Horizontally supported planar surfaces – Folding
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-20
2001-02-27
Wilkens, Janet M. (Department: 3636)
Horizontally supported planar surfaces
Folding
C074S096000, C248S122100, C108S001000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06192808
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a folding table, and in particular, to a folding table having an improved latching linkage.
2. Prior Art
Tables which having a folding table top, such as room service tables, are well known. Such tables typically have a frame that may be mounted on casters for rolling from location to location. When not in use, the table tops may fold to a substantially vertical position. When the table top is moved to a vertical orientation, the tables may be placed together in a nested configuration, so that less floor space is required for storage. The frames typically include a central vertical member which engages the table top at the center of the opposite ends of the table, and provides for nesting the folded tables.
To facilitate folding, linkages are known that provide motion for moving the table top between the folded vertical position and the unfolded substantially horizontal position. The folding linkages also provide an extension of the framework to the underside of the table top for added bracing at each end of the table. This bracing becomes especially important when heavier loads are placed on the table. In addition, where the table has substantial length, greater bracing is needed to support the larger area.
The folding linkage required latching the linkage in the unfolded position to provide rigid support for the table top in a substantially horizontal orientation. The tables preferably have a linkage at each end of the table top for each vertical frame member associated with each end of the table. To provide added stability, it is preferable that both linkages are latchable in the use position.
Such tables are shown on U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,430 to McNamara, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,437,058 to Bue, both assigned to SICO Incorporated, the assignee of the present invention. Although the McNamara and Bue tables provide a useful table that folds for easy storage, the latching of such a table may be improved. The folding linkage on such tables of the table top must be separately actuated. If the tables have a single lock, the end without the lock may have less support and not provide the desired stability. If latches mirroring one another are placed at both ends, they typically must be held open separately to disengage. Therefore, two people may be required to fold the table, as both latch members must be held to disengage. It could be appreciated that a connecting member may extend between the two latches so that actuation of one latch will actuate the other. However, where the table has an extended length, the torque and twisting placed on the connecting member may be unacceptable, making the actuation of both latches difficult.
It can be seen then that a new and improved folding linkage for a folding table is needed. Such a linkage should provide for latching at both ends of a dual linkage system having folding motions that mirror one another. In addition, such a linkage should provide for actuation latching and unlatching by one person. Latching should be accomplished without having torsional forces and associated strain placed on a connecting member between mirrored latch members. The present invention addresses these, as well as other problems associated with folding linkages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a folding table, and in particular to a folding table having a latchable linkage. Folding tables such as those used in the hotel industry are used to deliver room service meals to guests and provide tables for eating meals upon delivery. Such tables are mounted on casters including a frame supporting the folding table top. The table top folds between a substantially horizontal orientation in the use position and a substantially vertical orientation in the storage position.
The present invention includes a latchable folding linkage. The linkage includes a table top frame member also acting as a link mounted to the underside of the folding table top. The table top frame member includes a slot formed along a portion of the frame member and c-channel running substantially the length of the frame member. The folding table frame includes an upright member having a pivot member mounted at a top end thereof. The pivot member includes a sliding block mounting in the c-channel of the table top frame member so that the pivot slides in the slot of the table top frame member. This provides for sliding the table top on the pivot member between the folded storage position and unfolded use position.
A support arm pivotally mounts to the extended end of the table top frame member and to the upright portion of the supporting frame and provides added bracing to the table top. The folding table top generally includes two folding linkages, with at least one of the linkages includes a latch. The latch pivotally attaches to the table top frame member and can be moved between an engaged position wherein it retains the pivot member of the upright member of the frame, and a disengaged position allowing refolding. The latch member includes a retaining portion and engages the pivot on a lift surface. A latch holder slidably mounts to the frame member and includes a strut extending through the slot. These struts can be slid to engage the lift surface of the latch member and move the latch to a lifted disengaged position. During folding, both the pivot and the latch holder slide within the same slot and slide along the c-channel.
To actuate the folding table from the folded position to the use position, the lower edge of the table top is lifted upward. As the pivot moves along the slot, it lifts the latch and slides along with it until a hook portion of the latch engages the pivot. To fold the table from the use position to the storage position without having an operator holding both of the latches open, the latch holder must be slid until engaging the lift surface of the latch. When the latch has been lifted to a position disengaging the pivot to the frame, the second linkage may be manually lifted so that both latches are disengaged. At this position, the table top may be folded to the vertical position. The non-manually actuated latch is held in the disengaged position by the latch holder, thereby allowing a single person to fold and unfold the table.
These features of novelty and various other advantages which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
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Fisher Michael J.
Merchant & Gould P.C.
Sico Incorporated
Wilkens Janet M.
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