Table with Storage Function

This application claims the priority of CN Patent Application No. 202421092357.2, entitled “Table with Storage Function,” filed May 20, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

The present subject matter is in the field of furniture design and manufacture. More particularly, embodiments of the present subject matter relate to a folding table with optional storage.

Tables are daily necessities that people frequently use in everyday life, commonly used for placing items, such as dining tables, office desks, etc. Tables generally include a tabletop and a support frame for supporting the tabletop. Under the support of the frame, the tabletop is maintained in a horizontal position so that items can be steadily placed on the tabletop. When a table is arranged for placing items, it occupies a certain amount of space indoors. For those tables that have only a tabletop and a frame, the space below the tabletop is difficult to utilize for placing items, thus resulting in a waste of indoor space. With the continuous improvement of people's quality of life, the functional requirements for tables are increasing. In order to save and fully utilize indoor space, some tables have accommodation devices, such as drawers, arranged in the space below the tabletop, which are used to place items and utilize the space under the tabletop.

However, existing accommodation devices for tables have many drawbacks. First, accommodation devices such as drawers are mostly installed directly or indirectly below the tabletop, making the whole table rather bulky. Moreover, to ensure the table can be used for a long time, the accommodation devices are generally sturdy and durable, which also makes the table relatively heavy. Second, the existing accommodation devices for tables are often fixed in a preset position. Once the accommodation device is removed, a hole will be left on the table, thus affecting the overall appearance of the table. Furthermore, after the accommodation device is disassembled from the table, the support of the tabletop is often affected. Finally, for foldable tables, when folded, the accommodation device is often sturdy and heavy with a fixed shape, so when it is used in conjunction with a foldable table, it can affect the folding of the foldable table. In summary, there is a need to further improve the existing tables with storage functions.

The technical problem to be solved by the present subject matter is to provide a table with a storage function that has a novel structure and a storage rack that can be foldable, in view of the above-mentioned current state of the prior designs.

The technical solution adopted by the present subject matter to solve the above-mentioned problem is: a table with a storage function, comprising a tabletop and a table support provided at the bottom of the tabletop, wherein a storage rack is mounted on the outer side of the table support, the storage rack has an unfolded state and a folded state, and the storage rack unfolds outward from the table support in the unfolded state to provide a storage function, and in the folded state is disposed close to the outer side of the table support.

The storage rack may have various structures. According to one embodiment, the storage rack comprises a storage platform, a first connecting rod, and a second connecting rod, the inner side of the storage platform is rotatably connected to the table support, the first end of the first connecting rod is rotatably connected to the outer side of the storage platform, the first end of the second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second end of the first connecting rod, and the second end of the second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the table support. Furthermore, the rotation connection point of the second connecting rod to the table support is located above or below the rotation connection point between the storage platform and the table support. With such a configuration, the storage rack can be easily opened and stowed via the rotational connection of the table support, first connecting rod, second connecting rod, and storage platform, which makes operation very convenient. Also, the storage rack can be configured for both upward and downward flipping structures.

According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the storage rack, the storage platform is in a horizontal position; in the folded state of the storage rack, the storage platform is in a vertical position and close to the table support.

In order to facilitate placing and retrieving items on the storage rack, in the unfolded state of the storage rack, the outer edge of the storage platform is located outside the corresponding edge of the tabletop.

To enable both the left and right sides of the table to have a storage function, the table support comprises a left table support and a right table support, and the storage rack is installed on both the left and right table supports. As a preferred solution, the table support comprises a left table support and a right table support, and the storage racks are installed on both the left and right table supports.

According to one embodiment, the table support comprises a left table support and a right table support, with the storage rack installed on one of the table supports and a hanging frame installed on the other table support. The hanging frame in the usage state unfolds to the outer side of the corresponding table support, and in the folded state is disposed close to the outer side of the corresponding table support. With such a configuration, the table has a storage rack on one side and a hanging frame on the other, further expanding its usage functionality.

The hanging frame can have various structures. According to one embodiment, the hanging frame includes a hanging frame body and two hanging components. The hanging frame body is rotatably connected to the corresponding table support. Two hanging holes are oppositely provided on the inner wall of the hanging rod of the hanging frame body. The hanging holes have a large opening end and a small opening end. The hanging components have hanging posts and hooks. The hanging posts are inserted from the large opening end into the corresponding hanging holes and are limited inside the small opening end. With this configuration, the hanging components are easy to install and remove. When in use, garbage bags can be hung on the two corresponding hanging components.

To facilitate hanging garbage bags, the hook is provided at the top of the hanging component. In the installed state of the hanging component, the hook protrudes above the hanging frame body.

As one embodiment of the hanging frame, the hanging frame includes a hanging frame body, two hanging components, and a sleeve. Two oppositely arranged hanging holes are opened on the inner wall of the hanging rods of the hanging frame body. The hanging holes have a large opening end and a small opening end. The hanging component has a hanging post protruding toward the corresponding hanging hole and also has a latch. Both ends of the sleeve are limited in the small opening ends of the corresponding hanging holes. The hanging post is limited in the large opening end of the corresponding hanging hole, and the latch snaps onto the wall of the sleeve. With this configuration, the hanging components are easy to install and remove. In use, cylindrical items such as towel rolls can be hung on the sleeve.

According to one embodiment, the top of the hanging component also extends upward to form a hook. With this configuration, the hanging component can be used with the sleeve or separately, expanding the functionality.

According to one embodiment, the table support comprises a left table support and a right table support, with the storage rack installed on one of the table supports, and a support rack installed on the outer part of the other table support. The support rack is detachably connected to the corresponding side of the table support and can be stored on the back of the tabletop in the stowed state. When in use, various items such as thermal containers or snack bags can be placed on the support rack.

To reduce packaging volume, the tabletop comprises a left tabletop and a right tabletop that can be folded with respect to each other. In the folded state of the left and right tabletops, the table support and storage rack are hidden between the left and right tabletops.

To enable the left and right table supports to fold smoothly to the back of the corresponding tabletop, a support crossbar is installed below the joint part of the left and right tabletops. The table support comprises a left table support and a right table support. The left table support is located under the left tabletop and is connected to the support crossbar via a left diagonal rod. The right table support is located under the right tabletop and is connected to the support crossbar via a right diagonal rod.

Compared with the prior designs, the advantages of the present subject matter are: the table with a storage function is provided with a storage rack on the outer side of the table support. In the unfolded state, the storage rack unfolds outward from the table support to provide a storage function. In the folded state, it is positioned close to the outer side of the table support. After the storage rack is installed, the functional use of the table is expanded. When using the table, users can place items not only on the tabletop but also on the storage rack. Moreover, during storage, the storage rack can be folded and placed against the table support without occupying external space or affecting the overall appearance of the table. In addition to installing the storage rack, other types of storage structures such as hanging frames and support racks can also be installed on the other side of the table support, further expanding the table's usage functions.

The present subject matter pertains to improved approaches for a foldable table with optional storages. Embodiments of the present subject matter are discussed below with reference to.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present subject matter. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present subject matter may be practiced without some of these specific details. In addition, the following description provides examples, and the accompanying drawings show various examples for the purposes of illustration. Moreover, these examples should not be construed in a limiting sense as they are merely intended to provide examples of embodiments of the subject matter rather than to provide an exhaustive list of all possible implementations. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the details of the disclosed features of various described embodiments.

As shown in, the table with storage functionality of the present embodiment includes a tabletopand a table supportprovided at the bottom of the tabletop. A storage rackis mounted on the outer side of the table support. The tabletopcomprises a left tabletopand a right tabletopwhich can be folded relative to each other. The table supportcomprises a left table supportand a right table support. The left table supportis mounted at the bottom of the left tabletop, and the right table supportis mounted at the bottom of the right tabletop. There are two storage racksrespectively mounted on the left table supportand the right table support. The storage rackshave an unfolded state and a folded state.

In the unfolded state, the storage racksextend outward from the table supportto provide a storage function. In the folded state, the storage racksare positioned close to the outer side of the table support.

The storage rackof this embodiment comprises a storage platform, a first link, and a second link. The storage platformis configured as a shelf. The inner side of the storage platformis rotatably connected to the table support. The first linkis located below the second link. The first end of the first linkis rotatably connected to the outer side of the storage platform. The second end of the first linkis rotatably connected to the first end of the second link. The second end of the second linkis rotatably connected to the table support. In this embodiment, the rotational connection point of the second linkand the table supportis located above the rotational connection point of the storage platformand the table support. When the storage rackis folded, the storage platformrotates upward.

As shown in, in the unfolded state of the storage rack, the first linkand the second linklie on the same straight line and are both inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The storage platformis in a horizontal position, and the outer edge of the storage platformis located outside the corresponding edge of the tabletop, making it convenient for the user to access items placed on the storage platform.

As shown in, in the folded state of the storage rack, the first linkand the second linkare both rotated to a vertical position and overlap each other. The storage platformis in a vertical position and close to the table support, with the storage platformlocated outside the first linkand the second link. At this time, the storage rackdoes not occupy external space of the table and does not affect the overall appearance of the table, nor does it have any adverse effect on the support of the tabletop. Additionally, the front and rear edges of the storage platformhave upwardly turned flanges. In the folded state of the storage rack, the flangesare disposed on the outer side of the table support. After providing the flanges, items on the storage platformcan be prevented from falling off the front and rear sides of the platform.

The table of this embodiment is a folding table. A crossbaris installed below the joint area of the left tabletopand the right tabletop. The table supportincludes the left table supportand the right table support. The left table supportis located under the left tabletop, and the right table supportis located under the right tabletop. The left table supportis connected to the crossbarvia a left diagonal rod, and the right table supportis connected to the crossbarvia a right diagonal rod.

As shown in, the left table supportis flipped to the back side of the left tabletop, and the right table supportis flipped to the back side of the right tabletop. This folding structure may refer to existing folding tables and is not elaborated here. As shown in, when the left tabletopand the right tabletopare folded together, the table supportand the storage rackare hidden between the left tabletopand the right tabletop, making the folding structure of the table very compact.

As shown in, the difference from Embodiment One lies in that in the present embodiment, the first linkis located above the second link, and the rotational connection point between the second linkand the table supportis located below the rotational connection point between the storage platformand the table support. When folded, the storage platformrotates downward. The remaining structure of the present embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment One and will not be further described here.

As shown in, with the direction indicated by arrow B as right, in the present embodiment, a storage rackis mounted on the left table support. The storage rackcan adopt the mounting structure of either Embodiment One or Embodiment Two, and will not be further elaborated here. A hanging frameis mounted on the right table support. The hanging frameis rotatably connected to the right table support. In the usage state, the hanging frameunfolds to the outside of the right table support. In the folded state, it is positioned close to the outer side of the right table support.

The hanging frameof the present embodiment includes a hanging frame bodyand two hanging elements. The hanging frame bodyis rotatably connected to the right table support. The rotational connection structure may refer to the rotational connection structure of the storage rack, and is not further elaborated here.

Two oppositely arranged hanging holesare provided on the inner walls of the front and rear hanging rods of the hanging frame body. The hanging holeseach have a large opening endand a small opening end. The hanging elementhas a hanging postand a hook. The hanging postis inserted into the corresponding hanging holefrom the large opening endand is limited within the small opening end. The hookis provided at the top of the hanging element, and in the mounted state of the hanging element, the hookprotrudes above the hanging frame body. As shown in, both ends of the garbage bagare hung on the hooks.

As shown in, the difference from Embodiment Three is that in the present embodiment, the detachable hanging elements are omitted, and instead, welded hooksare fixedly attached to the hanging frame body. Both ends of the garbage bagare hung on the welded hooks.

As shown in, the hanging frameof the present embodiment adds a sleeveon the basis of Embodiment Three. That is, the hanging frameincludes a hanging frame body, two hanging elements, and a sleeve. Two oppositely arranged hanging holesare provided on the inner wall of the front and rear hanging rods of the hanging frame body. Each hanging holehas a large opening endand a small opening end. The hanging elementprotrudes a hanging posttoward the corresponding hanging hole, and is also equipped with a latch. During installation, the two ends of the sleeveare respectively limited within the small opening endsof the corresponding hanging holes, the hanging postis limited within the large opening endof the corresponding hanging hole, and the latchclips onto the wall of the sleeve. As shown in, a towel tubeis hung on the sleeve. In addition, the top of the hanging elementin this embodiment also extends upward with a hook.

As shown in, the present embodiment removes the hanging elements and sleeves, and instead places a support rodacross the front and rear hanging rods of the hanging frame body. The towel tubeis hung on the support rod. A limiting structure may be provided between the two ends of the support rodand the front and rear hanging rods to prevent the support rodfrom falling off.

As shown in, the present embodiment removes the hanging frame and instead installs a support rackon the right table support. The support rackis detachably connected to the right table supportand, in the stowed state, can be stored on the back of the tabletop. Specifically, the support rackincludes a support rack body, a lever, and a knob. The head of the leverhas a limiting bar, which is positioned on the inner side of the right table support. The tail end of the leveris connected to the knob. A socket is provided on the table leg of the right table support. During installation, first place the support rackhorizontally, insert the support rack bodyinto the socket, then rotate the knobso that the limiting barat the head of the leverrotates to a vertical position and abuts the inner side of the right table support. At this point, the limiting barcan further prevent the support rack bodyfrom rotating downward, making the limiting structure more reliable.

In the description and claims of the present subject matter, terms indicating directions such as “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, “side”, “top”, and “bottom” are used to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the subject matter. However, these terms are used merely for the convenience of illustration, and are defined based on the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the disclosed embodiments of the present subject matter can be arranged in different directions, these directional terms are for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limitations. For example, “top” and “bottom” are not necessarily limited to the directions opposite or consistent with the direction of gravity.

Having disclosed exemplary embodiments and the best mode, modifications and variations may be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the scope of the embodiments of the subject matter as defined by the following claims.