GB2207601A

GB2207601A - Folding table with spring action retainers for pivoted legs

Info

Publication number: GB2207601A
Application number: GB08817408A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jean-Pierre Baumgarten
Original assignee: INOVA CREATIONS SA
Current assignee: INOVA CREATIONS SA
Priority date: 1987-07-31
Filing date: 1988-07-21
Publication date: 1989-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 2008-07-21
Also published as: GB8817408D0; FR2618652B1; GB2207601B; FR2618652A1

Abstract

Folding table of the type which comprises legs pivoting under the table top has, facing each leg (2), a plate or retainer (5) pivoted on an axis which is perpendicular to that forming a pivot for the said leg. The plate or retainer (5) is held in contact with the leg under the action of a spring (6) and includes, at its end curved in the direction of the corresponding leg, a cut out or notch (7) to engage a projection (8) provided on the leg. The retainer has a ramp portion (9) to assist movement from the folded to 'in use' condition. <IMAGE>

Description

"FOLDING TABLE" This invention concerns a folding table.

Folding tables are known where the legs are pivoted under the table top and may be folded under the latter.

The device used to provide the folding action may relate to each leg or to each pair of legs.

These tables, as known, generally make use of pivoted stays or links and include a device which permits the neutral position to be overshot.

Experience has shown that these tables are difficult to use, both when opening and closing.

The purpose of this invention is to produce a table where the legs lock automatically in the required position.

In accordance with the invention, a plate or retainer is pivoted in accordance with an axis which is perpendicular to the pivot axis for the table leg and is arranged to face the said leg and contacts this latter under the action of a spring. The end of the said plate or retainer includes a means or system to automatically engage the said leg when this latter is in the required open position.

The invention will be more fully understood by the description which follows and by referring to the drawings enclosed which are provided for information only and where Figure l is a view in elevation of a table in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is a view from beneath the table of Figure 1, the feet being folded.

Figure 3 is a view of Figure l from the lefthand side.

Figure 4 is a partial view, in perspective and to a larger scale, showing the system for locking the leg in the open position.

Figures 5 and 6 relate to an alternative arrangement, this being shown in partial perspective and, respectively, in the open and the folded position.

On referring to the drawings, it will be seen that the table comprises a top l and is supported on legs 2.

In accordance with a method for producing the invention, each leg 2 constitutes the central part of a frame in the form of a U, where one of the side sections 3 rests on the ground and the other side section 4 is pivoted under the table top in accordance with an axis Xl - Y1 (Figure 3).

In accordance with the invention, a plate or retainer 5 is pivoted opposite each leg 2 in accordance with an axis X2 - Y2, this being perpendicular to axis X1 Yl. The said plate or retainer is constantly subjected to the action of a spring, such as 6, which causes it to contact the corresponding leg 2.

At its end 5a, the plate or retainer is curved in the direction of the leg 2 and has a cut out or notch 7 which can be engaged by a linear projection 8 provided on each leg, when the leg is in the required open position.

When the legs 2 are folded under the table top 1, they are maintained in that position by the plates or retainers 5, these being subject to the action of springs 6.

On the side facing the leg and when the leg is folded, each plate or retainer has an inclined section 9.

When the leg 2 pivots in the direction of opening, it contacts the inclined part 9 which acts in the manner of a ramp and allows the plate or retainer 5 to pivot outwards, without effort, until the cut out 7 engages the projection 8.

As can be more particularly seen from the drawings, the plate or retainer 5 is relatively wide in the area of its pivot axis X2 - Y2 and, as a result, acts as a gusset or stay and ensures that the assembly is completely stable.

In accordance with the variant shown in Figures 5 and 6, each plate or retainer 5 is arranged so that it is in the vertical position when the table is open or is flat and in contact with the legs 2 when the table is folded.

Evidently, this invention is not restricted to the method of construction described and represented but, on the contrary, extends to all variants in shape, form and dimensions.

Claims

l. Folding table of the type which comprises legs pivoting under the table top and which includes, for each leg, a pivoted plate or retainer which is capable of engaging the corresponding leg under the action of a spring when the leg is in the open position, characterised in that each plate or retainer (5) is positioned on the outside and presents, on its side located facing the leg and when the leg is folded, an inclined part (9) forming a ramp.
2. Folding table in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the plate or retainer (5) presents, at its end curved towards the corresponding leg, a cut out or notch (7) which can engage a projection (8) provided on the said leg.
3. Folding table in accordance with claim 2, characterised in that each plate or retainer acts basically in the manner of a stay or gusset, one side being pivoted under the table top (l).
4. A folding table substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.