Portable folding utility table with frame connected to integral lip

• US 6,895,872 B2
• Filed: 04/30/2003
• Issued: 05/24/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/21/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Lifetime Products (Lifetime)
• Original Assignee: Lifetime Products (Lifetime)
• Inventors: Stanford, Carl R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chen, Jose V.
• Application Number:
  US10/427,193
• Publication Number:
  US 20040099189A1
• Time in Patent Office: 755 Days
• Field of Search: 108/132, 108/129, 108/131, 108/115, 108/27, 108/130, 108/161
• US Class Current: 108/132
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 13/02 Underframes
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 13/08 Table tops; Rims therefor not restricted to table tops A47B95/04
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 3/08 with legs pivoted to top or underframe
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 3/0809 with elastic locking means A47B3/083, A47B3/087 and A47B3/091 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 3/091 with struts supporting the legs in combination with foldable top leaves A47B3/087
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 3/0911 the struts being permanently connected to top and leg or underframe and leg
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 3/0912 the strut being of two parts foldable relative to one another
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2049/2008 inside the article
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 49/00 Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 49/0031 Making articles having hollow walls
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 49/04 Extrusion blow-moulding
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 49/20 of articles having inserts or reinforcements ; Handling of inserts or reinforcements
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 7/00 Producing flat articles, e.g. films or sheets B29D24/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2023/065 HDPE, i.e. high density polyethylene
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/0032 Pigments, colouring agents or opacifiyng agents
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/0044 Stabilisers, e.g. against oxydation, light or heat
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/16 Fillers
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/448 Tables
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 3/085 spaced apart pieces on the surface of a layer
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 3/30 characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. hollows, grooves, protuberances, ribs apertured layer B32B3/266; layer with cavities or internal voids B32B3/26
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 108/901 : Synthetic plastic industrial platform, e.g. pallet
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 : Assembling or joining
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49947 : by applying separate fastener
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/4998 : Combined manufacture including applying or shaping of fluent material
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1352 : Polymer or resin containing [i.e., natural or synthetic]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24008 : including fastener for attaching to external surface
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24182 : Inward from edge of web or sheet
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24479 : including variation in thickness

Abstract

A pivotable folding utility table includes a table top having a pair of support pedestals pivotally attached thereto. A first pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces pivotally attached to a retaining assembly preferably mounted in relation to the table top. Specifically, the retaining assembly includes a cross-brace member operably disposed through openings formed in the distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces, thus providing a pivotal engagement in relation to the table top. Alternatively, a second retaining assembly including a cross-brace member may be mounted in relation to the table top, wherein the distal end of the first pivotal support brace pivotally engages the first retaining member and the distal end of the second pivotal support brace pivotally engages the second retaining member. In addition, the first and second support pedestals may comprise at least one support leg, wherein each support leg of the first and second support pedestals are laterally offset from each other so as to permit an offset displacement of the support legs when the support pedestals are disposed in a collapsed position.

Claims

1. A table:

a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic, the table top including an interior chamber that is formed during the blow-molding process;

a generally downwardly extending lip integrally formed in the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the lip including an interior chamber that is formed during the blow-molding process and is integral with the interior chamber of the table top;

a frame that is connected by one or more fasteners only to the lip and not to other portions of the table top in order to help maintain the structural integrity of the table top;

a first leg assembly being selectively movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top, the first leg assembly being disposed generally parallel and adjacent to an undersurface of the table top in the collapsed position, the first leg assembly extending outwardly from the table top in the extended position; and

a second leg assembly being selectively movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top, the second leg assembly being disposed generally parallel and adjacent to an undersurface of the table top in the collapsed, the second leg assembly extending outwardly from the table top in the extended position;

wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are generally disposed between a first inner portion of the lip and a second inner portion of the lip when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position to facilitate stacking of the table and

wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly generally do not extend beyond a plane that is generally aligned with a lower portion of the lip when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position to facilitate stacking of the table.

2. The table as in claim 1, wherein the lip is sized and configured to hide at least a substantial portion the frame when viewed from a plane that is generally aligned with the table top.

3. The table as in claim 1, further comprising:

a retaining assembly generally disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly;

a first support brace interconnecting the first leg assembly and the retaining assembly; and

a second support brace interconnecting the second leg assembly and the retaining assembly.

4. The table as in claim 1, further comprising:

at least one assembly generally disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly;

a first support brace interconnecting the first leg assembly and the at least one retaining assembly;

and a second support brace interconnecting the second leg assembly and the at least one retaining assembly.

5. The table as in claim 1, further comprising:

a cross brace member generally disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly;

a first support brace interconnecting the first leg assembly and the cross brace member; and

a second support brace interconnecting the second leg assembly and the cross brace member.

6. The table as in claim 1, further comprising:

at least one cross brace member generally disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly;

a first support brace interconnecting the first leg assembly and the at least one cross brace member; and

a second support brace interconnecting the second leg assembly and the at least one cross brace member.

7. The table as in claim 1, wherein the frame includes a first side rail that is attached to the first inner portion of the lip by the one or more fasteners which only extend through a main body portion of the side rail and the first inner portion of the lip;

and

wherein the frame includes a second side rail that is attached to the second inner portion of the lip by the one or more fasteners which only extend through a main body portion of the side rail and the second inner portion of the lip.

8. The table as in claim 1, wherein the frame includes a first side rail and the first side rail has a generally S-shaped cross-section with a main body portion, a first outwardly extending flange and a second outwardly extending flange, the main body portion being generally aligned with the first inner portion of the lip, the first outwardly extending flange being generally aligned with the undersurface of the table top and the second outwardly extending flange being generally aligned with a lower portion of the lip;

and

wherein the frame includes a second side rail and the second side rail has a generally S-shaped cross-section with a main body portion, a first outwardly extending flange and a second outwardly extending flange, the main body portion being generally aligned with the second inner portion of the lip, the first outwardly extending flange being generally aligned with the undersurface of the table top and the second outwardly extending flange being generally aligned with the lower portion of the lip.

9. The table as in claim 1, wherein the frame includes a first side rail and the first side rail has a main body portion and an outwardly extending flange, the main body portion being generally aligned with the first inner portion of the lip and the outwardly extending flange being generally aligned with the undersurface of the table top;

and

wherein the frame includes a second side rail and the second side rail has a main body portion and an outwardly extending flange, the main body portion being generally aligned with the second inner portion of the lip and the outwardly extending flange being generally aligned with the undersurface of the table top.

10. The table as in claim 1, wherein the frame includes a first side rail and the first side rail has a main body portion and an outwardly extending flange, the main body portion being generally aligned with the first inner portion of the lip and the outwardly extending flange being generally aligned with a lower portion of the lip;

and

wherein the frame includes a second side rail and the second side rail has a main body portion and an outwardly extending flange, the main body portion being generally aligned with the second inner portion of the lip and the outwardly extending flange being generally aligned with the lower portion of the lip.

11. The table as in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first leg assembly and at least a portion of the second leg assembly abut a portion of the undersurface of the table top when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position to facilitate stacking of the table.

12. The table as in claim 1, wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are generally positioned within a boundary defined by the undersurface of the table top and the lip when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position in order to facilitate stacking of the table.

13. The table as in claim 1, wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly do not extend beyond a plane that is generally aligned with a lower portion of the frame when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position in order to facilitate stacking of the table.

14. The table as in claim 1, further comprising at least one securing member integrally formed in the table top as part of the unitary, one-piece construction, the securing member being sized and configured to receive and retain a portion of a leg assembly in the collapsed position.

15. The table as in claim 1, further comprising at least one mounting member integrally formed in the table top as part of the unitary, one-piece construction, the mounting member being sized and configured to connect a retaining assembly to the table top.

16. The table as in claim 1, wherein the lip is generally free-standing and independent from other reinforcement structures that are integrally formed in the table top as part of the unitary, one-piece construction.

17. The table as in claim 1, further comprising a first side rail that forms at least a part of the frame, the first side rail having a height that is generally equal to or less than a height of the first inner portion of the lip;

and further comprising a second side rail that forms at least a part of the frame, the second side rail having a height that is generally equal to or less than a height of the second inner portion of the lip.

37. The table as in claim 1, wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are positioned within an envelope defined by a portion of the undersurface of the table top, the first inner portion of the lip, the second inner portion of the lip and a plane generally aligned with a lower portion of the lip when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position.

18. A table:

a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic, the table top including an interior chamber that is formed during the blow-molding process;

a generally downwardly extending lip integrally formed in the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the lip including an interior chamber that is formed during the blow-molding process and is integral with the interior chamber of the table top;

a first inner wall of the lip that extends from an undersurface of the table top to a lower portion of the lip;

a second inner wall of the lip that extends from the undersurface of the table top to a lower portion of the lip;

a frame that is connected by one or more fasteners only to the lip and not to other portions of the table top in order to help maintain the structural integrity of the table top;

a first leg assembly being selectively movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top, the first leg assembly being disposed generally parallel and adjacent to the undersurface of the table top in the collapsed position, the first leg assembly extending outwardly from the table top in the extended position; and

a second leg assembly being selectively movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top, the second leg assembly being disposed generally parallel and adjacent to the undersurface of the table top in the collapsed position, the second leg assembly extending outwardly from the table top in the extended position;

wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are generally positioned between the first inner wall and the second inner wall of the lip in the collapsed position to facilitate stacking of the table; and

wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly generally do not extend beyond a plane that is generally aligned with a lower portion of the lip when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position to facilitate stacking of the table.

19. The table as in claim 18, wherein the lip is sized and configured to hide at least a substantial portion the frame when viewed from a plane that is generally aligned with the table top.

20. The table as in claim 18, further comprising:

a retaining assembly generally disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly;

a first support brace interconnecting the first leg assembly and the retaining assembly; and

a second support brace interconnecting the second leg assembly and the retaining assembly.

21. The table as in claim 18, further comprising:

at least one retaining assembly generally disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly;

a first support brace interconnecting the first leg assembly and the at least one retaining assembly; and

a second support brace interconnecting the second leg assembly and the at least one retaining assembly.

22. The table as in claim 18, further comprising:

a cross brace member generally disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly;

a first support brace interconnecting the first leg assembly and the cross brace member; and

a second support brace interconnecting the second leg assembly and the cross brace member.

23. The table as in claim 18, further comprising:

at least one cross brace member generally disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly;

a first support brace interconnecting the first leg assembly and the at least one cross brace member; and

a second support brace interconnecting the second leg assembly and the at least one cross brace member.

24. The table as in claim 18, wherein the frame includes at least one side rail and the side rail is attached to an interior portion of the lip by a fastener that extends only through a main body portion of the side rail and the interior portion of the lip.

25. The table as in claim 18, wherein the frame includes at least one side rail and the side rail has a generally S-shaped cross-section with a main body portion, a first outwardly extending flange, and a second outwardly extending flange, the main body portion being generally aligned with an interior portion of the lip, the first outwardly extending flange being generally aligned with the undersurface of the table top, and the second outwardly extending flange being generally aligned with a lower portion of the lip.

26. The table as in claim 18, wherein the frame includes at least one side rail and the side rail has a main body portion and an outwardly extending flange, the main body portion being generally aligned with an interior portion of the lip and the outwardly extending flange being generally aligned with the undersurface of the table top.

27. The table as in claim 18, wherein the frame includes at least one side rail and the side rail has a main body portion and an outwardly extending flange, the main body portion being generally aligned with an interior portion of the lip and the outwardly extending flange being generally aligned with a lower portion of the lip.

28. The table as in claim 18, wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly do not extend beyond a plane that is generally aligned with a lower portion of the frame when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position in order to facilitate stacking of the table.

29. The table as in claim 18, wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are generally positioned within a boundary defined by the undersurface of the table top and the lip when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position in order to facilitate stacking of the table.

30. The table as in claim 18, wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly do not extend beyond a plane that is generally aligned with a lower portion of the lip when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position in order to facilitate stacking of the table.

31. The table as in claim 18, further comprising at least one securing member that is integrally formed in the table top as part of the unitary, one-piece construction, the securing member being sized and configured to receive and retain a portion of a leg assembly in the collapsed position.

32. The table as in claim 18, further comprising at least one mounting member that is integrally formed in the table top as part of the unitary, one-piece construction, the mounting member being sized and configured to connect a retaining assembly to the table top.

33. The table as in claim 18, wherein the lip is generally free-standing and independent from other reinforcement structures formed in the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece construction.

34. The table as in claim 18, further comprising at least one side rail that forms at least a part of the frame, the side rail having a height that is generally equal to or less than a height of an interior portion of the lip.

35. The table as in claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the first leg assembly and at least a portion of the second leg assembly abut a portion of the undersurface of the table top when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position to facilitate stacking of the table.

36. The table as in claim 18, wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are positioned within an envelope defined by a portion of the undersurface of the table top, the first inner wall of the lip, the second inner wall of the lip and a plane generally aligned with a lower portion of the lip when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position.

38. A table:

a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic, the table top including an interior chamber that is formed during the blow-molding process;

a generally downwardly extending lip that is integrally formed in the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the lip including an interior chamber that is formed during the blow-molding process and is integral with the interior chamber of the table top;

a first interior portion of the lip that extends from an undersurface of the table top to a lower portion of the lip;

a second interior portion of the lip that extends from the undersurface of the table top to a lower portion of the lip;

a frame comprising;

a first side rail connected to the first interior portion of the lip; and

a second side rail connected to the second interior portion of the lip;

a first leg assembly being selectively movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top, the first leg assembly being disposed generally parallel and adjacent to the undersurface of the table top in the collapsed position, the first leg assembly extending outwardly from the table top in the extended position; and

a second leg assembly being selectively movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top, the second leg assembly being disposed generally parallel and adjacent to the undersurface of the table top in the collapsed position, the second leg assembly extending outwardly from the table top in the extended position;

a retaining assembly disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly;

a first support brace including a proximal end secured to the first leg assembly and the distal end secured to the retaining assembly; and

a second support brace including a proximal end secured to the second leg assembly and the distal end secured to the retaining assembly;

wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are generally positioned between the first interior portion of the lip and the second inner portion of the lip in the collapsed position in order to facilitate stacking of the table; and

wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly do not extend beyond a plane that is generally aligned with the lower portion of the lip when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position to facilitate stacking of the table.

39. The table as in claim 38, wherein the first side rail is connected to the first interior portion of the lip by a fastener that extends only through a main body portion of the side rail and the first interior portion of the lip;

and wherein the second side rail is connected to the second interior portion of the lip by a fastener that extends only through a main body portion of the side rail and the second interior portion of the lip.

40. The table as in claim 38, wherein at least a portion of the first leg assembly and at least a portion of the second leg assembly abut a portion of the undersurface of the table top when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position to facilitate stacking of the table.

41. The table as in claim 38, wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are positioned within an envelope defined by a portion of the undersurface of the table top, the first inner wall of the lip, the second inner wall of the lip and a plane generally aligned with a lower portion of the lip when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position.

42. A table:

a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic, the table top including an interior chamber that is formed during the blow-molding process;

a generally downwardly extending lip that is integrally formed in the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the lip including an interior chamber that is formed during the blow-molding process and is integral with the interior chamber of the table top;

a first interior portion of the lip that extends from an undersurface of the table top to a lower portion of the lip;

a second interior portion of the lip that extends from the undersurface of the table top to a lower portion of the lip;

a frame comprising;

a first side rail connected to the first interior portion of the lip; and

a second side rail connected to the second interior portion of the lip;

a first leg assembly being selectively movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top, the first leg assembly being disposed generally parallel and adjacent to the undersurface the table top in the collapsed position, the first leg assembly extending outwardly from the table top in the extended position; and

a second leg assembly being selectively movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top, the second leg assembly being disposed generally parallel and adjacent to the undersurface of the table top in the collapsed position, the second leg assembly extending outwardly from the table top in the extended position;

at least one retaining assembly disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly;

a first support brace including a proximal end secured to the first leg assembly and the distal end secured to the at least one retaining assembly; and

a second support brace including a proximal end secured to the second leg assembly and the distal end secured to the at least one retaining assembly;

wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are generally positioned between the first interior portion of the lip and the second inner portion of the lip in the collapsed position in order to facilitate stacking of the table; and

wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly do not extend beyond a plane that is generally aligned with the lower portion of the lip when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position to facilitate stacking of the table.

43. The table as in claim 42, wherein the first side rail is connected to the first interior portion of the lip by a fastener that extends only through a main body portion of the side rail and the first interior portion of the lip;

and wherein the second side rail is connected to the second interior portion of the lip by a fastener that extends only through a main body portion of the side rail and the second interior portion of the lip.

44. The table as in claim 42, wherein at least a portion of the first leg assembly and at least a portion of the second leg assembly abut a portion of the undersurface of the table top when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position to facilitate stacking of the table.

45. The table as in claim 42, wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are positioned within an envelope defined by a portion of the undersurface of the table top, the first inner wall of the lip, the second inner wall of the lip and a plane generally aligned with a lower portion of the lip when the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are in the collapsed position.