Abstract A folding table has a support structure including inner end frames and outer end frames pivotally secured near the inner and outer ends of a pair of table tops hinged together at their respective inner ends. The inner end frames are suspended above the floor, while the outer end frames carry casters for engaging the floor during folding and while folded, and both sets of frames include elbows or end portions which extend laterally outwardly from both sides of the table tops. Seating structures are pivotally mounted on each side of each table top on the lateral end portions of the inner end outer frames on corresponding sides of the table tops. Each seating structure includes a unitary member which provides longitudinal seating strength and has means for pivotally receiving the respective end portions at the inner end and outer end of the table tops. The unitary members preferably engage the floor only when the table is in the operative position, providing a total supporting function, but lift off the floor when the table is moved toward the folded position when the casters engage the floor and provide the total supporting function.
Inventors
👤 C Gerken
👤 E Bales
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-11-05 02:52
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47B; A47B3/00; A47B3/14; A47B2003/145
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
286 words
In a table of the type which includes a pair of longitudinal table tops hinged together at their respective inner ends and adapted to be moved between a horizontal extended position and a vertical folded position, an improved support structure for said table comprising: a pair of vertical inner end frames having upper ends and lower ends, each pivotally connected at its upper end to the inner end of a different table top and including a pair of opposite elbows at its lower end suspended laterally outwardly of the table and above the floor, a pair of vertical outer end frames having upper ends and lower ends, each pivotally connected at its upper end to the outer end of a different table top and having a pair of floor engageable means at its lower end spaced a short distance from the floor when said table is in its extended position, each said outer frame also including a pair of opposite elbows attached to its lower end and suspended laterally outwardly of the table and above the floor, unitary seating structures for each side of each table top, each having inner and outer ends and spaced a short lateral distance from its table top, and means pivotally mounting said seating structures at their inner and outer ends on said suspended inner and outer elbows, said seating structures having floor engageable means for engaging the floor when said table is in its extended positIon and providing a total supporting function when in such position so that said floor engageable means on said outer end frames engage the floor and provide a total supporting function only after said table is moved from its extended position toward said folded position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
286 words
In a table of the type which includes a pair of longitudinal table tops hinged together at their respective inner ends and adapted to be moved between a horizontal extended position and a vertical folded position, an improved support structure for said table comprising: a pair of vertical inner end frames having upper ends and lower ends, each pivotally connected at its upper end to the inner end of a different table top and including a pair of opposite elbows at its lower end suspended laterally outwardly of the table and above the floor, a pair of vertical outer end frames having upper ends and lower ends, each pivotally connected at its upper end to the outer end of a different table top and having a pair of floor engageable means at its lower end spaced a short distance from the floor when said table is in its extended position, each said outer frame also including a pair of opposite elbows attached to its lower end and suspended laterally outwardly of the table and above the floor, unitary seating structures for each side of each table top, each having inner and outer ends and spaced a short lateral distance from its table top, and means pivotally mounting said seating structures at their inner and outer ends on said suspended inner and outer elbows, said seating structures having floor engageable means for engaging the floor when said table is in its extended positIon and providing a total supporting function when in such position so that said floor engageable means on said outer end frames engage the floor and provide a total supporting function only after said table is moved from its extended position toward said folded position.