With Latch Patents (Class 108/172)
  • Patent number: 7634969
    Abstract: A table may include a table top with a first portion that is movable relative to a second portion between a folded position and an unfolded position. The table may also include a retainer that is sized and configured to retain the table in a folded position so that the table does not unintentionally unfold when the folded table is being carried, transported and/or stored. To help retain the table in a folded position, the retainer may include a first end that is connected to the first portion of the table top and a second end that is connected to the second portion of the table top. In particular, the retainer may be connected to portions of the table such as the lower portion of the table top, the frame, one or more connecting rods or support members, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Neunzert, Doug Fuller, Ray Adams
  • Patent number: 7472656
    Abstract: A closure mechanism for maintaining a foldable table in a closed configuration and for allowing opening thereof. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism includes a keeper mounted to a first table section, a clasp mounted to a second table section that is adapted to engage the keeper to secure the first and second table sections together in the closed configuration, and a plunger adapted to deflect the clasp to thereby disengage the clasp from the keeper to allow opening of the foldable table. In one embodiment, the clasp includes a hook that engages the keeper, and a flexible central portion that allows deflection of the hook to disengage the hook from the keeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Oakworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Riach
  • Patent number: 6527243
    Abstract: The present invention describes a foldable device useful for supporting an article, such as a book. The foldable device may be unfolded to a convenient size and locked into a firm position to support an article such as a book. When not in use the foldable device is folded to approximately half of its unfolded dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: John M. Kume, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6386628
    Abstract: A folding table includes a pair of table top members having a straight edge and an outer edge forming an oval table surface. A folding linkage folds the table tops about centerline between a use position and a folded storage position. Stools are disposed above the periphery of the table with support legs extending down from the stools. In the folded position, the table is supported on legs having casters or rollers. Locks prevent the table from unfolding from its use position and also prevent the table from fully folding for easier transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Sico Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard C. Bue
  • Patent number: 6254178
    Abstract: A folding table includes a pair of table top members having a straight edge and an outer edge forming an oval table surface. A folding linkage folds the table tops about centerline between a use position and a folded storage position. Stools are disposed above the periphery of the table with support legs extending down from the stools. In the folded position, the table is supported on legs having casters or rollers. Locks prevent the table from unfolding from its use position and also prevent the table from fully folding for easier transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: SICO, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Bue
  • Patent number: 6065802
    Abstract: A folding table with seating, the table having an oval shape and seating structure. The folding table includes a pair of semi-circular shaped table top sections folding along the straight edge of each section. A lock maintains the table in the unfolded position and is easily released by accessing an end handle that extends downward from the center axis near the edges of the table top sections. A framework extends downward and out to eight stools, four stools spaced apart around the curving periphery of each table top section. A leg extending below each stool to provide spaced apart supports around the entire table. The folding framework folds the tables top from a planar horizontal position to a vertical position wherein the bottoms of the table tops substantially oppose one another. The stools fold around the ends of the table top in the folded position so that the table requires much less floor pace than in the unfolded, use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Sico Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard C. Bue
  • Patent number: 5794540
    Abstract: An article of children's furniture is convertible between a table configuration and an easel configuration. The article of furniture comprises a support member, a work surface, and a handle coupled to the work surface for changing the configuration of the article. The work surface includes a pair of panels that are attached to each other by a hinge, the handle being attached to the panels at the hinge. The handle includes a locking portion for engaging the support member to lock the work surface to the support member in the table configuration. The article is convertible to the easel configuration by rotating the handle to unlock the work surface from the support member and lifting both panels to the easel configuration. A lever lock is coupled to the support member for locking the panels in the easel configuration. The article is convertible to the easel configuration by depressing the lever lock to release the panels, which are then spread apart and lowered onto the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Fisher-Price Inc.
    Inventors: David Dombrowski, Kenneth Von Felten