Folding table

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding table (2) comprising a table top (4) having a substantially horizontal planar extent in an operational state, and a plurality of table legs (6, 8) attached to the table top (4). The table top (4) can be swiveled relative to the table legs (6, 8) about a first axis of rotation (10) into an inoperative state, in which the table top (4) has a planar extent that deviates from the horizontal planar extent. At least one of the table legs (6) can be swiveled from an unfolded position about a second axis of rotation (12), which deviates from the first axis of rotation (10), into a folded position. Proposition is made for the table (2) to have an actuating linkage (36), which couples the table top (4) to the at least one swivel table leg (6) in such a way that a transition of the table top (4) from the operational state to the inoperative state also automatically swivels the at least one swivel table leg (6) from the unfolded position to the folded position.

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. A folding table, comprising: a table top having a substantially horizontal planar extent in an operational state; a plurality of table legs attached to the table top such that the table top can be swiveled relative to the plurality of table legs about a first axis of rotation from the operational state into an inoperative state in which the table top has a planar extent deviating from the horizontal planar extent, wherein the plurality of table legs includes at least one swivel table leg that can be swiveled about a second axis of rotation from an unfolded position into a folded position, the second axis of rotation deviating from the first axis of rotation; and an actuating linkage coupling the table top to the at least one swivel table leg such that a transition of the table top from the operational state to the inoperative state also automatically swivels the at least one swivel table leg from the unfolded position to the folded position.

19. The folding table of claim 18, wherein: the actuating linkage includes an actuating rod having a first end articulated on the table top at a distance from the first axis of rotation and a second end articulated on the swivel table leg at a distance from the second axis of rotation.

20. The folding table of claim 19, wherein: the at least one swivel table leg is adjustable in length.

21. The folding table of claim 19, wherein: the first end of the actuating rod is articulated on an underside of the table top by a fork joint, a ball joint or a universal joint.

22. The folding table of claim 21, wherein: the fork joint, the ball joint or the universal joint is rotatably mounted to the table top in a plane extending parallel to the planar extent of the table top.

23. The folding table of claim 19, wherein: the second end of the actuating rod is articulated on the swivel table leg by a fork joint, a ball joint or a universal joint.

24. The folding table of claim 18, wherein: the deviating planar extent of the table top in the inoperative state is an essentially vertical planar extent.

25. The folding table of claim 18, wherein: the first axis of rotation extends horizontally parallel to the planar extent of the table top.

26. The folding table of claim 18, wherein: during movement of the at least one swivel table leg from the unfolded position to the folded position, the at least one swivel table leg swivels about the second axis of rotation in a direction towards the table top in the inoperative state.

27. The folding table of claim 18, wherein: the second axis of rotation extends substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation.

28. The folding table of claim 18, wherein: the at least one swivel table leg includes a support surface configured to support an underside of the table top in the operational state.

29. The folding table of claim 28, wherein: the at least one swivel table leg and/or the tabletop includes a screw or bolt, a latching or snap-in lock, or a bayonet lock configured to secure the table top in its operational state at the support surface.

30. The folding table of claim 18, further comprising: a stop operably associated with the at least one swivel table leg to limit a swivel motion of the swivel table leg from the unfolded position into the folded position.

31. The folding table of claim 18, wherein: the at least one swivel table leg includes two swivel table legs; and the plurality of table legs further includes two non-swivel table legs.

32. The folding table of claim 31, wherein: the swivel table legs can be swiveled from their unfolded position into their folded position about the same second axis of rotation.

33. The folding table of claim 31, wherein: contact points of the swivel table legs with a floor on which the table stands are disposed on a same side of the table top in its inoperative state as viewed from above in the folded position of the swivel table legs.

34. The folding table of claim 31, wherein: the table top in its inoperative state as viewed from above is disposed between contact points of the non-swivel table legs with a floor on which the table stands, and contact points of the swivel table legs with the floor, the contact points of the non-swivel table legs being on an opposite side of the table top from the contact points of the swivel table legs.

Description

[0026] Further features and advantages of this invention are explained in more detail below on the basis of the figures. It should be noted that individual features shown in the figures may also be essential features of the invention on their own, even if this is not shown in the figures and not expressly mentioned in the description below. It should also be noted that the features shown in the figures can be combined with each other in any way, even if such a combination is not shown in the figures and is not expressly mentioned in the description. In the drawings:

[0027] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view from diagonally above of a table according to the invention in a collapsed state;

[0028] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view from the side of the table of FIG. 1 in an opened state;

[0029] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged section of the table of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 4 shows a side view of two tables of FIG. 1 disposed side by side; and

[0031] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the tables of FIG. 4.

[0032] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example of a folding table 2 according to the invention in a folded state (cf. FIG. 1) and in an unfolded state (cf. FIG. 2), respectively. The table 2 comprises a table top 4, which in an operational state (cf. FIG. 2) has an essentially horizontal planar extent. In addition, the table 2 comprises a plurality of table legs 6, 8 attached to the table top 4.

[0033] In the example, the table top 4 is designed as a round table top. However, it can of course also have any other shape, e.g., oval, square or rectangular. Further, the table top 4 may be made of any material, including wood, metal, glass and/or stone, as well as any composite materials.

[0034] From the operational state, the table top 4 can be swiveled relative to the table legs 6, 8 about a first axis of rotation 10 into an inoperative state (cf. FIG. 1), in which the table top 4 has a planar extent that deviates from the horizontal planar extent. In the example shown, the deviating planar extent is an essentially vertical planar extent. However, the deviating planar extent can also be any other inclined planar extent.

[0035] In the example shown, two table legs 6 can be swiveled from an unfolded position (cf. FIG. 2) of the opened table 2 about a second axis of rotation 12, which deviates from the first axis of rotation 10, into a folded position (cf. FIG. 1) of the collapsed table 2. The two swivel table legs 6 are adjacent table legs. In the example, both table legs 6 swivel about the same second axis of rotation 12. However, it would also be conceivable for every swivel table leg 6 to swivel about its own second axis of rotation 12. A plurality of second axes of rotation 12 preferably extend in parallel to each other.

[0036] Furthermore, the table 2 comprises two fixed or non-swivel table legs 8. The table 2 therefore has a total of four table legs 6, 8. The two non-swivel table legs 8 are also adjacent table legs.

[0037] In the example shown, the fixed table legs 8 are attached to at least one support element 14, which in the example is U-shaped. The first axis of rotation 10 is formed at the distal ends of the U-shaped support element 14. The axis of rotation 10 is formed, for instance, by a rod 16 attached to the distal ends of the U-shaped support element 14, the ends of which are guided in bearing elements 18 (or hinge blocks) attached to the table top 4. In this example, the bearing elements 18 are not fastened directly to the table top 4, but indirectly, namely first to a fastening plate 20, which in turn is fastened to the underside of the table top 4, for instance by means of screws or bolts 22 or in another manner.

[0038] A kinematic reversal would of course also be possible, in which case the bearing elements 18 would be attached directly or indirectly at the support element 14 and the rod 16 would be attached directly or indirectly at the table top 4.

[0039] The table legs 6, 8 are essentially L-shaped. A first flank 6a, 8a of the L-shape extends approximately in parallel to the second axis of rotation 12. A second flank 6b, 8b of the L-shape extends radially outwards from a central area of the table 2. The two flanks 6a, 6b and 8a, 8b are at an angle of approximately 90 to each other. Preferably, they are at an angle greater than 90 to each other, such that the second flanks 6b, 8b of the table legs 6, 8 extend radially outwards and diagonally downwards from the central area of the table 2.

[0040] Contact points 24 are formed at the distal ends of the table legs 6, 8, via which contact points the table legs 6, 8 stand on a preferably even ground 26. The contact points 24 can have castors 28, each of which can be rotated about its axis of rotation 30 and which can be used to trundle the table 2 across a floor. At least some of the castors 28 can be designed as swivel castors, each of which is freely rotatable not only about its axis of rotation 30, but also about a substantially vertical swivel axis 32. At least one of the castors 28 can have an actuatable braking element 29, which prevents or blocks or brakes rotation of the castor 28 about its axis of rotation 30 upon actuation. In the example shown, only the swivel castors 28 disposed at the fixed table legs 8 have a brake element 29.

[0041] The swivel table legs 6 are swiveled about the second axis of rotation 12 with respect to the table top 4 or the fixed table legs 8. For this purpose, bearing elements are attached to the fixed table legs 8 or to a component attached thereto, e.g., to the U-shaped support element 14. Corresponding tabs 34 are formed at the swivel table legs 6, each having a guide opening. It is conceivable that a guide pin is formed on the bearing element, which is inserted through the guide opening of the tabs 34. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the bearing elements also have a guide opening and that separate guide pins are inserted through the guide openings of the bearing elements and the tabs 34. In any case, the swivel table legs 8 are hinged to the fixed table legs 6 in a swiveling manner about the second axis of rotation 12.

[0042] The invention makes proposition for the table 2 to have an actuating linkage 36, which couples the table top 4 to the swivel table legs 6 in such a way that a transition of the table top 4 from the operational state (cf. FIG. 2) to the inoperative state (cf. FIG. 1) automatically also swivels the swivel table legs 6 from the unfolded position (cf. FIG. 2) to the folded position (cf. FIG. 1).

[0043] The table top 4 can therefore no longer be swiveled about the first axis of rotation 10 independently of the swivel table legs 6 or, conversely, the swivel table legs 6 can no longer be swiveled about the second axis of rotation 12 independently of the table top 4.

[0044] In a similar manner, the invention also has the specified features and advantages for unfolding the table 2, i.e., for swiveling the table top 4 from the inoperative state (cf. FIG. 1) to the operational state (cf. FIG. 2) about the first axis of rotation 10 and for swiveling the swivel table legs 6 from the folded position (cf. FIG. 1) to the unfolded position (cf. FIG. 2).

[0045] Preferably, the actuating linkage 36 comprises an actuating rod 38 assigned to the swivel table leg 6 for every swivel table leg 6. The actuating rod is hinged on the one hand at the table top 4 or the mounting plate 20 at a distance 40 (cf. FIG. 3) from the first axis of rotation 10 and on the other hand at the swivel table leg 6 at a distance 42 (cf. FIG. 3) from the second axis of rotation 12. The articulation of the actuating rod 38 on the one hand at the table top 4 eccentrically to the first axis of rotation 10 and on the other hand at the assigned swivel table leg 6 eccentrically to the second axis of rotation 12 has the effect that a transition of the table top 4 from the operational state (cf. FIG. 2) to the inoperative state (cf. FIG. 1) also automatically swivels the assigned swivel table leg 6 from the unfolded position to the folded position.

[0046] The distance 40 from the first axis of rotation 10, at which the actuating rod 38 is hinged to the table top 4, may be, but does not have to be, identical to the distance 42 from the second axis of rotation 12, at which the actuating rod 38 is hinged to the assigned swivel table leg 6. Preferably, the distance 40, at which the actuating rod 38 is hinged to the table top 4, is greater than the distance 42, at which the actuating rod 38 is hinged to the assigned swivel table leg 6. As a result, the swivel motion of the table top 4 is greater than the swivel motion of the swivel table legs 6. The swivel motion of the table top 4 between the operational state with the essentially horizontal planar extent and the inoperative state with the essentially vertical planar extent can be 90, for instance. At the same time, the swivel motion of a swivel table leg 6 between the unfolded position and the folded position is, for instance, only 45.

[0047] A lever element 48 is attached to an upper distal end of the swivel table leg 6 to prevent it from rotating. Lever elements 48 extend substantially radially outwards from the second axis of rotation 12, preferably congruently with the second flanks 6b of the table legs 6. A swiveling of the lever elements 48 about the second axis of rotation 12 thus inevitably leads to a matching swiveling of the table legs 6 about the axis of rotation 12. The actuating rods 38 are hinged to the lever elements 48 at a distance 42 from the second axis of rotation 12.

[0048] To set and adjust the reference of the table top 4 to the swivel table legs 6, proposition is made for the actuating rods 38 to be adjustable in length. In the example shown, this is achieved by the actuating rods 38 each being hinged to the table top 4 or to the assigned swivel table leg 6 via one or more suitable joints 44, 46. Matching threads are formed at at least one end of the actuating rods 38 and at the joint(s) 44, 46. The thread can be used to attach the actuating rod 38 to the joint(s) 44, 46 At the same time, the actuating rod 38 can be screwed or bolted to the joint(s) 44, 46 to a greater or lesser extent, thereby varying or setting the length of the actuating rod 38.

[0049] A first end of each of the actuating rods 38 is hinged to the table top 4, preferably to the underside of the table top 4, by means of a first joint 44. The first joint 44 is designed, for instance, as a revolute joint or fork joint, a universal joint or a ball joint. In the example shown, the first joint 44 is designed as a universal joint.

[0050] The first joint 44 is preferably rotatably mounted at the table top 4 or at the mounting plate 20 in a plane that extends in parallel to the planar extent of the table top 4. The joint 44 is therefore mounted at the table top 4 so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation extends perpendicular to a planar extent of the table top 4. This prevents mechanical stresses in the actuating rod 38 and/or the joints 44, 46 when the table 2 is folded or unfolded.

[0051] A second joint 46 is used to hinge the second end of every actuating rod 38 to the assigned swivel table leg 6. The second joint 46 is designed, for instance, as a revolute joint or fork joint, a universal joint or a ball joint. In the example shown, the second joint 46 is designed as a ball joint.

[0052] It would be conceivable to manufacture the actuating rods 38 from an elastically deformable material. The deformation of the actuating rods 38 could reduce stresses that can occur in the actuating rods 38 and/or the joints 44, 46 when the table 2 is folded or unfolded. It may even be possible in this way to use simpler and more compact joints 44, 46 having a smaller number of degrees of freedom or a smaller number of motions.

[0053] The first axis of rotation 10 preferably has a horizontal extent in parallel to the planar extent of the table top 4. The first axis of rotation 10 preferably extends at a distance from a geometric center of gravity 48 of the table top 4. The axes of rotation 10, 12 are preferably spaced apart and transverse, particularly preferably perpendicular, to each other.

[0054] When the swivel table legs 6 swivel about the second axis of rotation 12 during the transition from the unfolded position (cf. FIG. 2) to the folded position (cf. FIG. 1), they move towards the table top 4, which is in its inoperative state. This reduces the footprint of the table 2 and makes it easier to transport, e.g. because it now fits through doors or narrow corridors. It is also easier to store the collapsed table 2, as it requires less space or floor space in the collapsed state (cf. FIG. 1) than in the opened state (cf. FIG. 2).

[0055] Each of the swivel table legs 6 is preferably assigned a support surface 50, on which the underside of the table top 4 in its operational state or of the mounting plate 20 comes to rest. Damping elements (not shown) can be disposed on the support surfaces 50 to enable the table 2 to be unfold silently and to prevent the underside of the table top 4 from being scratched. In the example shown, the bearing surfaces 50 are formed on distal end sections of the lever elements 48.

[0056] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the swivel table legs 6 and/or the table top 4 are assigned securing means 52, which are designed to secure the table top 4 in its operational state on the or every support surface 50. The securing means 52 can, for instance, be in the form of a screw, a bolt, a latching or snap-in lock, or a bayonet catch. In the example shown, the securing means 52 are formed at least indirectly at the swivel table legs 6. In particular, the securing means 52 are formed on the lever elements 48.

[0057] Furthermore, in the example shown, the securing means 52 are integrated into the contact surfaces 50. However, it would also be conceivable for the securing means 52 to be formed separately from the support surfaces 50 at a different point on the swivel table legs 6 or the lever elements 48.

[0058] In particular, proposition is made for the securing means 52 to each have an actuating element 54 assigned to the swivel table leg 6 and matching openings 56 on the underside of the table top 4 or the mounting plate 20, with which openings the actuating element 54 can engage in a detachable manner. In particular, the actuating element 54 comprises a bayonet-like pin 58, which can enter the matching opening 56 in a certain position. By actuating the actuating element 54, the pin 58 can be rotated and immobilized in the opening 56. This secures the table top 4 in the operational state. When the engagement between the pin 58 and one edge of the opening 56 is released by actuating the actuating element 54, the safety catch is released and the table top 4 can be swiveled to its inoperative state.

[0059] Of course, spring-loaded securing means that are automatically activated as soon as the table top 4 is in the inoperative state would also be conceivable. The safety catch would then be released against a spring force. The spring-loaded securing means could also be released by means of an actuating element. One example of such securing means are snap-in or latching connections.

[0060] In addition, proposition is made for at least one of the swivel table legs 6 to be assigned to a stop 60 (cf. FIG. 3), which limits a swivel motion of the swivel table leg 6 from the unfolded position to the folded position. In the example, both table legs 6 are each assigned a stop 60. In the example, the stops 60 are formed on a lateral face of the U-shaped support element 14 facing the lever elements 48 and interact with matching lateral faces of the lever elements 48 when the table legs 6 are folded. By limiting the swivel motion of the swivel table legs 6, the swivel motion of the table top 4 is also limited due to the coupling by the actuating linkage 36. Moreover, due to the coupling of the swivel table legs 6 via the actuating linkage 36 and the table top 4, it is sufficient if such a stop 60 is assigned to only one of several swivel table legs 6. Preferably, however, one such stop 60 each is assigned to all swivel table legs 6.

[0061] When the table 2 is in the opened state, the second flanks 6b, 8b of the table legs 6, 8 or the contact points 24 are spaced apart by approximately 90 relative each other in the circumferential direction. When the table 2 is in the collapsed state, the second flanks 8b of the fixed table legs 8 or the matching contact points 24 are still spaced apart approximately 90 from each other in the circumferential direction. The second flanks 6b of the swivel table legs 6 or the corresponding contact points 24 are then spaced apart approximately 180 from each other in the circumferential direction. The distance in the circumferential direction between a second flank 6b of a swivel table leg 6 and a second flank 8b of an adjacent fixed table leg 8 is then approximately 45.

[0062] It goes without saying that these figures are only by way of example. In particular, a different number of table legs 6, 8 results in different numerical values. It is also conceivable that, in the example shown, the distance between the second flanks 6b of the swivel table legs 6 or the matching contact points 24 is less than 180 in the circumferential direction when the table 2 is collapsed. Accordingly, the distance in the circumferential direction between a second flank 6b of a swivel table leg 6 and a second flank 8b of an adjacent fixed table leg 8 would be greater than 45.

[0063] In the collapsed state of the table 2 (cf. FIG. 1), the two fixed table legs 8 remain in their fixed unfolded position while the two swivel table legs 6 swivel into the folded position.

[0064] The distance in the circumferential direction between the two swivel table legs 6 is increased, while the distance in the circumferential direction between the swivel table legs 6 and the adjacent fixed table legs 8 is decreased. In the collapsed table 2 (cf. FIG. 1), the swivel table legs 6 therefore fold in the direction of the fixed table legs 8, which significantly reduces the footprint of the table 2. At the same time, the fixed table legs 8, which are still unfolded, ensure that there is a sufficiently large footprint even when the table 2 is in its collapsed state, such that the table 2 can stand alone on the floor 26 even when in its collapsed state. This is particularly advantageous if castors 28 or wheels are disposed at the contact points 24 of the table legs 6, 8 with the floor 26, as the table 2 can then be easily and quickly pushed to a desired position on the base 26 even in its collapsed state. There is no risk of the collapsed table 2 tipping over due to the sufficiently large footprint.

[0065] As can be seen from FIG. 1, in the example shown, the contact points 24 of the swivel table legs 6 on a floor 26, on which the table 2 stands, are disposed on the same side of the table top 4, which is in its inoperative state, when viewed from above in the folded position. The contact points 24 of the fixed table legs 8 are disposed on the opposite side of the table top 4, which is in the inoperative state. This structure with the table top 4 disposed between the contact points 24 of the table legs 6, 8 in the inoperative state ensures a balanced and stable stand of the collapsed table 2.

[0066] In the example in FIGS. 1 and 2, the table 2 according to the invention is shown with a round table top 4. Together with the L-shaped angled table legs 6, 8, this results in the first flanks 6a, 8a of the table legs 6, 8 being disposed essentially in parallel to each other and relatively close together (so-called central foot). This configuration could be provided for a table 2 having a square table top 4 in the same way. In the case of a tabletop 4 having an elongated extent, e.g. an oval or rectangular tabletop 4, it would be conceivable that the support element 14 also has a greater longitudinal extent in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the tabletop 4, such that the fixed table legs 8 are at a greater distance from one another than shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the same way, there would also be a greater distance between the swivel table legs 6, which distance is preferably equal to the distance between the fixed table legs 8. In that case, the second axes of rotation 12 of the swivel table legs 6 would also be spaced apart.

[0067] In this case, the rod 16 attached to the support element and the first axis of rotation 10 extending therethrough could also be longer than shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Accordingly, the bearing elements 18 attached to the table top 4 would be at a greater distance from each other. For the observer, a table 2 having an elongated table top 4 thus has two pairs of legs spaced apart in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the table top 4, each comprising a fixed table leg 8 and a swivel table leg 6 hinged thereto. The operating principle described above and the coupling between the table top 4, which can swivel about the axis of rotation 10, and the table legs 6, which can swivel about at least one axis of rotation 12, are preserved.

[0068] FIGS. 3 and 4 show two folded tables 2, 2, one viewed from the side and the other from above. The same reference symbols are used for the components of the first table 2 as are used in FIGS. 1 to 3. For the similar components of the second table 2, the reference signs in FIGS. 1 to 3 have been provided with an apostrophe.

[0069] Viewed from above, the two tables 2, 2 are disposed offset from one another by an offset 62 such that the folded swivel table legs 6 or the matching contact points 24 of the first table 2 engage between the fixed table legs 8 or its second flanks 8b. The table tops 4, 4 of the two tables 2, 2 extend in parallel to each other. A distance 64 between the table tops 4, 4 is smaller than the distance between the contact points 24, 24 of the fixed legs 8, 8 of the tables 2, 2 and the second flanks 6b, 6b of the swivel legs 6, 6 in their folded position. In this way, the collapsed tables 2, 2 can be disposed nested next to each other, which saves additional space.