Table with pivotable table top

This application is a continuation of PCT application No. PCT/EP/2009/004891 filed on Jul. 7, 2009 that designates the United States and claims priority to German Patent application DE 10 2008 037 285.4 filed Aug. 11, 2008 by Daniel Korb, the contents of which are all herein incorporated by reference.

The invention relates to a table with a hinged table top having a pivoting mechanism in the table frame. The table top rotates about a horizontal axis and is lockable in both a vertical storage position and a horizontal use position.

A folding table is described in European Patent EP 1 308 109 B1 with a table top rotatable about a horizontal axis. The table top is mounted on a table frame so that it can be turned and folded between a horizontal use position and a substantially vertical storage position. The swivel mechanism is designed to simultaneously pivot the table top relative to two side legs. For enabling the pivotal movement on both sides of the table top, cross members are included. The combined pivotal movement of the table top and rotational movement of the legs with the swivel mechanism in EP 1 308 109 B1 is relatively complicated with a correspondingly large number of individual components.

Other tables with swivel table tops are described in JP 10211023, U.S. Pat. No. 6,845,723, WO 01/54538, WO 01/13762, DE 90 11 229, EP 1 159 887, DE 102 60 503 and DE 100 38 223.

Disclosed is a table having a simple construction with a secure, easy-to-use, multifunction folding and unfolding table top.

The pivot mechanism of the table includes a pair of interlocking, mutually complementary, concentrically arranged tooth sections that are laterally movable relative to each other by at least the depth of the teeth. The tooth sections move in the direction of the axis of rotation and allow the table top to pivot when not engaged. In each pair of tooth sections, one tooth section is rotationally stationary (secured or fixed) relative to the table leg while the other tooth section is rotationally stationary relative to the table top. The interlocking teeth sections produce a stable, free of play, table that may be pivoted into multiple positions relative to the legs by simply engaging and disengaging the tooth sections.

Apart from the folded and unfolded pivotal positions, the table may also be locked into intermediate positions.

The tooth sections are formed in rings that are capable of interlocking with each other at a plurality of angular rotations.

The swivel mechanism may include a defined pivot angle and swivel range that limit the pivot of the table top to between the horizontal use and vertical storage configurations. In an exemplary example, the pivot range is defined by a cylindrical path that extends a defined distance, such as 90 or 180 degrees around a circular member. A limiting mechanism travels within the cylindrical path and prevents further rotation of the table when the end of the path is reached. Well within the cylindrical path may be added a well to lock the limiting element at set locations and define the angles at which the table top may be locked, such as horizontal, vertical, and 45 degrees.

The table includes a longitudinal beam extending below the table top along the rotational axis. Extending from the beam are cross members which extend perpendicularly to the beam and are secured to the table top.

The low cost swivel mechanism is provided with a cylindrical section that is rotated when pivoting the table about the rotation axis, and a cylindrical spigot that is configured to be inserted into the cylinder section. The cylinder section slidably and rotatablely connects to the spigot. In one embodiment, the cylinder section is integrally formed as part of the longitudinal beam. The simple, sturdy construction is enhanced by a limiting element mounted on the cylinder section that extends parallel to the axis of rotation. The limiting element travels in a cylindric track or recess (that is curved about the axis of rotation) than includes wells at various locations that correspond to the table top being at predefined angles such as horizontal or vertical. The limiting element fits into the well to prevent the table from rotating when engaged within the well.

When the limiting element is within the cylindrical track, the teeth are disengaged from each other so that the table top may freely pivot, however when the limiting element is within a well, the teeth are engaged so that the table top is prevented from rotating. By adding additional wells in the cylindrical track, intermediate positions are possible for the pivoting table top. By increasing the depth of the recess so that the teeth may be engaged when the limiting element is within the recess, numerous rotational settings can be selected for the table top. For example, slightly oblique inclinations of the table top relative to the horizontal setting may be selected by a user.

The table may be constructed such that a spring acts to engage or disengage the teeth sections from each other. The spring may be arranged within a bearing piece and connected to a supporting member such as a cap or flange. For easy handling and safe operation of the swivel mechanism, the table include an actuating linkage that act to engage and disengage the locking teeth. In one embodiment, the linkage extends within the longitudinal beam of the table frame.

The table may be stacked with several other tables in their folded positions. The offset arrangement of the legs in the lateral direction allows the tables to be stacked in a tighter configuration than would otherwise be possible. The table legs may be formed with or without wheels for rolling the tables.

FIGS. 1A through 1D show perspective side views of two tables with tilting table tops (folding table) in the retracted or extended position of the table. In FIGS. 1A and 1B , the longitudinal beam of the table is located under the middle of the table top while in FIGS. 1C and 1D the longitudinal beam is under the posterior region of the table top.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show several nested tables with the pivoted table tops in a perspective side view.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a table frame with a longitudinal beam, two cross members, two side legs and end caps.

FIGS. 4A through 4F show back, plan view, perspective view and three detailed views of the table frame in FIG. 3 .

FIGS. 5A through 5C show the table frame of FIG. 3 in a disassembled view and two detail views of the swing mechanism.

FIGS. 6A through 6E show the table of FIG. 1B in a perspective view from below, from a narrow side view of the back, on the underside with a boom traverse view, inverse view, and in a further perspective view from below marked with the line rods.

FIGS. 7A through 7D show plan, front, perspective, and narrow side views of the longitudinal beam and cross members attached to a draw-rod system.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a folding table 1 with a centrally disposed longitudinal beam 4 and a swivel table top 2 . In FIG. 1A the table is in a pivoted, substantially vertical pivot position (storage position) while in FIG. 1B the table is shown in the horizontal pivot position (use position). In FIGS. 1C and 1D a second variation of the table is shown where the longitudinal beam 4 is located in the rear of the table. The illustrated table top 2 is rectangular; however the table top may have a different geometry such as square, oval or round. The table top 2 is connected near its two shorter side edges at its base to cross-beams 5 . The cross-beams 5 are attached on one side to the table legs 3 through the longitudinal beam 4 . The longitudinal beam 4 may extend under the center of the table top, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , or maybe off-center near the rear of the table top as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D . The supporting point of the legs is laterally outside of the cross members 5 , but may still be below the table top 2 . The table legs 3 have a top section 3 . 1 that is at least as long as the pivoted state downward portion of the table top 2 . The table legs 3 can be equipped with T-leg or C-foot lower portions connected to rollers 3 . 3 that support leg portions having a variety of angles. The two part legs have upper vertical sections, which together form the top section 3 . 1 and short-transverse joints connected the vertical sections together. The top sections are perpendicular to the longitudinal beam 4 and in the depth direction of the cross member 5 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the top sections may be at an offset angle to one another. As shown in the representation of the table 1 in 2 A and 2 B, the longitudinal displacement of the legs can provide advantages for stacking the tables as compared to tables with linearly aligned legs. In the illustrated example, the longitudinal displacement of the leg sections is preferably at least the width of a leg in order to facilitate stacking of the tables. As shown in FIG. 3 , the table legs 3 are connected through shells 3 . 4 to the longitudinal beam 4 . The shells 3 . 4 are coupled to extension units that support them from the longitudinal beam 4 . The extension unit has a bearing piece 11 in the form of a circular cylindrical hollow profile section as shown in the exploded views of FIGS. 5A and 5B .

The longitudinal beam 4 includes a circular cylindrical spigot 4 . 1 extending away from, but near to, the cross member 5 . The spigot 4 . 1 may be an integrally formed part of the longitudinal beam or it may be a separately formed unit that is inserted into the longitudinal beam 4 .

The outer diameter of the spigot 4 . 1 is adapted to the inner diameter of the hollow profile of the longitudinal beam 4 so that a stable fit results when the spigot 4 . 1 is within the hollow profile of the longitudinal beam 4 . The inner diameter of the bearing piece 11 is set to be comparable to the external diameter of the spigot 4 . 1 so that the bearing section 11 is on the spigot 4 . 1 slidably and concentrically mounted to rotate about the axis of rotation. In order for the table top 2 to be supported along with the cross members 5 and the longitudinal beam 4 relative to the bearing piece 11 about the axis of rotation, the outer diameter of the bearing piece 11 preferably corresponds approximately to the outside diameter of the longitudinal beam 4 and may have the same hollow profile.

As shown in FIGS. 3 , 4 A through 4 F and 5 A through 5 C the pivot mechanism 10 has a first set of teeth 15 on the bearing piece and a second set of teeth 17 on the spigot 4 . 1 . The two sets of teeth face each other and have interlocking tapered teeth, so that a stable table top is provided when they are engaged and moving apart the teeth is done without difficulty.

As shown in FIG. 4F , the outer diameter of the bearing piece 11 near the first set of teeth 15 includes a recess 12 . 1 that extends approximately a quarter of the circumference of the bearing piece. The spigot 4 . 1 near the second set of teeth 17 includes a limiting element 16 structured to slide within the recess 12 . 1 of the spigot. The recess acts to limit the rotation of the table top when the limiting element 16 strikes either end of the recessed path. In the mechanism shown in FIG. 4F , the recess extends a quarter of the way around the spigot so that the limiting element will strike the ends of the recess when the table top is roughly vertical and roughly horizontal.

As shown in FIG. 5B , at two or more of the extreme positions of the table top (e.g., horizontal and vertical) the recess 12 . 1 includes wells 12 . 2 that engage with the limiting element 16 to further limit the rotation of the table top. The first set of teeth 15 circumscribe the bearing piece 11 (and the axis of rotation) and are concentric with the edge of the recess 12 . 1 . The teeth of the first set of teeth extend out from the bearing piece parallel to the axis of rotation towards the second set of teeth. The first set of teeth 15 may be disengaged from the second set of teeth in order to rotate the table top.

The rotating mechanism provides an easy and safe pivoting movement from one extreme position to another. When the table top final positions are reached (e.g., fully vertical and fully horizontal) the free end portion of the limiting element 16 laterally slides into the wells 12 . 2 of the recess. Alternatively, the wells may laterally slide to around the limiting element 16 when the final positions of the table are reached. Regardless of the arrangement, the recess is laterally and rotationally fixed relative to one set of teeth while the limiting element is laterally and rotationally fixed relative to the other set of teeth. Rotationally fixed (or secured) is herein defined to mean that the objects rotationally fixed have constant angular and radial relationship about the axis of rotation, as viewed perpendicular to the axis of rotation, when the table top is rotated. Rotationally fixed objects may be translated relative to each parallel to the axis of rotation. The wells are of sufficient depth to facilitate the first set of teeth 15 interlocking and engaging with the second set of teeth 17 so that the pivot mechanism is stable and secure. The non-well portions of the recess may lack sufficient depth to allow the teeth to interconnect. By preventing the teeth from interconnecting at the non-well portions, the recess acts to ensure a smooth rotational movement of the table top between predetermined positions. The wells 12 . 2 may be wider than the limiting element 16 by a tooth width in order to ensure that the first and second sets of teeth can interlock with each other when the limiting element is located within the well. For example, the working position of the table top 2 can be varied to the horizontal position, but larger accidental pivoting is prevented. Additional wells 12 . 2 in the recess 12 . 1 may be provided to allow a user to adjust the table top to stable intermediate positions such as at a 45 degree angle. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer ring 12 is firmly secured to the cylindrical outer surface of the bearing piece 11 , while the limiting element 16 is fixed on the longitudinal beam 4 . A reverse arrangement is contemplated where the outer ring 12 is located on the longitudinal beam 4 while the limiting element 16 is located on the bearing piece 11 .

Exploded views of the bearing piece 11 are shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C . A helical compression spring 13 acts to axially hold the bearing piece 11 against the spigot 4 . 1 . The compression spring 13 is supported by a supporting part 14 such as an annular flange or a cap. The compression spring 13 acts upon the bearing piece 11 which in turn pushes the first set of teeth 15 towards the second set of teeth 17 . In order to disengage the teeth, a linkage 23 shown in FIGS. 5A and 7A through 7 D engages the bearing piece 11 through the supporting part 14 and laterally pushes the bearing piece so that the first set of teeth 15 disengages from the second set of teeth 17 . Alternatively, the spring may act to disengage the first set of teeth from the second set of teeth while the linkage acts to pull the two sets of teeth into engagement.

The linkage 23 extends through the interior of the bearing piece 11 , the spigot 4 . 1 and the longitudinal beam 4 to an operating mechanism 20 . As shown in FIG. 5A , the operating mechanism includes a hand operating portion 21 that pivots along an arc-shaped guide 22 . The hand operating portion pivots around a point in the interior of the longitudinal beam 4 while coupled to a portion of the linkage 23 . By rotating the hand operating portion 21 , the linkage 23 is longitudinally moved through the longitudinal beam 4 to release the bearing section 11 . The first set of teeth 15 may be released from the second set of teeth 17 so that the table top may be rotated. When the hand operating portion 21 returns to its original position, the linkage laterally travels through the longitudinal beam 4 and the compression spring retracts to engage the first set of teeth with the second set of teeth.

As shown in the drawings, the swivel mechanism includes a first set of teeth 15 interlocking with a second set of teeth 17 and a limiting element 16 on both sides of the table 1 . The operating mechanism 20 has dual linkages 23 that include two individual rods coupled in the manner previously described. Thus both pivot mechanisms 10 are operated with only one operating mechanism 20 with the hand operating portion 21 so that only one hand is needed for operation. The operating mechanism 20 is designed so that it locks the engagement of the first tooth section 15 to the second tooth section 17 , on either side of the table 1 , against the force of the spring 13 . When the operating mechanism releases the bearing piece 11 , the first tooth section 15 is disengaged from the second tooth section 17 .

The end cap 6 , which is installed before attaching the table legs 3 to the pivot mechanism 10 , is installed on an end portion of the longitudinal beam 4 so that the end portion of the longitudinal beam is completely covered. Around the table legs 3 , the supporting shells 3 . 4 are secured to the bearing piece 11 by screws or welding. To facilitate installation of the end cap 6 , it has a shape adapted to fit into the supporting shells 3 . 4 . The front end of the end cap 6 is located below the table top 2 or may be flush with a narrow side of the table top.