterized in that a rotating element (22) that corotates with the at least one pivotable operating lever (7, 8) is present to transfer the rotation of the at least one operating lever (7, 8) to at least one arm (25, 26) of one of the two locking elements (9, 10).

6. The folding device (3, 4) according to claim 5, characterized in that the aforementioned rotating element (22) has at least one eccentrically arranged stopper (23, 24), which interacts with a respective arm (25, 26) of the locking elements (9, 10) .

7. The folding device (3, 4) according to claim 6, characterized by two stoppers (23, 24), wherein the second stopper (24) is arranged offset, meaning rotationally displaced, relative to the first stopper (23).

8. The folding device (3, 4) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first stoper (23) is allocated to the arm (25) of the first locking element (9), and the second stopper (24) is allocated to the arm (26) of the second locking element (10).

9. The device mechanism (3, 4) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the first stopper (23) is arranged on the one side of the rotating element (22), and the second stopper (24) is arranged on the opposite side of the rotating element (22).

10. The device mechanism (3, 4) according to one of claims 7 - 9, characterized in that the rotating element (22) is essentially disk-shaped, and the two stoppers (23, 24) are arranged in a roughly sector-shaped pattern on its surface,11. The device mechanism (3, 4) according to one of claims 3 - 10, characterized in that the at least two movable hooks (14, 15) are each operatively connected with a spring (20, 21), wherein the two hooks (14, 15) can be opened against its force, even if the operating lever (7, 8) is in the locked position.

12. A device table with a folding mechanism (3, 4) according to claim 1, with at least one tabletop (1) and at least one supporting structure (2).

13. The folding table according to claim 12, characterized in that the folding device (3, 4) consists of two parts, specifically a first folding device (3) in the area of a first table end, and a second folding device (4) in the area of a second table end.

14. The folding table according to claim 13, characterized in that the aforementioned two folding devices (3, 4) are operatively connected by a rod (6), for example which is arranged in a central pipe (5), wherein the folding table can be optionally operated from the first or second table ends by means of an operating lever (7, 8).