Range limiter assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a foldable height-adjustable table having a compact folding configuration and a limiter for ensuring a range of selected table heights.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a foldable, height-adjustable table with extendable legs. Prior Technology

[0002] The compactness of foldable, height-adjustable tables typically corresponds to the distance of their vertical offset. For example, the legs of an ironing board might be one of the limiting factors for the minimum width of the folding mechanism. If the size of the ironing surface is reduced, the legs will extend beyond the width of the ironing surface when the mechanism is folded, and therefore the overall size of the folding mechanism will not decrease. If the length of the legs is shortened, the desired ironing board height cannot be achieved. Therefore, for ironing boards and other foldable, height-adjustable mechanisms, such as folding tables, desks, and standing tables, the size of the folding mechanism is determined by the maximum height of the mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A foldable, height-adjustable table is disclosed, which offers a reduced folded size compared to conventional foldable, height-adjustable tables and other devices. This multi-functional device may include a gas compression spring or similar mechanism to facilitate extending the table to the desired height. The novel telescopic legs achieve this using a central pivot about which the legs rotate to fold and unfold the table, wherein the pivot mechanism does not limit the length of the legs, and therefore does not limit the height of the table.

[0004] For simplicity in the illustrative embodiments, the term "table" is used herein, but it should be noted that mechanisms such as leg assemblies, locking mechanisms, pivot devices and release mechanisms can also be used in other foldable devices, which are included within the scope of the disclosed devices. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0005] Detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, which depict illustrative embodiments.

[0006] Figures 1A to 1C depict the perspective, bottom view, and side view of an adjustable height folding table in one of its folded positions, respectively.

[0007] Figure 1D depicts a perspective bottom view of one of the tables in an unfolded position.

[0008] Figures 2A to 2C depict a side view, a perspective bottom view, and a perspective upright view of an adjustable height foldable table raised to or toward its maximum height.

[0009] Figures 3A and 3B respectively depict a side view and a perspective bottom view of an adjustable height folding table raised to or toward its maximum height.

[0010] Figures 4A and 4B respectively depict a side view and a perspective bottom view of an adjustable height folding table raised to a height lower than that depicted in the previous figures.

[0011] Figures 5A and 5B depict an illustrative leg assembly for one of the height-adjustable folding tables.

[0012] Figures 6A and 6B depict an illustrative pivot device that connects the table legs to each other.

[0013] Figures 7A and 7B depict an isometric bottom view of one of the height-adjustable folding tables and an enlarged view of one of the mating pivot assemblies.

[0014] Figure 8 depicts a pivot assembly housing.

[0015] Figure 9 depicts an isometric view of the bottom of one of the height-adjustable folding tables, showing the lifting mechanism.

[0016] Figures 10A to 10D depict components of a locking and releasing mechanism used to secure an adjustable-height foldable table to a folded position.

[0017] Figures 11A to 11D depict a release mechanism that fixes the legs of the adjustable height folding table in a folded position and releases the legs to open the table when the table is folded.

[0018] Figures 12A and 12B depict the top portion of one of the telescopic leg locking mechanisms in a locked and unlocked configuration, respectively.

[0019] Figures 13A and 13B depict the bottom portion of the telescopic leg locking mechanism in a locked and unlocked configuration, respectively.

[0020] Figures 14A and 14B illustrate one of the illustrative release mechanisms for the telescopic legs of a height-adjustable folding table.

[0021] Figures 15A and 15B depict a range limiter for fixing or positioning an adjustable height folding table at a specific height.

[0022] Figure 16 depicts a further embodiment of one of the range limiters.

[0023] Figures 17A and 17B depict the operation and components of the range limiter.

[0024] Figures 18A and 18B further illustrate the operation and components of the range limiter.

[0025] Figure 19 depicts individual components of the range limiter assembly.

[0026] Figure 20 depicts components of a system used to simplify the range limiter assembly.

[0027] Figures 21A to 21G further depict the operation of the range limiter assembly. Implementation

[0028] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 979,586, filed February 21, 2020, entitled "Collapsible Adjustable Height Table," and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 888,725, filed August 19, 2019, entitled "Collapsible Adjustable Height Table," both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] The figures and descriptions provided herein may have been simplified to illustrate and understand the configurations associated with the described apparatus, while other configurations that may be found in typical devices, systems, and methods have been omitted for clarity. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other elements or operations may be desired or necessary for implementing the apparatus described herein. Because such elements and operations are well known in the art and do not contribute to a better understanding of the invention, a discussion of such elements and operations is not provided herein. However, the invention is considered to inherently include all such elements, variations, and modifications of the described configurations that can be implemented by those skilled in the art.

[0030] Figures 1A to 1C, 2A to 2C, 3A to 3B, and 4A to 4B depict illustrative foldable tables 100 in various configurations. Figures 1A to 1D, 2A to 2B, 3A to 3B, and 4A to 4B show simplified depictions of the various illustrative configurations. Where appropriate, stops, pawls, or other mechanisms may be incorporated to signal when a table is at a specific height and / or to maintain it in a desired position. These heights may represent coffee table, dining table, and standing table configurations, or may include additional or fewer height options.

[0031] Figures 1A to 1C depict a perspective view, bottom view, side view, and perspective bottom view of a table 100 in a folded position, respectively. Figure 1D depicts a perspective bottom view of a table in an unfolded position.

[0032] Figures 2A to 2C depict a side view, a perspective bottom view, and a perspective upright view of a table 100 raised to or toward its maximum height. This height can be used, for example, as a standing table. Figures 3A to 3B depict a side view and a perspective bottom view of a table 100 raised to or toward its maximum height. This height can be used, for example, as a dining table. Figures 4A to 4B depict a side view and a perspective bottom view of a table 100 raised to a height lower than depicted in the previous figures. This height can be used, for example, as a coffee table. In each case, the height of the table 100 is temporarily locked or fixed in place. References to specific heights or uses of the table herein are for illustrative purposes and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0033] The height of table 100 can be adjusted by scissor-like leg movements and / or leg extension. The height of table 100 can be limited to several specific heights or can be continuously adjusted between a minimum height and a maximum height.

[0034] Table 100 has a table top 102 with a top surface 104 and a bottom surface 106. A guard plate 105 extends downward from the bottom surface 106. A first leg 108 and a second leg 110 extend from the table top 102. The first leg 108 and the second leg 110 may extend directly from the bottom surface 106 of the table top, or components may be disposed between them, for example to facilitate fixed or slidable attachment.

[0035] The first leg 108 has a top end 112 and a bottom end 114, and a pivot 116 positioned between the top end 112 and the bottom end 114. Similarly, the second leg 110 has a top end 118 and a bottom end 120, and a pivot 122 positioned between the top end 112 and the bottom end 114. The first leg 108 and the second leg 110 are attached to pivots 116 and 122. Pivots 116 and 122 (generally identified in Figures 6A and 6B) may be, for example, pivot assemblies 212A and 212B as described below, or other pivot connections that allow the first leg 108 and the second leg 110 to scissor-likely move relative to each other and are compatible with the folding mechanism employed.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2A, the table 100 is at or near its maximum height, and the first leg 108 and the second leg 110 are retractable. Each of the first leg 108 and the second leg 110 comprises two sections: a sleeve section 124, 126 and an extension section 128, 130, wherein the extension sections 128, 130 can slide within the sleeve section 124, 126. The sleeve section 124 is a component of the first leg 108, which is hinged to the table top 102. The sleeve section 126 is a component of the second leg 110, which is a leg that can slide relative to the table top 102. For example, the second leg 110 can slide resistively relative to the table top 102 to a degree necessary for safe or easy folding and unfolding. The second leg 110 can also be offset to resist incremental sliding.

[0037] Figures 5A and 5B depict an illustrative leg assembly 200, which can be incorporated into a first leg 108 or a second leg 110. The leg assembly 200 is shown relative to a sleeve section 202 (also referred to as a partitioned sleeve or partitioned sleeve section), such as sleeve sections 124, 126. The sleeve section 202 is longitudinally divided into a first larger enclosed space 204 and an adjacent second smaller enclosed space 206. Leg extension sections 128, 130 are sized to extend and retract into the larger enclosed space 204 of each of the sleeve sections 124, 126, while the smaller enclosed space 206 accommodates fasteners for the leg pivot. Advantageously, this partitioned configuration of the sleeve section 202 allows the telescopic leg to pass through the pivot. Although the two enclosed spaces are referred to as "small" and "large" or "smaller" and "larger," they do not need to have a relative dimensional relationship. More broadly, one compartment must be large enough to accommodate a leg extension and another compartment to accommodate a fastening assembly to secure the pivot to the leg, allowing the leg extension to slide across the pivot. This provides a greater degree of compactness in the folded configuration dimensions. It should be further noted that these compartments do not need to be completely enclosed. For example, a smaller or second enclosed space only needs to allow for the fastening of a pivot assembly and therefore only needs to occupy a small distance along the sleeve.

[0038] Figures 6A and 6B depict an illustrative pivot device 208 extending into a smaller enclosed space 206 of each of the first leg sleeve section 124 and the second leg sleeve section 126. Figure 6A shows the pivot device 208 positioned on the sleeve section 202. Figure 6B is an enlarged view of the pivot device 208. An enlarged view of the components of the pivot device 208 is also shown in Figure 5A. The pivot device 208 includes a nut 210 fitted within the small enclosed space 206. A pivot assembly 212 is positioned externally on the sleeve section 202. The nut 210 and the pivot assembly 212 are fastened together, for example, by a screw 214. The nut 210 can be of any shape or material, such as a plate, disc, or other configuration, to adequately securely fit the pivot assemblies 212A, 212B. The term "nut" will be used broadly to encompass any of this component.

[0039] Pivot assembly 208 is attached between a first end 132 and a second end 134 of sleeve section 124, and further attached between a first end 136 and a second end 138 of sleeve section 126. Mating pivot assemblies 212A and 212B may be, for example, a male or female pivot assembly. Mating pivot assembly 212A is positioned on either the first leg 108 or the second leg 110, and a complementary mating pivot assembly is positioned on the other of the first leg 108 or the second leg 110. When engaged, mating pivot assemblies 212A and 212B rotate relative to each other.

[0040] Figure 7A depicts an isometric view of table 100 from the bottom, showing a portion of pivot assembly 208. An enlarged view is shown in Figure 7B and includes a view of a mating pivot assembly 212. A tab 216 is shown in the male component of mating pivot assembly 212A, which will engage with the female component of a female mating pivot assembly 212B.

[0041] Figure 8 depicts an optional pivot housing 140. The pivot housing 140 includes: a first leg pivot housing assembly 142 having an opening through which a first leg sleeve assembly 124 is housed; and a second leg pivot housing assembly 144 having an opening through which a second leg partition sleeve assembly 126 is housed. The first leg pivot assembly is rotatably attached to the second leg pivot assembly. Other configurations of the pivot housing that allow the first leg 108 and the second leg 110 to rotate relative to each other may be used, including those that integrate the housing portion with the leg.

[0042] In one illustrative embodiment, each leg extension segment 128, 130 has a length that allows it to extend beyond one of the pivot devices 208 within its associated sleeve assemblies 124, 126. This is made possible by the partitioned structure of the sleeve assemblies 124, 126, which allows the telescopic component to be accommodated within a first enclosed space 204 and a second enclosed space 206 to accommodate the pivot device 208, thereby keeping the components separated.

[0043] Figure 9 depicts an isometric view of the bottom of a table 100 having a lifting mechanism 101, which may include a lifting aid such as a spring mechanism, or may be operated by a user applying a light force to achieve the desired height. The tip 112 of a first leg is fixedly attached to the bottom surface 106 of the table top. The tip 118 of a second leg is slidably attached to the bottom surface 106 of the table top. A pivoting device 208 is configured to attach the first leg 108 to the second leg 110 at a first leg pivot 116 and a second leg pivot 122.

[0044] A track 146 is attached to the bottom surface 106 of the table top. A first wheel 148 is attached to the tip 118 of a second leg and allows the second leg 110 to slide along the bottom surface 106 of the table top. A second wheel 150 is positioned laterally opposite the first wheel 148 and is attached to the tip 118 of the second leg. The second wheel 150 is positioned within the track 146 and can slide along the track 146. The second wheel 150 is rotatably attached to a pull rod 152. A compression spring 154 having a first end 156 and a second end 158 is fixedly attached at its first end 156 to the bottom surface 106 of the table top or from an extension of the bottom surface 106 of the table top. The second end 158 of a gas compression spring is fixedly attached to the pull rod 152, whereby the compression spring 154 is compressed when the table 100 is folded and extends as the table 100 is raised.

[0045] In the illustrative embodiment, the compression spring 154 is eccentrically positioned between opposite sides of the bottom surface 106 of the table top. This configuration facilitates the table 100 folding into a flat state or having at least a minimum depth as measured from the table top surface 104. The table 100 can be configured such that the folding assembly is within the depth of the guardrail 105. This facilitates storage of the table 100, such as under a bed or sofa, as it allows for easier sliding and prevents table components from getting stuck on objects. It keeps various table components adjacent to, such as the first leg 108 and the second leg 110, rather than beneath them. Although reference is made to the compression spring 154, a tension spring may also be used alternatively. For example, a mechanism including the pull rod 152 and the compression spring 154 may be replaced by a tension spring.

[0046] Alternative configurations and components can be used to facilitate opening the table to an increased height; for example, other types of springs, belts, hydraulic devices, or pneumatic devices and associated components. Embodiments of the invention also include tables without lifting aids and other foldable, height-adjustable devices.

[0047] Figures 10A to 10D depict components of a locking and releasing mechanism used to secure table 100 in a folded position. Figures 11A to 11D show a locking mechanism with an illustrative housing assembly. The locking and releasing mechanism includes a stoichiometric lever 160 pivotally attached to the top 102 of the table. The stoichiometric lever 160 has a hook 162. A recess 164 in the first leg 108 at the bottom end 114 complements the hook 162 of the stoichiometric lever to the extent required for the hook 162 to engage the recess 164. The stoichiometric lever 160 is biased to engage the bottom recess 164 of the first leg. A shuttle 166 is slidably attached to the locking and releasing mechanism, namely, in a first position where it engages the accumulator 160 and counteracts the bias of the accumulator 160 toward the recess 164 at the bottom of the first leg to unlock the bottom of the first leg 114, and in a second position where it moves away from the accumulator 160 to avoid affecting the bias of the accumulator 160 toward the recess 164 at the bottom of the first leg. Figure 1 shows the locking mechanism engaged with the first leg 108 when the table 100 is in a folded position.

[0048] The shuttle 166 has an inclined surface 168. A release lever 170 (also referred to as a table release lever) is movable toward and away from the top of the table 102 and engages with the inclined surface 168 of the shuttle to press the shuttle 166 away from the energy storage lever 160 according to the engagement position of the release lever 170 relative to the inclined surface 168 of the shuttle. The locking and releasing mechanism further includes a release bar 172 configured to release a gas spring release assembly to allow the compression spring 154 to extend, thereby raising the table 100.

[0049] Figures 11A to 11D depict an illustrative table release mechanism that, when the table is folded, secures the first leg 108 and the second leg 110 in a folded position and releases the first leg 108 and the second leg 110 to open the table. Figure 11A shows the table 100 in the open position, with the release lever 170 shown before it is pressed. The release lever 170 operates a hook 162, which is designed to latch onto a table leg. The release bar 172 is also operated by the release lever 170. Note the position of the release bar 172 in the slot 196. As seen in Figure 11C, when the release lever 170 is pressed, the hook 162 is pulled into the housing surrounding the release lever 170. The release bar 172 is pressed against one end of the slot 196. For additional information on the operation of the release bar 172, see the above description of Figures 10A to 10D. Figures 11B and 11D are views of table 100 before the legs are released from the self-folding position.

[0050] Figure 11D shows a bottom view of table 100 in a folded position. First leg 108 and second leg 110 are folded against the table top 102. First leg 108 engages with hook 162 (not visible). Release button 194 (also referred to as the leg release button) is identified to distinguish it from release lever 170. Figure 11B shows release lever 170 before being pressed. Figure 11C shows release lever 170 being pressed and first leg 108 disengaging from the mechanism to its open configuration.

[0051] The table 100 includes a telescopic leg locking mechanism in each of the first leg 108 and the second leg 110. Figures 12A and 12B depict the top portion of one of the telescopic leg locking mechanisms in a locking and unlocking configuration, respectively. Figures 13A and 13B depict the bottom portion of the telescopic leg locking mechanism in a locking and unlocking configuration, respectively. The top and bottom portions are connected by a connecting rod 176. The telescopic leg locking mechanism includes a lock housing 174 disposed within each leg extension section 128, 130. The lock housing 174 can be snapped into the extension sections 128, 130. A connecting rod 176 engages at a first end 178 with a release lever 180 (also referred to as a leg extension release lever) and at a second end 182 with the lock housing 174 or a component within the lock housing 174. A pair of opposing pins 184A and 184B extend laterally through the lock housing 174 and are configured to engage with openings 186 in the leg sleeve assemblies 124 and 126 to lock the leg extension sections 128 and 130 at a fixed height, respectively. When pressed, the release lever 180 retracts the pins 184A and 184B from the openings 186, thereby allowing the leg extension sections 128 and 130 to slide within the leg sleeve assemblies 124 and 126.

[0052] A pin guide 188 extends from the connecting rod 176. The pin guide 188 has opposing grooves 190A and 190B that are longitudinally inclined relative to the extension leg sections 128 and 130. A spring 192 is disposed around the connecting rod 176 within a lock housing 174 and received within the lock housing 174 by a housing wall. The spring 192 biases the pin guide 188 to press the pins 184A and 184B into the openings 186 of the sleeve assemblies 124 and 126. A release lever 180 is configured to move the connecting rod 176 to press the spring 192 against the lock housing 174, thereby retracting the pins 184A and 184B from the openings 186. In addition to incremental extension and shortening of the legs, a continuous adjustment can also be incorporated to allow any selection between a minimum and maximum length. Various telescopic mechanisms can be used for the legs, provided they do not interfere with the pivoting device.

[0053] Advantageously, the first leg 108 and the second leg 110 (also referred to as telescopic legs), together with the pivot device 208, allow the table 100 to be raised to a substantial height and folded compactly, without the first leg 108 and the second leg 110 extending beyond the width of the table top 102 (where "width" refers to the larger of the table top dimensions). Therefore, a user does not need to sacrifice height for compactness. In one illustrative embodiment, the table 100 has a width ranging from 750 mm to 1025 mm and a height ranging from about 1000 mm to about 1250 mm. In a particular embodiment, the table width is about 1000 mm and a height of about 1124 mm is possible; however, when the table is folded, the first leg 108 and the second leg 110 do not extend beyond the width of the table top 102. Various illustrative embodiments have a maximum height and a maximum leg length greater than the width of the table; however, when in a folded configuration, the legs do not extend beyond the width of the table and do not fold along their equal length. The disclosed embodiments can also make them lightweight, inexpensive constructions, and even be used for applications such as standing tables in office environments.

[0054] Furthermore, the table 100 is configured such that as it is raised and the tip 118 of the second leg slides toward the tip 112 of the first leg and thus away from the opposite edge of the table top 102 across the width of the table top 102, the table 100 remains stable. The extent to which the tip 118 of the second leg can slide toward the tip 112 of the first leg can be balanced with the width of the table top 102 to ensure the stability of the table 100. The center of gravity relative to the tips 112, 118 and the bottom 114, 120 of the legs, as well as the weight of the table top 102, can be selected for optimal stability.

[0055] Figures 14A and 14B illustrate an illustrative release mechanism for a telescopic leg. Figure 14A depicts a release button 194 positioned on a foot 198 attached to a leg extension section 128. The foot 198 may be perpendicular to the leg extension section 128. Other positions of the release button 194 are possible, as long as a user can easily press the button and it engages / disengages from the leg sections. Figure 14A shows the leg extension section 128 fully nested in a sleeve 124. Figure 15C shows the extension 128 partially retracting from the sleeve 124 when the release button 194 is pressed. The extension 128 can be retracted from the sleeve 124 to a length necessary to provide the desired table height. Each of the first leg 108 and the second leg 110 (e.g., see Figure 1) may have a release button for retracting the leg extension from the sleeve. Integrating the release button 194 into the leg to actuate the associated telescopic leg locking mechanism, as shown in Figures 14A to 14B, can provide an ergonomic configuration.

[0056] Figures 15A and 15B depict an illustrative stop 402, also known as a range limiter, for example, attached to the top 118 of a leg 126 for a coffee table height. Figure 15B shows a two-way spring-loaded plunger 406 positioned at the end of leg 408 to engage with stop assembly 416. Stop assembly 416 is attached to the bottom of a table top 414. When leg 408 is in a stored position, plunger 406 is pushed outward to prevent table leg 408 from opening too far, i.e., not to open beyond a certain height, such as a coffee table height. Figure 15B shows a cross-section of the plunger mechanism. Two springs are configured in the mechanism with different forces or intensities associated with them. For simplicity, they will be referred to as heavy spring 410 and light spring 412, although these are used only as relative terms. Heavy spring 410 is implemented to increase compliance with the system. As shown, when the table is folded, the extended section of leg 408 pushes against the heavy spring 410, thereby pushing the plunger 406 outward. When leg 408 extends, light spring 412 holds plunger 406 back. By limiting the position of leg 408 relative to the top of table 414, the tendency of the table to tip over when the legs are extended can be reduced or eliminated.

[0057] Figure 16 depicts a further embodiment of a range limiter 300. The illustrative range limiter 300 includes a housing 302, which may be disposed, for example, toward or at the leg tip 118 of the sleeve 126. The housing 302 has a fork-shaped assembly 304 with a ramp end 306. The ramp end 306 engages a pin 308. The pin 308 is disposed through a latch 310. The pin 308 may be integral with the latch 310 or attached in a manner other than being disposed through the latch 310. The pin 308 may also consist of two pins. The pin 308 and the latch 310 may also be a single combined component. The latch 310 is biased clockwise about a pivot 312 by a torsion spring 314.

[0058] As shown in Figures 17A and 17B, as the table legs fold, the ramp end 306 engages the pin 308, thereby pressing the latch 310 to rotate counterclockwise about the pivot 312 to a locked position. When the table legs are fully folded, the pin 308 rests on one of the flat sections 316 of the fork assembly 304, thereby preventing any force applied to the latch 310 from being transferred to the inner leg along the direction of movement of the inner leg.

[0059] Figure 17A depicts a latch 310 biased clockwise by a torsion spring 314. The latch torsion spring 314 is stationary against an inner wall of an end cap 318 (also referred to as a leg end cap) ("limiter housing"). The fork assembly 304 is shown displaced from the end cap 318. The ramp end 306 of the fork assembly 304 is not yet engaged with the pin 308.

[0060] Figure 17B shows the ramp end 306 of the fork assembly 304 engaging with the ramp end 306 of the fork assembly 304. The ramp end 306 has reached its offset limit at the bottom of the end cap 318. Once the legs are fully folded, the latch 310 can only apply force to the inner legs perpendicular to the direction of movement of the inner legs. This is only relevant when the latch 310 strikes a stop component on the underside of the top of the table, because at that moment, the force from the gas spring (which is attempting to raise the table) is transferred through the latch. Because the combined load applied to the lock housing 302 by the latch 310 is perpendicular to the telescopic direction, the latch 310 should not cause the telescopic locking mechanism to engage. In other words, the telescopic locking mechanism can function normally because the latch 310 cannot apply a load to the end cap 318 in a manner that could cause the locking mechanism to engage.

[0061] Figures 18A and 18B show two positions of the latch 310. In Figure 18A, the ramp end 306 is not yet engaged with the pin 308, so the latch 310 extends a maximum from the leg. In Figure 18B, the ramp end 306 is fully engaged with the pin 308, so the latch 310 is unobstructed as the leg moves backward on a limiter stop assembly.

[0062] Figure 19 illustrates the components of the range limiter assembly. These components include: a stop 320 attached to the underside of the top of the table; a torsion spring 314 for biasing the latch 310; a latch 310; a pin 308 disposed through the latch 310 and the torsion spring 314; a lock housing 302; and an end cap 318.

[0063] Figure 20 depicts the components used to simplify the range limiter assembly. An ejector spindle 350 and an assembly pin 352 are used to hold the latch 310 and torsion spring 314 in place while assembling the sub-assembly onto the top 118 of the leg of the sleeve 126 and attaching it to the table.

[0064] Figures 21A to 21G depict the operation of a limiter assembly. Figure 21A depicts a side view of a table 100 with its top side facing down. Figures 21B to 21G depict close-ups of the limiter assembly during operation. Figure 21A shows a limiter assembly approaching a stop 320 in the direction of arrow 330. Figure 21B shows a latch 310 contacting the stop 320. Figure 21C depicts the operation of the limiter as the extension section 130 of the second leg 110 extends from the sleeve section 126. As the extension section 130 extends from the sleeve section 126, the latch 310 rotates clockwise (as seen in Figure 21C) without obstructing the stop 320. Figure 21D shows further development of the limiter assembly as the extension section 130 extends further from the sleeve section 126, resulting in the latch 310 being fully open. Figure 21E illustrates the operation of the limiter assembly as the extension section 130 extends further from the sleeve section 126, which causes the latch 310 to rotate further clockwise to an open position, thereby allowing the latch 310 to pass over the stop 320.

[0065] Figure 21F shows the latch 310 on the opposite side of the stop 320 during the folding of leg 110. The limiter assembly moves in the direction of arrow 332 toward a folded position. Figure 21G shows the latch 310 rotating fully to prevent interference with the stop 320, and thus allowing the first leg 108 and the second leg 110 to fold toward the table top 102. The torsion spring 314 provides an opposing torque on the latch 310 as it is pushed backward past the stop 320.

[0066] Although specific embodiments have been described and illustrated in an exemplary manner with a degree of specificity, it should be noted that the description and illustration have been done by way of example only. Numerous changes can be made to the construction and configuration details of the components and operations. Furthermore, various embodiments have been described, each having a different combination of elements. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and may include different combinations of the disclosed elements, omissions of some elements, or substitution of elements with equivalents of such structures.

[0067] 100: Table 102: Top of the table 104: Top surface / Top surface of the table 105: Protective Plate 106: Bottom surface / Top bottom surface of the table 108: First Leg 110: Second leg 112: Top / Top of the first leg 114: Bottom / First Leg Bottom 116: Pivot / First Leg Pivot 118: Top / Second Leg Top 120: Bottom 122: Pivot / Second Leg Pivot 124: Sleeve Section / First Leg Sleeve Section / Sleeve Assembly / Leg Sleeve Assembly / Sleeve 126: Sleeve section / Second leg sleeve section / Sleeve assembly / Leg sleeve assembly / Sleeve 128: Extension section / Leg extension section / Extension part 130: Extension section / Leg extension section 132: First end 134: Second End 136: First End 138: Second End 140: Pivot Case 142: First Leg Pivot Housing Assembly 144: Second Leg Pivot Housing Assembly 146: Track 148: First Round 150: Second Round 152: Pull rod 154: Compression Spring 156: First End 158: Second end / Second end of gas compression spring 160: Energy Storage Control Device 162: Hook / Energy Storage Hook 166: Shuttle component 168: Inclined surface / Shuttle inclined surface 170: Release lever 172: Release Rod 174: Lock Case 176: Connecting rod 178: First End 180: Release lever 182: Second End 184A: Sales 184B: Selling 186: Opening 188: Pin Guide 190A: Slot 190B: Slot 192: Spring 194: Release button 196: slot 198:foot 200: Leg assembly 202: Sleeve Section 204: The first relatively large enclosed space 206: Adjacent second smaller enclosed space 208: Pivot device 210: Nut 212: Pivot Assembly 212A: Pivot Assembly 212B: Pivot Assembly 214: Screws 216: protrusion 300: Range Limiter 302: Lock Case 304: Fork-shaped component 306: Slope End 308: Sales 310: Latch 312: Pivot 314: Torsion Spring / Latch Torsion Spring 316: Flat Section 318: End Cap 320: Stop 330: Arrow 332: Arrow 350: Introducing the spindle 352: Assembly pin 402: Stop 406: Two-way spring-loaded plunger 410: Heavy Spring 412: Light spring 414: Top of the table 416: Stop assembly

Claims

1. A range limiter assembly, comprising: A lock housing having a forked assembly having a plurality of ramp ends; a latch rotatable about a pivot; A pin, which is disposed through the latch and displaced from the pivot; and a torsion spring, which is positioned to bias the latch about the pin; wherein the latch rotates about the pivot to a locked position when the ramp ends of the fork assembly engage the pin; and wherein the pin is positioned to engage the ramp ends of the fork assembly.

2. The range limiter assembly of claim 1, wherein the range limiter assembly is housed in a telescopic leg and located at one end of the telescopic leg, and the fork-shaped component moves toward the pin when the telescopic leg is folded.

3. The range limiter assembly of claim 2, wherein the latch is configured to engage a stop assembly disposed on the bottom surface of a table top.

4. The range limiter assembly of claim 3, further comprising a leg end cap that accommodates the latch, the pin, and the torsion spring.

5. The range limiter assembly of claim 4, wherein when the ramp ends of the fork assembly engage the pin, the latch rotates about the pivot to the locked position and contacts the stop assembly.

6. The range limiter assembly of claim 5, wherein when the ramp ends of the fork assembly disengage from the pin, the torsion spring causes the latch to rotate to an unlocked position and disengage from the stop assembly.

Images