A table may include a tabletop and a support structure sized and configured to support the tabletop above a surface. The support structure may be movable between use and collapsed positions relative to the tabletop, and a locking mechanism may lock the support structure in a fixed position relative to the tabletop. The locking mechanism may include a locking member eccentrically rotatable relative to a lower portion of the tabletop, and the locking member may be rotatable between a locked position in which the locking member engages a locking notch and an unlocked position in which the locking member is spaced part from the locking notch. The locking mechanism may a control mechanism that facilitates movement of the locking member between the locked and unlocked positions. A retaining assembly may be sized and configured to retain the control mechanism in a fixed position.

Disclosed are pivoting mechanisms, sliding mechanisms, frames and tables. A pivoting mechanism includes a first coupling piece, a second coupling piece and a rod. The first and second coupling pieces are pivotally coupled with each other. The rod is operated by gravity to automatically lock or unlock the first and second coupling pieces. A sliding mechanism generally includes a slider and a locking member. The slider includes a sleeve to be slidably coupled with a bar. The locking member includes a restriction piece, operated by an elastic piece to be disposed inside of the bar, to automatically lock the sleeve at a certain position of the bar.

Methods for producing a folding table with increased seating space are provided. A method may include affixing a plurality of legs to an underside of a tabletop, and configuring the legs to be movable, bi-directionally, between an unfolded position and a folded position via multiple folding mechanisms. Installing each of the folding mechanisms may include affixing a central support bar to the underside of the tabletop via a hinged bracket, and securing a central portion of a transverse support bar assembly against the central support bar such that the central portion is configured to slide along the central support bar. A method may also include attaching one end of a first side support bar to the central portion, and another end to one of the legs, and attaching one end a second side support bar to the central portion, and another end to another one of the legs.

A variable height platform system comprises a tabletop, a frame assembly for supporting the tabletop, a drive mechanism, a sensor, and a controller. The drive mechanism is configured to set a height of the frame assembly and the tabletop in an elevated position for use. The sensor is configured to sense position and movement of a user in a predetermined area including an area of the variable height platform system and an area proximate the variable height platform system. The controller is operatively connected to the sensor and drive mechanism. The controller is configured to operate the drive mechanism in response to the sensor sensing the position and movement of the user in the predetermined area.

A foldable table includes a table top, a table top elevator configured to support the table top above an underlying floor, and a leg motion-control unit. The table top includes a left panel and a right panel pivotably coupled together to change between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The table top elevator includes left legs pivotably coupled to the left panel of the table top and right legs pivotably coupled to the right panel of the table top. The leg motion-control unit configured to control motion of the left and right legs.

A latch release assembly for folding furniture is provided for simultaneously releasing a plurality of latchable hinges. A rigid elongate member is connected at each end to a latch release lever of a latchable hinge. The rigid elongate member simultaneously transfers a releasing force to each release lever in order to actuate and open the connected latches to allow the latchable hinges to open and pivot. The latch release assembly may be fitted to a table top and table support frame to provide a latching hinge system for a folding table to allow a user to actuate a table from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation to facilitate compact and space-saving storage.

A table may include a tabletop, a frame, and a leg assembly. The leg assembly may include a support element, a translation mechanism, and a lock device. The support element may include an end structure attached to an elongated structure. The end structure may be rotatably coupled to the frame such that the support element is rotatable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position. The translation mechanism may be retained relative to the support element and the frame. The translation mechanism may be configured to translate along the support element as the support element rotates. The lock device may be configurable in an engaged arrangement in which the lock device fixes the translation mechanism to the support element and in a disengaged arrangement in which the translation mechanism is not fixed relative to the support element.

A flip-top table has a tabletop attached to a frame through a pivoting assembly. The tabletop is made from a ballistic-resistant material allowing it to be used as a ballistic shield when it rotates from its horizontal working position to a vertical shielding position. A front modesty panel is also ballistic-resistant and is mounted between the front legs of the frame. A lift speed restrictor is connected between the tabletop and the frame which prevents the user from lifting the tabletop too quickly which could topple the table, and it includes a biasing mechanism that provides a lifting force and helps to hold the tabletop in the shielding position. The table also includes visual indicators that readily indicate to persons around the table that the table can be converted into a ballistic shield. Casters allow one or more tables to be quickly moved and repositioned into a defensive arrangement.

A table may include a tabletop, a frame, and a leg assembly. The leg assembly may include a support element, a translation mechanism, and a lock device. The support element may include an end structure attached to an elongated structure. The end structure may be rotatably coupled to the frame such that the support element is rotatable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position. The translation mechanism may be retained relative to the support element and the frame. The translation mechanism may be configured to translate along the support element as the support element rotates. The lock device may be configurable in an engaged arrangement in which the lock device fixes the translation mechanism to the support element and in a disengaged arrangement in which the translation mechanism is not fixed relative to the support element.