FOLDABLE TABLE WITH LEG ROTATION LIMITING STRUCTURE

Abstract

A table includes a tabletop, a first support assembly, first and second legs, and first and second limiting structures. The first support assembly is connected to the tabletop such that the tabletop is rotatable with respect to the first support assembly around a first axis between folded and unfolded positions. The first leg is connected to the first support assembly and rotatable around a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The first limiting structure is disposed at or integrally formed with the first leg to limit rotation of the first leg between first closed and open positions. The second leg is connected to the first support assembly and rotatable around a third axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The second limiting structure is disposed at or integrally formed with the second leg to limit rotation of the second leg between second closed and open positions.

Claims

1. A foldable table comprising: a tabletop; a first support assembly connected to the tabletop, wherein the tabletop is rotatable with respect to the first support assembly around a first axis between a folded position and an unfolded position; a first leg connected to the first support assembly and rotatable around a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between a first closed position and a first open position; and a second leg connected to the first support assembly and rotatable around a third axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between a second closed position and a second open position, wherein the table is folded when the tabletop is in the folded position, the first leg is in the first closed position, and the second leg is in the second closed position, and the table is unfolded when the tabletop is in the unfolded position, the first leg is in the first open position, and the second leg is in the second open position.

2. The foldable table of claim 1, wherein: the first support assembly comprises a first support and a second support; the first leg is rotatably connected to the first support; the second leg is rotatably connected to the second support; a first limiting structure is disposed at or integrally formed with one of the first support and first leg to limit rotation of the first leg relative to the first support within the first closed position and first open position; and a second limiting structure is disposed at or integrally formed with one of the second support and second leg to limit rotation of the second leg relative to the second support within the second closed position and second open position.

3. The foldable table of claim 2, wherein: a respective limiting structure in the first and second limiting structures is hollow and comprises a protrusion on an interior surface of the respective limiting structure, wherein the protrusion comprises a first limiting surface and a second limiting surface; and a corresponding support in the first and second supports or a corresponding leg in the first and second legs comprises a first exterior surface; and the first exterior surface of the corresponding support or corresponding leg abutting against the first and second limiting surfaces of the protrusion of the respective limiting structure defines corresponding closed and open positions of the corresponding leg.

4. The foldable table of claim 3, wherein the respective limiting structure is a sleeve fixed at an upper end portion of the corresponding leg.

5. The foldable table of claim 3, wherein the first and second limiting surfaces of the respective limiting structure are substantially perpendicular to each other.

6. The foldable table of claim 3, wherein the first exterior surface of the corresponding support or corresponding leg is substantially flat.

7. The foldable table of claim 3, wherein the corresponding support or corresponding leg comprises a second exterior surface, wherein the second exterior surface is an arc surface.

8. The foldable table of claim 3, wherein the corresponding support or corresponding leg has a substantially D-shaped cross-section.

9. The foldable table of claim 2, wherein: the first support is elongated along the second axis; and the second support is elongated along the third axis.

10. The foldable table of claim 9, wherein: a respective leg in the first and second legs is movable along a corresponding support in the first and second supports and selectively lockable at any one of a plurality of heights relative to the corresponding support.

11. The foldable table of claim 10, wherein: one of the respective leg or the corresponding support comprises a plurality of positioning holes along a length direction of the respective leg or the corresponding support; and the other of the respective leg or the corresponding support comprises a clamping element insertable into any one of the plurality of positioning holes.

12. The foldable table of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second legs comprises a first segment and a second segment collectively forming a substantially L shape.

13. The foldable table of claim 12, wherein the second segments of the first and second legs are folded onto each other when the first leg is in the first closed position and the second leg is in the second closed position.

14. The foldable table of claim 12, wherein the second segments of the first and second legs are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other when the first leg is in the first open position and the second leg is in the second open position.

15. The foldable table of claim 14, further comprising: an accessory member connected to the second segments of the first and second legs to help prevent the first or second leg from rotating around the second or third axis when the table is in use, wherein the accessory member is removably connected to the second segment of the first or second leg.

16. The foldable table of claim 2, wherein the first support assembly further comprises a lateral support between the first and second supports and rotatably connected to the tabletop at or adjacent to an edge of the tabletop.

17. The foldable table of claim 1, further comprising: a second support assembly connected to the tabletop and the first support assembly to define the unfolded position of the tabletop with respective to the first support assembly.

18. The foldable table of claim 17, wherein: the tabletop comprises a plurality of slots on an underside of the tabletop; and the second support assembly is selectively and removably connected to any one of the plurality of slots, thereby defining a plurality of unfolded positions of the tabletop with respective to the first support assembly.

19. The foldable table of claim 1, further comprising: an accessory assembly slidably connected to the tabletop and movable between an extended position and a contracted position with respect to the tabletop.

20. A foldable table comprising: a tabletop; a first support assembly connected to the tabletop, wherein the tabletop is rotatable with respect to the first support assembly around a first axis between a folded position and an unfolded position; a first leg connected to the first support assembly and rotatable around a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis; a first limiting structure disposed at or integrally formed with the first leg to limit rotation of the first leg between a first closed position and a first open position; a second leg connected to the first support assembly and rotatable around a third axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis; and a second limiting structure disposed at or integrally formed with the second leg to limit rotation of the second leg between a second closed position and a second open position, wherein each of the first and second legs comprises a first segment and a second segment collectively forming a substantially L shape.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the Detailed Description, serve to explain the principles and implementations of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary table in a first state in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating a component of the exemplary table of FIG. 1 in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating some components of the exemplary table of FIG. 1 in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the exemplary table of FIG. 1 in a second state in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the exemplary table of FIG. 1 in a third state in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the exemplary table of FIG. 1 in a fourth state in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the exemplary table of FIG. 1 in a fifth state in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view illustrating an exemplary table in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the exemplary table of FIG. 9 in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, the components illustrated in the figures described above are combinable in any useful number and combination. The figures are intended to be illustrative in nature and are not limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of exemplary embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the following detailed description is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having benefit of this disclosure.

[0035] In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will be appreciated that, in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions are made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application- and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0036] Many modifications and variations of the exemplary embodiments set forth in this disclosure can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific exemplary embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention are described in the context of a table having a tabletop and a table frame to support the tabletop. A table frame generally includes a first support assembly connected to the tabletop so that the tabletop is rotatable relative to the first support assembly around a first axis. This allows the tabletop to fold onto the table frame. The table frame also includes one or more legs, each connected to the first support assembly and rotatable within a limited range around an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. This allows the one or more legs to fold onto each other while ensuring the stability of the table when unfolded. In some exemplary embodiments, the table frame further includes a second support assembly connected to the tabletop and the first support assembly to define one or more unfolded positions of the tabletop with respective to the first support assembly.

[0038] A table of the present disclosure can be of various sizes. For instance, a table of the present disclosure can be a coffee table, a dining table, a picnic table or the like. The tabletop can be of various shapes including but not limited to a square shape, a round shape or a rectangular shape, and can be made of various materials including, but not limited to, plastics and woods. In some exemplary embodiments, the tabletop includes a table panel made of plastics by injection molding, blow molding or any other suitable processes. The table frame of the present disclosure can be made of various materials including but not limited to metals (e.g., iron, steel, and aluminum), plastics and woods.

[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, there is depicted an exemplary table 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In various exemplary embodiments, table 100 includes a tabletop, such as tabletop 1. While tabletop 1 is of a rectangular shape in the figures, it should be noted that tabletop 1 can be of any suitable shapes including but not limited to rectangular, square, round, oval, oblong or the like.

[0040] Table 100 also includes a table frame, such as table frame 2. The table frame is coupled with the tabletop and supports the tabletop when in use. In various exemplary embodiments, table frame 2 includes a first support assembly, such as first support assembly 5. The first support assembly is connected to the tabletop such that the tabletop is rotatable with respect to the first support assembly around a first axis between a folded position and an unfolded position. For instance, as a non-limiting example, FIG. 6 illustrates that tabletop 1 is rotatable with respect to first support assembly 5 around axis A.sub.1, FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 illustrate that tabletop 1 is in an unfolded position and FIG. 7 illustrates that tabletop 1 is in a folded position.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the first support assembly includes a first support (e.g., support 21 on the left side of FIG. 1) and a second support (e.g., support 21 on the right side of FIG. 1). The first and second supports can be but do not have to identical or symmetric to each other. As a non-limiting example, it is illustrated that the first and second supports are substantially the same and/or symmetric. In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first and second supports is an elongated piece. For instance, as a non-limiting example, FIG. 4 illustrates that the first support (e.g., support 21 on the left side of FIG. 4) is elongated along axis A2 and the second support (e.g., support 21 on the right side of FIG. 4) is elongated along axis A.sub.3.

[0042] In various exemplary embodiments, table frame 2 also includes one or more legs connected to the first support assembly. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, table frame 2 includes a first leg (e.g., leg 6 on the left side of FIG. 1) and a second leg (e.g., leg 6 on the right side FIG. 1). The first and second legs can be but do not have to identical or symmetric to each other. As a non-limiting example, it is illustrated that the first and second legs are substantially the same and/or symmetric. In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the first and second legs is composed of multiple segments. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second legs includes first segment 22 and second segment 23, which collectively form a substantially L shape with first segment 22 connected to the first support assembly and second segment 23 configured to be placed on the ground.

[0043] In some exemplary embodiments, the first leg (e.g., leg 6 on the left side of FIG. 4) is connected to the first support (e.g., support 21 on the left side of FIG. 4) of the first support assembly and rotatable around axis A2. The rotation of the first leg is restrained within a limited range, e.g., between a first closed position as illustrated in FIG. 5 and a first open position as illustrated in FIG. 4. Similarly, the second leg (e.g., leg 6 on the right side of FIG. 4) is connected to the second support (e.g., support 21 on the right side of FIG. 4) of the first support assembly and rotatable around axis A.sub.3. The rotation of the second leg is restrained within a limited range, e.g., between a second closed position as illustrated in FIG. 5 and a second open position as illustrated in FIG. 4. Generally, axis A2 and axis A.sub.3 are each substantially perpendicular to axis A.sub.1. In some exemplary embodiments, when the first leg is in the first open position and the second leg is in the second open position, the second segments of the first and second legs are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other as illustrated in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, when the first leg is in the first closed position and the second leg is in the second closed position, the second segments of the first and second legs are folded onto each other as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, table frame 2 includes one or more limiting structures to restrain the rotation of the first leg and/or second leg within a desired range, e.g., between an open position and a closed position. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, table frame 2 includes a first limiting structure to restrain the rotation of the first leg and a second limiting structure to restrain the rotation of the second leg. The first and second limiting structures can be but do not have to be identical. Also, the first limiting structure can be disposed at or integrally formed with the first support or the first leg, and the second limiting structure can be disposed at or integrally formed with the second support or the second leg. As a non-limiting example, it is illustrated that the first limiting structure (e.g., limiting structure 3 on the left side of FIG. 1) is disposed at or integrally formed with the first leg (e.g., leg 6 on the left side of FIG. 1) and the second limiting structure (e.g., limiting structure 3 on the right side of FIG. 1) is disposed at or integrally formed with the second leg (e.g., leg 6 on the right side of FIG. 1).

[0045] Referring in particular to FIGS. 1-3, in some exemplary embodiments, limiting structure 3 is hollow. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, limiting structure 3 is a sleeve or the like that is fixed at an upper end portion of leg 6 (e.g., an upper end portion of first segment 22 of leg 6). Limiting structure 3 and leg 6 receives at least a portion of support 21. In some exemplary embodiments, limiting structure 3 includes a protrusion, such as protrusion 31, on its interior surface. In some exemplary embodiments, the protrusion is integrally formed on the limiting structure. In some exemplary embodiments, the protrusion extends radially inward from the interior surface of the limiting structure. In some exemplary embodiments, protrusion 31 includes limiting surface 311 and limiting surface 312. In some exemplary embodiments, limiting surface 311 and limiting surface 312 are substantially flat and parallel to axis A2 or A.sub.3. In some exemplary embodiments, limiting surface 311 and limiting surface 312 are substantially perpendicular to each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For instance, limiting surface 311 and limiting surface 312 do not have to be perpendicular to each other.

[0046] In some exemplary embodiments, support 21 includes one or more exterior surfaces. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, support 21 include exterior surface 211 and exterior surface 212. In some exemplary embodiments, support 21 has a substantially D-shaped cross-section, e.g., exterior surface 211 being an arc surface and exterior surface 212 being substantially flat. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Exterior surface 211 does not have to be arched and exterior surface 212 does not have to be flat.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 3, when exterior surface 212 of support 21 abuts against limiting surface 312 of limiting structure 3, leg 6 is allowed to rotate counterclockwise but is not allowed to rotate clockwise. When exterior surface 212 of support 21 abuts against limiting surface 311 of limiting structure 3, leg 6 is allowed to rotate clockwise but is not allowed to rotate counterclockwise. As such, rotation of leg 6 is restrained within a range, i.e., between a desired closed position and a desired open position. In embodiments where exterior surface 212 of support 21 is substantially flat and limiting surfaces 311 and 312 of limiting structure 3 are substantially perpendicular to each other, rotation of leg 6 is limited to between 0? and 90?.

[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, table 100 includes an accessory member, such as accessory member 25. The accessory member is configured to be connected to the second segments of the first and second legs to help prevent the first leg from rotating around axis A2 and/or prevent the second leg from rotating around axis A.sub.3 when the table is in use. As such, the accessory member enhances the stability of the table. In some exemplary embodiments, the accessory member is removably connected to the second segment of the first leg, the second segment of the second leg, or both.

[0049] In some exemplary embodiments, the table is folded when the tabletop is in the folded position, the first leg is in the first closed position, and the second leg is in the second closed position as illustrated in FIG. 7. The table is unfolded when the tabletop is in the unfolded position, the first leg is in the first open position, and the second leg is in the second open position as illustrated in FIG. 4 (with or without accessory member 25 disclosed elsewhere herein).

[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, leg 6 includes one or more base elements, such as base element 231, disposed at second segment 23 of the leg. In some exemplary embodiments, leg 6 includes one base element disposed at each end portion of second segment 23 of the leg. In some exemplary embodiments, base element 231 is made of plastic, rubber or similar materials. In some exemplary embodiments, base element 231 is configured to protect the leg (e.g., reduce wear), increase the friction with the ground, enhance the stability of the table while in use, extend the life of the table, or any combination thereof.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, leg 6 is movable along support 21 and selectively lockable with support 21. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, support 21 and first segment 22 of leg 6 are telescopically connected to each other. One of support 21 and first segment 22 includes a plurality of positioning holes and the other of support 21 and first segment 22 includes a clamping element insertable into any one of the plurality of positioning holes. As a non-limiting example, FIGS. 1 and 3-5 illustrate that first segment 22 includes a plurality of positioning holes 221 along a length direction of first segment 22, and support 21 includes a clamping element 213 insertable into any one of the plurality of positioning holes 221. As another non-limiting example, FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate that support 21 includes a plurality of positioning holes 215 along a length direction of support 21, and first segment 22 includes a clamping element 225 insertable into any one of the plurality of positioning holes 215. The positioning holes can be disposed uniformly or nonuniformly, and the clamping element can be elastic or nonelastic. As such, the table can be placed at various different heights to meet different needs or preferences of users. It can be used in different occasions, in different places and for different purposes. This significantly improves the universality and usability of the table.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, in some exemplary embodiments, first support assembly 5 further includes a lateral support, such as support 26. In some exemplary embodiments, the lateral support is rotatably connected to the tabletop at or adjacent to an edge of the tabletop. In some exemplary embodiments, the first, second and lateral supports (e.g., two supports 21 and support 26) are formed of a substantially U-shaped unitary piece.

[0053] In some exemplary embodiments, table 100 includes a second support assembly, such as second support assembly 7. The second support assembly is connected to the tabletop and the first support assembly and is configured to define the unfolded position of the tabletop with respective to the first support assembly. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, tabletop 1 includes one or more slot sets, each having a plurality of slots 11, on an underside of the tabletop. Second support assembly 7 is configured to be selectively and removably connected to any one of the plurality of slots, thereby defining a plurality of unfolded positions of the tabletop with respective to the first support assembly.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7-9, in some exemplary embodiments, table 100 includes an accessory assembly, such as accessory assembly 4. The accessory assembly is slidably connected to the tabletop and movable between an extended position (illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8) and a contracted position (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 9) with respect to the tabletop. In some exemplary embodiments, the accessory assembly is a storage unit, for instance, configured to hold a cup and/or other items. When it is not needed, the accessory assembly can be moved inward and hidden under the tabletop. When it is needed, the accessory assembly can be moved outward to provide additional usable spaces.

[0055] The tables disclosed herein have a number of advantages. For instance, by limiting the rotation of the legs within the desired range, the tables of the present invention are more stable and more convenient to use. The tables of the present invention meet user needs and improve satisfaction. In some exemplary embodiments, the rotation of the legs are between 0??90?. By allowing the legs to move and selectively lock with the supports, the tables of the present invention can be placed at various different heights to meet different needs or preferences of users. The tables of the present invention have improved universality and usability. They can be used in different occasions, in different places and for different purposes.

[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting of the claims. As used in the description of the implementations and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that the terms interior or exterior, and etc. are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of such features as displayed in the figures. It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first support could be termed a second support, and, similarly, a second support could be termed a first support, without changing the meaning of the description, so long as all occurrences of the first support are renamed consistently and all occurrences of the second support are renamed consistently.