Flip Top Table with Nested Leg Assembly for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tables with large tabletops and folding legs require significant storage space, are heavy, and pose safety risks when adjusting legs, especially in settings like hotels, schools, and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic where outdoor dining is prevalent, necessitating a more compact and stable solution.
Innovation Solution
A flip top table with a rotating mechanism and nested leg assembly that allows the tabletop to fold upward and nest within adjacent tables' legs, featuring a tension spring pivoting assembly and locking mechanism for secure storage and easy deployment, reducing storage space requirements and enhancing stability on uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional tables with folding legs are used, then the table can be moved and stored, but the storage area required is quite large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing one table top inside the leg assembly of another table. The leg assembly is designed with a hollow structure that accommodates the tabletop of a nested table, significantly reducing the storage footprint. Multiple tables can be stacked vertically with their legs interlocked, transforming horizontal storage space requirements into vertical stacking capability.
2Ease of operation
If conventional tables with folding legs are used, then the table can be collapsed for storage, but the large size remains problematic for transportation and display
Solution Approach 1:
The nesting mechanism allows tabletops to be inserted into the leg assemblies of other tables, creating a compact vertical stack. This reduces the horizontal footprint and overall volume required for transportation and display, while maintaining the collapsibility feature for easy setup and teardown.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tables are used, then they can be positioned in different configurations, but they are too heavy and dangerous for users to turn over to adjust legs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flip-top mechanism with a hinge assembly that allows the tabletop to rotate between horizontal and vertical positions. This dynamic design enables easy adjustment of table configurations without requiring users to manually lift or flip heavy tables. The hinge assembly includes a spring mechanism that assists the rotation, reducing the physical effort required and eliminating safety hazards associated with manual table flipping.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a flip top mechanism is implemented, then the tabletop can fold upward, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flip-top mechanism uses a hinge assembly with a spring-loaded system that provides automatic assistance during the folding motion. The spring mechanism stores and releases energy to facilitate the transition between horizontal and vertical positions, reducing the need for complex motors or hydraulic systems. This mechanical advantage simplifies the overall system while maintaining full folding capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient storage of multiple tables in a smaller space, reduces the risk of table instability, and simplifies transportation and setup, allowing for safe and compact storage of up to four to six times more tables in the same area compared to standard configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a tension spring pivoting assembly (e.g., rotating assembly) having a hinge
Implementation Method 2
a locking knob operatively positioned at a bottom portion the bottom supporting plate, wherein the locking knob has a threaded portion
Data Source
AI summary
A flip top table with a nesting leg assembly is disclosed. The flip top table has a primary shaft having a top portion, a bottom supporting plate secured to the top portion of the primary shaft, a hinge assembly connected to a side of the bottom supporting plate, a top supporting plate coupled to the bottom supporting plate via the hinge assembly, wherein the top supporting plate is configured to receive and secure a tabletop, a locking knob operatively positioned at a bottom portion the bottom supporting plate, wherein the locking knob has a threaded portion is configured to secure the bottom supporting plate to the top supporting plate, wherein a counter force from the hinge assembly is configured to dampen a closing weight of the top supporting plate and the top supporting plate has an insert configured to receive the threads of the locking knob to lock the top supporting plate to the bottom supporting plate in a horizontal position.