Folding table

This invention relates to a folding table comprising a table top having a substantially horizontal planar extent in an operational state, and a plurality of table legs attached to the table top. From the operational state, the table top can be swiveled relative to the table legs about a first axis of rotation into an inoperative state, in which the table top has a planar extent that deviates from the horizontal planar extent. At least one of the table legs can be swiveled from an unfolded position about a second axis of rotation, which deviates from the first axis of rotation, into a folded position.

Tables of the type mentioned at the beginning are known, for instance, as so-called folding bar tables or folding bistro tables from the prior art. The known tables comprise a table top and four table legs. The table top can be swiveled about a first horizontal axis of rotation and is attached to two opposing fixed, non-swivel table legs. Two other opposing table legs can each be swiveled about their own second axis of rotation between an unfolded and a folded position relative to the fixed table legs. In their unfolded position, the swivel table legs are attached to the underside of the table top in its operational state using a detachable snap-in connection. After releasing the snap-in connection, the swivel table legs can be swiveled about their second axis of rotation into their folded position, wherein they come to rest laterally against the fixed table legs. The table top can then be swiveled about the first axis of rotation to its inoperative state, wherein the table top then has an almost vertical planar extent and comes to rest laterally against the table legs. The collapsed table, i.e., the table top is in its inoperative state and the swivel table legs are in their folded position, can be stored in a particularly space-saving manner.

The disadvantage of the known folding tables is that folding the table is complicated and time-consuming. Based on the described state of the art, this invention therefore addresses the problem of designing and further developing a table of the type mentioned at the beginning in such a way that it can be collapsed—and of course opened again—particularly easily and quickly.

To solve this problem, a table having the features of claimis proposed. In particular, based on the table of the type mentioned at the beginning, proposition is made for the table to have an actuating linkage, which couples the table top to the at least one swivel table leg in such a way that a transition of the table top from the operational state to the inoperative state also automatically swivels the at least one swivel table leg from the unfolded position to the folded position.

It was recognized that the great effort required to fold the known tables is a consequence of the large number of independently movable components. In particular, the large number of components that can be swiveled about different axes of rotation relative to each other and independently of each other makes folding the table complicated and time-consuming. This is significantly simplified and accelerated using this invention.

According to the invention, proposition is made for the table top to no longer be swiveled about the first axis of rotation independently of the swivel table legs or, conversely, for the swivel table legs to no longer be swiveled about the second axis of rotation independently of the table top. This means that the table can be collapsed by simply swiveling the table top from the operational state to the inoperative state, as the swivel table legs automatically swivel into their folded position. A further advantage of the invention is that the table top in its inoperative state holds the swivel table legs in their folded position. This renders transporting the collapsed table much easier.

In a similar way, the invention also has the specified features and advantages for unfolding the table, i.e. for swiveling the table top about the first axis of rotation from the inoperative state to the operational state and for swiveling the swivel table legs from the folded position to the unfolded position.

Proposition is made for the deviating planar extent of the table top in the inoperative state to be an essentially vertical planar extent. The horizontal and vertical planar extents refer to the case where the table legs of the table stand on an even ground having an essentially horizontal planar extent. The table legs rest on the floor via contact points formed at their distal ends. The contact points can be height-adjustable to allow the table to stand firmly even on uneven ground. It is also conceivable that friction-preventing and/or damping elements are disposed at the contact points. Finally, it is also conceivable that castors or wheels, preferably swivel castors that can be rotated about vertical swivel axes, are disposed at the contact points of the table legs.

According to an advantageous further development of the invention, proposition is made for the actuating linkage for every swivel table leg to comprise an actuating rod, which is assigned to the swivel table leg and which is articulated on the one hand at a distance from the first axis of rotation at the table top and on the other hand at a distance from the second axis of rotation at the swivel table leg. The articulation of the actuating rod on the one hand at the table top, preferably at an underside of the table top, eccentrically to the first axis of rotation and on the other hand at the assigned swivel table leg eccentrically to the second axis of rotation has the effect that a transition of the table top from the operational state to the inoperative state automatically also swivels the assigned swivel table leg from the unfolded position to the folded position. This allows the table to be easily and quickly moved from the unfolded state for the intended use of the table to the collapsed state for transportation and storage. Accordingly, this also ensures that a transition of the table top from the inoperative state to the operational state also automatically swivels the assigned swivel table leg from the folded position to the unfolded position. In this way, the table can be quickly and easily moved from its collapsed state for transportation and storage to its unfolded state for its intended use.

The distance from the first axis of rotation, in which the actuating rod is hinged to the table top, does not have to be the same as the distance from the second axis of rotation, in which the actuating rod is hinged to the assigned swivel table leg. Preferably, the distance at which the actuating rod is hinged to the table top is greater than the distance at which the actuating rod is hinged to the assigned swivel table leg. This means that the swivel motion of the table top is greater than the swivel motion of the swivel table legs. The swivel motion of the table top between the operational state having the essentially horizontal planar extent and the inoperative state having the essentially vertical planar extent can be 90°, for instance. At the same time, the swivel motion of a swivel table leg between the unfolded position and the folded position is only 45°, for instance.

To set and adjust the reference of the table top to the swivel table legs, proposition is made for the or every actuating rod of the at least one swivel table leg to be adjustable in length. This can be achieved, for instance, by designing the actuating rod as a threaded rod. The actuating rod can, for instance, be designed in two parts, wherein one end of a first rod part of the actuating rod has a male thread and a matching end of another rod part of the actuating rod has a female thread matching the male thread. The two rod parts are disposed coaxially along the longitudinal axis of the actuating rod such that the threads formed at the ends of the rod parts mesh and the rod parts can be screwed together to a greater or lesser extent.

In an alternative embodiment, it would also be conceivable for the actuating rod to be hinged to the table top and/or the assigned swivel table leg via one or more suitable joints. Matching threads can be formed at at least one end of the actuating rod and at the joint(s). The operating rod can be attached to the joint(s) via the thread. At the same time, the actuating rod can be screwed or bolted to the joint or joints to a greater or lesser extent, allowing the length of the actuating rod to be adjusted or set.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, proposition is made for a first end of the or every actuating rod of the at least one swivel table leg to be hinged to the table top, preferably to an underside of the table top, by means of a revolute joint or fork joint, a universal joint or a ball joint. The joints mentioned have one (revolute joint or fork joint), two (universal joint) or three (ball joint) degrees of freedom. Other joints or no joint can also be used. If the actuating rod is made of an elastically deformable material, for instance, the number of degrees of freedom or motions of the joint used can be reduced.

Advantageously, the fork joint, ball joint or universal joint is rotatably mounted at the table top in a plane that extends in parallel to the planar extent of the table top. The fork joint, ball joint or universal joint is therefore mounted at the table top for rotation about an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation extends perpendicular to a planar extent of the table top. This prevents mechanical stresses in the operating rod and/or the joints when the table is folded or unfolded.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, proposition is made for a second end of the or every actuating rod to be hinged to the assigned swivel table leg by means of a fork joint, a universal joint or a ball joint.

Preferably, the first axis of rotation has a horizontal extent in parallel to the planar extent of the table top. As the table top can be swiveled about the first axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation extends in parallel to the planar extent of the table top, both when the table top is in its operational state and when it is in its inoperative state. The first axis of rotation preferably extends at a distance from a geometric center of gravity of the table top.

Advantageously, during the transition from the unfolded position to the folded position, the at least one swivel table leg swivels about the second axis of rotation in the direction of the table top in the inoperative state. This reduces the table's footprint and makes it easier to transport, e.g., because it now fits through doors or narrow corridors. The collapsed table is also easier to store as it takes up less space.

Preferably, the second axis of rotation is essentially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. If the first axis of rotation is horizontal, the second axis of rotation is therefore vertical.

Proposition is made for the at least one swivel table leg to be assigned a support surface, at which an underside of the table top comes to rest in its operational state. Damping elements can be disposed at the support surfaces to enable the table to be folded out silently and to prevent the underside of the table top from being scratched.

According to another preferred embodiment, proposition is made for the at least one swivel table leg and/or the table top to be assigned securing means, for instance in the form of a screw or bolt, a latching or snap-in lock, or a bayonet lock, which are designed to secure the table top in its operational state at the or every supporting surface. The securing means can be integrated into the support surfaces or designed separately therefrom. In particular, proposition is made for an actuating element of the securing means to be disposed at the at least one swivel table leg and a matching opening to be disposed at the underside of the table top, with which opening the actuating element can mesh in a detachable manner. When the actuating element engages with the matching opening, the table top is secured in the operational state. Engagement can take place automatically, e.g. spring-loaded, as soon as the table top reaches its operational state, or by actuating the actuating element. When the engagement is released by actuating the actuating element, the safety catch is released and the table top can swivel to its inoperative state.

Advantageously, the at least one swivel table leg is assigned a stop, which limits a swivel motion of the swivel table leg from the unfolded position to the folded position. The stop is preferably assigned to one or more of the non-swivel table legs or is at least indirectly formed thereon. When the table is folded, matching stop surfaces assigned to one or more of the non-swivel table legs run against the stop(s). By limiting the swivel motion of the swivel table legs, the coupling by the actuating linkage also limits the swivel motion of the table top. Moreover, due to the coupling of the swivel table legs via the actuating linkage and the table top, it is sufficient if such a stop is only assigned to one of several swivel table legs. Preferably, however, such a stop is assigned to all swivel table legs.

According to a preferred embodiment, proposition is made for the table to have a plurality of swivel table legs, preferably two swivel table legs, and/or for the table to have a plurality of non-swivel table legs, preferably two swivel table legs. Such a table preferably has four table legs, of which two table legs are fixed or cannot be swiveled and two other table legs can be swiveled about the second axis of rotation.

It is particularly preferable if two neighboring table legs can be swiveled and two other neighboring table legs are fixed. In the collapsed state of the table, the two fixed table legs remain in their unvarying unfolded position while the two swivel table legs swivel into the folded position. The spacing between the two swivel table legs in the circumferential direction is preferably increased, while the spacing between the swivel table legs and the adjacent fixed table legs in the circumferential direction is decreased. When the table is collapsed, the swivel table legs fold in the direction of the fixed table legs, which significantly reduces the table's footprint. At the same time, the fixed table legs, which are still unfolded, ensure that there is a sufficiently large footprint even when the table is collapsed, such that the table can stand alone on a floor even in its collapsed state. This is particularly advantageous if castors or wheels are disposed at the contact points of the table legs with the floor, as the table can then be easily and quickly pushed to a desired position on the floor even in its collapsed state. There is no risk of the collapsed table tipping over due to the sufficiently large footprint.

If there are several swivel table legs, it is advantageous if the swivel table legs can be swiveled from their unfolded position to their folded position about the same second axis of rotation. This allows a particularly compact design of the table to be implemented using very few components and a correspondingly low assembly effort.

It is also particularly preferred if contact points of the swivel table legs with a floor, on which the table stands, are disposed on the same side of the table top as the swivel table legs in the inoperative state of the table when viewed from above in the folded position of the swivel table legs. Preferably, the contact points of the fixed table legs are then disposed on the opposite side of the table top when it is in its inoperative state. This structure, with the table top positioned between the contact points of the table legs when in its inoperative state, ensures that the collapsed table is balanced and stable.

show an example of a folding tableaccording to the invention in a folded state (cf.) and in an unfolded state (cf.), respectively. The tablecomprises a table top, which in an operational state (cf.) has an essentially horizontal planar extent. In addition, the tablecomprises a plurality of table legs,attached to the table top.

In the example, the table topis designed as a round table top. However, it can of course also have any other shape, e.g., oval, square or rectangular. Further, the table topmay be made of any material, including wood, metal, glass and/or stone, as well as any composite materials.

From the operational state, the table topcan be swiveled relative to the table legs,about a first axis of rotationinto an inoperative state (cf.), in which the table tophas a planar extent that deviates from the horizontal planar extent. In the example shown, the deviating planar extent is an essentially vertical planar extent. However, the deviating planar extent can also be any other inclined planar extent.

In the example shown, two table legscan be swiveled from an unfolded position (cf.) of the opened tableabout a second axis of rotation, which deviates from the first axis of rotation, into a folded position (cf.) of the collapsed table. The two swivel table legsare adjacent table legs. In the example, both table legsswivel about the same second axis of rotation. However, it would also be conceivable for every swivel table legto swivel about its own second axis of rotation. A plurality of second axes of rotationpreferably extend in parallel to each other.

Furthermore, the tablecomprises two fixed or non-swivel table legs. The tabletherefore has a total of four table legs,. The two non-swivel table legsare also adjacent table legs.

In the example shown, the fixed table legsare attached to at least one support element, which in the example is U-shaped. The first axis of rotationis formed at the distal ends of the U-shaped support element. The axis of rotationis formed, for instance, by a rodattached to the distal ends of the U-shaped support element, the ends of which are guided in bearing elements(or hinge blocks) attached to the table top. In this example, the bearing elementsare not fastened directly to the table top, but indirectly, namely first to a fastening plate, which in turn is fastened to the underside of the table top, for instance by means of screws or boltsor in another manner.

A kinematic reversal would of course also be possible, in which case the bearing elementswould be attached directly or indirectly at the support elementand the rodwould be attached directly or indirectly at the table top.

The table legs,are essentially L-shaped. A first flank,of the L-shape extends approximately in parallel to the second axis of rotation. A second flank,of the L-shape extends radially outwards from a central area of the table. The two flanks,and,are at an angle of approximately 90° to each other. Preferably, they are at an angle greater than 90° to each other, such that the second flanks,of the table legs,extend radially outwards and diagonally downwards from the central area of the table.

Contact pointsare formed at the distal ends of the table legs,, via which contact points the table legs,stand on a preferably even ground. The contact pointscan have castors, each of which can be rotated about its axis of rotationand which can be used to trundle the tableacross a floor. At least some of the castorscan be designed as swivel castors, each of which is freely rotatable not only about its axis of rotation, but also about a substantially vertical swivel axis. At least one of the castorscan have an actuatable braking element, which prevents or blocks or brakes rotation of the castorabout its axis of rotationupon actuation. In the example shown, only the swivel castorsdisposed at the fixed table legshave a brake element.

The swivel table legsare swiveled about the second axis of rotationwith respect to the table topor the fixed table legs. For this purpose, bearing elements are attached to the fixed table legsor to a component attached thereto, e.g., to the U-shaped support element. Corresponding tabsare formed at the swivel table legs, each having a guide opening. It is conceivable that a guide pin is formed on the bearing element, which is inserted through the guide opening of the tabs. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the bearing elements also have a guide opening and that separate guide pins are inserted through the guide openings of the bearing elements and the tabs. In any case, the swivel table legsare hinged to the fixed table legsin a swiveling manner about the second axis of rotation.

The invention makes proposition for the tableto have an actuating linkage, which couples the table topto the swivel table legsin such a way that a transition of the table topfrom the operational state (cf.) to the inoperative state (cf.) automatically also swivels the swivel table legsfrom the unfolded position (cf.) to the folded position (cf.).

The table topcan therefore no longer be swiveled about the first axis of rotationindependently of the swivel table legsor, conversely, the swivel table legscan no longer be swiveled about the second axis of rotationindependently of the table top.

In a similar manner, the invention also has the specified features and advantages for unfolding the table, i.e., for swiveling the table topfrom the inoperative state (cf.) to the operational state (cf.) about the first axis of rotationand for swiveling the swivel table legsfrom the folded position (cf.) to the unfolded position (cf.).

Preferably, the actuating linkagecomprises an actuating rodassigned to the swivel table legfor every swivel table leg. The actuating rod is hinged on the one hand at the table topor the mounting plateat a distance(cf.) from the first axis of rotationand on the other hand at the swivel table legat a distance(cf.) from the second axis of rotation. The articulation of the actuating rodon the one hand at the table topeccentrically to the first axis of rotationand on the other hand at the assigned swivel table legeccentrically to the second axis of rotationhas the effect that a transition of the table topfrom the operational state (cf.) to the inoperative state (cf.) also automatically swivels the assigned swivel table legfrom the unfolded position to the folded position.

The distancefrom the first axis of rotation, at which the actuating rodis hinged to the table top, may be, but does not have to be, identical to the distancefrom the second axis of rotation, at which the actuating rodis hinged to the assigned swivel table leg. Preferably, the distance, at which the actuating rodis hinged to the table top, is greater than the distance, at which the actuating rodis hinged to the assigned swivel table leg. As a result, the swivel motion of the table topis greater than the swivel motion of the swivel table legs. The swivel motion of the table topbetween the operational state with the essentially horizontal planar extent and the inoperative state with the essentially vertical planar extent can be 90°, for instance. At the same time, the swivel motion of a swivel table legbetween the unfolded position and the folded position is, for instance, only 45°.

A lever elementis attached to an upper distal end of the swivel table legto prevent it from rotating. Lever elementsextend substantially radially outwards from the second axis of rotation, preferably congruently with the second flanksof the table legs. A swiveling of the lever elementsabout the second axis of rotationthus inevitably leads to a matching swiveling of the table legsabout the axis of rotation. The actuating rodsare hinged to the lever elementsat a distancefrom the second axis of rotation.

To set and adjust the reference of the table topto the swivel table legs, proposition is made for the actuating rodsto be adjustable in length. In the example shown, this is achieved by the actuating rodseach being hinged to the table topor to the assigned swivel table legvia one or more suitable joints,. Matching threads are formed at at least one end of the actuating rodsand at the joint(s),. The thread can be used to attach the actuating rodto the joint(s),At the same time, the actuating rodcan be screwed or bolted to the joint(s),to a greater or lesser extent, thereby varying or setting the length of the actuating rod.

A first end of each of the actuating rodsis hinged to the table top, preferably to the underside of the table top, by means of a first joint. The first jointis designed, for instance, as a revolute joint or fork joint, a universal joint or a ball joint. In the example shown, the first jointis designed as a universal joint.

The first jointis preferably rotatably mounted at the table topor at the mounting platein a plane that extends in parallel to the planar extent of the table top. The jointis therefore mounted at the table topso as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation extends perpendicular to a planar extent of the table top. This prevents mechanical stresses in the actuating rodand/or the joints,when the tableis folded or unfolded.

A second jointis used to hinge the second end of every actuating rodto the assigned swivel table leg. The second jointis designed, for instance, as a revolute joint or fork joint, a universal joint or a ball joint. In the example shown, the second jointis designed as a ball joint.

It would be conceivable to manufacture the actuating rodsfrom an elastically deformable material. The deformation of the actuating rodscould reduce stresses that can occur in the actuating rodsand/or the joints,when the tableis folded or unfolded. It may even be possible in this way to use simpler and more compact joints,having a smaller number of degrees of freedom or a smaller number of motions.

The first axis of rotationpreferably has a horizontal extent in parallel to the planar extent of the table top. The first axis of rotationpreferably extends at a distance from a geometric center of gravityof the table top. The axes of rotation,are preferably spaced apart and transverse, particularly preferably perpendicular, to each other.

When the swivel table legsswivel about the second axis of rotationduring the transition from the unfolded position (cf.) to the folded position (cf.), they move towards the table top, which is in its inoperative state. This reduces the footprint of the tableand makes it easier to transport, e.g. because it now fits through doors or narrow corridors. It is also easier to store the collapsed table, as it requires less space or floor space in the collapsed state (cf.) than in the opened state (cf.).

Each of the swivel table legsis preferably assigned a support surface, on which the underside of the table topin its operational state or of the mounting platecomes to rest. Damping elements (not shown) can be disposed on the support surfacesto enable the tableto be unfold silently and to prevent the underside of the table topfrom being scratched. In the example shown, the bearing surfacesare formed on distal end sections of the lever elements.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the swivel table legsand/or the table topare assigned securing means, which are designed to secure the table topin its operational state on the or every support surface. The securing meanscan, for instance, be in the form of a screw, a bolt, a latching or snap-in lock, or a bayonet catch. In the example shown, the securing meansare formed at least indirectly at the swivel table legs. In particular, the securing meansare formed on the lever elements.