Table including a blow-molded plastic table top and an attached frame

• US 7,044,068 B2
• Filed: 05/17/2005
• Issued: 05/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/21/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lifetime Products (Lifetime)
• Original Assignee: Lifetime Products (Lifetime)
• Inventors: Stanford, Carl R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chen, Jose V.
• Application Number:
  US11/130,743
• Publication Number:
  US 20050211141A1
• Time in Patent Office: 364 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 comprising:

a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic and including a hollow interior portion that is formed during the blow-molding process;

a lip integrally formed with the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the lip including a hollow interior portion that is formed during the blow-molding process, the lip comprising;

a first portion disposed towards a first side of the table top, the first portion including an outer portion that forms at least a portion of an exterior portion of the table top; and

a second portion disposed towards a second side of the table top, the second portion including an outer portion that forms at least a portion of the exterior portion of the table top;

a frame including a first portion connected to the first portion of the lip and a second portion connected to the second portion of the lip;

a first leg assembly 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 underneath portion 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 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 underneath portion 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 is generally disposed between an inner portion of the first portion of the lip and an inner portion of the second portion of the lip when the first leg assembly is in the collapsed position to facilitate stacking of the table;

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

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

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

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

and

wherein the second leg assembly is positioned within an envelope generally defined by the inner portion of the first portion of the lip, the underneath portion of the table top, the inner portion of the second portion of the lip and the plane generally aligned with the lower portion of the first portion of the lip and the lower portion of the second portion of the lip when the second leg assembly is in the collapsed position.

3. 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 the underneath portion 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.

4. The table as in claim 1, wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are positioned within a boundary generally defined by the inner portion of the first portion of the lip, the underneath portion of the table top, the inner portion of the second portion of the lip and the plane generally aligned with the lower portion of the first portion of the lip and the lower portion of the second 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.

5. 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.

6. The table as in claim 1, further comprising at least one securing member integrally formed in the table top as part of a 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.

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

8. The table as in claim 1, wherein the outer portion of the first portion of the lip is generally aligned with an outer edge on the first side of the table top;

and

wherein the outer portion of the second portion of the lip is generally aligned with an outer edge on the second side of the table top.

9. A table comprising:

a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic and including a hollow interior portion that is formed during the blow-molding process;

a first portion of a lip that is integrally formed with the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the first portion of the lip including a hollow interior portion that is formed during the blow-molding process, the first portion of the lip comprising;

an outer portion that is disposed towards a first side of the table top and forms an exterior portion of the table top; and

an inner portion that extends from an underneath portion of the table top to a lower portion of the lip;

a second portion of a lip that is integrally formed with the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the second portion of the lip including a hollow interior portion that is formed during the blow-molding process, the second portion of the lip comprising;

an outer portion that is disposed towards a second side of the table top and forms at least an exterior portion of the table top; and

an inner portion that extends from the underneath portion of the table top to a lower portion of the lip;

a frame including a first portion connected to the first portion of the lip and a second portion connected to the second portion of the lip;

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

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

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

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

10. The table as in claim 9, wherein the first leg assembly is positioned within an envelope generally defined by the inner portion of the first portion of the lip, the underneath portion of the table top, the inner portion of the second portion of the lip and the plane generally aligned with the lower portion of the first portion of the lip and the lower portion of the second portion of the lip when the first leg assembly is in the collapsed position;

and

wherein the second leg assembly is positioned within an envelope generally defined by the inner portion of the first portion of the lip, the underneath portion of the table top, the inner portion of the second portion of the lip and the plane generally aligned with the lower portion of the first portion of the lip and the lower portion of the second portion of the lip when the second leg assembly is in the collapsed position.

11. The table as in claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the first leg assembly and at least a portion of the second leg assembly abut the underneath portion 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 9, wherein the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly are positioned within a boundary generally defined by the inner portion of the first portion of the lip, the underneath portion of the table top, the inner portion of the second portion of the lip and the plane generally aligned with the lower portion of the first portion of the lip and the lower portion of the second 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.

13. The table as in claim 9, 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.

14. The table as in claim 9, further comprising at least one securing member integrally formed in the table top as part of a 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 9, further comprising at least one mounting member integrally formed in the table top as part of a 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 9, wherein the outer portion of the first portion of the lip is generally aligned with an outer edge on the first side of the table top;

and

wherein the outer portion of the second portion of the lip is generally aligned with an outer edge on the second side of the table top.

17. A table comprising:

a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic and including a hollow interior portion that is formed during the blow-molding process;

a first portion of a lip that is integrally formed with the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the first portion of the lip including a hollow interior portion that is formed during the blow-molding process, the first portion of the lip comprising;

an outer portion that is disposed towards a first side of the table top and forms an exterior portion of the table top; and

an inner portion that extends from an underneath portion of the table top to a lower portion of the lip;

a second portion of a lip that is integrally formed with the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the second portion of the lip including a hollow interior portion that is formed during the blow-molding process, the second portion of the lip comprising;

an outer portion that is disposed towards a second side of the table top and forms at least an exterior portion of the table top; and

an inner portion that extends from the underneath portion of the table top to a lower portion of the lip;

a frame including a first portion connected to the first portion of the lip and a second portion connected to the second portion of the lip;

a first leg assembly 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 underneath portion 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 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 underneath portion 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 at least partially disposed between the first side and the second side of the table top;

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

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

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

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

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

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

18. The table as in claim 17, wherein the at least one retaining assembly comprises a retaining assembly including a first portion connected to the first portion of the frame and a second portion connected to the second portion of the frame.

19. The table as in claim 17, wherein the at least one retaining assembly is generally disposed between the first leg assembly and the second leg assembly.

20. The table as in claim 17, further comprising at least one mounting member integrally formed in the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the at least one mounting member being sized and configured to connect the at least one retaining assembly to the table top.