Folding Table with Storage Function

Abstract

The present invention discloses a folding table with storage functionality, comprising a tabletop with a through-hole, and a storage basin is installed on the tabletop within the through-hole. The storage basin is designed to extend and retract vertically, allowing it to switch between an expanded storage state and a folded compact state. When in the folded state, the storage basin fits within the through-hole without affecting the normal use or folding of the tabletop.

Claims

1-10. (canceled)

11. A folding table with built-in storage, comprising: a tabletop (1); foldable table legs (13); and a storage basin (2) installed on the tabletop (1), wherein the tabletop (1) defines a through-hole (1a) configured to receive the storage basin (2), wherein the storage basin (2) comprises an extendable folding basin configurable between an expanded storage state and a folded compact state, and wherein, in the folded compact state, the storage basin (2) fits within the through-hole (1a) without interfering with normal use or folding of the tabletop (1).

12. The folding table of claim 11, further comprising a basin lid (4) configured to cover the storage basin (2), wherein, when the folding table is in a folded state, the basin lid (4) is detachably storable at a bottom of the tabletop (1).

13. The folding table of claim 11, wherein the storage basin (2) comprises a bottom section (21) and a surrounding side section (22), the surrounding side section (22) including a top ring part (221) attached to the tabletop (1) and at least partially flexible sidewall parts (222) foldable upward and downward to form the expanded or folded state.

14. The folding table of claim 13, wherein the sidewall part (222) is inclined outward from bottom to top to facilitate upward folding for storage or downward unfolding for use, and wherein, when folded, the sidewall part (222) remains flush or substantially flush with a surface of the tabletop (1).

15. The folding table of claim 13, wherein the sidewall part (222) comprises an upper sidewall (2b1), a lower sidewall (2b2), and an adjustable sleeve (2b3) positioned between the upper sidewall (2b1) and the lower sidewall (2b2), wherein the upper sidewall (2b1) is flexible and connects the top ring part (221) to the adjustable sleeve (2b3), wherein the lower sidewall (2b2) is flexible and connects the adjustable sleeve (2b3) to the bottom section (21), and wherein folding of the upper sidewall (2b1) and/or the lower sidewall (2b2) enables the storage basin (2) to assume multiple configurations.

16. The folding table of claim 13, wherein a top edge of the top ring part (221) comprises an outwardly extending rolled edge (2a), wherein an outer perimeter of the through-hole (1a) includes an installation groove (1b) configured to receive the rolled edge (2a), and wherein the top ring part (221) and the tabletop (1) are detachably connected using fasteners (3).

17. The folding table of claim 16, wherein the rolled edge (2a) comprises a horizontally extending edge (2a1) and a vertically extending edge (2a2), and wherein the installation groove (1b) includes an upwardly protruding rib (1b1) configured to engage an inner side of the vertical edge (2a2), such that interaction between the vertical edge (2a2) and the rib (1b1) prevents lateral displacement or wobbling of the storage basin (2).

18. The folding table of claim 12, wherein the basin lid (4) comprises a locking device (5) configured to detachably lock the basin lid (4) onto the bottom of the tabletop (1), wherein the locking device (5) includes a locking knob (5a) extending through the basin lid (4) and a locking nut (5b) securing the locking knob (5a) onto the basin lid (4), and wherein the tabletop (1) defines a threaded hole (1c) configured to receive the locking knob (5a).

19. The folding table of claim 18, wherein the basin lid (4) further defines a first positioning slot (4a), wherein a bottom of the tabletop (1) comprises a positioning block (1d) configured to fit into the first positioning slot (4a), wherein the locking knob (5a), when passing through the positioning slot (4a) and the positioning block (1d), secures the inverted basin lid (4) to the tabletop (1), and wherein the bottom of the tabletop (1) further defines a second positioning slot (4b) configured to accommodate edges of the basin lid (4) when the basin lid (4) is in the inverted locked position.

20. The folding table of claim 12, wherein the tabletop (1) comprises a first tabletop section (11) and a second tabletop section (12) foldable together, wherein the first tabletop section (11) and the second tabletop section (12) each comprise an injection-molded or blow-molded plastic panel, wherein each section includes foldable table legs (13) disposed at a bottom thereof, wherein the through-hole (1a) and the storage basin (2) are located in the first tabletop section (11), and wherein the basin lid (4) is storable at a bottom of the second tabletop section (12) when the folding table is folded.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] The present subject matter is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective structural diagram of one embodiment (with the lid covering the storage basin);

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective structural diagram of one embodiment (with the storage basin expanded to the deep container state);

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective structural diagram of one embodiment (with the storage basin expanded to the shallow container state);

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective structural diagram of one embodiment (with the storage basin folded into the storage state);

[0023] FIG. 5 is an exploded structural diagram of one embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a bottom view structural diagram of one embodiment (with the lid installed at the bottom of the tabletop);

[0025] FIG. 7 is a structural diagram of one embodiment with the tabletop in a folded state;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a sectional diagram of one embodiment (with the storage basin expanded to the deep container state);

[0027] FIG. 9 is a sectional diagram of one embodiment (with the storage basin expanded to the shallow container state);

[0028] FIG. 10 is a sectional diagram of one embodiment (with the storage basin folded into the storage state);

[0029] FIG. 11 is a perspective structural diagram of the storage basin in one embodiment; and

[0030] FIG. 12 is a structural diagram of one embodiment with the lid installed at the bottom of the tabletop.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present subject matter pertains to improved approaches for a folding table with optional storage functions. Embodiments of the present subject matter are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1-12.

[0032] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present subject matter. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present subject matter may be practiced without some of these specific details. In addition, the following description provides examples, and the accompanying drawings show various examples for the purposes of illustration. Moreover, these examples should not be construed in a limiting sense as they are merely intended to provide examples of embodiments of the subject matter rather than to provide an exhaustive list of all possible implementations. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the details of the disclosed features of various described embodiments.

[0033] The present subject matter will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments of the accompanying drawings.

[0034] FIGS. 1 to 12 illustrate schematic diagrams of one embodiment. The folding table with storage functionality in one embodiment mainly comprises a tabletop 1, table legs 12, a storage basin 2, fasteners 3, a basin lid 4, and a locking device 5, among others.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the bottom of tabletop 1 is equipped with foldable table legs 13 and includes a storage basin 2. Tabletop 1 has a through-hole 1a designed for installing the storage basin 2. The storage basin 2 is a collapsible, extendable folding basin that can be expanded into a storage state or folded into a compact state. When in the folded state, the storage basin 2 fits within the through-hole 1a without affecting the normal use or folding of tabletop 1.

[0036] In one embodiment, to provide the storage basin 2 with a sealing function for better storage use, referring to FIGS. 1, 6, and 12, the storage basin 2 is also equipped with a matching basin lid 4. When the folding table is in the folded state, the basin lid 4 can be detachably stored at the bottom of tabletop 1.

[0037] To optimize the overall structure of storage basin 2 and enhance its ability to fold up and down, referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, storage basin 2 in one embodiment consists of a bottom section 21 and a surrounding side section 22. The side section 22 includes a top ring part 221 attached to tabletop 1 and at least partially flexible sidewall parts 222 that can fold up and down to form an expanded or folded state.

[0038] Additionally, to improve the vertical folding of the side section 22, the sidewall part 222 is designed to incline outward from bottom to top, facilitating upward folding for storage or downward unfolding for use. When folded, the sidewall part 222 remains flush or nearly flush with the surface of tabletop 1.

[0039] To allow for adjustable storage depth, referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the sidewall part 222 in one embodiment includes an upper sidewall 2b1, a lower sidewall 2b2, and an adjustable sleeve 2b3 positioned between them. The upper sidewall 2b1 is flexible and connects the top ring part 221 to the adjustable sleeve 2b3, while the lower sidewall 2b2 is flexible and connects the adjustable sleeve 2b3 to the bottom section 21. By folding the upper sidewall 2b1 and/or lower sidewall 2b2, storage basin 2 can be used in multiple configurations. FIG. 8 illustrates the storage basin 2 expanded into the deep container state, FIG. 9 shows it in the shallow container state, and FIG. 10 depicts it folded into the storage state. The top ring part 221, adjustable sleeve 2b3, and bottom section 21 of the storage basin are made of rigid materials, while the upper sidewall 2b1 and lower sidewall 2b2 are made of flexible materials such as TPR. The combination of flexible and rigid materials allows the upper and lower sidewalls to fold efficiently.

[0040] Furthermore, to facilitate easier installation and removal of storage basin 2 onto tabletop 1, referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the top edge of the top ring part 221 is formed with an outward-extending rolled edge 2a. The outer perimeter of through-hole 1a includes an installation groove 1b designed to accommodate rolled edge 2a. The top ring part 221 and tabletop 1 are detachably connected using fasteners 3.

[0041] To precisely and securely position storage basin 2 on tabletop 1, rolled edge 2a includes a horizontally extending edge 2a1 and a vertically extending edge 2a2. Inside the installation groove 1b, an upward-protruding rib 1b1 is designed to fit the inner side of vertical edge 2a2. The interaction between vertical edge 2a2 and rib 1b1 prevents storage basin 2 from shifting laterally or wobbling.

[0042] To improve the installation of basin lid 4 onto the bottom of tabletop 1, referring to FIG. 12, basin lid 4 is equipped with a locking device 5, which enables it to be detachably locked onto the bottom of tabletop 1. The locking device 5 includes a locking knob 5a that passes through basin lid 4 and a locking nut 5b that secures the locking knob 5a onto basin lid 4. Tabletop 1 has a threaded hole 1c for the locking knob 5a to screw into. The locking nut 5b and locking knob 5a are also connected via threads. When the locking knob 5a is rotated to detach it from tabletop 1, the threaded connection between locking nut 5b and locking knob 5a prevents them from separating from basin lid 4, avoiding accidental loss.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 12, to further secure the basin lid 4 when stored at the bottom of tabletop 1, one embodiment includes a first positioning slot 4a on basin lid 4, while the bottom of tabletop 1 features a positioning block 1d that fits into positioning slot 4a. When locking knob 5a passes through positioning slot 4a and positioning block 1d, it locks the inverted basin lid 4 onto tabletop 1. Additionally, the bottom of tabletop 1 includes a second positioning slot 4b that accommodates the edges of basin lid 4 when it is in an inverted locked position.

[0044] In one embodiment, to ensure the tabletop with storage basin 2 can still be folded for storage, referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, tabletop 1 consists of a first tabletop section 11 and a second tabletop section 12, which can fold together. Both sections are made of injection-molded or blow-molded plastic. Each section has foldable table legs 13 at the bottom. The through-hole 1a and storage basin 2 are located in the first tabletop section 11, while the basin lid 4 can be stored at the bottom of the second tabletop section 12 when the table is folded.

[0045] Additionally, in one embodiment, the storage basin 2 can have a circular, square, rectangular, oval, or waist-shaped cross-section. The specific shape of storage basin 2 is not limited, and correspondingly, through-hole 1a can also have circular, square, rectangular, oval, or waist-shaped cross-sections. The through-hole 1a can be positioned along the length or width of tabletop 1 to accommodate different user preferences.

[0046] It is also worth noting that in one embodiment, by providing a vertically aligned through-hole 1a on tabletop 1 and equipping it with an upward-facing storage basin 2 that aligns with the through-hole, the sidewalls of the storage basin can fold up and down. This allows the storage basin 2 to switch between an expanded storage state and a folded, compact state. When folded, the storage basin 2 fits into through-hole 1a without affecting the normal use or folding of tabletop 1. This design addresses the lack of storage functionality in conventional outdoor folding tables. With through-hole 1a, users can place ice directly into it to chill beverages or fruits or store other necessary items and food in storage basin 2. This improves the quality of outdoor living while enhancing the convenience and overall user experience of the folding table.

[0047] It should be noted that, in the description of one embodiment, the terms front, back, left, right, up, down, and other directional or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the referred devices or components must have specific orientations, be constructed, or operated in specific orientations. Therefore, these terms should not be understood as limitations on this invention.

[0048] The terms installation, connection, and hinge should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary; they may also refer to communication between internal components of two elements. For those skilled in the field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this invention can be understood according to actual circumstances.

[0049] Having disclosed exemplary embodiments and the best mode, modifications and variations may be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the scope of the embodiments of the subject matter as defined by the following claims.