Fold-In-Half Table Handle for Compact Carrying and Storage

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional banquet tables are bulky, difficult to move and store, requiring significant space, and often need to be rented or borrowed due to their size and weight, making them inconvenient and costly for facilities of all sizes.

Innovation Solution

A foldable table design with a blow-molded plastic top and movable legs, featuring a handle that can be extended or retracted for easy carrying and storage, allowing the table to be compactly stored and transported by a single person.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional banquet tables are designed with large table tops and folding legs, then the tables can be used in various configurations and settings, but the tables become bulky and require significant storage space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable configuration versatilityVSAvoidstorage space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The table top is divided into two sections that can be folded relative to each other, allowing the table to be compacted for storage while maintaining full size for use. The legs are also segmented and foldable, enabling compact storage configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The table incorporates movable components including foldable legs and a foldable table top with hinge connection, allowing dynamic transformation between extended use position and collapsed storage position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of moving object

If conventional banquet tables are designed with extended length, then the tables can accommodate large groups, but the tables become difficult to move and transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable lengthVSAvoidmobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The table incorporates movable components including foldable legs and a foldable table top with hinge connection, allowing dynamic transformation between extended use position and collapsed storage position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A handle is provided as an intermediary element to facilitate moving the table when in collapsed position, making it easier for a single person to transport the table without requiring specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If conventional fold-in-half tables are designed without a handle, then the structure remains simple, but the tables are difficult to grasp and move in folded position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable structure complexityVSAvoidease of carrying

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A handle is provided as an intermediary element to facilitate moving the table when in collapsed position, making it easier for a single person to transport the table without requiring specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20120111242A1Handle for a portable table

Publication Date: 2012.05.10 LIFETIME PRODUCTS

AI summary

A table may include a table top and one or more legs or support pedestals. The table may also include one or more handles that may enhance the portability of the table. For example, if the table is a fold-in-half table, then the table top may include first and second sections that may be moved between an folded position and an unfolded position. The handle may include first and second sections that are connected to the first and second sections of the table top. The first and second sections of the handle may be collectively grasped, which may help prevent the table top from unintentionally unfolding. The table top may also include receiving portions that are sized configured to receive one or more portions of the handle. This may allow, for example, at least a substantial portion of the handle to be disposed in receiving portions when the handle is in a retracted position. This may also allow, for example, at least a substantial portion of the handle to be disposed outside the receiving portions when the handle is in an extended position.