Abstract: An articulating table can be easily adjusted by meeting participants, thereby suiting a wide range of meeting conditions without lifting, carrying or requiring specialized help. Rollers and/or electric motors make this transition easy. The articulating table includes two or more leaves coupled to each other by a large horizontal pivot. These leaves can be moved to different angles relative to each other, allowing for changes in configuration and capacity. The articulation can be accomplished using a rule joint, wherein the pivoting members are attached with offsets allowing the leaves to be placed in the same plane. The rule joint is divided into two or more parts, each attached to a leaf. These pivot parts are circular and have either a protrusion or depression concentric to their center, which fits into a corresponding part on the other member. This male/female arrangement provides a bearing surface and maintains alignment as the leaves pivot.
Abstract: An articulating table can be easily adjusted by meeting participants, thereby suiting a wide range of meeting conditions without lifting, carrying or requiring specialized help. Rollers and/or electric motors make this transition easy. The articulating table includes two or more leaves coupled to each other by a large horizontal pivot. These leaves can be moved to different angles relative to each other, allowing for changes in configuration and capacity. The articulation can be accomplished using a rule joint, wherein the pivoting members are attached with offsets allowing the leaves to be placed in the same plane. The rule joint is divided into two or more parts, each attached to a leaf. These pivot parts are circular and have either a protrusion or depression concentric to their center, which fits into a corresponding part on the other member. This male/female arrangement provides a bearing surface and maintains alignment as the leaves pivot.