Paired Legs Conjointly Actuated Patents (Class 108/130)
  • Patent number: 11857067
    Abstract: A connecting device includes a case (1), a first rod (2), a second rod (3), and a third rod (4) that are connected to the case (1). Two first connecting members (5) connect the second rod (3) and the third rod (4) to the case (1). A second connecting member (6) connects the first rod (2) to the case (1). The case (1) includes an upper housing (101) and a lower housing (102) that define a first receiving hole (10), a second receiving hole (11), and a third receiving hole (9), the second connecting member (6) and the two first connecting members (5) are received in the first receiving hole (10), the second receiving hole (11), and the third receiving hole (9), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: JIANGXI RASSON BILLIARD MANUFACTURING CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jin Song
  • Patent number: 11723454
    Abstract: A table may include a tabletop, a frame, and a leg assembly. The leg assembly may include a support element, a translation mechanism, and a lock device. The support element may include an end structure attached to an elongated structure. The end structure may be rotatably coupled to the frame such that the support element is rotatable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position. The translation mechanism may be retained relative to the support element and the frame. The translation mechanism may be configured to translate along the support element as the support element rotates. The lock device may be configurable in an engaged arrangement in which the lock device fixes the translation mechanism to the support element and in a disengaged arrangement in which the translation mechanism is not fixed relative to the support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: LIFETIME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Curtis S. Nye
  • Patent number: 11712109
    Abstract: A foldable frame includes first and second mounting assemblies pivotally connected to each other and rotatable with respect to each other between a folded position and an unfolded position. A foldable frame also includes one or more retainers. A retainer has a first coupler and a second coupler, with one disposed at the first mounting assembly and the other at the second mounting assembly. When the first and second mounting assemblies are in the folded position, the first and second couplers of each retainer engage with each other, and thus retain the first and second mounting assemblies in the folded position and prevent the foldable frame from accidental unfolding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Inno-Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwan Jun Choi
  • Patent number: 11690444
    Abstract: A table includes a tabletop and a frame supporting the tabletop. The frame includes a mounting assembly, first and second leg assemblies coupled with the mounting assembly, and first and second supporting assemblies to control rotation of the first and second leg assemblies. The frame also includes one or more couplers disposed at a mounting member of the mounting assembly to connect the mounting assembly with the first and second supporting assemblies or to connect the mounting assembly with the tabletop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Inno-Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwan Jun Choi
  • Patent number: 11678740
    Abstract: A foldable frame includes first and second mounting assemblies pivotally coupled with each other at their proximal sides. The foldable frame also includes first, second and third leg assemblies, each having an upper member coupled with one or more of the first and second mounting assemblies and a base member abutting a ground when in use. The upper members of the first, second and third leg assemblies are substantially parallel to each other, with a distance between the upper members of the first and third leg assemblies different than a distance between the upper members of the second and third leg assemblies. As a result, when folded, the base members of the first, second and third leg assemblies are disposed side by side along a longitudinal direction of the foldable frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Inno-Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwan Jun Choi
  • Patent number: 11517105
    Abstract: A foldable table may include a tabletop and legs that are movable between an extended position and a collapsed position. The tabletop may include a first section and a second section that are connected by a hinge assembly. A locking mechanism may be sized and configured to lock the hinge assembly in a fixed position. The locking mechanism may include a locking member, and the locking member may be a unitary, one-piece structure. The locking member may be rotatably connected to a connector of the hinge assembly. The locking member may be connected to a locking structure that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking member may be sized and configured to bias the locking structure into the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: LIFETIME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Brian Olsen
  • Patent number: 11446777
    Abstract: A portable cutting table including a top having an upper portion and a lower portion and a table skirt secured to the lower portion of the top. The table includes folding leg assemblies, each having a pair of support legs. Each leg has a distal end defining a bevel having a predetermined angle, and a proximal end defining a compound curve including at least a first curve with a first radius of curvature and a second curve with a second radius of curvature. The first curve defines a notch in an outer face of the leg corresponding to the predetermined angle. The second curve has a midpoint and a center of curvature so the proximal end of each leg defines a pivot point located at least halfway between the midpoint and the center of curvature. Each support leg is pivotably connected at the pivot point to the table skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventor: Dennis Alan Darling
  • Patent number: 10104955
    Abstract: In a table having a height-adjustable table top and supporting structures, the table top is secured on the supporting structures so that the supporting structures support the table top. The supporting structures are placeable on a floor. The table includes at least one band which connects the supporting structures and the table top to each other, so that the table top is supported by the supporting structures in that it hangs at the supporting structures with the aid of the band. The table permits a simple, convenient, quick and precise adjustment of the height of the table top according to the needs of the respective user of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: VITRA PATENTE AG
    Inventor: Stefan Keller
  • Patent number: 9907394
    Abstract: A folding table includes a first table top and a second table top that can move between a folding position and an unfolding position, as well as a first and second table leg component for supporting the second table top, wherein two sets of mutually hinged four-link mechanisms are formed by the first and second table leg component in virtue of table beams, table legs and inclined rods. The two sets of four-link mechanisms realize interference self-locking in the unfolding process. Two triangles are formed for supporting a table top stably, and the stress is uniform. The table top can be folded face to face in two parts, so that the table top after being folded is effectively protected, and scratches on the table top during the production, transportation and using processes are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Zenithen USA LLC
    Inventors: Andrew David Frankel, Shi-Ping Zheng, Tian-Xia Zheng
  • Patent number: 9868203
    Abstract: A tool support table having a support frame having opposed sides. A two sided work top mounted between the opposed sides of the support frame for rotation with respect to the support frame. The work top has a flat surface on one side and a tool support surface on the opposite side. The work top is rotatable with respect to the support frame to expose the flat surface or the tool support surface. The tool support table is generally cuboid shaped. The tool support table also includes a unique universal tool mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Affinity Tool Works, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Ursell, Connor Ursell, Mark Cross, Sam Ursell, Ken Neilson
  • Patent number: 9609945
    Abstract: An article of furniture can include a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism can include an actuation mechanism having a housing that is moveable relative to a guide member from a first position to a second position, at least one detent mechanism comprising a first detent mechanism having a first detent member that is moveable from a first position to a second position, and an articulation mechanism positioned between the actuation mechanism and the first detent mechanism. The articulation mechanism can connect the first detent mechanism to the housing such that motion of the housing from the first position of the housing to the second position of the housing causes the first detent member to move from the first position of the first detent member to the second position of the first detent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Krusin, Pavel Ruzicka, Michael Harper
  • Patent number: 9351563
    Abstract: A table may include a table top and a leg assembly. The leg assembly may be moved between use and storage positions, and the movement of the leg assembly may move a cross member between a first position in which the cross member resists folding of the table top and a second position in which the cross member facilitates folding and unfolding of the table top. The table top may include first and second sections with portions that overlap and/or interlock when the table top is unfolded. When the table top is in the unfolded position, movement of the leg assembly towards the use position may move the cross member towards the overlapping and/or interlocking portions, which may move the overlapping and/or interlocking portions towards each other. When moved towards each other, the overlapping and/or interlocking portions may be securely connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: LIFETIME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Joel Bennett, Kent Ashby
  • Publication number: 20150020716
    Abstract: A foldable table includes a first tabletop panel, a second tabletop panel, and a reinforcing frame which includes first through fourth reinforcing members mounted along longitudinal sides of the first and second tabletop panels respectively, a first transverse member transversely extended between outer end portions of the first and second reinforcing members at the first tabletop panel, and a second transverse member transversely extended between outer end portions of the third and fourth reinforcing members at the second tabletop panel. Two ends of the first transverse member are affixed to the first and second reinforcing members in a non-rotatably movable manner. Two ends of the second transverse member are affixed to the third and fourth reinforcing members in a non-rotatably movable manner. Therefore, the first and second transverse members enhance the rigidity of the reinforcement frame to support two transverse sides of the first and second tabletop panels respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Ping-Cheng Tsai
  • Patent number: 8496289
    Abstract: A pitman-style foldable frame structure has an innovative and unique assembled design. The frame structure includes foldable panels, a central spindle, lateral frames, oblique connecting rods, a control device, and a central connecting frame. The frame structure offers improvement over the prior art in lowering the material cost and increasing structural support strength and rigidity of the pitman-style foldable frame and achieves practical advancement and better industrial utilization effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Shin Fang Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuan-Ming Chen, Tuan-Yu Chen, Yen-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 8302539
    Abstract: A folding table with positioning function is provided. Therein a table board, two support sets pivotally connected and parallel with the table board and a fixing frame pivotally connected with the table board between and perpendicular to the two support sets are included. The two support sets each contain at least one holder having at least one positioning hole at one side thereof and the two support sets can engage with the fixing frame by connecting ends of the fixing frame, wherein the connecting end is inserted with a spring member having a pin movably projecting from a through hole corresponding to the positioning hole and engaging with the positioning hole when the two support sets and the fixing frame are unfolded so as to secure the folding table stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Chien-Kuo Chang
  • Patent number: 8042475
    Abstract: A table may include a table top, a frame and one or more legs that may be movable between extended and collapsed positions relative to the table top. Advantageously, the table top may include a generally planar upper surface and a generally planar lower surface. The lower surface of the table top, however, may include a first lip disposed proximate a first end of the table top and a second lip disposed proximate a second end of the table top. The lower surface may also include mounting members that are sized and configured to allow a frame to be connected to the table top. Desirably, the mounting members allow side rails of a frame to be attached to the table top and at least a portion of the side rails are disposed between the first and second lips. This may allow at least a portion of the frame to be exposed and visible when the table is being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc
    Inventors: Larry Larcom, Ju-Young Jin
  • Patent number: 7849789
    Abstract: An adjustable portable cutting board has a cutting surface and at least two adjustable legs. The adjustable legs are coupled to a bottom side of the cutting surface and may adjust in length, wherein the legs include a locking device to lock the legs at a desired length. The legs are also pivotable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein the opened position allows the cutting board legs to be placed on a work surface and elevate the cutting surface to the desired height and the closed position rotates the legs into a position substantially parallel with the cutting surface for transporting. The cutting board also includes a handle for carrying the cutting board. The cutting board is completely submersible in water or other liquids and the legs also include a drain aperture for draining any water and drying any moisture that enters within the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Whelan
  • Publication number: 20090176605
    Abstract: The invention relates to a folding table comprising: a board which is formed by two articulated halves (2,2?) which can be extended or folded in relation to one another, and a frame which is positioned beneath the board and which supports the table at the desired height off the ground. The two halves (2,2?) of the board are articulated to one another by means of hinges (18) which are located at the connecting area between said two halves. The aforementioned frame comprises at least two support assemblies (4; 4?) which are symmetrical to the imaginary plane which is perpendicular to the plane of the extended board and which passes through the axis along which the two halves are articulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: SPORT ENEBE, S.L.
    Inventors: Angel Martinez Leon, Francisco Espina Canales
  • Patent number: 7308858
    Abstract: A foldable stand for a machine includes a tabletop, a plurality of legs each having one end pivotally mounted to the tabletop such that the legs are turnable relative to the tabletop between an extended position and a received position, a plurality of first locking members each having a body portion movably pivotally mounted to the worktop and a stop portion protruded from the body portion for stopping against the legs so as to lock the legs in the extended position, and a plurality of second locking members respectively mounted in the tabletop for locking the legs in the received position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Rexon Industrial Corp. Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Lo, George Ku
  • Patent number: 7174838
    Abstract: A collapsible table includes a table top formed of a pair of pivotable table top half-sections hinged to one another at their adjacent edges along a center-line of the table and displaceable between an open position where the half-sections are coplanar, and a folded position where the half-sections overlap one another. Each half-section has at an undersurface thereof a transverse support member pivotally articulated thereto with a leg associated with each lateral edge of the transverse support member, and a pair of longitudinal support members pivotally articulated to the undersurface. The support members are displaceable between erect and collapsed positions whereby the transverse support member is prohibited from collapsing as long as at least one of the longitudinal support members is erect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Keter Plastic Ltd.
    Inventors: Sami Sagol, Efraim Haimoff
  • Patent number: 7137797
    Abstract: A gerotor mechanism is used to guide the rotation of a turntable having a Reuleaux triangle shape. The mechanism includes a gerotor having three lobes; the gerotor guide has a guide profile including four recesses for receiving the lobes of the gerotor. Rotation is governed by a 4:3 hypocycloid function. The profiles of the gerotor and the gerotor guide are expanded uniformly from an original hypocycloid pattern so that rotation of the turntable results in execution of the hypocycloid function while retaining the gerotor in controlled contact with the profile of the gerotor guide. Substantially planar bearing surfaces may be used at the interface of (a) the turntable and the gerotor guide, (b) the gerotor and the gerotor guide, or (c) the gerotor and the underlying support surface. The gerotor guide may be part of a cabinet or built into a kitchen countertop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: William L. Krayer
  • Patent number: 7128001
    Abstract: A foldable table includes a tabletop and two leg frames for supporting the tabletop, each of the leg frames having a transverse member pivotally attached to a underside of the tabletop and a standing leg extended from the transverse member and pivotally moveable with respect to the tabletop. A retaining element having a first end pivotally attached to the transverse member and a second end pivotally attached to the standing leg of the other transverse member. The retaining element has an adjustable length adapted for lengthening to become longer than a distance between the transverse members of the leg frames as the leg frame is erected, thereby providing lateral support for the erected leg frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Wok & Pan Ind., Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Tsai
  • Patent number: 7107915
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a support leg hingedly attached to a support surface includes a base, attached to the support surface, with a plurality of angularly spaced, radial teeth, and a coupler, attached to the support leg, having a plurality of angularly spaced, radial teeth configured to mate with the teeth of the base. A selectively releasable engagement mechanism is configured to engage and disengage the teeth of the base with the teeth of the coupler, to allow selective rotation of the support leg between an extended position and a folded position, and to lock the leg in the extended or folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Mity-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Laws, Dale Spendlove, Richard D. Smith, Phillip J. Swindler
  • Patent number: 6890032
    Abstract: A pivotal mounting mechanism and a method of mounting an axle in an axle mount. A plug is inserted in a receptacle such as the open end of a tube which has at least one J-shaped track. The axle is held in its final position by inter-engagement of the plug and tube. The mounting mechanism is easily assembled and substantially vandal resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Andrew Fewchuk
  • Patent number: 6877441
    Abstract: A foldable table includes a table top coupled to a frame, and a pedestal that is movably coupled to the frame via a first and second element, wherein first and second elements are coupled via a connector such that the connector limits a movement in which the table is unfolded from a closed configuration to an open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Edward Zheng
  • Publication number: 20040237856
    Abstract: A utility table preferably includes a substantially planar table top with a generally flat top surface and a bottom portion. The table top is preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic and a lip may be formed on the bottom surface of the table top. The lip is preferably located along the outer periphery of the tabletop, but the lip could be located in any desired location. A plurality of connecting apertures is preferably formed in the lip. A first bushing or sleeve is configured to be disposed in each connecting aperture and a second sleeve may be disposed in an opposing connecting aperture. A table leg can be secured to the table top by connecting the table leg to a cross bar, inserting a sleeve into a connecting aperture and disposing an end of the cross bar into the sleeve. The lip may include other structures such as grooves or recesses which serve to distribute the weight of the table top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Jin Shenghao, Arvin Patel
  • Publication number: 20040187749
    Abstract: A folding table is disclosed having a two-stage folding mechanism. The folding table includes a table top divided into a first planar portion and a second planar portion. A pair of side rails is connected to each planar portion. A foldable leg and support brace is connected to each planar portion. A hinge assembly is provided disposed between the first planar portion and the second planar portion. The hinge assembly includes a hinge pin, a first hinge connector and a second hinge connector. The first hinge connector has a cam portion. A locking pin is disposed through a slot in the second hinge connector. A lock actuating mechanism may be used to move the locking pin in the slot between the locked and unlocked position. In one embodiment, the lock actuating mechanism includes a handle coupled to the locking pin and a spring biased against the locking pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Chen Zhurong, Jin Shenghao, Arvin Patel
  • Publication number: 20030177961
    Abstract: A foldable shipping shelf comprises: a loading part, two supporting parts, continuous hinges, and at least two first and second limiting parts. Each supporting part is connected to the loading part through at least one continuous hinge, and the two supporting parts are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the loading part. The first limiting parts are respectively fixed to the supporting parts at a place near to the loading part and keep the loading part in position. The second limiting parts are respectively fixed to the loading part at a place near to the supporting parts and keep the supporting parts in position. The two supporting parts rotate through the continuous hinges, and the first and second limiting parts limit a range for rotating the two supporting parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Oliver Wang
  • Patent number: 6598544
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a support leg hingedly attached to a support surface. The locking mechanism includes a base, attached to the support surface, with a plurality of angularly spaced, radial teeth, and a coupler, attached to the support leg, having a plurality of angularly spaced, radial teeth configured to mate with the teeth of the base. A selectively releasable engagement mechanism is configured to engage and disengage the teeth of the base with the teeth of the coupler, to allow selective rotation of the support leg between an extended position and a folded position, and to lock the leg in the extended or folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Mity-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Laws, Dale Spendlove, Richard D. Smith, Phillip J. Swindler
  • Publication number: 20020152934
    Abstract: A screw boss for blow-molded structures, such as portable tables and chairs, allows various components to be securely attached to the blow-molded structure. For example, the screw boss may allow support legs to be securely fastened to a blow-molded table top. The screw boss is integrally formed in an outer surface of the blow-molded structure and it includes a receiving portion that is sized and configured to receive a fastener such as a screw. Preferably, the fastener has threads that threadably engage the inner surface of the receiving portion to provide for secure attachment of the fastener to the blow-molded structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Thayne Haney
  • Publication number: 20020134285
    Abstract: There is disclosed a device (1) for stabilizing stacking up of tables (2) having folding legs (4) and a plate (3) provided with an edge (5), an upper face (6) and a lower face (7), the device (1) comprising: one latch-like element (12) movably connected to the plate (3) and one tooth (13) defining one end of said latch-like element (12), the latter being drivingly movable from a rest position to a work position at which the tooth (13) projects from the plate (3) to form a stop abutment preventing slipping with respect to an underlying plate (3′).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: DRAKE Corp.
    Inventors: Mario Bruschi, Diego Discacciati
  • Patent number: 6431086
    Abstract: A collapsible massage table includes two folding table pieces hingably connected to each other so that when the table is set up it has four comer regions. Each corner region is supported by a leg that is connected to the table via a folding link. Each link has a cable portion that stabilizes the link in an orientation directed toward the ground when the table is set up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: John T. Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20020092444
    Abstract: A pivotable folding utility table includes a table top having a pair of support pedestals pivotally attached thereto. A first pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces pivotally attached to a retaining assembly preferably mounted in relation to the table top. Specifically, the retaining assembly includes a cross-brace member operably disposed through openings formed in the distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces, thus providing a pivotal engagement in relation to the table top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Carl R. Stanford
  • Patent number: 6000346
    Abstract: A leg mounting device for a table includes a body portion having a bar receiving cavity formed at a radius and extending along a first axis. A nose portion extends from the body portion along a second axis angled with respect to the first axis. Conveniently, the device has a plurality of mounting holes through the body portion. A related table includes a top member having first and second corner components and an undersurface. First and second leg mounting devices are adjacent to the first and second corner components, respectively, and are fixed with respect to the undersurface. Each mounting device includes a body portion having a bar receiving cavity as noted above and the table includes an elongate leg bar extending between the devices and received in the cavity of each mounting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Palmer Snyder Furniture Co.
    Inventors: Francis L. Pajerski, Kenneth R. Hootnick
  • Patent number: 5974979
    Abstract: Portable folding tables which are particularly adapted for massage and other body therapy uses wherein each table includes two top sections which are hingedly connected at one end and which are supported by legs which are pivotally connected thereto. Each leg is reinforced by either a longitudinal pivotally folding brace, a guide assembly or a positive stop member. The legs, and reinforcing braces when used, are automatically deployed and stabilized by cable systems which extend both longitudinally and diagonally relative to the table legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventors: Kevin Mark Grady, Chris Tatum
  • Patent number: 5769005
    Abstract: An adjustable length member, which can serve as a leg for an adjustable height table, is disclosed. A first channel of the adjustable length member contains a rack mechanism on the inside surface while the internesting second channel contains a pawl, which is brought out of engagement with the rack by a wire attached to a handle under the table top to pivot the pawl. A spring biases the pawl back into engagement with a tooth of the rack mechanism when the wire applies no force to the pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Robin Haynes
  • Patent number: 5394808
    Abstract: A folding table has a unitary table top formed of molded plastic preferably having an outer shell of non-cellular plastic with a filling of light weight hardened foam. Pairs of spaced apart sockets are formed in the table top material at the underside of the table top and a cylindrical bushing is disposed in each socket. One of a pair of pivotable leg assemblies is coupled to each pair of sockets by a pair of pivot axle projections that extend into the sockets and bushings. At least one of the sockets of each pair has a depth at least equal to the combined distances that the pivot axle projections extend into the pair of sockets. This enables entry of the pair of pivot axle projections into the pair of sockets by inserting one of the projections deeply into the one socket and then partially withdrawing that projection while guiding the other projection into the other socket of the pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Dutro Company
    Inventors: William A. Dutro, Craig Wallin
  • Patent number: 5363613
    Abstract: A supporting structure of one piece of sheet material constituting a top and several legs depending from that top in one piece has for each of these several legs an angled profile of that one piece of sheet material and in one piece with the top across the entire profile. Such supporting structure may be made of a blank of sheet material forming a pattern having a central portion for the top, first and second portions projecting from a first side of that central portion for first and second legs, third and fourth portions projecting from an opposite second side of the central portion for third and fourth legs, and first and second side panel portions projecting from opposed third and fourth sides of the central portion. These first, second, third and fourth portions are provided, respectively, with lateral ledges of which each is spaced from an adjacent one of the first and second side panel portions by a notch for a butt joint of each of the lateral ledges with an adjacent side panel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Hendry Mechanical Works
    Inventor: Richard W. Sevier
  • Patent number: 5325793
    Abstract: A two section folding table is disclosed which folds in the middle. A leg arrangement is hingedly attached to the underside of each section. The legs have two parts pivotally attached together with one end of a first part hingedly attached to the underside of the table and the first part folding flat against the underside of the table when the table is folded. A second part of the leg is pivotally attached to the first part and is folded against the top side of the table when the table is folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignees: Teston Investement Pty. Lt., Coralex Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald A. Martin
  • Patent number: 5070796
    Abstract: A folding table of the type comprising a table top, two leg assemblies pivotally mounted to one of the faces of the table top, and fixing means for fixing the leg assemblies to the table top when the table is in the erected position. Each leg assembly comprises two legs interconnected firstly by a first link element which supports a portion of the fixing means with the other portion thereof being supported by the table top, and secondly by a second link element which is pivotally hinged to the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: S.A. Vinco M.T.
    Inventors: Francis Marone, Xavier Bourdery
  • Patent number: 5067417
    Abstract: A foldable table is provided including a pair mirror image half table sections. The half table sections include adjacent margins pivotally joined together for upward swinging of the remote margins of the table sections toward positions with the table half sections in relatively folded closely juxtaposition. The remote margins include outwardly projecting handles as well as downwardly swingable and upwardly retractable leg structures each being adjustable in length and the leg structures include panels extending transversely of the table and upon whose outer surfaces openable and closable pouches are supported. In addition, the table half sections are constructed for manufacture by conventional molding processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventors: Enzo Marmentini, Joyce Marmentini
  • Patent number: 5020799
    Abstract: A folding billiard table is provided with a pair of supports having legs and wheels thereon respectively for stability and easy handling purposes when the table is in correspondingly normal unfolded and folded configuration. A table formed of two symmetrical parts incorporating a center assembly thereunder to facilitate folding operation through a pair of gear racks. The center assembly is pivotally fixed to the underside of the two parts respectively at one end while the other end portion is further engaged with a pair of gears held in a fixed configuration in relation to said center assembly. A plurality of linking and reinforcing bars are provided to make the table a rigid assembly, and facilitate, the changing from normal unfolded to folded configuration or in reverse which is also effected by the operation of a spring, a tension block, and a locking mechanism disposed thereunder. Moreover, the space occupied by the table when in the folded configuration is obviously minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: Yong-Hong Chang
  • Patent number: 4944546
    Abstract: A three-section folding ramp that can also serve as an endgate for a truck bed. The ramp has mechanically folding and unfolding legs, so that the user doesn't have to pull the legs open one by one. A special latch allows all three sections to be held together while the folded ramp is being used as an endgate. A special channel allows the folded up ramp to rest when in the open endgate position without damaging the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Inventor: William K. Keller
  • Patent number: 4520897
    Abstract: Portable steps are disclosed herein including a plurality of step rungs arranged next to each other in parallel side-by-side relationship wherein each step rung has an elongated rigid member intended to be stepped upon by a riser which incorporates a pair of ground engaging spikes at each end of the step rung adapted to penetrate into the ground for a given length determined by a releasable guage. The spikes are pivotally carried on the step rung which includes a shaped recess corresponding to the shape of the spikes for storage and transportation purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Inventor: George B. Gebo
  • Patent number: 4437413
    Abstract: A Sarrus linkage is a type of folding linkage or structure in which two opposed links are connected by two sets of connecting links, each of which sets includes two separate links. The links of such a linkage are hinged together in such a manner that the entire linkage will fold and unfold as any part of the linkage is moved with respect to the remainder of the linkage. By providing a control link which is pivotally connected to one of the opposed links and a motion transmitting link pivotally connected to the control link and to one of the links of one of the sets, a folding structure can be obtained which can be employed for a variety of useful purposes. Best results are obtained when two of the motion transmitting links are employed, one of the motion transmitting links being pivotally connected between a link of one of the sets and the control link and the other of the motion transmitting means being connected between a link of the other of the sets and the control link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Assignee: Edward D. O'Brian
    Inventors: Edward D. O'Brian, Charles Phelan
  • Patent number: 4424912
    Abstract: A collapsable basket is disclosed, in which legs can be erected to a position in which the basket is supported above a floor, and in which the legs can be collapsed to allow the basket to rest on a floor without being supported by the legs. This erection and collapse of the legs is accomplished by handles located adjacent to the regions where the basket is grasped by a user, so that it is not necessary to let go of the basket to operate the legs. The invention is provided with various devices which prevent the legs from collapsing, once erected, unless such collapse is desired. Additionally, a special bearing is disclosed which is designed for use in this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Inventors: Rudolf Bieri, Jakob Klaeui
  • Patent number: 4383488
    Abstract: A folding stool including a top having a depending peripheral skirt and support leg members operatively mounted on the underside of the top, and inward of the peripheral skirt. Leg members are mounted at opposite ends of the stool. Each leg member includes two legs interconnected as a pair. The leg members are pivotally moveable to an extended stool support position, and to a retracted folded position within the confines of the skirt. Selectively engageable double leg locking means are provided, with portions thereof being on the stool top and portions thereof being on the legs of the leg members. The locking means are functionally operable for locking the leg members in the extended stool support position. Engagement and disengagement of the double locking means is manually effected by rectilinear movement of the leg members, toward the stool top when in the extended stool support position. Pivotal movement of the leg members is prevented with the locking means operatively engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1983
    Assignee: Dial Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan M. Macho, Richard O. Oxford
  • Patent number: 4318353
    Abstract: A table with folding legs is provided in which the legs are hingedly connected through leg spans to the underside of the top which also contains a pair of opposing aprons extending downwardly and affixed to the underside of the top, said aprons extending longitudinally at right angles to but spaced at their ends from the leg spans, and spreader members hingedly connected at one end to an opposite end of said aprons and slidingly connected at the other end to the leg spans so that the spreader members move inwardly when the leg spans are folded and outwardly in alignment with their respective aprons when the legs are upright and the leg spans are perpendicular to the underside of the table top. Means for locking the spreader members in place when the table is erected are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Inventor: Robert W. Schier
  • Patent number: 4193352
    Abstract: A table with foldable legs which includes a table top having a flange extending around the edge with pivotally mounted legs at the corners moveable between a folded and an extended position, with guide elements mounted on the flange adjacent each leg for slidably supporting slide members connected by means of braces to the legs all of the slide members being interconnected for simultaneous movement during the pivotal movement of the legs by links connected to the outer ends of cross-arms mounted for pivotal movement on the center of the table, one of the links being provided with a locking lug for locking engagement with a locking plate on the flange with a spring biased linkage for yielding by urging the one link pivotally towards the flange for locking engagement connected to the one link with the locking plate in the extended position of the legs and the spring biased linkage for moving the one link in the opposite direction for releasing the locking lug to permit the legs to be pivoted into the folded pos
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1980
    Inventor: Noble M. Hiser
  • Patent number: 4120249
    Abstract: A folding table having a top formed by a pair of hingedly connected sections, the adjacent edges of which approach one another as the table is unfolded and its top sections are brought into coplanar orientation, is equipped with a latch that is mounted at the underside of the top sections and comprises complementary interengageable relatively movable elements which, upon interengagement, hold the table top sections against unintended displacement from coplanar orientation. One of the latch elements is biased to a position in which an edge thereof lies in the path of the other latch element during relative movement of the latch elements towards interengagement, and thereby blocks movement of the approaching edges of the table top sections beyond a point at which the space therebetween is wide enough to avoid pinching one's fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1978
    Assignee: Mitchell Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert O. Blink, William C. Lutzke