GB2368786A - Collapsible table - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to provide a collapsible table, e.g. paste table, which can be folded down to a conveniently small size, the table comprises: a table top comprising first, second and third table panels and pivots interconnecting adjacent table panels so that the table panels can be folded one on top of the other; and first and second table legs each being fixed to a respective table panel by pivot, and each leg being retractable so that it is movable between a first position in which the leg is fully extended when the table is used, and a second position in which the leg is retracted and is then folded against the respective table panel so as to permit the table panels to be folded one upon the other. A lateral edge of the table has spaced male and female connectors positioned so as to engage with respective connectors of a similar paste table, in order to provide a single table of double width.

Description

COLLAPSIBLE TABLE The present invention relates to a collapsible table, for example a paste table for preparing wallpaper.

A common problem for internal decorators is that of transporting a paste table between sites. Paste tables usually have legs which may be folded away or dismantled, and commonly the table surface may be folded or dismantled into parts. Nevertheless, the resulting folded or dismantled table may still be a bulky object for transporting in a van and handling, when setting up the table at a work site. Examples of collapsible tables are disclosed in GB-A-916363, EP-A-0372284 and WO-A-94/12075. US-A-4,927, 128 discloses a collapsible table with telescopic legs for adjusting table height.

It is an object of the invention to provide a collapsible table which may be folded up into a small unit for ease of transportation.

The present invention provides a collapsible table comprising: a plurality of table panels, and pivot means interconnecting adjacent table panels so that the table panels can be folded one on top of the other; and first and second table leg means each being fixed to a respective table panel by pivot means, and each leg means being retractable so that it is movable between a first position in which the leg means is fully extended when the table is used, and a second position in which the leg means is retracted, whereby the retracted leg means may be folded by pivoting about said pivot means to a position adjacent the respective table panel so as to permit the table panels to be folded one upon the other.

In one embodiment the table top comprises first, second, third and fourth table panels, so that the table can be folded down to a particularly small size. As preferred however the table top comprises first, second and third table panels with said leg means attached to the first and third panels.

Thus, in accordance with the invention there is provided a collapsible table, which in its assembled condition can be of as large dimensions as desired, but may be folded down to a unit which is of very small dimensions, about briefcase size, roughly 50 cm square, for ease of transportation. The table may be used for any application that a collapsible table is normally used for, e. g. social occasions, market trading, schoolrooms, community centres, etc. However, the collapsible table is especially useful as a paste table, since it can be folded down to a small size for transportation, in its smallest size, the paste table is still sufficiently wide for domestic wallpaper, which is 50 cm wide. The table may not, however, be wide enough"contract vinyl"which is commonly twice as wide, about 100 cm.

Accordingly, the present invention includes in a further preferred form, releasable locking means disposed along at least one side edge of the table top so as to permit releasable locking together with a similar paste table positioned to the side of said paste table. Thus two similar paste tables may be coupled together to provide a single wide surface for pasting wallpaper. The two paste tables may then be disengaged from each other, and each be folded down to a small size to enable more convenient transportation than would be possible with a single wide table. The locking means may be disposed along more than one edge or along each edge of the table, to permit similar tables to be connected together in a variety of configurations.

The table is preferably formed as a moulding of e. g. polypropylene, so that the number of separate parts of the table is kept to a minimum, and to increase the ruggedness and robustness of construction of the table.

The leg means may be formed of telescopic sections so as to be retractable; as preferred they are formed as pivotable sections which may be folded one on top of the other. As preferred, the leg means have supporting stays which comprise solid panels which extend in the assembled condition between the legs and the table top, which panels are foldable inwardly about the table legs to permit the leg means to be folded away. Only

two leg means may be adequate for a paste table ; alternatively where a heavier loading is envisaged, each table section may have a respective leg means.

As preferred, each table panel has side walls or flanges extending a short distance downwardly from the underside of the table panel. This permits, for those table panels with associated leg means, for the leg means to be folded up within the extent of the flanges. It also permits the outermost table panels to be folded up within the extent of the flanges of the inner table panels (the inner flanges being slightly wider than the outer flanges). This provides a robust construction, wherein the various movable parts are protected against accidental knocks etc during use. Flanges provided across the length of the table may have integral feet portions and handles portions which, in the folded position, serve as feet and handles for transportation.

As preferred, in the assembled condition, edges of the table panels abut one another to provide rigidity in the assembled condition, and a smooth upper table top. Especially at the central fold line, flanges and pivots may be constructed to provide extra reinforcement against downward pressure occurring in use which may cause the table panels to flex downwardly. In addition, the edges may be over-dimensioned so that the assembled table top has a slight upwards camber or curvature, to counteract gravitational forces.

Brief Description of the Drawings Brief DescLipt A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the paste table of the invention; Figures 2 and 3 are side and underside detail enlarged views of a pivot at an outer fold line of the table; Figure 4 is a perspective view of connectors on the edge of the table top for connecting together a similar paste table; Figures 5a to 5c are detail views of feet for supporting the folded table, integrally

moulded with side flanges of the table top ; Figure 6 is a detailed view of a handle for the folded table, integrally moulded with side flanges of the table top; Figure 7a and 7b are side and end views of foldable legs of the table, with supporting stays; Figure 8 is a detailed view of the pivot connections of the table legs with the table top; Figure 9 is a view from beneath of the table, showing the legs in a folded and retracted position; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the paste table of the invention; Figure 11 is a view of the underside of the table top, of the embodiment of the Figure 10; and Figure 12 is a detail of the underside of the table of Figure 11.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment The present invention in its preferred form provides a lightweight pasting station with a collapsible folding facility enabling the pasting table to close down to a briefcase size box for easy transportation and storage. Constructed from moulded polypropylene it has no removable attachments that could get mislaid. Collapsible table panels are supported by easy to use telescopic legs. The table panels are interconnected by rotating pivot points. The top panels are supported by adjacent edges which abut together and by triangular panels attached to the legs. A side edge of the table has a locking means so that a similar table may be positioned and releasably locked side by side with the first table to accommodate wide contract vinyl as well as ordinary domestic papers. On the underside of the table there is a simple series of rubber straps to allow storage of essential paper hanging equipment, i. e. knives and brushes, to make the table a complete paper hanging kit.

Referring to Figure 1, which is a perspective view of the assembled table forming a preferred embodiment, the table comprises a table top 2 comprising first, second and third

table panels 4, 6, 8, joined along fold or pivot lines 12, 14. Each table panel has depending from its lower surface on each side of the table panel, a flange 18. The external faces of the flanges have integral connections 50, described in detail below. The first table panel 4 has a leg assembly 20 and the third table panel 8 has a second leg assembly 22. Each leg assembly 20,22 comprises two leg parts 24,26 arranged for folding with supporting cross pieces 30,32. In addition, triangular panel brace members 34 are provided extending between legs 22 and table panels 4,8 ; members 34 are foldable about legs 20,22. In a modification, the foldable legs may be replaced by telescopic legs.

Referring to Figure 9, it may be seen that the lengths of panels 4,6 and 8 are different from one another, the length of panel 4 being 490 mm, the length of panel 6 500 mm, and the length of panel 8 520 mm. This permits the folding of the panels into a regular folded shape as shown in the inset of Figure 1, and as will be more fully described below.

Figures 2 and 3 are detail side and underside view of a fold line 12 between table panel 4 and table panel 6. The table panels are formed of moulded polypropylene and have an integral pivot assembly 40 for permitting pivoting about the fold line. In the unfolded assembled condition, the edges 42 of the table panels abut one another on the fold line 12 to provide rigidity, and to impart a slight upward curvature to the top. The pivot assembly 40 comprises arcuate ends 44 of flanges 18 overlapping one another, and being connected by a stub spindle 46, integral with the outer flange 18. Stub spindle 46 has at its outer end, radially extending flexible fingers 48, to permit the spindle to be latched within an aperture 49 in the inner flange 18.

Flange 18 of inner panel 6 is slightly wider than flange 18 of outer panel 4, so that panel 4 can be folded within panel 6.

Figure 4 shows a detail wherein a lateral side of the table panels has male and female connectors 50 provided along the length of flanges 18 at intervals, together with a disengaging slot 52 positioned between the connectors. The male connector comprises a

rib formed in section as a laterally extending spigot 54 with an enlarged head extending from flange 18, and the female connector comprises a mating slot 56 formed in flange 18.

In use, two separate tables 2,2'are positioned side by side, and the tables are brought one against the other, the male and female connectors 50,50'being positioned so that the male and female connectors releasably lock within the respective female and male connectors of the adjacent table, to provide a single wide pasting surface. The tables may be disengaged by inserting and twisting a screwdriver in the disengaging slot 52.

As shown in Figures 5a-5c, the table panels 6,8 have moulded feet 60 formed in the inner flanges 62 so that in the fully folded condition as shown in Figure 5c, the feet 60 extend from the folded unit to allow the unit to be placed on the floor without damaging or scratching the unit. In the assembled condition, feet 60 locate in respective slots 64 in flanges 62.

Figure 6 shows a handle 80 moulded into a flange 82 on the underside of the outer table panel 4 so that in the folded condition, the handle 80 can be used for carrying the unit. In the folded condition as shown in the insert of Figure 1, the handle 80 projects a slight amount from the upper edge of the unit.

The folding leg arrangement is shown in more detail in Figures 7a and 7b. Leg sections 24,26 are pivoted as at 90. Triangular brace panels 34 are pivoted to the upper leg sections. Panels 34 are secured in the reinforcing position by friction studs 86 on flange 18 engaging in apertures in the panels. For extra reinforcement spring loaded locating rods of steel, 92, having hook attachments at their free ends 94 are provided for lateral reinforcement. In addition, adjustable threads 96 are provided at the base of leg sections 26 for levelling.

In order to fold the legs to the folded position shown in Figure 8, the steel rods 92 are disengaged from one another, and the triangle panels 34 are folded inwardly. The leg sections can then be folded up upon one another and retracted to a position beneath the

table as shown in Figure 9. The table can then be folded up, with the shortest panel 4 being folded across the centre 6, and then the largest panel 8 being folded across the other two panels, to give the suitcase-sized folded package shown in the inset in Figure 1.

As shown in Figure 8, the tops of the leg sections 26 have spindles 100 for engaging in apertures in flanges 102 depending from table panel 4.

Referring to Figure 10, which is a perspective view of the assembled table forming a second embodiment, similar parts to those shown in the embodiment of Figure 1 are referred to by the same reference numerals. The table comprises a table top 2 comprising first, second, third and fourth table panels 4,6, 8,10, of equal dimensions and joined along fold or pivot lines 12,14, 16. Each table panel has depending from its lower surface on each side of the table panel, a flange 18. The external faces of the flanges have integral connections 50, described in detail below. The first table panel 4 has a leg assembly 20 and the fourth table panel 10 has a second leg assembly 22. Each leg assembly 20,22 comprises three leg parts 24,26, 28 arranged in telescopic fashion with supporting cross pieces 30,32. In addition, pivotable brace members 35 are provided extending between legs 22 and table panels 4,10.

Figure 11 shows a modification of Figure 1, wherein further legs 180 are provided in inner table panel 8 for extra support. On the underside of panel 4, pasting tools 182 are provided, held in position by rubber straps. These are shown in Figure 12, where a paint brush 184 is held in position by two rubber straps 186, extended between two ears 188, integral with panel 4. Ears 188 have apertures 190 dimensioned, widened at their inner ends, to receive enlarged heads 192 of straps 186.

Claims (18)

1. CLAIMS 1. A collapsible table comprising : a table top comprising a plurality of table panels, and pivot means interconnecting adjacent table panels so that the table panels can be folded one on top of the other; and first and second table leg means each being fixed to a respective table panel by pivot means, and each leg means being retractable so that it is movable between a first position in which the leg means is fully extended when the table is used, and a second position in which the leg means is retracted, whereby the retracted leg means may be folded by pivoting about said pivot means to a position adjacent the respective table panel so as to permit the table panels to be folded one upon the other.
2. 2. A table according to Claim 1, wherein the table top comprises first, second and third table panels.
3. 3. A table according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein a lateral edge of the table top has disposed along its length releasable locking means for engaging with counterpart releasable locking means of a similar table to enable the two tables to be joined together to provide a single wide pasting surface.
4. 4. A table according to claim 3, wherein the releasable latching means comprises a rib member defining a male connector spaced from a slot defining a female connector, the rib member and slot being positioned such that a respective rib member and slot of a similar paste table can be interengaged.
5. 5. A table according to claim 4, wherein a disengagement slot is provided between the rib member and slot.
6. 6. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein the retractable leg means have telescopic sections.
7. 7. A table according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the retractable leg means have pivotable sections.
8. 8. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein the leg means have integral axles for engaging in apertures in the respective table panels.
9. 9. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein the leg means have folded bracing panels movable in the assembled condition to a position in which they provide reinforcement for the leg means.
10. 10. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein the leg means include spring steel reinforcement members for providing reinforcement in the lateral direction of the table.
11. 11. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein each table panel has side flanges extending downwardly from the underside of the table panel, the flanges of inner table panels being wider than the flanges of outer table panels to permit the folding of the outer table panels within the inner table panels.
12. 12. A table according to Claim 11, wherein inner flanges of the table sections have integral feet means which in the folded condition extend to permit standing of the table on the feet.
13. 13. A table according to Claim 11 or 12, wherein one or more inner flanges of the table sections have integral handle portions which in the folded condition extend to permit gripping of the handle portions for transportation.
14. 14. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein the table panels are arranged so that in the assembled condition, edges of the table panels abut one another to provide rigidity of the table.
15. 15. A table according to Claim 14, wherein said edges are over-dimensioned to provide an upward curvature of the table top.
16. 16. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein the table is constituted of a moulded plastics material.
17. 17. A table accoding to an preceding claim, wherein the underside of a table panel has resilient strap means for retaining one or more tools.
18. 18. A paste table substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.