Folding legs and folding structure

Abstract

To provide a foldable leg having a structure different from a conventional structure.SOLUTION: A foldable leg 4 comprises: a first leg frame 5 having a triangular annular shape and including a lower side frame element 7 arranged to be rotatable with an own center shaft O7 as a center and two first side frame elements 8; and a second leg frame 6 having a triangular annular shape and including an upper side frame element 13 arranged to be rotatable with an own center shaft O13 as a center and two second side frame elements 14 where each one of middle parts in an extending direction is rotatably supported with respect to each middle part of the two first side frame elements 8 in an extending direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to folding legs and folding structures equipped with these folding legs. [Background technology]

[0002] As folding tables that can be folded and stored when not in use, various folding structures have been proposed, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-74057 and Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3046509. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-74057 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3046509 Gazette [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a folding leg having a structure different from conventional structures, and a folding structure equipped with this folding leg. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is a folding leg, A first leg frame having a lower frame element positioned to allow rotation around its own central axis, and two first side frame elements, configured in a triangular ring shape, A second leg frame is configured in a triangular ring shape, comprising an upper frame element positioned to allow rotation around its own central axis, and two second side frame elements whose extension-direction intermediate portions are supported to allow rotation relative to the extension-direction intermediate portions of the two first side frame elements. It is equipped with.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the folding leg may have a beam frame element spanning between the intermediate portions in the extension direction of the two first side frame elements, and the intermediate portions in the extension direction of the two second side frame elements may be supported relative to the beam frame element so as to be able to rotate about the central axis of the beam frame element.

[0007] Alternatively, the second leg frame may have a beam frame element that spans between the intermediate portions in the extension direction of the two second side frame elements, and the beam frame element may support the intermediate portions in the extension direction of the two first side frame elements so that they can rotate around the central axis of the beam frame element.

[0008] A folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention is Equipped with multiple foldable legs, Each of the aforementioned plurality of folding legs is composed of a folding leg according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] A folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention may include a holding mechanism for maintaining the positional relationship between the lower frame element and the upper frame element when the folding structure is unfolded.

[0010] A folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a superstructure, and the upper frame element may be supported relative to the superstructure so as to be able to rotate about the central axis of the upper frame element itself.

[0011] In this case, the upper structure may have a stopper surface facing horizontally when deployed, and the positional relationship between the lower frame element and the upper frame element can be maintained by bringing the connecting portion (top) of the upper ends of the two first side frame elements into contact with the stopper surface when deployed. In other words, a holding mechanism for maintaining the positional relationship between the lower frame element and the upper frame element can be realized by bringing the connecting portion of the upper ends of the two first side frame elements into contact with the stopper surface when deployed.

[0012] Furthermore, in this case, the superstructure may have a first superstructure element and a second superstructure element that is supported so as to be able to move relative to the first superstructure element in the vertical direction and is positioned below the first superstructure element in the deployed state, and the stopper surface may be formed by the side surface of the second superstructure element.

[0013] The aforementioned upper structure can constitute a tabletop. That is, a folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention can constitute a folding table.

[0014] A folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a lower structure, and the lower frame element may be supported relative to the lower structure so as to be able to rotate about the central axis of the lower frame element itself. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a folding leg having a structure different from that of conventional structures, and a folding structure equipped with this folding leg. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a folding table of a first embodiment of the present invention in its unfolded state. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the folding table of the first example in a folded state. [Figure 3] FIG. 3(A) is a front view (a) schematically showing the folding legs in the unfolded state and a cross-sectional view (b) taken along line X-X of (a), and FIG. 3(B) is a front view (a) schematically showing the folding legs in the folded state and a cross-sectional view (b) taken along line Y-Y of (a). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the folding table of the second example of the embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the folding table of the second example in a folded state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a mechanism for maintaining the positional relationship between the upper structure and the lower structure in the unfolded state of the folding table of the second example.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0017] [First Example] The first example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. This example is an example in which the folding structure of one aspect of the present invention is applied to the folding table 1. First, the configuration of each part in the unfolded state (use state) of the folding table 1 will be described below.

[0018] In the following description, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction refer to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction in a state where the folding table 1 is placed on the floor or the ground, unless otherwise specified.

[0019] The folding table 1 of this example includes an upper structure 2, a lower structure 3, and a plurality of folding legs 4.

[0020] The upper structure 2 constitutes a top plate. More specifically, in this example, the upper structure 2 is composed of a substantially rectangular flat plate when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0021] The lower structure 3 is positioned below the upper structure 2 and parallel to it. The lower structure 3 is composed of a roughly rectangular frame-shaped flat plate that has almost the same outer circumference shape as the upper structure 2 when viewed from above.

[0022] The folding table 1 in this example is provided with one folding leg 4 in each of the vicinity of four edges on the lower surface of the upper structure 2 and the vicinity of four edges on the upper surface of the lower structure 3. In other words, the folding table 1 in this example is provided with four folding legs 4.

[0023] Each folding leg 4 is equipped with a first leg frame 5 and a second leg frame 6.

[0024] The first leg frame 5 has a lower frame element 7 and two first side frame elements 8.

[0025] The lower frame element 7 is supported by the lower structure 3 so that it can only rotate about its own central axis O7.

[0026] In this example, the lower frame element 7 is supported by a support member 9 on the upper surface of the lower structure 3, near the outer edge, allowing it to rotate only about its own central axis O7.

[0027] The support member 9 is formed by bending a metal plate and has a partially cylindrical curved portion 10 and two mounting plate portions 11 provided on both sides of the curved portion 10.

[0028] The lower frame element 7 is supported so that it can only rotate about its own central axis O7 relative to the lower structure 3, with its ends on both sides in the extension direction (axial direction) positioned inside the curved portions 10 of the two support members 9, and the mounting plate portions 11 of each of the two support members 9 are supported and fixed to the upper surface of the lower structure 3 by screws or the like.

[0029] However, the structure that supports the lower frame element relative to the lower structure, enabling rotation about the central axis of the lower frame element itself, is not limited to the structure in this example; various conventionally known support structures can be employed.

[0030] The two first side frame elements 8 extend in a direction that brings them closer to each other as they move from the bottom to the top, and also in a direction toward the central part of the superstructure 2. The lower ends of the two first side frame elements 8 are connected to the ends on both sides of the bottom frame element 7 in the direction of extension, and the upper ends of the two first side frame elements 8 are connected to each other. As a result, the first leg frame 5 is configured as a triangular ring overall.

[0031] Furthermore, the two first side frame elements 8 have the same length. That is, the first leg frame 5 is constructed in an isosceles triangle (including an equilateral triangle) ring shape by the bottom frame element 7 and the two first side frame elements 8.

[0032] In this example, the first leg frame 5 has a beam frame element 12 that spans between the intermediate portions in the extension direction (axial direction) of two first side frame elements 8. The beam frame element 12 is arranged parallel to the bottom frame element 7.

[0033] The second leg frame 6 has an upper frame element 13 and two second side frame elements 14.

[0034] The upper frame element 13 is arranged parallel to the lower frame element 7, and its own central axis O is relative to the upper structure 2. 13 It is supported in a way that allows only rotation around its center.

[0035] In this example, the upper frame element 13 is supported by a support member 9 in the vicinity of its edge on the lower surface of the upper structure 2, and its own central axis O 13It is supported so that it can only rotate around its central axis O. 13 It is supported to allow only rotation around its center.

[0036] However, the structure that supports the upper frame element relative to the upper structure, enabling rotation about the central axis of the upper frame element itself, is not limited to the structure in this example; various conventionally known support structures can be employed.

[0037] In this example, the length of the upper frame element 13 is shorter than the length of the lower frame element 7.

[0038] The two second side frame elements 14 extend in a direction that brings them closer to each other as they move from top to bottom, and also in a direction toward the central part of the lower structure 3. The upper ends of the two second side frame elements 14 are connected to the ends on both sides of the upper frame element 13 in the direction of extension, and the lower ends of the two second side frame elements 14 are connected to each other. As a result, the second leg frame 6 is configured as a triangular ring overall.

[0039] Furthermore, the two second side frame elements 14 have the same length. That is, the second leg frame 6 is constructed in an isosceles triangle (including an equilateral triangle) ring shape by the upper frame element 13 and the two second side frame elements 14.

[0040] Furthermore, the intermediate portions of the two second side frame elements 14 in the extension direction (axial direction) are aligned with the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 and the central axis O of the upper frame element 13, relative to the intermediate portions of the two first side frame elements 8 in the extension direction. 13 It is supported in a way that allows rotation around a pivot P parallel to it.

[0041] In this example, cylindrical members 15, which are supported and fixed to the intermediate portions in the extension direction of the two second side frame elements 14, are fitted onto the beam frame element 12 at two locations in the intermediate portions in the extension direction (axial direction) with a gap fit that prevents rattling (allowing relative rotation). This supports the intermediate portions in the extension direction of the two second side frame elements 14, enabling rotation around the pivot P.

[0042] In this example, the extensional intermediate portions of the two second side frame elements 14 of the second leg frame 6 are supported by a cylindrical member 15 on a beam frame element 12 that spans between the extensional intermediate portions of the two first side frame elements 8 of the first leg frame 5, allowing them to rotate around a pivot P. However, the structure for supporting the extensional intermediate portions of the two second side frame elements in a way that allows them to rotate relative to the extensional intermediate portions of the two first side frame elements is not particularly limited, and various support structures can be adopted.

[0043] For example, the length of the upper frame element of the second leg frame can be made longer than the length of the lower frame element of the first leg frame, and the intermediate portions of the two first side frame elements in the extension direction can be supported by a beam frame element that spans between the intermediate portions of the two second side frame elements in the extension direction, allowing them to rotate around the central axis (pivot) of the beam frame element.

[0044] Alternatively, by inserting pins through through holes provided in the middle of the extension direction of the first side frame element and through holes provided in the middle of the extension direction of the second side frame element, the middle of the extension direction of the two second side frame elements can be supported in a way that allows rotation relative to the middle of the extension direction of the two first side frame elements.

[0045] In this example, the first leg frame 5 and the second leg frame 6 are constructed by bending and welding metal pipes. However, the materials used to construct the first and second leg frames are not particularly limited, as long as the required strength can be ensured; wood, synthetic resin, and other materials can also be used.

[0046] In this example, the folding table 1 includes a holding mechanism 16 for maintaining the positional relationship between the lower frame element 7 that constitutes the first leg frame 5 of each folding leg 4 and the upper frame element 13 that constitutes the second leg frame 6 when unfolded.

[0047] In this example, the holding mechanism 16 comprises a first engaging member 17 and a second engaging member 18.

[0048] The first engaging member 17 is supported and fixed to the lower surface of the superstructure 2 and is detachable from the upper end of the first leg frame 5. In this example, the first engaging member 17 is a clip that holds the first apex 19, which is the connecting portion between the upper ends of the two first side frame elements 8, at the upper end of the first leg frame 5, by clamping (gripping) it with two clamping pieces, like a double clip.

[0049] The second engaging member 18 is supported and fixed to the upper surface of the lower structure 3 and is detachable from the lower end of the second leg frame 6. In this example, the second engaging member 18 is a clip that holds the second apex 20, which is the connecting portion between the lower ends of the two second side frame elements 14 at the lower end of the second leg frame 6, by clamping (gripping) it with two clamping pieces, like a double clip.

[0050] Furthermore, the structure of the holding mechanism is not limited to the structure in this example; various structures can be adopted, as long as they can maintain the positional relationship between the lower frame element and the upper frame element when the folded structure is unfolded.

[0051] For example, as long as sufficient force can be secured to maintain the positional relationship between the lower frame element and the upper frame element, either the first engaging member or the second engaging member can be omitted. And / or, as the first engaging member, a substantially U-shaped or substantially J-shaped hook that can engage with and disengage from the first apex, which is the connecting portion between the upper ends of the two first side frame elements, can be used, or as the second engaging member, a substantially U-shaped or substantially J-shaped hook that can engage with and disengage from the second apex, which is the connecting portion between the lower ends of the two second side frame elements, can be used.

[0052] Alternatively, the holding mechanism can be configured to prevent the first leg frame from rotating further by bringing the upper end of the first leg frame into contact with a stopper surface provided on the superstructure and facing horizontally when the leg is deployed.

[0053] Furthermore, the retaining mechanism can be provided for all folding legs, or for only some of the folding legs.

[0054] The folding table 1 in this example can be folded for storage or transport.

[0055] When folding the folding table 1, first, the engagement between the first engaging member 17 and the first top portion 19 of the first leg frame 5 is released, and the engagement between the second engaging member 18 and the second top portion 20 of the second leg frame 6 is released.

[0056] To disengage the first engaging member 17 from the first apex 19, the clips constituting the first engaging member 17 are opened (widening the distance between the tips of the two clamping pieces), and the first leg frame 5 is then slightly swung around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 in a direction where the first apex 19 is downward and toward the center of the lower structure 3 (clockwise in Figures 3(A) and 3(b)). This disengages the first engaging member 17 from the first apex 19, allowing the first leg frame 5 to rotate around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7.

[0057] Furthermore, to disengage the second engaging member 18 from the second top portion 20, open the clip that constitutes the second engaging member 18, and then move the second leg frame 6 along the central axis O of the upper frame element 13. 13 The second apex 20 is slightly pivoted around the central axis of the upper structure 2 (counterclockwise in Figures 3(A) and 3(b)). This disengages the second engaging member 18 from the second apex 20, causing the second leg frame 6 to pivot around the central axis of the upper frame element 13. 13 This allows for rotation around a central point.

[0058] Next, as shown in Figure 3(A) → Figure 3(B), the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 are folded together and brought closer to each other.

[0059] Specifically, the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 are brought closer to each other while maintaining parallelism. This causes the first leg frame 5 to rotate around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7, with the first apex 19 facing downwards and toward the center of the lower structure 3, and the second leg frame 6 to rotate around the central axis O of the upper frame element 13. 13 The second apex 20 is rotated upwards and toward the center of the upper structure 2, and the first leg frame 5 and the second leg frame 6 are rotated relative to each other around the pivot P. This causes the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 to be folded together, while maintaining their parallel position.

[0060] In contrast, when unfolding the folding table 1, first, the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 are separated from each other, as shown in Figure 3(B) → Figure 3(A).

[0061] Specifically, the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 are separated from each other while maintaining parallelism. This causes the first leg frame 5 to rotate around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 in a direction where the first apex 19 is facing upwards and toward the outer circumference of the upper structure 2 (counterclockwise in Figures 3(B) and 3(b)), and the second leg frame 6 rotates around the central axis O of the upper frame element 13. 13The second apex 20 is rotated downwards and toward the outer circumference of the lower structure 3 (clockwise in Figures 3(B) and 3(b)), and the first leg frame 5 and the second leg frame 6 are rotated relative to each other around the pivot P. This separates the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 from each other while maintaining their parallel position.

[0062] Then, by engaging the first engaging member 17 with the first top portion 19, and engaging the second engaging member 18 with the second top portion 20, the positional relationship between the lower frame element 7 and the upper frame element 13 in the unfolded state of the folding table 1 is maintained. This holds the upper structure 2 and the lower structure 3 in the unfolded state.

[0063] Furthermore, the folding and unfolding procedures for folding table 1 can be any procedure, not limited to the above-described procedure, as long as they do not create any inconsistencies. In other words, the order of each step can be changed, or multiple steps can be performed simultaneously.

[0064] Unlike conventional folding legs, the folding leg 4 in this example is constructed by combining a first leg frame 5 and a second leg frame 6, each configured in a triangular ring shape, and features a structure with superior design.

[0065] In this example, we have described an example in which a folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention is applied to a folding table 1. However, the folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention is not limited to folding tables, but can be applied to various furniture and outdoor goods such as fire pits and folding chairs.

[0066] Furthermore, in this example, the upper structure 2 is configured as a roughly rectangular flat plate when viewed from above, and the lower structure 3 is configured as a roughly rectangular frame having almost the same outer circumference shape as the upper structure 2 when viewed from above. However, when implementing one embodiment of the folding structure of the present invention, the structures of the upper and lower structures are not particularly limited, and various structures can be adopted according to the application and function of the folding structure to which it is applied.

[0067] For example, the superstructure can be made of a frame-shaped flat plate with an opening in the center, or the substructure can be made of a flat plate without an opening.

[0068] The outer perimeter shapes of the superstructure and substructure are not limited to rectangles; they can also be polygons, circles, or other shapes. The outer perimeter shapes of the superstructure and substructure can be the same or different.

[0069] The materials that make up the superstructure and substructure are not particularly limited as long as they can ensure the required strength; for example, wood, synthetic resin, metal materials, etc., can be used.

[0070] Furthermore, the superstructure and substructure are not limited to flat plates; structures with various shapes can be adopted depending on the intended use and function of the folding structure to which they are applied.

[0071] When implementing a folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention, the number of folding legs is not particularly limited and can be arbitrarily set according to the application and function of the folding structure to which it is applied.

[0072] [Example 2] A second example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. In this example of the folding table 1a, the structure of the upper structure 2a and the structure of the holding mechanism 16a for maintaining the positional relationship between the lower frame element 7 and the upper frame element 13 in the unfolded state differ from the folding table 1 of the first example.

[0073] The superstructure 2a includes a first superstructure element 21 and a second superstructure element 22.

[0074] The first upper structure element 21 is configured in a substantially rectangular frame shape. That is, the first upper structure element 21 has a substantially rectangular outer circumference when viewed from the top and bottom, and has a substantially rectangular opening 23 in the center.

[0075] In the folding table 1a of this example, the upper frame element 13 of the second leg frame 6 is supported so as to be capable of only rotation about the central axis O of the upper frame element 13 itself in the vicinity of the outer peripheral side edge portion of the lower surface of the first upper structure element 21. 13 It is supported to allow only rotation about the center.

[0076] The second upper structure element 22 is supported to allow relative displacement in the vertical direction with respect to the first upper structure element 21, and is disposed below the first upper structure element 21 in the deployed state of the folding table 1a.

[0077] In this example, the second upper structure element 22 is configured in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape having an outer peripheral shape slightly smaller than the opening shape of the opening 23 of the first upper structure element 21.

[0078] The second upper structure element 22 is suspended and supported by a plurality of suspension members 24 spanned between the outer peripheral surface of the second upper structure element 22 and the inner peripheral surface of the opening 23 of the first upper structure element 21 so as to allow relative displacement in the vertical direction with respect to the first upper structure element 21.

[0079] Therefore, in the deployed state of the folding table 1a shown in FIG. 4, the second upper structure element 22 is disposed below the first upper structure element 21, and in the folded state of the folding table 1a shown in FIG. 5, it is disposed inside the opening 23, and the upper surfaces of the first upper structure element 21 and the second upper structure element 22 are flush (located in the same virtual plane).

[0080] Also, in this example, the second upper structure element 22 has a through hole 25 penetrating in the vertical direction at the central portion. However, the through hole 25 can also be omitted.

[0081] The folding table 1a in this example does not have the first engaging member 17 and the second engaging member 18 that were present in the folding table 1 of the first example. In this example, when the folding table 1a is unfolded, the first apex portion 19, which is the connecting portion between the upper ends of the two first side frame elements 8 that constitute the first leg frame 5, is brought into contact with (engaged with) the outer circumferential surface of the second upper structural element 22. This prevents the first leg frame 5 from rotating the first apex portion 19 further in the direction toward the lower side and toward the center of the lower structure 3, thereby maintaining the positional relationship between the lower frame element 7 and the upper frame element 13 in the unfolded state of the folding table 1a. In other words, in this example, the outer circumferential surface of the second upper structural element 22 forms a stopper surface, and the contact portion (engagement portion) between the outer circumferential surface of the second upper structural element 22 and the first apex portion 19 of the first leg frame 5 constitutes a holding mechanism 16a.

[0082] When folding the folding table 1a in this example, first, the engagement between the outer surface of the second upper structure element 22 and the first apex 19 of the first leg frame 5 is released. Specifically, with the second upper structure element 22 lifted, the first leg frame 5 is slightly swung around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 in a direction where the first apex 19 is downward and toward the center of the lower structure 3 (clockwise in Figure 6). This releases the engagement between the outer surface of the second upper structure element 22 and the first apex 19, thereby allowing the rotation of the first leg frame 5 around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 and the central axis O of the upper frame element 13 to move. 13 This allows the rotation of the second leg frame 6, which is centered around it.

[0083] Furthermore, the operation of lifting the second upper structure element 22 can be easily performed by inserting the worker's fingers or tools into the through-hole 25.

[0084] Next, the upper structure 2a and the lower structure 3 are folded together and brought closer to each other.

[0085] Specifically, by bringing the first upper structure element 21 of the upper structure 2a and the lower structure 3 closer together, the first leg frame 5 is rotated around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 in a direction in which the first apex 19 is downward and toward the center of the lower structure 3, and the second leg frame 6 is rotated around the central axis O of the upper frame element 13 13 The second apex 20 is rotated upwards and toward the center of the upper structure 2a, and the first leg frame 5 and the second leg frame 6 are rotated relative to each other around the pivot P. Furthermore, the second upper structure element 22 is positioned inside the opening 23 of the first upper structure element 21. This folds the upper structure 2a and the lower structure 3.

[0086] In contrast, when unfolding the folding table 1a, the upper structure 2a and the lower structure 3 are unfolded in such a way that they are separated from each other.

[0087] Specifically, by separating the first upper structure element 21 of the upper structure 2a and the lower structure 3 from each other, the first leg frame 5 is rotated around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 in a direction in which the first apex 19 is directed upward and toward the outer circumference of the upper structure 2a, and the second leg frame 6 is rotated around the central axis O of the upper frame element 13 13 The second apex 20 is rotated in a direction toward the lower side and toward the outer circumference of the lower structure 3, and the first leg frame 5 and the second leg frame 6 are rotated relative to each other around the pivot P.

[0088] When the upper structure 2a and the lower structure 3 are separated, and the upper end (first apex 19) of the first leg frame 5 detaches from the lower surface of the second upper structure element 22, the second upper structure element 22 is displaced downward relative to the first upper structure element 21.

[0089] From this state, the upper structure 2a is slightly displaced downward, and the first leg frame 5 is slightly rotated around the central axis O7 of the lower frame element 7 so that the first apex 19 is directed downward and toward the center of the lower structure 3, thereby causing the outer surface of the second upper structure element 22 to come into contact with (engage) the first apex 19. This prevents the first leg frame 5 from rotating the first apex 19 any further downward and toward the center of the lower structure 3, thereby maintaining the positional relationship between the lower frame element 7 and the upper frame element 13, as well as the positional relationship between the upper structure 2a and the lower structure 3, in the unfolded state of the folding table 1a. This holds the upper structure 2a and the lower structure 3 in the unfolded state.

[0090] In the folding table 1a of this example, the holding mechanism 16a is configured such that, in the unfolded state, the second upper structure element 22 of the upper structure 2a is offset downward relative to the first upper structure element 21, and the first top portion 19 of the first leg frame 5 is brought into contact (engaged) with the outer circumferential surface of the second upper structure element 22. Therefore, the folding table 1a of this example can realize a holding mechanism 16a for holding the upper structure 2a and the lower structure 3 in the unfolded state without having to provide the first engaging member 17 and the second engaging member 18 that were provided in the folding table 1 of the first example, and can also provide a structure with excellent design. The configuration and effects of the other parts are the same as in the first example. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1. 1a Folding table 2, 2a superstructure 3. Substructure 4 Folding legs 5. First leg frame 6. Second leg frame 7. Lower frame element 8. First side frame element 9 Support members 10 Curved section 11 Mounting plate portion 12 Beam frame elements 13 Upper frame element 14. Second side frame element 15 Cylindrical member 16, 16a Retention mechanism 17 First engaging member 18 Second engaging member 19 1st top 20 2nd top 21 First superstructure element 22 Second superstructure element 23 Opening 24 Suspension member 25 through hole

Claims

1. A first leg frame having a lower frame element capable of rotation around its own central axis and two first side frame elements, configured in a triangular ring shape, A second leg frame is configured in a triangular ring shape, comprising an upper frame element that is rotatable about its own central axis, and two second side frame elements whose extension intermediate portions are supported so as to be rotatable relative to the extension intermediate portions of the two first side frame elements, Features include foldable legs.

2. The first leg frame has a beam frame element that spans between the intermediate portions in the extension direction of the two first side frame elements, The folding leg according to claim 1, wherein the extension-direction intermediate portions of the two second side frame elements are supported with respect to the beam frame element so as to be able to rotate about the central axis of the beam frame element.

3. A folding structure having multiple foldable legs, A folding structure in which each of the plurality of folding legs is composed of a folding leg as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. The folding structure according to claim 3, further comprising a holding mechanism for maintaining the positional relationship between the lower frame element and the upper frame element in the unfolded state.

5. Further equipped with a superstructure, The folding structure according to claim 3, wherein the upper frame element is supported on the upper structure so as to be able to rotate about its own central axis.

6. The aforementioned upper structure has a stopper surface that faces horizontally when deployed, The folding structure according to claim 5, wherein, in the unfolded state, the positional relationship between the lower frame element and the upper frame element is maintained by bringing the connecting portion between the upper ends of the two first side frame elements into contact with the stopper surface.

7. The superstructure comprises a first superstructure element and a second superstructure element that is supported so as to be able to move relative to the first superstructure element in the vertical direction, and is positioned below the first superstructure element in the deployed state. The folding structure according to claim 6, wherein the stopper surface is formed by the side surface of the second upper structural element.

8. The folding structure according to claim 5, wherein the upper structure constitutes the top plate.

9. Further equipped with a substructure, The folding structure according to claim 3, wherein the lower frame element is supported on the lower structure so as to be able to rotate about its own central axis.

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