Folding x-shaped table

Abstract

A folding table with four foldable wings that forms an “X” shaped or cross-shaped tabletop. The folding table comprises a center tabletop plate in the form of a rectangular shape having four sides, a center post extending downward in a direction normal from the lower surface of the center tabletop plate, a base platform mounted at a distal end of the center post that provides support and stability for the center post; four tabletop panels rotatably mounted to a respective one of the four sides of the center tabletop plate, and legs rotatably mounted adjacent to a distal end of each one of the tabletop panels. The folding table has a first collapsed storage configuration in which the tabletop panels are rotated downward so as to be oriented substantially normal to the center tabletop plate and substantially parallel to center post, with the center tabletop plate, and the base platform of the table forming a rectangular storage box. The folding table has a second extended tabletop configuration in which the tabletop panels are rotated upwards and outward from the first collapsed storage position so as to be oriented to extend substantially parallel to the center tabletop plate and the legs are rotated downwards to provide support and stability for the distal ends of the tabletop panels.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure is directed to a folding table with four foldable wings that forms an “X” shaped or cross-shaped tabletop.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a folding table in a fully collapsed storage configuration.

[0003] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the folding table in a first, partially open configuration as the wings are being extended.

[0004] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the folding table in a second, partially open configuration with the wings are fully extended.

[0005] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the folding table in a third, partially open configuration as the legs for the wings are being extended.

[0006] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the folding table in a fully extended, tabletop configuration with the wings and legs fully extended.

[0007] FIGS. 6-10 are side views of the folding table in the configurations shown in FIGS. 1-5, respectively.

[0008] FIGS. 11-15 are bottom views of the folding table in the configurations shown in FIGS. 1-5, respectively.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. The following example embodiments are intended to illustrate the invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0010] It will be appreciated that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical” and “horizontal”, “upper” and “lower”, “top” and “bottom,”“inner” and “outer” are used herein with respect to the figures. However, these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute. It will be further appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a point of origin (e.g., the center of the table) or point of attachment to the table. Thus, “proximal” refers to something closer to the point of origin or point of attachment, and “distal” refers to something further away from the point of origin or point of attachment.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention as depicted FIGS. 1-5, a folding table 100 has four collapsable wings 20 supported by a center post 10. Each wing 20 can be used individually and will fold flush when collapsed. The four collapsible wings 20 rotate between a collapsed position for storage and an extended position for use as a tabletop and primarily used in the standing position.

[0012] The center post 12 may include a base platform 14 on the lower end which serves as a footing that provides support and stability when placed upon the ground, floor or other surface upon which the table rests and a center plate 16 on the top which serves as a center tabletop section 10 for the table. The center post 12 may be a fixed height or may be adjustable to accommodate different heights for the center tabletop section 10.

[0013] The wings 20 each comprise a tabletop panel 24 having a proximal end 21 and a distal end 22. The proximal ends of the wings 20 are rotatably attached to the center plate 16 by hinges 26 at the upper end of the center post 12. The hinges 26 may be a continuous hinge, or piano hinge, the spanning the majority of the proximal end 21 of the panel 24 or two or more smaller hinges can be used.

[0014] FIGS. 1, 6, and 11 depict perspective, side, and bottom views of the folding table 100 fully contracted in a storage configuration. The folding table 100 may be collapsed into the storage configuration to form a compact, rectangular-shaped storage box for ease of storage and portability. To collapse the wings 20 to the storage configuration, the distal ends 22 of wings 20 may be rotated to extend substantially vertically downward such that the panels 24 are folded substantially normal (perpendicular) to the central plate and substantially parallel to the center post 12. An inner surface of each of the panels 24 may be substantially flush against the center post 12, however a gap may be maintained along the length of the panels 24 or portions of the panels 24. An outer surface of the panels 24 each of the wings 20 may serve as outer side surfaces of the rectangular-shaped storage box of the collapsed table 100. The center plate 16 and base platform 14 of the center post 12 may also form upper and lower surfaces of the rectangular-shaped storage box. The collapsed table 100 may be sized to fit in a standard golf travel bag or other travel bag (not shown), which may further include wheels for wheeled transport.

[0015] The panels 24 of each of the wings 20 may be long, narrow, and rectangular shaped. The panels 24 may be approximately the same length as the height of the center post 12, but slightly shorter to accommodate for the height of the base platform 14 when collapsed to the storage configuration. The collapsed table 100 stands and is supported on the center post 12 and base platform 14 rather than resting on the distal ends 22 of the four wings 20. Magnets 28 may be included on the base platform 14 or the center post 12 to ensure the wings stay securely closed and do not flap around during transportation. In some embodiments, openings or cut-outs 29 may be formed within the panel 24 of one or more wings 20 to provide for handles for easier lifting and transportation of the table. In other embodiments, handles may be attached on the outer surface of the panel 24 of one or more of the wings 20 or grips or tabs may be formed or attached along the distal end 22 of the panel 24 of one or more of the wings 20.

[0016] FIGS. 5, 10, and 15 depict perspective, side, and bottom views of the folding table 100 fully extended in a tabletop configuration. To extend the wings 20 to the tabletop configuration, the distal end 22 of the panel 24 of each of the wings 20 may be rotated outward about 90 degrees from the center post 12 to extend substantially horizontally (parallel to the ground) and to be substantially contiguous and parallel with the center plate 16 of the center tabletop section 10. The outer surface of each panel 24 becomes the upper surface of the extended wing 20. The upper surface of each extended wing 20 provides a separate surface that can be used as a tabletop.

[0017] Each wing 20 may include collapsible and extendable legs 30 which individually support the distal end 22 of each wing 20. The proximal end 31 of the legs 30 may be attached by hinges 34 to the lower surface of the panel 24 of each wing 20 near or adjacent to the distal end 22 of the panel 24. In the collapsed configuration, the legs 30 are oriented to lie substantially parallel with and substantially flush against the lower surface of the panels 24. The distal end 32 legs 30 may be rotatable downward in the opposite direction from the rotation of the respective wing 20, such that the legs 30 extend normal (perpendicular) to the wings 20 and substantially vertically downward toward the ground or floor in an extended configuration. The distal end 32 of each of the legs 30 may further include extendable feet 36, which may be telescopically extended so that the legs 30 can stand touching the ground to support the distal end 22 of the wings 20. The feet 36 may be contracted to allow the wings 20 to fold without the legs 30 contacting or being obstructed by the center post 12.

[0018] Each of the wings 20 includes a support bar 40 that extends between the proximal end 21 of the wing 20 and the legs 30. The proximal end 41 of the support bar 40 is attached to the lower surface of the wing 20 by a pivotable hinge 44 that is near or adjacent to the proximal end 21 of the wing 20. The distal end 42 of the support bar 40 is pivotally and slidably mounted within a slot 35 disposed near or adjacent to the distal end 32 of the legs 30. The support bar 40 is comprised of two support arms 46, 47 that are rotatable at a pivot point 45 between the two arms. The two support arms 46, 47 may be rotated to fold inward when the wing 20 is collapsed and rotated to an extended position as the wing 20 is extended. When the support bar 40 is in an extended position, the distal end 42 of the support bar 40 may translate along the slot 35 towards the lower end of the slot 35.

[0019] A locking mechanism 50 may be used to lock the extendable feet 36 and the support bar 40 of each leg 30 into place when the wing 20 is extended. The locking mechanism 50 may be a C-clamp which may provide for easy one-handed operation or adjustment of the locking mechanism. The C-clamp may be pivotally mounted on the distal end 42 of the support bar 40 that is mounted within the slot 35 in the legs 30. The C-clamp may be comprised of two C-shaped brackets 51, 52 and handle 53 extending between the C-shaped brackets. The C-clamp may be rotated such that the C-shaped brackets 51, 52 are clasped around the lower end of the slot 35 in the legs 30 to lock the feet 36 and support bar 40 into place. Alternatively, the C-shaped brackets may be respectively latched to a set of pins extending outward from opposite sides of the legs. Two or more sets of pins may be located at different positions along the slot in leg to allow for adjustment of the extension of the feet and the height of the legs. Rubber feet may be mounted to the bottom of the base platform and the bottom of feet.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the wings 20 of the folding table 100 are first extended from the collapsed storage configuration to an extended configuration, and then the legs 30 are subsequently extended from a collapsed configuration to an extended configuration to provide support for extended wings 20. FIGS. 2, 7, and 12 respectively depict perspective, side, and bottom views of the wings 20 of the folding table 100 being rotated upward to expanded from a collapsed configuration to a partially extended position, and then FIGS. 3, 8, and 13 respectively depict the wings 20 rotated to a substantially horizontal, fully extended configuration. FIGS. 4, 9, and 14 respectively depict the legs 30 being rotated downward from a collapsed configuration under the wings 20 to a partially extended position, and then FIGS. 5, 10, and 15 respectively depict the legs 30 being rotated to a substantially vertical, fully extended configuration. According to another embodiment, the legs 30 may be rotated downward at the same time the wings 20 are being extended upward from the collapsed configuration to the fully extended configuration. To collapse the folding table 100, the sequence depicted in the figures is reversed.

[0021] Each of the wings 20 may be individually rotatable between the collapsed storage configuration and an extended configuration. Not all four wings 20 must be extended for the folding table 100 to function properly. The folding table 100 may only extend one wing 20 forming an “I” shape, two wings 20 forming a larger “I” or “L” shape, three wings 20 forming a “T” shape, or all four wings 20 forming an “X” or cross-shape.

[0022] According to a preferred example embodiment, the folding table 100 may be a standard bar top height such that the wings 20 are extendable to form tabletop surfaces that are approximately 42 inches in height from the ground. For example, the center post 12, including the base platform 14 and the center plate 16, may be a total of 42 inches in height. The center tabletop section 10 may provide a tabletop surface area that is 10 inches by 10 inches in length and width. The wings 20 may provide a tabletop surface area that is 41 inches in length and 9.5 inches in width. When fully extended, the center tabletop section 10 and two opposing wings 20 extended in a parallel direction may form a tabletop surface that spans a total of 84 inches (7 feet) in length. The folding table according to these dimensions may accommodate up to 5 people per wing for a total of 20 people. However, the folding table may also accommodate a smaller number of people. Other dimensions may be used to provide for higher or lower tabletop heights and greater or smaller tabletop dimensions. The size of the folding table 100 when in the contracted storage configuration, along with the weight of the table, may serve to limit the size of the folding table in order to ensure that the table remains sufficiently portable.

[0023] The structural support members of the folding table 100, including the legs 30, feet 36, supports 40, center post 12, and base platform 14, may be comprised of aluminum, steel, or other light weight metal, alloy or composite material. The material may be powder coated for durability while also providing for customization of color and for the ability to screen print certain schools, teams or other organizations'names and or logos on the top of the table. The panels 24 of wings 20 may be made of the same materials or may be comprised of plastic, resin, wood, fiberboard, carbon fiber or the like. Preferably, the edges of the panels 24 may be mitered to provide both a clean appearance and safer non-sharp edges. Ridges or grooves may be formed or machined into the surface of the panels 24 to increase the load bearing weight and / or reduce the weight of the wings 20.

[0024] Further, while the example embodiments of the folding table 100 depicted herein include four collapsible wings 20 and a rectangular center plate 16 with four sides, with the wings 20 being respectively rotatably mounted on one of the four sides of the center plate 16, example embodiments having an alternative number of collapsible wings and a center plate having an alternative corresponding number of sides are also contemplated herein. For example, the table may have three collapsible wings 20 and the center plate 16 may have three sides in the shape of a triangle. Or, in another example, the table may also have five collapsible wings 20 and the center plate has 5 sides in the shape of a pentagon.

[0025] The folding table 100 may be used for social gatherings such as backyard gatherings, tailgating, apres-ski, beach volleyball, church gatherings, school functions, camping, etc. According to various embodiments, optional features may be added to the folding table to provide user accommodations. For example, the center post 12 and center plate 16 may include an opening in the center thereof to allowing for mounting of an umbrella when the table is in use. The center post 12 may form the stem of an umbrella holder, and may include a hole and a clamping knob screw for securing the umbrella in place within the center post 12. Bottle openers may be provided on the inside surface of the panel 24 underneath one or more of the wings 20 for use during entertaining. Bags may be attached to wings 20 for collecting trash. Insulated bags may be attached to the wings 20 for maintaining cold beverages. Cup holders may be integrated within or attached to the panel 24 of one or more of the wings 20 to hold cans, bottles, glasses, or cups.

[0026] The cross-shaped design of the tabletop provided by the wings 20 of the folding table 100 allows for its users to be arranged more casual setting so that people can walk up to or walk away from the table more easily and facilitates cross conversation with many people along each wing of the table, as opposed standing or sitting along the edges of a rectangular table that only facilitates speaking to people next to them and makes it more difficult to speak to others positioned across the full width or length of table.

[0027] It should be understood that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed folding table may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence.

[0028] While illustrative example embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed folding table may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated or certain features may be omitted or not implemented. Additionally, other items shown or discussed as directly coupled with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether mechanically or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0009]Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. The following example embodiments are intended to illustrate the invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0010]It will be appreciated that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical” and “horizontal”, “upper” and “lower”, “top” and “bottom,”“inner” and “outer” are used herein with respect to the figures. However, these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute. It will be further appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a point of origin (e.g., the center of the table) or point of attachment to the table. Thus, “proximal” refers to something closer to the point of origin or point of attachment, and “distal” refers to something further away from the point of origin or point of attachment.

[0011]According to an embodiment of the present invention as depicted FIGS. 1-5, a fo...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure is directed to a folding table with four foldable wings that forms an “X” shaped or cross-shaped tabletop.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a folding table in a fully collapsed storage configuration.

[0003] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the folding table in a first, partially open configuration as the wings are being extended.

[0004] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the folding table in a second, partially open configuration with the wings are fully extended.

[0005] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the folding table in a third, partially open configuration as the legs for the wings are being extended.

[0006] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the folding table in a fully extended, tabletop configuration with the wings and legs fully extended.

[0007] FIGS. 6-10 are side views of the folding table in the configurations shown in FIGS. 1-5, respectively.

[0008] FIGS. 11-15 are bottom views of the folding table in the configurations shown in FIGS. 1-5, respectively.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. The following example embodiments are intended to illustrate the invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0010] It will be appreciated that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical” and “horizontal”, “upper” and “lower”, “top” and “bottom,”“inner” and “outer” are used herein with respect to the figures. However, these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute. It will be further appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a point of origin (e.g., the center of the table) or point of attachment to the table. Thus, “proximal” refers to something closer to the point of origin or point of attachment, and “distal” refers to something further away from the point of origin or point of attachment.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention as depicted FIGS. 1-5, a folding table 100 has four collapsable wings 20 supported by a center post 10. Each wing 20 can be used individually and will fold flush when collapsed. The four collapsible wings 20 rotate between a collapsed position for storage and an extended position for use as a tabletop and primarily used in the standing position.

[0012] The center post 12 may include a base platform 14 on the lower end which serves as a footing that provides support and stability when placed upon the ground, floor or other surface upon which the table rests and a center plate 16 on the top which serves as a center tabletop section 10 for the table. The center post 12 may be a fixed height or may be adjustable to accommodate different heights for the center tabletop section 10.

[0013] The wings 20 each comprise a tabletop panel 24 having a proximal end 21 and a distal end 22. The proximal ends of the wings 20 are rotatably attached to the center plate 16 by hinges 26 at the upper end of the center post 12. The hinges 26 may be a continuous hinge, or piano hinge, the spanning the majority of the proximal end 21 of the panel 24 or two or more smaller hinges can be used.

[0014] FIGS. 1, 6, and 11 depict perspective, side, and bottom views of the folding table 100 fully contracted in a storage configuration. The folding table 100 may be collapsed into the storage configuration to form a compact, rectangular-shaped storage box for ease of storage and portability. To collapse the wings 20 to the storage configuration, the distal ends 22 of wings 20 may be rotated to extend substantially vertically downward such that the panels 24 are folded substantially normal (perpendicular) to the central plate and substantially parallel to the center post 12. An inner surface of each of the panels 24 may be substantially flush against the center post 12, however a gap may be maintained along the length of the panels 24 or portions of the panels 24. An outer surface of the panels 24 each of the wings 20 may serve as outer side surfaces of the rectangular-shaped storage box of the collapsed table 100. The center plate 16 and base platform 14 of the center post 12 may also form upper and lower surfaces of the rectangular-shaped storage box. The collapsed table 100 may be sized to fit in a standard golf travel bag or other travel bag (not shown), which may further include wheels for wheeled transport.

[0015] The panels 24 of each of the wings 20 may be long, narrow, and rectangular shaped. The panels 24 may be approximately the same length as the height of the center post 12, but slightly shorter to accommodate for the height of the base platform 14 when collapsed to the storage configuration. The collapsed table 100 stands and is supported on the center post 12 and base platform 14 rather than resting on the distal ends 22 of the four wings 20. Magnets 28 may be included on the base platform 14 or the center post 12 to ensure the wings stay securely closed and do not flap around during transportation. In some embodiments, openings or cut-outs 29 may be formed within the panel 24 of one or more wings 20 to provide for handles for easier lifting and transportation of the table. In other embodiments, handles may be attached on the outer surface of the panel 24 of one or more of the wings 20 or grips or tabs may be formed or attached along the distal end 22 of the panel 24 of one or more of the wings 20.

[0016] FIGS. 5, 10, and 15 depict perspective, side, and bottom views of the folding table 100 fully extended in a tabletop configuration. To extend the wings 20 to the tabletop configuration, the distal end 22 of the panel 24 of each of the wings 20 may be rotated outward about 90 degrees from the center post 12 to extend substantially horizontally (parallel to the ground) and to be substantially contiguous and parallel with the center plate 16 of the center tabletop section 10. The outer surface of each panel 24 becomes the upper surface of the extended wing 20. The upper surface of each extended wing 20 provides a separate surface that can be used as a tabletop.

[0017] Each wing 20 may include collapsible and extendable legs 30 which individually support the distal end 22 of each wing 20. The proximal end 31 of the legs 30 may be attached by hinges 34 to the lower surface of the panel 24 of each wing 20 near or adjacent to the distal end 22 of the panel 24. In the collapsed configuration, the legs 30 are oriented to lie substantially parallel with and substantially flush against the lower surface of the panels 24. The distal end 32 legs 30 may be rotatable downward in the opposite direction from the rotation of the respective wing 20, such that the legs 30 extend normal (perpendicular) to the wings 20 and substantially vertically downward toward the ground or floor in an extended configuration. The distal end 32 of each of the legs 30 may further include extendable feet 36, which may be telescopically extended so that the legs 30 can stand touching the ground to support the distal end 22 of the wings 20. The feet 36 may be contracted to allow the wings 20 to fold without the legs 30 contacting or being obstructed by the center post 12.

[0018] Each of the wings 20 includes a support bar 40 that extends between the proximal end 21 of the wing 20 and the legs 30. The proximal end 41 of the support bar 40 is attached to the lower surface of the wing 20 by a pivotable hinge 44 that is near or adjacent to the proximal end 21 of the wing 20. The distal end 42 of the support bar 40 is pivotally and slidably mounted within a slot 35 disposed near or adjacent to the distal end 32 of the legs 30. The support bar 40 is comprised of two support arms 46, 47 that are rotatable at a pivot point 45 between the two arms. The two support arms 46, 47 may be rotated to fold inward when the wing 20 is collapsed and rotated to an extended position as the wing 20 is extended. When the support bar 40 is in an extended position, the distal end 42 of the support bar 40 may translate along the slot 35 towards the lower end of the slot 35.

[0019] A locking mechanism 50 may be used to lock the extendable feet 36 and the support bar 40 of each leg 30 into place when the wing 20 is extended. The locking mechanism 50 may be a C-clamp which may provide for easy one-handed operation or adjustment of the locking mechanism. The C-clamp may be pivotally mounted on the distal end 42 of the support bar 40 that is mounted within the slot 35 in the legs 30. The C-clamp may be comprised of two C-shaped brackets 51, 52 and handle 53 extending between the C-shaped brackets. The C-clamp may be rotated such that the C-shaped brackets 51, 52 are clasped around the lower end of the slot 35 in the legs 30 to lock the feet 36 and support bar 40 into place. Alternatively, the C-shaped brackets may be respectively latched to a set of pins extending outward from opposite sides of the legs. Two or more sets of pins may be located at different positions along the slot in leg to allow for adjustment of the extension of the feet and the height of the legs. Rubber feet may be mounted to the bottom of the base platform and the bottom of feet.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the wings 20 of the folding table 100 are first extended from the collapsed storage configuration to an extended configuration, and then the legs 30 are subsequently extended from a collapsed configuration to an extended configuration to provide support for extended wings 20. FIGS. 2, 7, and 12 respectively depict perspective, side, and bottom views of the wings 20 of the folding table 100 being rotated upward to expanded from a collapsed configuration to a partially extended position, and then FIGS. 3, 8, and 13 respectively depict the wings 20 rotated to a substantially horizontal, fully extended configuration. FIGS. 4, 9, and 14 respectively depict the legs 30 being rotated downward from a collapsed configuration under the wings 20 to a partially extended position, and then FIGS. 5, 10, and 15 respectively depict the legs 30 being rotated to a substantially vertical, fully extended configuration. According to another embodiment, the legs 30 may be rotated downward at the same time the wings 20 are being extended upward from the collapsed configuration to the fully extended configuration. To collapse the folding table 100, the sequence depicted in the figures is reversed.

[0021] Each of the wings 20 may be individually rotatable between the collapsed storage configuration and an extended configuration. Not all four wings 20 must be extended for the folding table 100 to function properly. The folding table 100 may only extend one wing 20 forming an “I” shape, two wings 20 forming a larger “I” or “L” shape, three wings 20 forming a “T” shape, or all four wings 20 forming an “X” or cross-shape.

[0022] According to a preferred example embodiment, the folding table 100 may be a standard bar top height such that the wings 20 are extendable to form tabletop surfaces that are approximately 42 inches in height from the ground. For example, the center post 12, including the base platform 14 and the center plate 16, may be a total of 42 inches in height. The center tabletop section 10 may provide a tabletop surface area that is 10 inches by 10 inches in length and width. The wings 20 may provide a tabletop surface area that is 41 inches in length and 9.5 inches in width. When fully extended, the center tabletop section 10 and two opposing wings 20 extended in a parallel direction may form a tabletop surface that spans a total of 84 inches (7 feet) in length. The folding table according to these dimensions may accommodate up to 5 people per wing for a total of 20 people. However, the folding table may also accommodate a smaller number of people. Other dimensions may be used to provide for higher or lower tabletop heights and greater or smaller tabletop dimensions. The size of the folding table 100 when in the contracted storage configuration, along with the weight of the table, may serve to limit the size of the folding table in order to ensure that the table remains sufficiently portable.

[0023] The structural support members of the folding table 100, including the legs 30, feet 36, supports 40, center post 12, and base platform 14, may be comprised of aluminum, steel, or other light weight metal, alloy or composite material. The material may be powder coated for durability while also providing for customization of color and for the ability to screen print certain schools, teams or other organizations'names and or logos on the top of the table. The panels 24 of wings 20 may be made of the same materials or may be comprised of plastic, resin, wood, fiberboard, carbon fiber or the like. Preferably, the edges of the panels 24 may be mitered to provide both a clean appearance and safer non-sharp edges. Ridges or grooves may be formed or machined into the surface of the panels 24 to increase the load bearing weight and / or reduce the weight of the wings 20.

[0024] Further, while the example embodiments of the folding table 100 depicted herein include four collapsible wings 20 and a rectangular center plate 16 with four sides, with the wings 20 being respectively rotatably mounted on one of the four sides of the center plate 16, example embodiments having an alternative number of collapsible wings and a center plate having an alternative corresponding number of sides are also contemplated herein. For example, the table may have three collapsible wings 20 and the center plate 16 may have three sides in the shape of a triangle. Or, in another example, the table may also have five collapsible wings 20 and the center plate has 5 sides in the shape of a pentagon.

[0025] The folding table 100 may be used for social gatherings such as backyard gatherings, tailgating, apres-ski, beach volleyball, church gatherings, school functions, camping, etc. According to various embodiments, optional features may be added to the folding table to provide user accommodations. For example, the center post 12 and center plate 16 may include an opening in the center thereof to allowing for mounting of an umbrella when the table is in use. The center post 12 may form the stem of an umbrella holder, and may include a hole and a clamping knob screw for securing the umbrella in place within the center post 12. Bottle openers may be provided on the inside surface of the panel 24 underneath one or more of the wings 20 for use during entertaining. Bags may be attached to wings 20 for collecting trash. Insulated bags may be attached to the wings 20 for maintaining cold beverages. Cup holders may be integrated within or attached to the panel 24 of one or more of the wings 20 to hold cans, bottles, glasses, or cups.

[0026] The cross-shaped design of the tabletop provided by the wings 20 of the folding table 100 allows for its users to be arranged more casual setting so that people can walk up to or walk away from the table more easily and facilitates cross conversation with many people along each wing of the table, as opposed standing or sitting along the edges of a rectangular table that only facilitates speaking to people next to them and makes it more difficult to speak to others positioned across the full width or length of table.

[0027] It should be understood that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed folding table may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence.

[0028] While illustrative example embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed folding table may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated or certain features may be omitted or not implemented. Additionally, other items shown or discussed as directly coupled with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether mechanically or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0009]Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. The following example embodiments are intended to illustrate the invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0010]It will be appreciated that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical” and “horizontal”, “upper” and “lower”, “top” and “bottom,”“inner” and “outer” are used herein with respect to the figures. However, these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute. It will be further appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a point of origin (e.g., the center of the table) or point of attachment to the table. Thus, “proximal” refers to something closer to the point of origin or point of attachment, and “distal” refers to something further away from the point of origin or point of attachment.

[0011]According to an embodiment of the present invention as depicted FIGS. 1-5, a fo...

Claims

1. A folding table comprising:a center tabletop plate, the center tabletop plate being a rectangular shape having four sides, and having an upper surface and a lower surface;a center post extending downward in a direction normal from the lower surface of the center tabletop plate, the center post having a proximal end and a distal end;a base platform mounted at the distal end of the center post that provides support and stability for the center post when resting on a surface on which the table stands;four tabletop panels, each tabletop panel having an upper surface and a lower surface, and having a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of each tabletop panel rotatably mounted to a respective one of the four sides of the center tabletop plate; andlegs mounted adjacent to a distal end of each one of the tabletop panels, the legs having a proximal end and a distal end,wherein the folding table has a first collapsed storage configuration in which the tabletop panels are rotated downward so as to be oriented substantially normal to the center tabletop plate and substantially parallel to center post, the legs are rotated to lie substantially parallel with and flush against the lower surface of the tabletop panels, and the center tabletop plate, and the base platform of the table form a rectangular storage box, andwherein the folding table has a second extended tabletop configuration in which the tabletop panels are rotated upwards and outward from the first collapsed storage position so as to be oriented to extend substantially parallel to the center tabletop plate, and the legs are rotated downwards so as to be oriented substantially normal to the tabletop panels and provide support and stability for the distal ends of the tabletop panels.

2. The folding table of claim 1, wherein the center tabletop panel and the four extended tabletop panels form a cross-shaped table surface when each of the tabletop panels are rotated to the second extended tabletop configuration.

3. The folding table of claim 1, wherein each of the four tabletop panels are individually rotatable to be in the second extended tabletop configuration.

4. The folding table of claim 1, further comprising a support bar for the legs of each tabletop panel, with a proximal end of the support bar rotatably mounted adjacent a proximal end of the tabletop panel and a distal end of the support bar slidably mounted within a slot adjacent a distal end of the legs.

5. The folding table of claim 1, the legs further comprise telescoping feet that are extendible or contractable to adjust the height of the legs.

6. The folding table of claim 5, wherein the feet retract to allow the tabletop panel to rotate to the first collapsed storage configuration without being obstructed by the center post.The folding table of claim 5, further comprising a C-shaped bracket for locking the telescoping feet in place.

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