Table with Tippable Tabletop

Abstract

A table with a “seamless” tippable tabletop and a method of its use are configured for ease of maneuvering between the deployed and stowed position and compact stacking. A latch assembly may have a first latch that releasably retains the tabletop in the deployed position and a second latch that releasably retains the tabletop in the stowed position. The first latch may utilize a pin selectively engaging a corresponding catch to latch the tabletop in position and a manually operated handle to unlatch the tabletop from position. The second latch may utilize a pin selectively engaging a corresponding catch to latch the tabletop in position and unlatch the tabletop from position under a tilting force tending to move the tabletop from the stowed position to the deployed position. Counterweights may be mounted on or in the bottom surface of the tabletop to control movement of the tippable tabletop.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to foldable, nesting tables, and more particularly, to tables with a tippable tabletop that can be latched in the stowed and deployed positions and/or with a counterweight mounted beneath the tabletop to assist in the control of movement. The invention additionally relates to a method of using such an apparatus.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Foldable nesting tables are a frequently used furniture option for commercial, institutional, and private use as they provide more compact storage when the table is not in use. These tables may be deployed for use and then folded and nested with other tables for storage when not in use, for example, for cleaning or maintenance of the deployed table area.

In many instances, these tables provide a single piece or “seamless” tabletop that is mounted on a mobile pedestal. The entire tabletop tips or pivots about a horizontal axis between a deployed position in which the tabletop extends generally horizontally during use and a stowed position in which the tabletop extends generally vertically during storage.

One of the drawbacks of these tippable tabletops is that the size and weight of the tabletop make it difficult to maneuver the table between the deployed and stowed position. For example, it may be difficult to control the movement and momentum of a large and heavy tabletop, causing the tabletop to slam down on the base. Some tables have shocks or springs that dampen this downward motion of the tabletop, but these dampeners add to the cost and complexity of the table.

Another drawback to tippable tabletops is that they must be retained in position to prevent unwanted tipping, requiring manipulation of cumbersome fasteners or latching assemblies whenever it is desired to maneuver the tabletop between the deployed and stowed positions.

In addition, tippable tabletops are difficult to store since the base and pivoting frame must be broad enough to support the large and heavy tabletop while also preventing the table from tipping over. As such, nesting of the tables front-to-back generally takes up a lot of storage space.

In light of the foregoing, a table with a tippable tabletop that counterbalances gravitational forces when the table tilts from the stowed position to the operative position without the need for air shocks or cushions, is easy to unlatch between the operative and stowed positions without complex fasteners or latches, and/or has a narrow form factor for space efficient front-to-back nesting is desired within the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more of the above-identified needs is met by providing a table with a tippable tabletop, a base, and a latch assembly. The tabletop may be a seamless tabletop that is connected to the base by a hinge arrangement or other structure permitting tabletop movement about a horizontal axis between its deployed and stowed positions. A latch assembly may have a first latch that releasably retains the tabletop in the deployed position and a second latch that releasably retains the tabletop in the stowed position. The first latch may utilize a pin selectively engaging a corresponding catch to latch the tabletop in position and a manually operated handle to unlatch the tabletop from position. The second latch may utilize a pin selectively engaging a corresponding catch to latch the tabletop in position and automatically unlatch the tabletop from position under a tilting force tending to move the tabletop from the stowed position to the deployed position. Counterweights may be mounted on or in the bottom surface of the tabletop to counterbalance gravitational forces imposed on the tabletop when the tabletop tilts from the stowed position to the deployed position.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a table with a tippable top is provided having a base, a tabletop, and a latch assembly. The tabletop is supported by the base and has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface. The tabletop is movably coupled to the base so as to be selectively tiltable about a horizontal axis 1) from a first, operative position in which the first surface extends at least substantially horizontally and forms an upper surface of the table 2) to a second, stowed position in which the first surface extends at least substantially vertically. The latch assembly is supported by the second surface of the tabletop and the base, the latch assembly having a first latch that releasably retains the tabletop in the first position and a second latch that releasably retains the tabletop in the second position. Each of the first and second latches has a pin that selectively engages a corresponding catch to latch the tabletop in position and that selectively disengages from the corresponding catch to unlatch the tabletop from position.

In one embodiment, the pin of the second latch disengages from the associated catch to unlatch the tabletop from its stowed position by applying a tilting force tending to move the tabletop from the second position to the first second position.

In one embodiment, the pin of the first latch disengages the associated catch under actuation of a manually operated handle that is operatively coupled to the pin of the first latch.

In one embodiment, the pin of the first latch disengages from the associated catch under actuation of a manually operated handle that is operatively coupled to the pin of the first latch.

In one embodiment, the pins of the first position latch and second position latch are mounted no more than 0.020 inches, and even no more than 0.005 inches, from the second surface of the tabletop.

In one embodiment, the table is dimensioned and configured such that, when the table is latched in the second position thereof, the table can be positioned adjacent a second table of identical construction in a front-to-back relationship with a horizontal spacing between the first surface of the first table and the first surface of the second table of no-more than 7″ therebetween.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a table with a tippable top is provided having a base, a tabletop, and a counterweight. The tabletop is supported by the base and has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface. The tabletop is movably coupled to the base so as to be selectively tiltable 1) from a first position, operative in which the first surface extends at least substantially horizontally 2) to a second, stowed position in which the first surface extends at least substantially vertical. The counterweight is positioned substantially within a bottom half of the tabletop when the tabletop is in the second position and is configured to counterbalance gravitational forces imposed on the tabletop when the tabletop tilts from the second position thereof to the first position thereof.

In one embodiment, the counterweight comprises a metal plate that is supported within a recess of the second surface of the tabletop. The counterweight may be mounted between side brackets of a frame supported on the second surface of the tabletop.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and accompanying drawings, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a foldable table of a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a “seamless” tabletop in a deployed or flipped down position and supported by a base;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the foldable table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the foldable table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom isometric view of the foldable table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional side elevation view taken generally along the line 5-5 in FIG. 4 and illustrating the deployed position latch assembly in greater detail and with the pin in its engaged position;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary bottom plan view taken generally along the line 6-6 in FIG. 3 and illustrating the pin, spring tensioned rod, and catch of the deployed position latch assembly in greater detail;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the foldable table of FIG. 1, showing the “seamless” tabletop moving from the deployed or flipped down position to a stowed or flipped up position;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the foldable table of FIG. 1, showing the “seamless” tabletop in the stowed or flipped up position;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the foldable table in the position of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional side elevation view taken generally along the line 10-10 in FIG. 9 and illustrating the stowed position latch assembly in greater detail and with the pin in its engaged position;

FIG. 11 is a sectional rear elevation view taken generally along the line 11-11 in FIG. 10 and illustrating the spring tensioned pin and catch of the stowed position latch assembly in greater detail; and

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of several foldable tables of FIG. 8 in a stacked or nested side-by-side configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A wide variety of tables could be constructed in accordance with the invention as defined by the claims. Hence, while the preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to a “seamless” foldable table, it should be understood that the invention is in no way so limited.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a foldable table 20 with a single piece or “seamless” tabletop 22 that is tippable with respect to a table base 24 for support. The “seamless” tabletop 22 provides a substantially planar surface used for supporting objects, for example, when working at the table 20, eating from or on the table 20, or as a surface to place things, as generally understood in the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, the tabletop 22 is connected to the base 24 via a hinge assembly 26 mounted between the base 24 and the tabletop 22. The hinge assembly 26 permits tabletop 22 and permitting the tabletop 22 to tip or pivot about a horizontal pivot axis 28 between a first, operative position and a second, stowed position. The table 20 also includes a first latch assembly 30 releasably retaining the tabletop 22 in the first, deployed position, a second latch assembly 32 that selectively latches the tabletop 22 in the second, stowed position, and a counterweight 34 that counterbalances gravitational forces imposed on the tabletop 22 when the tabletop 22 tilts from the stowed position to the deployed position.

The tabletop 22 is movably mounted on the base 24 by the hinge assembly 26 so as to be movable between the first, operative position in which first 36 and second 38 major surfaces of the tabletop 22 extend substantially horizontally, or substantially parallel to a ground, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, and a second, stowed position in which the first 36 and second 38 major surfaces of the tabletop 22 extend substantially vertically, or extend substantially at a right angle with respect to the ground, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. “Substantially” in this regard means ±30°. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabletop 22 pivots from the first position to the second position as seen in FIG. 7. The hinge assembly 26 may include three spaced hinges, each of which includes a pin 40 that is mounted on the tabletop 22 and that is pivotally received in spaced plates 42 mounted on the base 24.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 through 4, when the tabletop 22 is in the first position, a first surface 36 of the tabletop 22 extends horizontally to provide a substantially flat surface facing vertically upwardly. The tabletop 22 also has a second surface 38 opposite the first surface 36 facing vertically downwardly. The tabletop 22 may be made of plastic, metal, or a substrate laminated material, such as high-density particle board covered with high pressure laminate for strength and durability. The tabletop 22 may further include a reinforced edge 44 such as polyurea coating, urethane edging, or aluminum edging, for additional durability and comfort. The reinforced edge 44 helps to resist moisture, debris, and tampering, while also being impact and puncture resistant. While the tabletop 22 is shown as having a circular surface, the tabletop 22 may also be ovoid, square, rectangular, or take any other shape, as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabletop 22 has a diameter of approximately 40 inches. However, the concepts described herein are application to much smaller and larger tabletops.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the base 24 of this embodiment includes two laterally-spaced leg assemblies 50, each of which includes two L-shaped tubes 52. Each tube 52 forms a generally vertical support column 54 and a generally horizontal stabilizer 56 connected to one another at a bend in the respective tube 52. The stabilizers 56 of each leg assembly 50 extend in opposite directions from one another longitudinally of the table 20. The support columns 54 of each leg assembly are connected to one another by an H-shaped stabilizer tube assembly 58 having an elongated laterally extending center tube 60 and first 62 and second 64 end tubes that are connected to respective ends of the center tube 60. Each end tube 62, 64 extends longitudinally of the table 20 and base 24 with respective ends attached to a respective vertical support column 54. Wheels or casters 66 are provided at the outer end of each stabilizer 56 for supporting the table 20 on the ground. Of course, the base 24 could comprise a pedestal or have any of a wide variety of other configurations, and the wheels or casters 66 could be omitted

The base 24 may be made of commercial-grade cast iron, steel (e.g., 12-gauge steel or 1.4-gauge steel), stainless steel, or aluminum. If the tabletop 22 is to be used while the user is standing, the base 24 height, as measured from the ground to the bottom surface 38 of the tabletop, may be approximately 30 to 50 inches, and more typically 40 inches. If the tabletop 22 is to be used while the user is sitting, the base 24 height may be approximately to 36 inches, and more typically 28 inches, to allow for chair(s) and a seated user's legs to fit underneath the tabletop 22.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 8, a base frame 70 is mounted on top of the laterally-spaced leg assemblies 50 of the base 24. The base frame 70 includes a rectangular frame assembly 72 defined by two lateral square tubular beams (front 74 and rear 76) extending between left 104 and right 106 sides of the tabletop 22 in a spaced parallel configuration and joined at their respective ends by transverse tubular square beams 78 extending therebetween. One or both of the front 74 and rear 76 lateral beams may support the hinge assembly 26, whereby multiple hinge joints may allow for pivoting movement of the tabletop 22.

Still referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 8, a tabletop support frame 80 is mounted to or within the lower, second surface 38 of the tabletop 22. The tabletop support frame 80 may include three longitudinal square tubes (left 82, right 84, and center 86) extending between front 100 and back 102 sides of the tabletop 22 in parallel configuration. The beams 82, 84, and 86 are joined at their respective ends by lateral brackets defining the counterweight support frame 88. The counterweight support frame 88 may include four metal brackets 90 forming a V-shaped configuration. Specifically, at each end of the tabletop 20, one bracket 90 extends at an acute angle from the center leg 86 to the left leg 82, and the other bracket 90 extends at an acute angle from the center leg 86 to the right leg 84. The apex of the “V” thus is positioned toward the outer edge of the second surface 38 of the tabletop 22, and the arms of the V extend from the center leg 86 toward the center of the tabletop 22.

The tabletop 2.2 is coupled to the base 24 or base frame 70 by the hinge assembly 26. The hinge assembly of this embodiment has three spaced apart hinged joints with pivot pins 40. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the hinge assembly 26 includes a first hinge 110 centered substantially between the upper ends of the laterally-spaced leg assemblies 50, and second 112 and third 114 lateral hinges positioned above the laterally-spaced leg assemblies 50. The center hinge 110 may be formed by a pair of vertically extending parallel plates 42 having holes at a top end receiving a pivot pin 40 extending horizontally through the parallel plates 42 as well as the center longitudinal tube 86 extending between the parallel plates 42 to define a hinge joint and an axis of rotation 28. A top end of the base frame 70 may receive the center longitudinal tube 86 when the table top 22 is in the first, operative position, and a rear side of the parallel plates 42 may receive the center longitudinal tube 86 when the table top 22 is in the second, stowed position.

The second 112 and third 114 lateral hinges of the hinge assembly 26 may be each formed by a pair of vertically extending parallel plates 42 having holes at a back end for receiving a pivot pin 40 extending horizontally through the parallel plates 42, as well as the left and right longitudinal tubes 82, 84 extending between the parallel plates 42 to define hinge joints and defining an axis of rotation 28. A top side of the base frame 70 may receive the left and right longitudinal tubes 82, 84 when the tabletop 22 is in the first, operative position, and a rear side of the parallel plates 42 may receive the left and right longitudinal tubes 82, 84 when the tabletop 22 is in the second, stowed position.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are front and side elevation views of the foldable table 20 showing the tabletop 22 in the first position with the tabletop 22 in a flipped down, first, operative position. In this first position, the tabletop 22 is extending in a generally horizontal direction, or generally parallel to the ground.

Referring to FIGS. 4 through 7, the first latch assembly 30 has components mounted to the tabletop support frame 80 and the base frame 70, respectively, so as to retain the tabletop 22 in the flipped down, first, operative position. The first latch assembly 30 of this embodiment is a positive or active latch that engages automatically but requires manual release, “Manual release” in this regard requires that a knob, lever, or other release mechanism must be activated to disengage the latch. The first latch assembly 30 may have, for example, two laterally spaced latches 120 corresponding with two laterally spaced pins 122 engaging the two laterally spaced latches 120 to latch the tabletop 22 in the first position. The pins 122 also disengage the two laterally spaced latches 120 to unlatch the tabletop 22 from the first position. The two laterally spaced latches 120 may be supported by the base frame 70 proximate the upper ends of the laterally-spaced leg assemblies 50, while the two corresponding laterally spaced pins 122 may be supported on the respective lateral square tubes 82, 84 of the tabletop support frame 80.

As best seen in FIG. 7, each of the latches 120 comprises a pair of vertically extending parallel plates 42 that are coupled to the square beams 74, 76 of the base frame 70 at a first, back end and that are spaced from one another at a second, front end to receive the transverse pin 122 thereacross. The latches 120 may be part of the same parallel plates 42 comprising the second and third lateral hinges 112, 114 of the hinge assembly 26 described above. The transverse pin is 122 received in a front end of the parallel plates 42 by a detent 124 within each plate 42. Each detent 124 is defined by a substantially oblong slot or catch sized to receive the transverse pin 122 therein. Each detent 124 restricts forward movement of the associated pin 122 toward a front end of the tabletop 22 along a horizontal axis 116, as further described below.

Referring still to FIGS. 4 through 7, each of the transverse pins 122 is supported by the respective lateral square tube 82, 84 of the tabletop support frame 80 as seen in FIG. 4. Each pin 122 extends laterally through mating elongated longitudinally extending slots 126 formed in the sidewalls of the respective tube 82, 84 and extends outwardly beyond the sidewalls of the square tube 82, 84. The slots 126 in each tube 82, 84 permit the associated pin 122 to move along the slots 126 to selectively engage and disengage from the associate detent 124. For example, each slot 126 may be approximately 0.25 to 2.0 inches long, allowing forward and backward movement of the pin 122 along the horizontal axis 116 of corresponding length of approximately 0.25 to 2.0 inches.

As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, when it is desired to move the tabletop 22 from the first, deployed position to the second, stowed position, each pin 122 is positively driven from the engaged position to the disengaged position by manipulation of a rod 128 extending from the pin 122 outwardly toward the edge of the tabletop 22. The outer end of the rod 128 is connected to a knob 130 that is easily accessible by the user. Each rod 128 may be housed within the associated square tube 82, 84 and may extend outwardly beyond the end of the square tube 82, 84. Each rod 128 may be biased toward the engaged, backward position by a spring 132 held in position against the square tube 82, 84 by a washer 134 such that, in a relaxed position of the spring, the pin 122 is in the engaged position. The rod 128 may be manipulated by pulling on the manually operated handle or knob 130 in a forward direction to compress the spring 132 so that the pin 122 is driven to the disengaged, forward position.

As best seen in FIG. 5, when it is desired to move the tabletop 22 from the second, stowed position to the first, deployed position, tilting movement of the tabletop 22 causes each backward biased pin 122 to roll forward along an outer incline 136 of the parallel plates 42 against the biasing force of the spring 132 as the tabletop 22 is flipped downward, and to eventually “fall” into or “snap” into the associated detent 124 to the engaged, backward position.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 9 through 11, the second latch assembly 32 has components mounted to the tabletop support frame 80 and to the base frame 70, respectively, so as to selectively retain the tabletop 22 in the flipped up, second, stowed position. The second latch assembly 32 of this embodiment comprises a passive latch assembly lacking a separate manual actuator. It instead can be disengaged simply by applying a sufficient force to the tabletop 22 tending to tilt the tabletop 22 from its stowed position to its operative position. The second latch assembly 32 provides a centrally positioned latch 140 and a corresponding pin 142 engaging the latch 140. The latch 140 may be supported by the base frame 70, centered substantially between the upper ends of the laterally-spaced leg assemblies 50, while the pin 142 may be supported by the center tube 86 of the tabletop support frame 80.

As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 10, the latch 140 may, similar to the latches 120 of the first latch assembly 30, include a pair of vertically extending parallel plates 42 coupled at a first, top end to the square beams 74, 76 of the base frame 70, and spaced in separation at a second bottom end to receive the transverse pin 142 thereacross. The latch 140 may be a part of the same parallel plates 42 comprising the first center hinge 110 of the hinge assembly 26 described above. The pin 142 is received by a detent 144 within each plate 42 at a back wall of the parallel plates 42 defined by a substantially oblong slot or catch sized to receive the transverse pin 142 therein. The detent 144 is located adjacent to an outer inclined surface 146 of the parallel plates 42, permitting the downwardly biased pin 142 to roll along the inclined surface 146 between the pin's 142 engaged and disengaged positions. The detent 144 restricts downward movement of the pin 142 along a vertical axis 148 when the tabletop 22 is in the second position, and it latches the tabletop 22 in its stowed position.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 9 through 11, the pin 142 extends laterally through aligned longitudinally extending slots 150 in the center tube 86 of tabletop support frame 80 and protrudes outwardly beyond the sides of the tube 86 sufficiently to engage the detents 144 of the parallel plates 42, which flank the square tube 86 along its outer sidewalls. Each slot 150 permits restricted movement of the pin 142 along the vertical axis 148 or longitudinally of the tube 86 between a downward position, within the detent 144, and an upward position, outside of the detent 144. For example, the slot 150 may be approximately 0.25 to 2 inches long, allowing movement of the pin 142 along the vertical axis 148 of corresponding length of approximately 0.25 to 2 inches. The pin 142 is biased toward the bottom end of the slot 150 by a spring 152 (FIG. 11) housed in the square tube 86.

As best seen in FIG. 10, the pin 142 is driven between the engaged and disengaged positions by imposition of a tilting force of the tabletop 22 of a sufficient magnitude to overcome the biasing force of the spring 152 biasing the pin 142 into the engaged position. As the tabletop 22 moves from the first, deployed position to the second, stowed position, the pin 142 rolls upward along the associated incline 146 against the biasing force of the spring 152 before “falling” into or “snapping” into the detent 144 under the biasing force of the spring 1152. Similarly, as the tabletop 22 moves from the second, stowed position to the first, deployed position, the pin 142 rolls downward along the associated incline 146 to roll the pin 142 outside of the detent 144.

It is understood that any number of latches 140 and pins 142 may be used to encompass the second latch assembly 32, including two or three,

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 8 and 9, the second surface 38 of the tabletop 22 may support a counterweight 34 located on or at least partially within the tabletop 22. When the tabletop 22 is in the second position thereof, the counterweight 34 is located within a bottom half 160 of the tabletop 22. The counterweight 34 counteracts gravitational forces that otherwise would cause the tabletop 22 to slam down when it moves from the stowed position to the deployed position without the need for gas struts, springs, etc.

The counterweight 34 may be supported on or within the second surface 38 of the tabletop 22. The counterweight 34 may be generally equally distributed within the bottom half 160 of the tabletop 22. However, it is contemplated that the counterweight 34 is spread out evenly longitudinally between top and bottom ends and/or laterally between left and right ends, of the bottom half 160 of the tabletop 22.

In one embodiment, the counterweight 34 may be provided in the form of a steel plate mounted to the second surface 38 within a recess 162 in the second surface 38 formed between the side brackets 90 of the tabletop support frame 80. The counterweight 34 may take a V-shaped configuration corresponding to the recess 162 between the side brackets 90 of the tabletop support frame 80. It is understood that the counterweight 34 may be a single piece or multiple pieces establishing the necessary weight on the bottom end of the tabletop 22. The counterweight 34 may be retained by a cover 164 coupled to the side brackets 90 and concealing and securing the counterweight 34 within the recess 162.

To determine the amount of weight needed to counteract the gravitational forces on the tabletop 22 in use, the force on the top half 166 and distance from the center of gravity of the tabletop 22 from the pivot axis 29 are multiplied to determine the total applied torque. The applied torque is divided by the distance between the pivot axis of the tabletop 22 and the center of gravity of the counterweight 34 to determine the desired mass of the counterweight 34. The counterweight 34 may have an aggregate mass that varies depending on the table 20 size and shape and/or the location of the center of mass of the counterweight 36. In one embodiment, the aggregate weight of the counterweights 34 may be on the order of 10 to 15 pounds for a 40-inch circular tabletop 22 and may be positioned 0.5″ to 6″ beneath the pivot axis 29.

if its mass and location are properly selected, the counterweight 34 may balance the tabletop 22 sufficiently to allow the tabletop 22 to remain in an intermediate position, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, when released during tilting movement between the deployed position and the stowed position.

In operation, the user may use the table 20 with the tabletop 22 in the first, operative position, as seen in FIGS. 1 through 4. When it is desired to store the table 20, the user may grab the handles 130 and pull them toward the front end of the tabletop 22 to drive the pins 122 of the first latch assembly 30 from the engaged, backward position, to the disengaged, forward position, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. When the pins 122 are disengaged from the associated latches 120, the tabletop 22 unlocks, and the user may tilt the tabletop 22 upward from the first position to the second position, as seen in FIG. As the tabletop 22 approaches the second, stowed position, the pin 142 of the second latch assembly 32 will automatically snap into the corresponding detents 144 of the centrally positioned latch 140, placing the pin 142 in the engaged, downward position, and locking the tabletop 22 in the second position, as seen in FIGS. 8 through 11.

When the user desires to use the table 20 in the operative position, the user may tilt the tabletop 22 downward from the second position to the first position. The pin 142 of the second latch assembly 32 will automatically disengage the centrally positioned latch 140 through the tilting force of the tabletop 22, as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11. As the tabletop 22 approaches the first, operative position, the pins 122 of the first latch assembly 30 will automatically snap into the corresponding detents 124 of the laterally spaced latches 120, placing the pins 122 in the engaged, backward position, and locking the tabletop 22 in first position, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6.

As discussed above, the counterweights 34 counterbalance or resist the gravitational force imposed on the tabletop 22 as it rotates in order to better control the tilting force, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 8 and 9.

Referring to FIG. 12, the hinge assembly 26, the base frame 70, the tabletop support frame 80, and the first 30 and second 32 latch assemblies are dimensioned and configured such that, when the tabletop 22 is latched in the second, stowed position, the table 20 can be positioned adjacent a second table 20 of identical construction in a front-to-back relationship. For example, the latch assembly 30, 32 may be configured to have a narrow form factor. The pins 122, 142 of the first position latch 30 and second position latch 32 may be mounted no more than 0.020 inches from the second surface of the tabletop 22 or no more than 0.005 inches from the second surface 38 of the tabletop 22.

In the front-to-back relationship shown in FIG. 12, the T-shaped base 24 of the first table 20 may overlap with the T-shaped base 24 of the second table 20 such that a horizontal spacing between the first surface 36 of the first table 20 and the first surface 36 of the second table 20 (of the second surface 38 of the first table 20 and the second surface 38 of the second table 20) is no more than 7 inches or even no more, than 6 inches.

Many changes and modifications could be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. The scope of these changes and modifications will become apparent from the appended claims:

Claims

1. A table with a tippable top comprising:

a base;

a tabletop supported by the base and having a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, wherein the tabletop is movably coupled to the base so as to be selectively tiltable about a horizontal axis 1) from a first, operative position in which the first surface extends at least substantially horizontally and forms an upper surface of the table 2) to a second, stowed position in which the first surface extends at least substantially vertically; and

a latch assembly supported by the second surface of the tabletop and the base, the latch assembly having a first latch that releasably retains the tabletop in the first position and a second latch that releasably retains the tabletop in the second position;

wherein each of the first and second latches has a pin that selectively engages a corresponding catch to latch the tabletop in position and that selectively disengages from the corresponding catch to unlatch the tabletop from position.

2. The table of claim 1, wherein the pin of the second latch disengages the associated catch to unlatch the tabletop from its stowed position by applying a tilting force tending to move the tabletop from the second position to the first second position.

3. The table of claim 2, wherein the catch of the second catch comprises a plate having a detent positioned adjacent to an inclined surface of the plate, permitting the pin to roll along the inclined surface, between the pin's engaged and disengaged position.

4. The table of claim 2, wherein the pin of the second latch is moveable longitudinally within a vertically extending slot against a spring biasing the pin in the engaged position.

5. The table of claim 2, wherein the pin of the first latch disengages from the associated catch under actuation of a manually operated handle that is operatively coupled to the pin of the first latch.

6. The table of claim 5, wherein the catch of the first latch is a plate having a detent, and the pin of the first latch is coupled to the handle such that manually manipulation of the handle forces the pin to move from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

7. The table of claim 5, wherein the pin of the first latch is moveable laterally within a horizontally extending slot against a spring biasing the pin to the engaged position,

8. The table of claim 1, wherein the first and second pins are mounted on the tabletop and the first and second catches are mounted on the base.

9. The table of claim 8, wherein the pins of the first latch and second latch are mounted no more than 0.020 inches from the second surface of the tabletop.

10. The table of claim 9, wherein the pins of the first latch and second latch are mounted no more than 0.005 inches from the second surface of the tabletop,

11. The table of claim 1, wherein the table is dimensioned and configured such that, when the tabletop is latched in the second position thereof, the table can be positioned adjacent a second table of identical construction in a front-to-back relationship with a horizontal spacing of no-more than 7″ therebetween.

12. The table of claim 1, further comprising a counterweight positioned between a center of the tabletop and a bottom end of the tabletop when the tabletop is in the second position thereof and configured to counterbalance gravitational forces imposed on the tabletop when the tabletop tilts from the second position thereof to the first position thereof.

13. The table of claim 12, wherein the counterweight comprises at least one plate mounted on or in the second surface of the tabletop.

14. A table with a tippable top comprising:

a base;

a tabletop supported by the base and having a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, wherein the tabletop is movably coupled to the base so as to be selectively tiltable about a horizontal axis 1) from a first, operative position in which the first surface extends at least substantially horizontally and forms an upper surface of the table 2) to a second, stowed position in which the first surface extends at least substantially vertically; and

a latch assembly supported by the second surface of the tabletop and the base, the latch assembly having a first latch that releasably retains the tabletop in the first position and a second latch that releasably retains the tabletop in the second position;

wherein each of the first and second latches has a pin that is provided on the tabletop that that selectively engages a corresponding catch that is provided on the base to latch the tabletop in position and that selectively disengages from the corresponding catch to unlatch the tabletop from position,

wherein the pin of the second latch disengages from the associated catch to unlatch the tabletop from its stowed position by applying a tilting force tending to move the tabletop from the second position to the first second position,

wherein the pin of the first latch is coupled to a manually operated handle, and

wherein the handle is configured such that manually manipulation of the handle forces the pin to move from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

15. The table of claim 14, wherein the first latch includes a plate having a detente and wherein the pin of the first latch is coupled to the handle such that pulling the handle forces the pin to move from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

16. The table of claim 14, wherein the pins of the first position latch and second position latch are mounted no more than 0.020 inches from the second surface of the tabletop.

17. The table of claim 14, further comprising a counterweight positioned between a center of the tabletop and a bottom end of the tabletop when the tabletop is in the second position thereof and configured to counterbalance gravitational forces imposed on the tabletop when the tabletop tilts from the second position thereof to the first position thereof.

18. A table comprising:

a base;

a tabletop supported by the base and having a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, wherein the tabletop is movably coupled to the base so as to be selectively tiltable 1) from a first position, operative in which the first surface extends at least substantially horizontally 2) to a second, stowed position in which the first surface extends at least substantially vertical; and

a counterweight positioned substantially within a bottom half of the tabletop when the tabletop is in the second position and configured to counterbalance gravitational forces imposed on the tabletop when the tabletop tilts from the second position thereof to the first position thereof.

19. The table of claim 18, wherein the counterweight comprises a plate that is supported at least partially within a recess of the second surface of the tabletop.

20. The table of claim 18, wherein the counterweight is a plate mounted between side brackets of a frame supported on the second surface of the tabletop.

21. The table of claim 18, further comprising a latch assembly supported by the second surface of the tabletop and the base, the latch assembly having a first latch that releasably retains the tabletop in the first position and a second latch that releasably retains the tabletop in the second position;

wherein each of the first and second latches has a pin that that selectively engages a corresponding catch to latch the tabletop in position and that selectively disengages from the corresponding catch to unlatch the tabletop from position.