Horizontally supported planar surfaces – Folding – Surface separably supported by means spaced from fixed pivot
Patent
1997-07-22
1999-08-31
Cuomo, Peter M.
Horizontally supported planar surfaces
Folding
Surface separably supported by means spaced from fixed pivot
1081571, 248167, A47B 300
Patent
active
059439688
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a collapsible support structure and in particular to a folding or collapsible structure for supporting a removable table top or the like.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
One known folding table is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,526 and comprises a folding frame assembly having two side frames and a pair of end frames on each end of the assembly. Each frame comprises top, bottom and two side rail to farm a generally rectangular structure. The end frames of each pair are hinged together and to respective side rails of the side frames so that the end frames can fold inwardly as the side frames move towards each other. The stability of the unfolded table is achieved by means of the rigid rectangular structure of each frame.
However, such a folding table has a number of disadvantages. The folding structure design requires the use of much material, typically rectangular sectioned metal, in order to provide the required stability and this gives rise to an increased cost of production and detracts from the aesthetic appearance of the structure. Furthermore, numerous hinges are used to connect the frames and these are exposed either on the legs or at the joints between the end frames. When the table is erected. Such exposed hinges are generally unattractive and can be a source of accumulation of dirt or the like.
A somewhat simpler arrangement employing fewer hinges is described in EP-A-048273. However, this arrangement still suffers from the unattractve hinge and potential accumulation of dirt mentioned earler. GB-A-2 293 625 and EP-A-O 016 932 describe alternative forms of hinges although not in the context of the colapsible structure of the present invention. These hinges are more attractive than those already mentioned but would not be suitable in the collapsible structure of the present Invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made from a consideration of these problem and in order to provide an improved collapsible support structure of the type described which is easily assembled and disassembled, which is compact when disassembled which is stable yet aesthetically pleasing when assembled but which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
According to the present invention there is provided a collapsible structure comprising a plurality of legs and connecting members extending between the legs a plurality of hinges associated with respective legs each hinge means comprising first and second members each adapted to engage or be connected to said connecting members, the first and second members being pivotally engaged to permit relative pivotal movement therebetween about a pivot axis characterised in that the first member comprise an aperture and the second member comprises a pin adapted to be releasably received in said aperture, the relative pivotal movement being achieved by the rotation of the pin within said aperture and pivot axis being defined by the central axis of the pin or aperture the top of each leg being formed to received the first and second members and to permit said relative pivotal movement.
Preferably one of the first or second members includes at least two means for engaging or connecting said member to at least two connecting members respectively. Such engaging means may comprise outwardly extending projections or lugs and may be adapted to be a close fit or a press fit within part, such as a hollow end, of the connecting members. Preferably the projections are releasably engaged with the connecting members. Preferably the outwardly extending projections or lugs extend orthogonally outward from a body of the first or second member.
Preferably the second member includes means for engaging or connecting the member to a connecting member. Such means may comprise an outwardly extending projection or lug and may be adapted to be a close fit or a press fit within part, such as a hollow end, of the connecting member.
The first member may comprise a body having a recess formed
REFERENCES:
patent: 1649388 (1927-11-01), Cacha
patent: 4341164 (1982-07-01), Johnson
patent: 4974526 (1990-12-01), Wiygul, Jr.
Dobson Raymond
Taylor Robert Dennis
Anderson Gerald A.
Cuomo Peter M.
Senator International Limited
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