Folding table

Abstract

The invented round top folding table provides comfortable seating by eliminating physical interference with supporting table legs and guest's knees. Additionally it has a unique latch in the unfolded configuration which is secured by the force of gravity acting on the table top.

Claims

1. A folding table comprising: a round table top having a top, a bottom and a diameter and an extendable and retractable pedestal capable of providing a stable base for the table top; the extendable and retractable pedestal comprising two scissor legs, each scissor leg extends and retracts in unison by pivoting about a scissor joint from an extended position to a retracted position where the pedestal is flush with the bottom of the table top, the extendable and retractable pedestal having a minimum footprint diameter that is at least 50% of the table top diameter and a maximum footprint diameter that is at least 24 inches less than the table top diameter; the extendable and retractable pedestal having a maximum height of 32 inches; a latch comprising a cylindrical projection at the top of each scissor leg and two chaseways attached to the bottom of the tabletop; each chaseway comprising a curved slot; each cylindrical projection received in a slot of each chaseway; each slot shaped to allow the cylindrical projection to follow the slot from a beginning end of the slot, when the pedestal is in the retracted position, to an end of the slot, when the pedestal is in the extended position; the end of the slot comprising a semi-circular path which allows the pedestal to retract slightly to lock the extendable and retractable pedestal in the extended position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1: An expanded view of the folding table.

(2) FIG. 2: The Latch Mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(3) The invented folding table has a pedestal which when retracted is flush with the bottom of the table top. This retracted position allows the folded table to be rolled on the table top edge to a convenient storage place. When the pedestal is extended, the pedestal provides a stable base for the table but is configured such that no part of the supporting structure intrudes into the space normally occupied by seated guest's knees.

(4) The folding table is comprised of clearance “A”, pivot “B”, secure latch “L” and scissor legs and scissor joint “D”. The legs are connected by cross-members “M”. Secure latch “L” is comprised of chaseway slot “C” which has a beginning “G” , an ending “H”, a semi-circular path “F” and a cylindrical projection “E” at the top of the movable end of the pedestal.

(5) Additionally the invention has a unique latch “L” as follows: The pedestal has two fixed pivots “B” on one side of the top and two cylindrical projections “E” on the other side of the top. The projection follows a slot in the chaseway “C” so when the pedestal is extended it retracts slightly after full extension as it travels around the semi-circular path “F” and is then held in position at the end of the slot “H” by the weight of the table top thus providing a safe and secure extended position.