Computer training and support table system

• US 5,337,657 A
• Filed: 06/01/1992
• Issued: 08/16/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Howe Furniture Corp (Commercial Furniture Group Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Howe Furniture Corp (Commercial Furniture Group Incorporated)
• Inventors: Diffrient, Niels
• Primary Examiner(s): Chen, Jose V.
• Application Number:
  US07/891,724
• Time in Patent Office: 806 Days
• Field of Search: 108/115, 108/50, 108/64, 108/124, 108/123, 108/128, 108/132
• US Class Current: 108/115
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 13/003 Connecting table tops to underframes connecting furniture tubing to non-tubular parts F16B12/42
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 17/00 Writing-tables
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2003/008 the underframe parts being stored in recesses in the underside of the table top
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/06 characterised by means for holding, fastening or concealing cables
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0003 Triangular or trapezoidal desk surface to join desks
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0026 Desks with C-shaped leg
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0037 Folding tables whereby each pair of legs and modesty panel are swung against the underside of the desktop
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0081 Auxiliary apparatus with electrical connections for office furniture
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 3/00 Folding or stowable tables folded and suspended or hinged, or wall tables A47B5/04
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 87/002 Combination of tables; Linking or assembling means therefor

Abstract

A folding table system is designed primarily for use with computers and in computer training. It includes tables that are readily folded for storage and unfolded for use. The tables include a variety of optional wire storage capabilities and are so designed that they may be interconnected with one another and with bridging elements and storage devices. Accordingly, a customized arrangement may be readily assembled from a selection of standardized components.

Claims

1. A table foldable between a storage configuration and a working configuration comprising:

a beam having first and second ends, normally horizontal when said table is in its working configuration;

first and second substantially identical leg members, each having a pedestal portion normally vertical when said table is in its working configuration, and a pair of spaced, parallel support arms extending horizontally from opposite ends of said pedestal portion;

means for pivotally securing each of said leg members to a different one of the first and second ends of said beam whereby said support arms are substantially aligned with said beam when the table is in its storage configuration and substantially perpendicular to said beam when the table is in its working configuration, the lowermost support arm of each leg member then functioning as a table leg; and

a table top hingedly secured along the top of said beam for rotation between a folded position alongside said support arms when the table is in its storage configuration and a working position resting upon the uppermost support arm of each leg member when the table is in its working configuration.

2. The table of claim 1 wherein the pedestal portion of each leg member incorporates a first wiring channel therein.

3. The table of claim 2 wherein said pedestal portion includes a hinged door covering said first wiring channel.

4. The table of claim 1 including a latch between each of said uppermost support arms and said table top.

5. The table of claim 1 including a wire carrying trough selectively engageable with said beam to form a second wire channel therealong.

6. The table of claim 5 wherein said trough includes a hinged cover thereon.

7. The table of claim 1 including a gallery wire manager selectively attachable to, and extending along, said table top parallel to said beam to form a third wire channel.

8. The table of claim 7 wherein said gallery wire manager includes a shield panel hingedly secured thereto for rotation between a position closing said third wire channel and extending above said table top and an open position for access to said third wire channel.

10. The combination of claim 8 further including a storage cart beneath either of said bridge or table top and means for releasably securing said cart thereto.

9. The combination of first and second table tops, each having an edge supported by a substantially horizontal support arm, each of said arms and its top defining a space therebetween and the underside of each top carrying a latching member;

a planar bridge member intermediate and adjoining both of said edges to form an extension of said table tops, an underside of said bridge member carrying a latching member and a pair of socket members adjacent each such edge; and

apparatus for selectively connecting adjoining edges of each table top and said bridge comprising;

an elongate body member;

means carried at each end of said body member for extending into both of said space and socket; and

means carried by said body member for resiliently engaging the latching members of said table top and bridge member.

11. A table foldable between a storage configuration and a working configuration comprising:

a beam having first and second ends, normally horizontal when said table is in its working configuration;

first and second substantially identical leg members, each having a pedestal portion normally vertical when said table is in its working configuration, and a pair of spaced, parallel support arms extending horizontally from opposite ends of said pedestal portion;

means for pivotally securing each of said leg members to a different one of the first and second ends of said beam whereby said support arms are substantially aligned with said beam when the table is in its storage configuration and substantially perpendicular to said beam when the table is in its working configuration, the lowermost support arm of each leg member then functioning as a table leg;

a table top hingedly secured along the top of said beam for rotation between a folded position alongside said support arms when the table is in its storage configuration and a working position resting upon the uppermost support arm of each leg member when the table is in its working configuration;

first and second latch plates mounted on the underside of said table top, each defining a notch therein including a locking detent;

a spring loaded locking pawl carried by each of said uppermost support arms, each of said locking pawls being adapted to engage the locking detent of a different one of said first and second locking plates when the table is in its working configuration; and

release means on each of said support arms for disengaging its respective locking pawl from its respective locking detent.

12. The table of claim 11 wherein said release means comprises a member rotatable about a substantially vertical axis to disengage said pawl and detent upon rotation in either direction about said axis.