Foldable leg assembly

Abstract

A foldable table that provides a stable operational position in which the table legs may extend beyond the footprint of the table, and a folded, storage position in which the table legs may be tucked within the footprint of the table. An aspect provides table legs that may slide and pivot within sockets of a table top, to enable the legs to lock into the extended position and to also pivot flat against a horizontal undersurface of the table top.

Claims

1. A foldable leg assembly comprising: a socket, wherein the socket defines a rotational axis and a radial direction that is radial to the rotational axis, wherein the socket has a first face generally perpendicular to the rotational axis, and a second face opposite to the first face and generally perpendicular to the rotational axis, and wherein the first face defines a first opening and a first slot, and the second face defines a second opening and a second slot, the first opening having a first ledge, the second opening having a second ledge, and the first slot and the second slot extending generally radial to the rotational axis; and a leg attached to the socket, the leg comprising a head portion and an extension portion, wherein the head portion rotates around the rotational axis, and along the radial direction of the socket, from a folded position to an extended position, and has a first post and a first resilient tab and a second post and a second resilient tab, wherein the extension portion is configured to rest on a horizontal surface when in the extended position, wherein each of the first slot and the second slot is configured to extend in a generally vertical direction with respect to the horizontal surface and has a first lower end and a second upper end, wherein the first post of the head portion is disposed in and slidable within the first slot and the second post of the head portion is disposed in and slidable within the second slot, wherein in the folded position the first post is disposed at the first lower end of the first slot, the second post is disposed at the first lower end of the second slot, and the head portion is rotatable within the socket, wherein in the extended position the first post is disposed at the second upper end of the first slot, the second post is disposed at the second upper end of the second slot, and the head portion is rotationally fixed within the socket, wherein in the extended position the first resilient tab is disposed within the first opening and against the first ledge and the second resilient tab is disposed within the second opening and against the second ledge, to prevent movement of the head portion within the socket, wherein the first slot and the first ledge of the socket and the first post and the first resilient tab of the head portion are configured such that the first post is disposed at an uppermost position in the first slot when a distal end of the first resilient tab engages the first ledge of the socket, wherein the second slot and the second ledge of the socket and the second post and the second resilient tab of the head portion are configured such that the second post is disposed at an uppermost position in the second slot when a distal end of the second resilient tab engages the second ledge of the socket, and wherein the socket comprises a third face disposed generally in between the first face and the second face and wherein the first opening and the second opening are disposed at a narrowed section of an upper portion of the third face.

2. The foldable leg assembly of claim 1, further comprising a table top on which the socket is disposed, the table top having a first side and a second side when viewed from a top plan view, wherein the socket extends from the first side of the table top and is disposed adjacent to a corner of the table top when viewed from the top plan view, the corner defining where the first side meets the second side of the table top when viewed from the top plan view, wherein the first side is generally transverse to the second side, wherein the table top defines a recessed storage compartment that is recessed with respect to a top surface of the table top, wherein, at a bottom side of the table top, the recessed storage compartment has an outer side wall substantially parallel to the second side, an inner side wall substantially parallel to the second side, and a horizontal undersurface extending between the outer side wall and the inner side wall, wherein the extension portion of the leg defines a longitudinal hollow cavity, and wherein in the folded position the recessed storage compartment of the table top is disposed within the hollow cavity of the extension portion of the leg such that the extension portion of the leg is disposed over the outer side wall, the inner side wall, and the horizontal undersurface of the recessed storage compartment.

3. The foldable leg assembly of claim 2, wherein the extension portion of the leg includes an inner side, an outer side, and a transverse side extending between the inner side and the outer side, wherein the inner side, the transverse side, and the outer side provide an open construction defining the hollow cavity, and wherein in the folded position the outer side of the extension portion of the leg is disposed opposing the outer side wall of the recessed storage compartment, the inner side of the extension portion of the leg is disposed opposing the inner side wall of the recessed storage compartment, and the transverse side of the extension portion of the leg is disposed opposing the horizontal undersurface of the recessed storage compartment.

4. The foldable leg assembly of claim 2, wherein the second side of the table top defines an outside wall of the table top, wherein, at the bottom side of the table top, the table top defines a first channel between the outside wall of the table top and the outer side wall of the recessed storage compartment, and a second channel between the inner side wall of the recessed storage compartment and an adjacent central recessed storage compartment, wherein the first and second channels extend in a direction generally parallel to the second side, and wherein in the folded position the outer side of the extension portion of the leg is disposed inside the first channel and the inner side of the extension portion of the leg is disposed inside the second channel.

5. The foldable leg assembly of claim 1, wherein the first resilient tab and the second resilient tab are temporarily deflectable such that, from the extended position, a first force applied to the first resilient tab deflects the first resilient tab such that the first resilient tab clears the first ledge, and a second force applied to the second resilient tab deflects the second resilient tab such that the second resilient tab clears the second ledge, at which point the head portion of the first leg is movable in a direction away from the socket.

6. The foldable leg assembly of claim 5, wherein, in the extended position, the first resilient tab and the second resilient tab are configured in an opposing arrangement such that the first force and the second force generally oppose each other in a direction generally parallel to the rotational axis, and wherein the first resilient tab and the second resilient tab are configured such that simultaneous application of the first force and the second force releases the first resilient tab from the first ledge and the second resilient tab from the second ledge so that the head portion is movable in the direction away from the socket.

7. The foldable leg assembly of claim 1, further comprising a table top on which the socket is disposed, wherein the socket is disposed on, and protrudes beyond, a side of the table top when viewed from a top plan view, wherein, in the extended position, the first resilient tab is disposed within the first opening of the socket and beyond the side when viewed from the top plan view, and wherein the first face defining the first opening and a face of the first resilient tab disposed in the first opening are disposed generally transverse to the side.

8. The foldable leg assembly of claim 1, wherein the third face comprises a rounded face that is generally parallel to the first rotational axis.

9. The foldable leg assembly of claim 1, wherein the head portion has a first contact surface and an interior of the socket has a second contact surface, and wherein in the extended position the first contact surface and the second contact surface contact each other to prevent rotation of the head portion within the socket.

10. The foldable leg assembly of claim 1, wherein the first ledge of the first opening of the socket is spaced apart a first distance from an upper contacting surface of the first slot of the socket, wherein the distal end of the first resilient tab is spaced apart a second distance from an upper contacting surface of the first post of the head portion, wherein the first distance is substantially equal to the second distance, and wherein in the extended position there is simultaneous engagement of: the distal end of the first resilient tab and the first ledge of the first opening of the socket, and the upper contacting surface of the first post of the head portion and the upper contacting surface of the first slot of the socket.

11. The foldable leg assembly of claim 1, further comprising a table top on which the socket is disposed, wherein the socket is disposed adjacent to a corner of the table top when viewed from a top plan view, the corner having a first side and a second side when viewed from the top plan view, wherein the rotational axis is generally parallel to the first side and generally transverse to the second side, wherein the extension portion of the leg extends from the head portion at an angle outwardly with respect to the radial direction such that, in the extended position, the extension portion of the leg extends farther outwardly beyond the second side of the corner of the table top than if the extension portion were parallel to the radial direction, and wherein in the folded position the extension portion is generally parallel to the second side.

12. A foldable leg assembly comprising: a socket, wherein the socket defines a rotational axis and a radial direction that is radial to the rotational axis, wherein the socket has a first face generally perpendicular to the rotational axis, and a second face opposite to the first face and generally perpendicular to the rotational axis, wherein the first face defines a first opening and a first slot, and the second face defines a second opening and a second slot, the first opening having a first ledge, the second opening having a second ledge, and the first slot and the second slot extending generally radial to the rotational axis; and a leg attached to the socket, the leg comprising a head portion and an extension portion, wherein the head portion rotates around the rotational axis, and along the radial direction of the socket, from a folded position to an extended position, and has a first post and a first resilient tab and a second post and a second resilient tab, wherein each of the first slot and the second slot extends in a generally vertical direction with respect to a distal contact surface of the extension portion on which the foldable leg assembly rests in the extended position and has a first lower end and a second upper end, wherein the first post of the head portion is disposed in and slidable within the first slot and the second post of the head portion is disposed in and slidable within the second slot, wherein in the folded position the first post is disposed at the first lower end of the first slot, the second post is disposed at the first lower end of the second slot, and the head portion is rotatable within the socket, wherein in the extended position the first post is disposed at the second upper end of the first slot, the second post is disposed at the second upper end of the second slot, and the head portion is rotationally fixed within the socket, wherein in the extended position the first resilient tab is disposed within the first opening and against the first ledge and the second resilient tab is disposed within the second opening and against the second ledge, to prevent movement of the head portion away from the socket, wherein the first slot and the first ledge of the socket and the first post and the first resilient tab of the head portion are configured such that the first post is disposed at an uppermost position in the first slot when a distal end of the first resilient tab engages the first ledge of the socket, wherein the second slot and the second ledge of the socket and the second post and the second resilient tab of the head portion are configured such that the second post is disposed at an uppermost position in the second slot when a distal end of the second resilient tab engages the second ledge of the socket, and wherein the socket comprises a third face disposed generally in between the first face and the second face and wherein the first opening and the second opening are disposed at a narrowed section of an upper portion of the third face.

13. The foldable leg assembly of claim 12, wherein the first resilient tab and the second resilient tab are temporarily deflectable such that, from the extended position, a first force applied to the first resilient tab deflects the first resilient tab such that the first resilient tab clears the first ledge, and a second force applied to the second resilient tab deflects the second resilient tab such that the second resilient tab clears the second ledge, at which point the head portion of the leg is movable in a direction away from the socket.

14. The foldable leg assembly of claim 13, wherein, in the extended position, the first resilient tab and the second resilient tab are configured in an opposing arrangement such that the first force and the second force generally oppose each other in a direction generally parallel to the rotational axis, and wherein the first resilient tab and the second resilient tab are configured such that simultaneous application of the first force and the second force releases the first resilient tab from the first ledge and the second resilient tab from the second ledge so that the head portion is movable in the direction away from the socket.

15. The foldable leg assembly of claim 12, wherein in the extended position the socket has a lower opening facing in a direction toward the distal contact surface of the extension portion, and an upper exterior surface opposite to the lower opening and disposed between the first face and the second face, wherein the upper exterior surface is defined by the third face, wherein the head portion of the leg rotates within the lower opening of the socket, and wherein in the extended position the first resilient tab and the second resilient tab are visible and accessible from above the upper exterior surface of the socket.

16. The foldable leg assembly of claim 15, further comprising a table top on which the socket is disposed, wherein the socket is disposed adjacent to a corner of the table top when viewed from a top plan view, and wherein in the extended position the first resilient tab and the second resilient tab are visible and accessible from above the table top.

17. A method of operating a foldable leg assembly between a folded position and an extended position, the foldable leg assembly having a socket and a leg, the socket defining a rotational axis and a radial direction that is radial to the rotational axis, the method comprising: positioning the leg in the folded position within the socket, wherein the socket has a first face generally perpendicular to the rotational axis, and a second face opposite to the first face and generally perpendicular to the rotational axis, wherein the first face defines a first opening and a first slot, and the second face defines a second opening and a second slot, the first opening having a first ledge, the second opening having a second ledge, the first slot extending generally radial to the rotational axis from a first end to a second end, and the second slot extending generally radial to the rotational axis from a first end to a second end, wherein the leg comprises a head portion and an extension portion, wherein the head portion rotates around the rotational axis, and along the radial direction of the socket, from the folded position to the extended position, wherein a first side of the head portion has a first post and a first resilient tab and a second side of the head portion has a second post and a second resilient tab, wherein the extension portion is configured to rest on a horizontal surface when in the extended position, wherein each of the first slot and the second slot extends in a generally vertical direction with respect to the horizontal surface, wherein the first post of the head portion is disposed in and slidable within the first slot and the second post of the head portion is disposed in and slidable within the second slot, wherein in the folded position the first post is disposed at the first end of the first slot, the second post is disposed at the first end of the second slot, and the head portion is rotatable within the socket, wherein in the extended position the first post is disposed at the second end of the first slot, the second post is disposed at the second end of the second slot, and the head portion is rotationally fixed within the socket, wherein in the extended position the first resilient tab is disposed within the first opening and against the first ledge and the second resilient tab is disposed within the second opening and against the second ledge, to prevent movement of the head portion within the socket, wherein the first slot and the first ledge of the socket and the first post and the first resilient tab of the head portion are configured such that the first post is disposed at an uppermost position in the first slot when a distal end of the first resilient tab engages the first ledge of the socket, wherein the second slot and the second ledge of the socket and the second post and the second resilient tab of the head portion are configured such that the second post is disposed at an uppermost position in the second slot when a distal end of the second resilient tab engages the second ledge of the socket, and wherein the socket comprises a third face disposed generally in between the first face and the second face and wherein the first opening and the second opening are disposed at a narrowed section of an upper portion of the third face; rotating, from the folded position, keeping the first post disposed at the first end of the first slot and the second post disposed at the first end of the second slot, the leg within the socket in a first rotational direction around the rotational axis and along the radial direction toward the extended position, until the first resilient tab is aligned with the first opening along a longitudinal axis of the first slot and the second resilient tab is aligned with the second opening along a longitudinal axis of the second slot; and moving the head portion farther within the socket so that the first post moves to the second end of the first slot, the second post moves to the second end of the second slot, the first resilient tab engages the first opening, and the second resilient tab engages the second opening, thereby preventing translational and rotational movement of the head portion within the socket.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: applying a first force to the first resilient tab that deflects the first resilient tab such that the first resilient tab disengages with the first opening; applying a second force to the second resilient tab that deflects the second resilient tab such that the second resilient tab disengages with the second opening; moving the head portion in a direction away from the socket so that the first post moves to the first end of the first slot and the second post moves to the first end of the second slot; and rotating, keeping the first post disposed at the first end of the first slot and the second post disposed at the first end of the second slot, the leg within the socket in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, around the rotational axis and along the radial direction to the folded position.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein in the extended position the socket has a lower opening facing the horizontal surface on, and an upper exterior surface opposite to the lower opening and disposed between the first face and the second face, wherein the upper exterior surface is defined by the third face, wherein the head portion of the leg rotates within the lower opening of the socket, and wherein applying the first force to the first resilient tab and the second force to the second resilient tab comprises accessing the first resilient tab and the second resilient tab from above the upper exterior surface of the socket and squeezing the first resilient tab and the second resilient tab toward each other.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the third face comprises a rounded face that is generally parallel to the first rotational axis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

(2) FIG. 1.1 is a schematic diagram that depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a folding table in an operational position, with the legs in an extended position.

(3) FIG. 1.2 is a schematic diagram that depicts a plan view of the folding table shown in FIG. 1.1.

(4) FIG. 1.3 is a schematic diagram that depicts a bottom perspective view of the folding table shown in FIG. 1.1.

(5) FIG. 1.4 is a schematic diagram that depicts an embodiment of a folding table in an operational position in which the table legs are locked into place in an extended position.

(6) FIG. 1.5 is a schematic diagram that depicts an embodiment of the folding table of FIG. 1.4 in a release position.

(7) FIG. 1.6 is a schematic diagram that depicts an embodiment of the folding table of FIG. 1.4 in a folded position.

(8) FIG. 1.7 is a schematic diagram that depicts a plan view of a table top, to illustrate an embodiment of socket orientation.

(9) FIG. 2.1 is a schematic diagram that depicts a top perspective view of an embodiment of the table top of the folding table of FIG. 1.1.

(10) FIGS. 2.2 and 2.3 are schematic diagrams that depict bottom perspective views of the table top of FIG. 2.1.

(11) FIGS. 3.1 and 3.2 are schematic diagrams that depict a perspective view of embodiments of a first and a second table leg of the folding table depicted in FIG. 1.1.

(12) FIGS. 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5 are schematic diagrams that depict a bottom perspective view, a side view, and an end view, respectively, of the first table leg depicted in FIG. 3.1.

(13) FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram that depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a table top building surface and lock.

(14) FIGS. 5.1-5.4 are schematic diagrams that depict an embodiment of a table leg being locked into place in an extended position, with FIG. 5.1 depicting a plan view, with FIGS. 5.2 and 5.3 depicting partial cross-sectional views taken along line A-A of FIG. 5.1, and with FIG. 5.4 depicting a partial side view.

(15) FIGS. 6.1 and 6.2 are schematic diagrams that depict an embodiment of a table leg moved towards a release position, with FIG. 6.1 depicting a partial cross-sectional view corresponding generally to the view of FIG. 5.2, and with FIG. 6.2 depicting a partial side view.

(16) FIGS. 7.1 and 7.2 are schematic diagrams that depict an embodiment of a table leg rotated into a folded position, with FIG. 7.1 depicting a partial cross-sectional view corresponding generally to the view of FIG. 5.2, and with FIG. 7.2 depicting a partial side view.

(17) FIG. 8.1 is a schematic diagram of an isometric view of another embodiment of a table leg locked into place inside a socket in an extended position, with resilient tabs of the leg disposed at faces of the socket that are generally perpendicular to the pivot axis of the leg.

(18) FIG. 8.2 is a schematic diagram of a plan view of the table leg and socket depicted in FIG. 8.1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(19) FIGS. 1.1-1.3 depict views of an embodiment of a folding table 100 arranged in an operational configuration. The term folding table, as used herein, generally refers to a table that has components that are configured to fold against one another, such as legs that fold against a table top by pivoting around a pivot post in a socket. Among other features, folding table 100 may include a table top 104 and four legs 102. As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1.1-1.3, folding table 100 may be configured to accommodate a removable play surface 106, as discussed further below. The removable play surface may, for example, be a surface that includes vehicle tracks, such as train tracks. In some embodiments, the table top 104 may be configured for use with water or sand. In other embodiments, table top 104 may provide a plain table top surface, such as a substantially flat surface (e.g., a desk surface, a dry-erase marker board surface, or a blackboard surface).

(20) In the discussion to follow, similar, but not necessarily identical, features may be referred to by the same reference numeral. For example, the table top 104 and legs 102 of table 100 depicted in FIGS. 1.1-1.3 are similar to, but slightly differ from, their counterparts depicted in FIGS. 1.4-1.6.

(21) Table 100 may include provisions that facilitate both enhanced mechanical stability, as well as portability. As depicted in the top plan view of FIG. 1.2, the bottom portion 103 (distal portion) of each of legs 102 may extend outwardly, so as not to be directly under table top 104. This configuration may provide enhanced stability to table 100 in comparison to table structures in which the legs are substantially orthogonal to the table top and in which the bottom of each of the legs does not extend substantially outside the footprint of the table top, when observed in a plan view.

(22) As described further below, table 100 may further include provisions for folding and locking folding legs 102 into a storage position and for retaining legs 102 in a stable operational position. FIGS. 1.4-1.6 depict general aspects of the operation of an embodiment of a folding and locking mechanism. In FIG. 1.4, legs 102 are extended in an operational position. In FIG. 1.5, legs 102 are in a release position after being pulled downwardly with respect to sockets 112 and table top 104 (as represented by arrows 111), releasing legs 102 from the locked position. In FIG. 1.6, legs 102 are in a folded position, in which the legs are pivoted inwardly after being in the release position. Notably, the term leg 102 refers to a leg in a set of legs in which the features of each leg are generally the same, except that the symmetry of features can vary between legs. In other words, for example, one leg 102 can be a mirror image of another leg 102.

(23) Table top 104 may have a substantially square shape as observed in a plan view, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1.2. Other shapes (e.g., rectangular) and side contours are, of course, possible. For example, table top 104 may include nonlinear sides, such as sides that curve outward. Table top 104 may also include handles, such as a set of two handles 114 located between respective pairs of sockets 112, as shown in FIGS. 1.1-1.3, for example. A handle 114 may define an opening between the handle 114 and the table top 104, as shown, which may accommodate a user's fingers. The sides of table top 104 may also be curved when viewed from the side, such as the curved side 105 shown in FIGS. 1.1 and 1.3.

(24) Referring also to FIGS. 2.1-2.3, table top 104 may comprise a three dimensional shape having a recessed portion 110 whose sides 117 define a substantially square shape. Recessed portion 110 may also include a central pedestal portion 118. Recessed portion 110 may be configured to accommodate a table top play surface, such as play surface 106 illustrated in FIGS. 1.1-1.3.

(25) In plan view, as indicated in FIG. 1.2, sockets 112 may extend at an angle with respect to the sides 117, such that legs 102 extend beyond the footprint of table top 104 in both the X- and Y-directions. Table top 104 and legs 102 may each comprise a molded high strength plastic, made, for example, by a simple injection molding process. In some embodiments, such as that depicted in FIG. 3.4, an angle 311 formed by legs 102 may be about 10-20 degrees with respect to a vertical line 313 orthogonal to a horizontal surface 315 on which table 100 may be placed in an operational position. In one embodiment, angle 311 may be about 15 degrees. This configuration may allow table 100 to pass a tipping test in which the table remains upright when a 50 kg force is placed on the table top when the table top is at an incline of 15 degrees from horizontal, and to pass an overload test when an 80 kg force is applied to the table top when table 100 rests on a flat, horizontal surface.

(26) In extending legs 102 beyond the footprint of a table top 104 to provide improved mechanical stability, some embodiments may include provisions for orienting the sockets 112 with respect to each other. FIG. 1.7 illustrates an embodiment of socket orientation. As shown in the plan view of FIG. 1.7, a table top 104 may define an outer perimeter 170 and include a first side 171, a second side 172 opposite to the first side 171, and a plurality of sockets 173.1, 173.2, 173.3, and 173.4. As shown, first socket 173.1 may be disposed on the first side 171 and may define a first rotational axis 174.1 and a first radial direction 175.1 that is radial to the first rotational axis 174.2. Second socket 173.2 may be disposed on the first side 171 and may define a second rotational axis 174.2 and a second radial direction 175.2 that is radial to the second rotational axis 174.2. Third socket 173.3 may be disposed on the second side 172 and may define a third rotational axis 174.3 and a third radial direction 175.3 that is radial to the third rotational axis 174.3. Fourth socket 173.4 may be disposed on the second side 172 and may define a fourth rotational axis 174.4 and a fourth radial direction 175.4 that is radial to the fourth rotational axis 174.4.

(27) To provide the outward placement of legs 102, as shown, the first radial direction 175.1 and the second radial direction 175.2 may diverge from each other in a direction away from the table top 104 and converge in a direction toward the second side 172. Likewise, the third radial direction 175.3 and the fourth radial direction 175.4 may diverge from each other in a direction away from the table top 104 and converge in a direction toward the first side 171. The legs 102 attached to each of the sockets 173.1, 173.2, 173.3, and 173.4 may each include a head portion within the socket and an extension portion extending from the socket, with the head portion rotating around the rotational axis, and along the radial direction, of the respective socket, from a folded position to an extended position. In the folded position, the extension portion may be contained within the outer perimeter 170 of the table top in the plan view, and in the extended position, the extension portion of the legs 102 may extend beyond the outer perimeter 170 of the table top 104 in the respective radial directions, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 1.7. In embodiments, the extension portion may extend beyond the outer perimeter 170 of the table top 104 in the X-direction and/or the Y-direction.

(28) To provide stability and balance to a foldable table, some embodiments provide a symmetrical arrangement of sockets. For example, with reference to FIG. 1.7, a table top 104 may have a symmetrical polygon shape with sockets disposed symmetrically at the corners (in this case, symmetrical with respect to the Y-axis). For symmetry of the socket orientation, the first radial direction 175.1 may be substantially parallel to the third radial direction 175.3 and the second radial direction 175.2 may be substantially parallel to the fourth radial direction 175.4. To provide desirable stability, in some embodiments, the first radial direction 175.1, the second radial direction 175.2, the third radial direction 175.3, and the fourth radial direction 175.4 may be at an angle of about 5-20 degrees to a horizontal line (such as the X-axis) drawn from the first side 171 to the second side 172.

(29) In some embodiments, sockets of a table top may also include provisions for locking and releasing legs. For example, referring to FIGS. 1.1-1.6, each socket 112 of table top 104 may include a pair of opposing oblong slots 116 (e.g., U-shaped slots) arranged to accommodate legs 102 and to facilitate a pivoting and sliding motion of legs 102 with respect to table top 104. Referring again to FIG. 1.1 (see also FIG. 1.4 for a variant of socket 112), and also to FIG. 3.3, sockets 112 may accommodate a head portion 306 of legs 102 by enclosing posts 308 within oblong slots 116. Thus, in initially assembling the legs 102 and table top 104, legs 102 may be conveniently inserted into sockets 112 by flexing sockets 112 to accommodate posts 308 until the posts 308 snap into place inside U-shaped oblong slots 116. Head portion 306 and slots 116 may be configured such that head portion 306 can slide up and down along U-shaped oblong slots 116. In the operational position, as depicted in FIG. 1.1, posts 308 may be relatively upwardly disposed in U-shaped oblong slots 116. Referring also to FIGS. 2.2 and 3.3, in this configuration, top surface 307 of head portion 306 may be very near to or rest against a similarly shaped portion of the underside 125 of socket 112. Additionally, the vertical surface 309 may rest adjacent to a vertical surface in socket 112. The head portion 306 thus may be prevented from rotating with respect to socket 112.

(30) In addition, any weight placed upon table top 104 may tend to maintain the secured, operational configuration illustrated in FIG. 1.1.

(31) In some embodiments, a cooperating socket and leg may include only one slot and one post, instead of the two pairs shown in FIGS. 1.1-1.6 and 3.5, for example.

(32) Sockets 112 may be configured such that each leg 102 may be slid into a foldable position by sliding head portion 306 downwardly, wherein post 308 slides toward the bottom of oblong slot 116. In the foldable position, head portion 306 may be disposed far enough away from the underside of socket 112, such that the flat shaped top 307 may rotate freely, allowing head 306 to pivot around the axis of pivoting post 308 within the oblong slot 116. This configuration may allow the extension portions 304 of legs 102 to pivot underneath table top 104.

(33) In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1.1-1.3 and 3.1-3.5, legs 102 may be hollow and comprise a wider outer side 310, a narrower inner side 312, and a transverse side 322 in between the sides 310 and 312. The wider outer side 310 may also contribute to the stability of table 100. In some embodiments, legs 102 may be shaped so as to completely tuck within the footprint of table top 104 when folded. In some embodiments, the inner and outer side of legs 102 may be the same size.

(34) Referring to FIGS. 2.2 and 2.3, which depict views from underneath table top 104, a shallow inner channel 120 may be provided to accommodate narrower inner side 312 of leg 102, while a deeper outer channel 122 may be provided to accommodate wider outer side 310 of leg 102, when leg 102 is folded underneath table top 104. The open construction of the extension portion 304 of leg 102 defines a hollow cavity 305 (see FIG. 3.3) between the sides 310 and 312. Thus, when folded, a recessed portion 121 (see FIGS. 2.2 and 2.3) may be disposed within the hollow cavity 305, with the outer side 310 disposed inside the channel 122, the inner side 312 disposed inside channel 120, and the transverse side 322 disposed against the horizontal underside surface of recessed portion 121. Providing the slot 116 in the socket 112 may enable the post 308 of the leg 102 to move to the lowermost end of the slot 116 so that the leg 102 may pivot to position the extended portion 304 of the leg 102 substantially parallel to the horizontal undersurface of the recessed portion 121. This parallel arrangement may accommodate deep functional storage compartments in the table top, while still enabling the leg to lay flat against the underside of the table top, thereby providing a convenient, compact configuration of minimal depth, which eases transport and storage of the table top when the legs are in the folded position. For example, a table top may have functional storage compartments such as recessed portions 117 and 121, while still enabling compact stowing of the legs 102.

(35) Referring now to FIG. 3.5, in one embodiment, the lower extension portion 304 of leg 102 may be angled outwardly with respect to the vertical direction of head portion 306. This configuration may cause the distal portion 317 of leg 102 to extend further outwardly from the front of table top 104 than would be the case if the extension portion 304 were arranged parallel to the head (see the representative region 191 in FIG. 1.2), further adding to the stability of table 100.

(36) In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3.5, a leg 102 may include a locking mechanism 314 that may be configured to snap into a slot 124 provided in socket 112. This configuration may further prevent movement of leg 102 in the operational position, including rotational movement and movement in a downward direction away from the socket 112. Thus, to release the legs 102 from the operational position, a user may simultaneously press on mechanism 314 and pull down on leg 102. Locking mechanism 314 may be a resilient tab or button, for example.

(37) FIGS. 5.1-7.2 depict further details of the operation of embodiments of a locking and folding mechanism operable on a foldable table. Referring also to FIGS. 1.4-1.6, FIGS. 5.1-5.4 depict the configuration of a socket 512 and table leg 504 that generally correspond to the operational position of table 100 depicted in FIG. 1.4; FIGS. 6.1-6.2 depict the socket and leg configuration corresponding to the table position depicted in FIG. 1.5; and FIGS. 7.1-7.2 depict the socket and leg configuration corresponding to the table position depicted in FIG. 1.6.

(38) FIG. 5.1 depicts the configuration of a table leg 504 when locked into place in an extended position, according to one embodiment. FIG. 5.2 depicts, in a cross-section taken along line A-A of FIG. 5.1, the configuration of leg 504 as it moves in the general direction represented by arrow 515 and locks into place in socket 512 of table top 501. A ledge 506 in the top of leg 504 may engage a ridge 508 in socket 512, preventing rotation of leg 504. A resilient tab 514 of the leg 504 may be deflected to pass by a ledge 516 of socket 512. Further upward movement of leg 504 to the position depicted in FIG. 5.3, may cause resilient tab 514 to snap into place within opening 517 of socket 512 and rest against the ledge 516 in opening 517, further securing leg 504 from movement, including rotational movement and movement in a downward direction away from socket 512. As shown in the partial view of FIG. 5.4, in the locked position, post 608 may be at an uppermost point of the slot 616 of socket 512.

(39) FIGS. 6.1-6.2 depict the situation in which leg 504 is moved towards a release position with respect to socket 512 of table top 501. To reach this release position, resilient tab 514 may be deflected inward so that its distal end 519 clears ledge 516, thereby enabling leg 504 to move in a direction generally away from socket 512 as represented by arrow 521. In the release position, leg 504 may then freely rotate within socket 512. As shown in the partial view of FIG. 6.2, in the release position, post 608 may be at a lowermost point of the slot 616 of socket 512.

(40) FIGS. 7.1-7.2 depict the situation in which leg 504 is rotated into a folded position. As shown, resilient tab 514 may be rotated well past ledge 516 so that the leg 504 may be tucked underneath the table top 501. As shown in the partial view of FIG. 7.2, in the folded position, post 608 may be at a lowermost point of the slot 616 of socket 512. The movement of post 608 to the lowermost point enables the leg 504 to fully pivot (e.g., 90 degrees or more) to compactly stow leg 504 flat up against the underside of table top 501.

(41) Although FIGS. 5.1-5.3, 6.1, and 7.1 illustrate an embodiment of a socket 512 in which one opening 517 (which cooperates with resilient tab 514) may be disposed on a face 523 of the socket 512 that is generally parallel to the pivot axis of the socket 512 and leg 504, alternative embodiments may position an opening in other locations, and may include multiple openings. For example, with reference to FIG. 5.1, an opening on the socket that cooperates with a resilient tab on the leg may be positioned on either or both of faces 525 and 527, which are generally perpendicular to the pivot axis of the socket 512 and leg 504. In some embodiments, openings and cooperating resilient tabs may be provided in multiple locations, including faces parallel and perpendicular to the pivot axis of the socket and leg, as well as faces in positions between parallel and perpendicular.

(42) FIGS. 8.1 and 8.2 illustrate an embodiment of a socket and leg having two sets of openings and resilient tabs. As shown, socket 812 may include a first opening 814 on a first face 816 that may be generally perpendicular to the pivot axis of the socket 812 and leg 804, and a second opening 818 on a second face 820 that may be generally opposite to the first face 816 and may also be generally perpendicular to the pivot axis of the socket 812 and leg 804. Socket 812 may include a rounded third face 822 that may be generally parallel to the pivot axis of the socket 812 and leg 804. Leg 804 may include a first resilient tab 826 and a second resilient tab 828 that may cooperate with the first opening 814 and the second opening 818, respectively. Similar to the opening and resilient tab mechanism disclosed with reference to FIGS. 5.1-7.2, resilient tabs 826 and 828 may have a distal end 830 that cooperates with a ledge 832 of the socket 812. Resilient tabs 826 and 828 may also have ridges 834 that may provide a convenient surface for a user to grip the tabs with the user's fingers. The opposing arrangement of the resilient tabs may also conveniently enable the user to simultaneously grip the opposing tabs with a thumb and opposing finger, and squeeze the tabs toward each other in a direction generally parallel to the pivot axis of socket 812 and leg 804. FIG. 8.2 illustrates an embodiment of an opposing arrangement of resilient tabs, which may be positioned along a narrowed section of the rounded third face 822.

(43) In moving leg 804 from a folded position into the locked position shown in FIGS. 8.1 and 8.2, the leg 804 may be pivoted around posts 836, with the posts 836 in a lowermost position in slots 838. As the leg 804 is pivoted, the resilient tabs 826 and 828 may be enclosed within socket 812. After the leg 804 is fully pivoted, for example, such that an outer surface of the leg 804 contacts an inner surface of the socket 812 (e.g., similar to ledge 506 engaging ridge 508 in FIG. 5.2), the leg 804 may be moved upward into the socket 812 until the posts 836 are in an uppermost position of slots 838, as shown in FIG. 8.1. As the posts 836 reach the uppermost position, the resilient tabs 826 and 828 may deflect inwardly toward each other so that the distal ends 830 of the tabs 826 and 828 clear the ledges 832 of the socket 812. After clearing the ledges 832, the resilient tabs 826 and 828 may snap back, with the distal ends 830 positioned over the ledges 832, thereby locking the leg 804 into position within the socket 812, and preventing movement of leg 804, including rotational movement and movement in a downward direction generally away from socket 812. To release the leg 804, a user may conveniently squeeze the resilient tabs 826 and 828 toward each other so that the distal ends 830 clear the ledges 832, enabling the leg 804 to slide downward away from the socket 812. The leg 804 may slide downward until the posts 836 reach the lowermost position in slots 838, at which point the leg 804 may be pivoted to fold underneath the table.

(44) FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a play surface 106, which comprises four play surface plates 108. Play surface plates 108 may be configured to fasten to table top 104 using lock 402. Lock 402 may be configured to engage inner recesses 404 and fasten each plate 108 onto pedestal 118 (see FIG. 2.1). In some embodiments lock 402 may be a threaded rod with a handle, which may be received within a corresponding threaded opening in the pedestal 118. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2.1, table top 104 may include in each corner a tab 115 that fits over the top of an outer recess 406 of plate 108, and perimeter shelves 119 on which the ends of the plates 108 may rest. As shown in the configuration of FIG. 4, each play surface plate 108 may include a plurality of building surfaces 408 (e.g., posts) and a track 410. Thus, a user may assemble the play surface plates 108 into the configuration shown in FIG. 1.1 to use as a construction surface and play surface that can accommodate construction blocks and vehicles, for example.

(45) Although embodiments disclosed herein relate to folding children's play tables, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the table top construction and folding leg construction of the present invention could be applied to any number of standing structures, such as kitchen tables, dining room tables, picnic tables, desks, and chairs. Therefore, notwithstanding the particular benefits associated with using the present invention with children's play tables, the present invention should be considered broadly applicable to any structure with folding members, such as legs.

(46) The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.

(47) Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.