FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to the field of furniture. More particularly, this invention
relates to a table having a fold-in-half tabletop, collapsible legs, and a planar
cross brace for supporting a central region of the tabletop.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Banquet and utility tables having collapsible legs and fold-in-half tabletops are
well known. Conventionally, fold-in-half tabletops comprise two tabletop halves that
are formed of plastic by blow molding or injection molding, or that are formed from
honeycomb board, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or other materials. When the table
is unfolded into the use position in which the tabletop halves are aligned, the inner
edges of the tabletop halves come together in the center of the tabletop. In some
designs, such as described in
U.S. Patent No. 7,096,799 and depicted in FIG. 11, the inner edges of the tabletop halves have interlocking
and overlapping features that are integrally formed as parts of the molded tabletop
halves. When the tabletop halves are aligned in the use position, the interlocking
features 234 and overlapping features 236 of the two halves will be interconnected,
thereby forming a more rigid tabletop.
[0003] Though a rigid tabletop is desirable, providing integral interlocking and overlapping
features in the tabletop halves introduces further complexity and cost to the mold
in which the tabletop halves are formed. Further, because these features are located
at or near the mold separation line where two mold halves come together, the removal
of any plastic burs in the molded parts at the mold separation line is made more difficult.
It is easier to remove burs if the mold separation line coincides with a straight
edge surface, with no features projecting from the edge surface. Thus, elimination
of the interlocking features would make the manufacturing process more efficient.
[0004] What is needed, therefore, is a fold-in-half tabletop that is sufficiently rigid
and has straight surfaces along the inner edges of the tabletop halves, with no molded
interlocking features.
SUMMARY
[0005] The above and other needs are met by a collapsible table that has a tabletop, siderails,
leg assemblies, hinge assemblies, central support braces, a tubular cross brace, and
a planar cross brace. The table includes a first tabletop portion having a top surface,
a bottom surface, a first inner edge, and a first outer edge that is parallel to the
first inner edge. The table includes a second tabletop portion having a top surface,
a bottom surface, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge that is parallel to
the second inner edge. The first and second inner edges are adjacent each other when
the table is in the use position, and separated from each other when the table is
in the storage position.
[0006] The side rails include a pair of opposing first side rails attached to the bottom
surface of the first tabletop portion between the first inner edge and the first outer
edge, and a pair of opposing second side rails attached to the bottom surface of the
second tabletop portion between the second inner edge and the second outer edge.
[0007] The table includes a first leg assembly that is pivotally connected to the bottom
surface of the first tabletop portion between the first side rails, and a second leg
assembly that is pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the second tabletop
portion between the second side rails. Both leg assemblies extend downward from the
respective tabletop portions when the table is in the use position, and are disposed
adjacent the respective tabletop portions when the table is in the storage position.
[0008] The hinge assemblies comprise a pair of opposing hinge assemblies disposed on a hinge
axis that is parallel to the second inner edge of the second tabletop portion. Each
hinge assembly connects one of the first side rails to one of the second side rails,
so that the first and second tabletop portions are operable to pivot with respect
to each other about the hinge axis.
[0009] The tubular cross brace is disposed on the hinge axis between the pair of hinge assemblies
and is secured to the bottom surface of the second tabletop portion. The planar cross
brace is secured to the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion, adjacent and
parallel to its first inner edge.
[0010] The first central support brace has a first end that is pivotally attached to the
first leg assembly and a second end pivotally attached to the tubular cross brace.
The second central support brace has a first end pivotally attached to the second
leg assembly and a second end pivotally attached to the tubular cross brace.
[0011] In some embodiments, the tubular cross brace includes opposing ends that are secured
to the opposing hinge assemblies.
[0012] In some embodiments, each hinge assembly includes first and second hinge portions
that are rotationally attached to each other. The first hinge portion of each hinge
assembly is attached to one of the first side rails and the second hinge portion of
each hinge assembly is attached to one of the second side rails.
[0013] In some embodiments, the planar cross brace includes a pair of opposing tabs disposed
at its opposing ends. Each tab extends from the planar cross brace in a direction
perpendicular to the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion, wherein each tab
is secured to a corresponding one of the first hinge portions. In some embodiments,
each tab is welded to the corresponding one of the first hinge portions.
[0014] In some embodiments, the planar cross brace includes a pair of opposing ribs disposed
along outer edges of a central channel portion of the planar cross brace. The ribs
are disposed in parallel to the first inner edge of the first tabletop portion and
extend from the planar cross brace in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface
of the first tabletop portion to form a U-shaped cross section within the central
channel portion of the planar cross brace.
[0015] In some embodiments, the planar cross brace includes multiple apertures disposed
within the central channel portion through which fasteners pass to secure the planar
cross brace to the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion.
[0016] In some embodiments, the tubular cross brace includes multiple apertures through
which fasteners pass to secure the tubular cross brace to the bottom surface of the
second tabletop portion.
[0017] In some embodiments, the planar cross brace includes an elongate rectangular planar
portion having elongate opposing side edges and narrow opposing end edges that are
perpendicular to the side edges. The planar cross brace includes a pair of opposing
tabs extending from each of the opposing end edges in a direction perpendicular to
the rectangular planar portion. A pair of opposing ribs are disposed along the opposing
side edges in a central region of the rectangular planar portion. The ribs are parallel
to the opposing side edges and extend from the rectangular planar portion in a direction
perpendicular to the rectangular planar portion, thereby forming a central channel
having a U-shaped cross section. The rectangular planar portion includes multiple
pairs of opposing arcuate cutouts, each pair disposed adjacent a corresponding one
of the tabs at each of the opposing end edges. The cutouts accommodate opposing legs
of the first leg assembly, thereby allowing the first leg assembly to lay flat against
the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion when the first leg assembly is in
the collapsed position.
[0018] In some embodiments, the first and second tabletop portions are formed from blow-molded
plastic.
[0019] In some embodiments, the first and second inner edges of the first and second tabletop
portions are linear and parallel to the hinge axis.
[0020] In some embodiments, the first leg assembly is pivotally connected to the first side
rails and the second leg assembly is pivotally connected to the second side rails.
[0021] In some embodiments, the planar cross brace is disposed between the first inner edge
and the first outer edge of the first tabletop portion, and the tubular cross brace
is disposed between the second inner edge and the second outer edge of the second
tabletop portion.
[0022] In another aspect, embodiments described herein are directed to a cross brace for
stiffening a tabletop of a fold-in-half collapsible table. The cross brace includes
an elongate rectangular planar portion having elongate opposing side edges and narrow
opposing end edges that are perpendicular to the side edges. A pair of opposing tabs
extend from the opposing end edges in a direction perpendicular to the rectangular
planar portion. A pair of opposing ribs extend from the opposing side edges in a direction
perpendicular to the rectangular planar portion, thereby forming an elongate channel
having a U-shaped cross section.
[0023] In some embodiments, multiple apertures are disposed in the rectangular planar portion
of the cross brace. The apertures are operable to receive fasteners for securing the
cross brace to the tabletop.
[0024] In some embodiments, the cross brace also includes multiple pairs of opposing arcuate
cutouts. Each pair of cutouts are disposed adjacent a corresponding one of the tabs.
A fold-in-half collapsible table having a use position and a storage position is provided,
the collapsible table comprising: a tabletop that includes: a first tabletop portion
having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first inner edge, and a first outer edge
that is parallel to the first inner edge; and a second tabletop portion having a top
surface, a bottom surface, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge that is parallel
to the second inner edge, wherein the first and second inner edges are adjacent each
other when the table is in the use position, and separated from each other when the
table is in the storage position; a pair of opposing first side rails attached to
the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion between the first inner edge and
the first outer edge; a pair of opposing second side rails attached to the bottom
surface of the second tabletop portion between the second inner edge and the second
outer edge; a first leg assembly pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the
first tabletop portion between the first side rails, the first leg assembly extending
downward from the first tabletop portion when the table is in the use position, the
first leg assembly disposed adjacent the first tabletop portion when the table is
in the storage position; a second leg assembly pivotally connected to the bottom surface
of the second tabletop portion between the second side rails, the second leg assembly
extending downward from the second tabletop portion when the table is in the use position,
the second leg assembly disposed adjacent the second tabletop portion when the table
is in the storage position; a pair of opposing hinge assemblies disposed on a hinge
axis that is parallel to the second inner edge of the second tabletop portion, each
hinge assembly including first and second hinge portions that are rotationally attached
to each other, wherein the first hinge portion of each hinge assembly is attached
to one of the first side rails and the second hinge portion of each hinge assembly
is attached to one of the second side rails, whereby the first and second tabletop
portions are operable to pivot with respect to each other about the hinge axis; a
tubular cross brace disposed on the hinge axis between the pair of hinge assemblies
and secured to the bottom surface of the second tabletop portion, wherein the tubular
cross brace includes opposing ends that are secured to the opposing hinge assemblies;
a first central support brace having a first end pivotally attached to the first leg
assembly and a second end pivotally attached to the tubular cross brace; a second
central support brace having a first end pivotally attached to the second leg assembly
and a second end pivotally attached to the tubular cross brace; and a planar cross
brace secured to the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion and disposed adjacent
and parallel to the first inner edge of the first tabletop portion, the planar cross
brace comprising: a pair of opposing tabs disposed at opposing ends of the planar
cross brace, each tab extending from the planar cross brace in a direction perpendicular
to the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion, wherein each tab is secured to
a corresponding one of the first hinge portions; and a pair of opposing ribs disposed
along outer edges of the planar cross brace, wherein the ribs are disposed in parallel
to the first inner edge of the first tabletop portion and extend from the planar cross
brace in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion
to form a central channel having a U-shaped cross section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Other embodiments of the invention will become apparent by reference to the detailed
description in conjunction with the figures, wherein elements are not to scale so
as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like
elements throughout the several views, and wherein:
FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of a fold-in-half collapsible table in a use
position according to a preferred embodiment;
FIG. 2 depicts a bottom perspective view of the fold-in-half collapsible table in
the use position according to a preferred embodiment;
FIG. 3 depicts a bottom plan view of the fold-in-half collapsible table with its legs
collapsed according to a preferred embodiment;
FIG. 4 depicts the inside edge of one half of the tabletop of the fold-in-half collapsible
table according to a preferred embodiment;
FIG. 5 depicts the inside edge of the other half of the tabletop of the fold-in-half
collapsible table according to a preferred embodiment;
FIG. 6 depicts the junction of the inside edges of the two tabletop halves of the
fold-in-half collapsible table in the use position according to a preferred embodiment;
FIG. 7 depicts planar and tubular cross braces at the junction of the two tabletop
halves of the fold-in-half collapsible table in the use position according to a preferred
embodiment;
FIGS. 8A-8D depict a planar cross brace of the fold-in-half collapsible table according
to a preferred embodiment;
FIG. 9 and 10 depict the fold-in-half collapsible table in a partially folded position
according to a preferred embodiment; and
FIG. 11 depicts a prior art fold-in-half table.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] As depicted in FIGS. 1-10, a fold-in-half table 10 has a tabletop 12 comprising first
and second tabletop portions 12a and 12b. In the use position depicted in FIGS. 1
and 2, the tabletop 12 is supported by first and second leg assemblies 16 and 14 that
extend downward from the tabletop 12. The first leg assembly 16 includes legs 24a
and 24b, and a first cross member 28 to which the upper ends of the legs 24a-24b are
attached. The first cross member 28 is pivotally attached at one end to a first side
rail 30a and at the other end to an opposing first side rail 32a. The second leg assembly
14 includes legs 22a and 22b, and a second cross member 26 to which the upper ends
of the legs 22a-22b are attached. The second cross member 26 is pivotally attached
at one end to a second side rail 30b and at the other end to an opposing second side
rail 32b. The first leg assembly 16 includes articulated braces 20a and 20b that are
pivotally connected to the legs 24a and 24b, respectively, and to a first end of a
central support brace 40a to maintain the first leg assembly 16 in the use position.
The second leg assembly 14 includes articulated braces 18a and 18b that are pivotally
connected to the legs 22a and 22b, respectively, and to a first end of a central support
brace 40b to maintain the second leg assembly 14 in the use position. Second ends
of the central support braces 40a-40b are pivotally connected to a tubular cross brace
38 that spans the width of the second tabletop portion 12b.
[0027] The first side rails 30a-32a and the second side rails 30b-32b are preferably attached
to the first tabletop portion 12a and the second tabletop portion 12b, respectively,
using screws or other fasteners. The first side rail 30a is pivotally connected to
the second side rail 30b by a hinge assembly 36. As shown in FIG. 6, the hinge assembly
36 includes a first hinge portion 36a that is secured to the first side rail 30a,
and a second hinge portion 36b that is secured to the second side rail 30b. Similarly,
the first side rail 32a is pivotally connected to the second side rail 32b by a hinge
assembly 34. The hinge assembly 34 includes a first hinge portion 34a that is secured
to the first side rail 32a, and a second hinge portion 34b that is secured to the
second side rail 32b. When the leg assemblies 14 and 16 are collapsed into the storage
position as shown in FIG. 3, 9 and 10, the hinge assemblies 34 and 36 allow the tabletop
portion 12a to pivot relative to the tabletop portion 12b along a hinge axis 44.
[0028] The tubular cross brace 38 is centered on the hinge axis 44 formed by the hinge assemblies
34-36, with one of its ends attached to the hinge assembly 34 and its other end is
attached to the hinge assembly 36. In a preferred embodiment, the cross brace 38 is
a cylindrical tube having a circular cross section. In some embodiments, the ends
of the tubular cross brace 38 are attached to the hinge assemblies 34 and 36 by weld
joints. The tubular cross brace 38 preferably includes apertures through which fasteners
pass to attach the tubular cross brace 38 to molded supports 50 extending from the
bottom surface of the second tabletop portion 12b.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 7, an elongate planar cross brace 39 is attached to
the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion 12a to provide lateral support. The
brace 39 stiffens the inner edge 42a of the first tabletop portion 12a independently
of any connection to the inner edge 42b of the second tabletop portion 12b. This eliminates
any need for interlocking features such as those required by prior art tables (FIG.
11).
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a preferred embodiment of the cross brace 39 comprises
a rectangular planar portion 60 having tabs 54 at each of its ends that are perpendicular
to the planar portion 60. To enhance its rigidity, a central region of the brace 39
includes ribs 56 along its outside edges that are also perpendicular to the rectangular
planar portion 60. Pairs of arcuate cutouts 52 are provided in the ribs 56 near the
tabs 54 at each end of the cross brace 39. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the cutouts
52 accommodate the lower ends of the legs 24a-24b, thereby allowing the legs 24a-24b
to lay flat against the bottom surface of the tabletop portion 12a when the leg assembly
16 is in the collapsed position.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 8B, the ribs 56 and the planar portion 60 form a channel 64 having
a U-shaped cross section that provides greater rigidity to the cross brace 39. A pair
of apertures 58 are provided through which fasteners may pass to secure the brace
39 to the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion 12a. The brace 39 is preferably
formed from one piece of steel, with the tabs 54 and ribs 56 integrally formed by
bending.
[0032] As depicted in FIGS. 8C and 8D, the brace 39 has a width W and a length L1. Its central
region has a length L2. The tabs 54 have a height H1 and the ribs have a height H2.
All of the components of the brace 39 preferably have the same thickness T. The apertures
58 are spaced apart by a distance D and each has a radius R. In one preferred embodiment,
W is 20 mm, L1 is 683.4 mm, L2 is 495 mm, H1 is 18 mm, H2 is 10 mm, D is 220 mm, T
is 2.3 mm, and R is 6.5 mm. In another preferred embodiment, W is 20 mm, L1 is 643.5
mm, L2 is 483.5 mm, H1 is 18 mm, H2 is 10 mm, D is 250 mm, T is 2.3 mm, and R is 6.5
mm.
[0033] The tab 54 at one end of the brace 39 is secured to the first hinge portion 34a,
and the tab 54 at the other end of the brace 39 is secured to the first hinge portion
36a. In a preferred embodiment, the tabs 54 are attached to the hinge portions 34a-36a
by welding. In alternative embodiments, the attachment is made using fasteners, such
as screws or rivets.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the tabletop portions are formed from blow-molded plastic,
and the side rails, leg assemblies, central support braces, tubular cross brace, planar
cross brace, and hinge assemblies are formed from steel. In alternative embodiments,
the metal components may be formed from other materials, such as aluminum extrusion
which may have greater thickness than components formed from steel.
[0035] Use of a planar cross brace with a U-shaped channel to stiffen the inner edge of
the tabletop portion 12a has several advantages over the use of a tubular cross brace,
including:
- testing has demonstrated that a U-shaped steel channel is stronger than a tubular
steel brace;
- a U-shaped steel channel costs less than a tubular steel brace;
- a U-shaped steel channel weighs less than a tubular steel brace;
- because the U-shaped steel channel is stronger than a tubular steel brace, less plastic
material is needed in forming the tabletop, which results in lower costs; and
- attaching a planar brace to the bottom surface of the tabletop is less complicated
than attaching a tubular brace.
[0036] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this invention have been presented
for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or
variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen
and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of
the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary
skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications
and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended
claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally,
and equitably entitled.
1. A fold-in-half collapsible table having a use position and a storage position, the
collapsible table comprising:
a tabletop that includes:
a first tabletop portion having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first inner edge,
and a first outer edge that is parallel to the first inner edge; and
a second tabletop portion having a top surface, a bottom surface, a second inner edge,
and a second outer edge that is parallel to the second inner edge
wherein the first and second inner edges are adjacent each other when the table is
in the use position, and separated from each other when the table is in the storage
position;
a pair of opposing first side rails attached to the bottom surface of the first tabletop
portion between the first inner edge and the first outer edge;
a pair of opposing second side rails attached to the bottom surface of the second
tabletop portion between the second inner edge and the second outer edge;
a first leg assembly pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the first tabletop
portion between the first side rails, the first leg assembly extending downward from
the first tabletop portion when the table is in the use position, the first leg assembly
disposed adjacent the first tabletop portion when the table is in the storage position;
a second leg assembly pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the second tabletop
portion between the second side rails, the second leg assembly extending downward
from the second tabletop portion when the table is in the use position, the second
leg assembly disposed adjacent the second tabletop portion when the table is in the
storage position;
a pair of opposing hinge assemblies disposed on a hinge axis that is parallel to the
second inner edge of the second tabletop portion, each hinge assembly connecting one
of the first side rails to one of the second side rails, whereby the first and second
tabletop portions are operable to pivot with respect to each other about the hinge
axis;
a tubular cross brace disposed on the hinge axis between the pair of hinge assemblies
and secured to the bottom surface of the second tabletop portion;
a first central support brace having a first end pivotally attached to the first leg
assembly and a second end pivotally attached to the tubular cross brace;
a second central support brace having a first end pivotally attached to the second
leg assembly and a second end pivotally attached to the tubular cross brace; and
a planar cross brace secured to the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion and
disposed adjacent and parallel to the first inner edge of the first tabletop portion.
2. The fold-in-half collapsible table of claim 1 wherein the tubular cross brace includes
opposing ends that are secured to the opposing hinge assemblies.
3. The fold-in-half collapsible table of any preceding claim wherein each hinge assembly
includes first and second hinge portions that are rotationally attached to each other,
wherein the first hinge portion of each hinge assembly is attached to one of the first
side rails and the second hinge portion of each hinge assembly is attached to one
of the second side rails.
4. The fold-in-half collapsible table of claim 3 wherein the planar cross brace includes
a pair of opposing tabs disposed at opposing ends of the planar cross brace, each
tab extending from the planar cross brace in a direction perpendicular to the bottom
surface of the first tabletop portion, wherein each tab is secured to a corresponding
one of the first hinge portions,
preferably each tab is welded to the corresponding one of the first hinge portions.
5. The fold-in-half collapsible table of any preceding claim wherein the planar cross
brace includes a pair of opposing ribs disposed along outer edges of a central channel
portion of the planar cross brace, wherein the ribs are disposed in parallel to the
first inner edge of the first tabletop portion and extend from the planar cross brace
in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion to
form a U-shaped cross section within the central channel portion of the planar cross
brace.
6. The fold-in-half collapsible table of claim 5 wherein the planar cross brace includes
multiple apertures disposed within the central channel portion through which fasteners
pass to secure the planar cross brace to the bottom surface of the first tabletop
portion.
7. The fold-in-half collapsible table of any preceding claim wherein the tubular cross
brace includes multiple apertures through which fasteners pass to secure the tubular
cross brace to the bottom surface of the second tabletop portion.
8. The fold-in-half collapsible table of any preceding claim wherein the planar cross
brace includes:
an elongate rectangular planar portion having elongate opposing side edges and narrow
opposing end edges that are perpendicular to the side edges;
a pair of opposing tabs, the pair including a tab extending from each of the opposing
end edges in a direction perpendicular to the rectangular planar portion;
a pair of opposing ribs disposed along the opposing side edges in a central region
of the rectangular planar portion, wherein the ribs are parallel to the opposing side
edges and extend from the rectangular planar portion in a direction perpendicular
to the rectangular planar portion, thereby forming a central channel having a U-shaped
cross section; and
multiple pairs of opposing arcuate cutouts in the opposing ribs, the cutouts disposed
adjacent a corresponding one of the tabs at each of the opposing end edges, the cutouts
for accommodating opposing legs of the first leg assembly, thereby allowing the first
leg assembly to lay flat against the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion
when the first leg assembly is in the collapsed position.
9. The fold-in-half collapsible table of any preceding claim wherein the first and second
tabletop portions are formed from blow-molded plastic.
10. The fold-in-half collapsible table of any preceding claim wherein the first and second
inner edges of the first and second tabletop portions are linear and parallel to the
hinge axis.
11. The fold-in-half collapsible table of any preceding claim wherein the first leg assembly
is pivotally connected to the first side rails and the second leg assembly is pivotally
connected to the second side rails.
12. The fold-in-half collapsible table of any preceding claim wherein:
the planar cross brace is disposed between the first inner edge and the first outer
edge of the first tabletop portion; and
the tubular cross brace is disposed between the second inner edge and the second outer
edge of the second tabletop portion.
13. A cross brace for stiffening a tabletop of a fold-in-half collapsible table, the cross
brace comprising:
an elongate rectangular planar portion having elongate opposing side edges and narrow
opposing end edges that are perpendicular to the side edges;
a pair of opposing tabs extending from the opposing end edges in a direction perpendicular
to the rectangular planar portion; and
a pair of opposing ribs extending from the opposing side edges in a direction perpendicular
to the rectangular planar portion, thereby forming an elongate channel having a U-shaped
cross section.
14. The cross brace of claim 13 further comprising multiple apertures disposed in the
rectangular planar portion, the apertures operable to receive fasteners for securing
the cross brace to the tabletop.
15. The cross brace of claim 13 or 14 further comprising multiple pairs of opposing arcuate
cutouts in the opposing ribs, each pair of opposing cutouts disposed adjacent a corresponding
one of the tabs.
Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.
1. A fold-in-half collapsible table (10) having a use position and a storage position,
the collapsible table (10) comprising:
a tabletop (12) that includes:
a first tabletop portion (12a) having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first inner
edge (42a), and a first outer edge that is parallel to the first inner edge (42a);
and
a second tabletop portion (12b) having a top surface, a bottom surface, a second inner
edge (42b), and a second outer edge that is parallel to the second inner edge (42b)
wherein the first and second inner edges (42a, 42b) are adjacent each other when the
table (10) is in the use position, and separated from each other when the table (10)
is in the storage position;
a pair of opposing first side rails (30a-32a) attached to the bottom surface of the
first tabletop portion (12a) between the first inner edge (42a) and the first outer
edge;
a pair of opposing second side rails (30b-32b) attached to the bottom surface of the
second tabletop portion (12b) between the second inner edge (42b) and the second outer
edge;
a first leg assembly (16) pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the first tabletop
portion (12a) between the first side rails (30a-32a), the first leg assembly (16)
extending downward from the first tabletop portion (12a) when the table (10) is in
the use position, the first leg assembly (16) disposed adjacent the first tabletop
portion (12a) when the table (10) is in the storage position;
a second leg assembly (14) pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the second
tabletop portion (12b) between the second side rails (30b-32b), the second leg assembly
(14) extending downward from the second tabletop portion (12b) when the table (10)
is in the use position, the second leg assembly (14) disposed adjacent the second
tabletop portion (12b) when the table (10) is in the storage position;
a pair of opposing hinge assemblies (34, 36) disposed on a hinge axis (44) that is
parallel to the second inner edge (42b) of the second tabletop portion (12b), each
hinge assembly (34, 36) connecting one of the first side rails (30a-32a) to one of
the second side rails (30b-32b), whereby the first and second tabletop portions (12a,
12b) are operable to pivot with respect to each other about the hinge axis (44);
a tubular cross brace (38) disposed on the hinge axis (44) between the pair of hinge
assemblies (34, 36) between the second inner edge (42b) and the second outer edge
of the second tabletop portion (12b) and secured to the bottom surface of the second
tabletop portion (12b);
a first central support brace (40a) having a first end pivotally attached to the first
leg assembly (16) and a second end pivotally attached to the tubular cross brace (38);
a second central support brace (40b) having a first end pivotally attached to the
second leg assembly (14) and a second end pivotally attached to the tubular cross
brace (38); and
a planar cross brace (39) secured to the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion
(12a) and disposed adjacent and parallel to the first inner edge (42a) of the first
tabletop portion (12a) and between the first inner edge (42a) and the first outer
edge of the first tabletop portion (12a).
2. The fold-in-half collapsible table (10) of claim 1 wherein the tubular cross brace
(38) includes opposing ends that are secured to the opposing hinge assemblies (34,
36).
3. The fold-in-half collapsible table (10) of any preceding claim wherein each hinge
assembly (34, 36) includes first and second hinge portions (34a, 34b, 36a, 36b) that
are rotationally attached to each other, wherein the first hinge portion (34a, 36a)
of each hinge assembly (34, 36) is attached to one of the first side rails (30a-32a)
and the second hinge portion (34b, 36b) of each hinge assembly (34, 36) is attached
to one of the second side rails (30b-32b).
4. The fold-in-half collapsible table (10) of claim 3 wherein the planar cross brace
(39) includes a pair of opposing tabs (54) disposed at opposing ends of the planar
cross brace (39), each tab (54) extending from the planar cross brace (39) in a direction
perpendicular to the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion (12a), wherein each
tab (54) is secured to a corresponding one of the first hinge portions (34a, 36a),
preferably each tab (54) is welded to the corresponding one of the first hinge portions
(34a, 36a).
5. The fold-in-half collapsible table (10) of any preceding claim wherein the planar
cross brace (39) includes a pair of opposing ribs (56) disposed along outer edges
of a central channel portion (64) of the planar cross brace (39), wherein the ribs
(56) are disposed in parallel to the first inner edge (42a) of the first tabletop
portion (12a) and extend from the planar cross brace (39) in a direction perpendicular
to the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion (12a) to form a U-shaped cross
section within the central channel portion (64) of the planar cross brace (39).
6. The fold-in-half collapsible table (10) of claim 5 wherein the planar cross brace
(39) includes multiple apertures (58) disposed within the central channel portion
(64) through which fasteners pass to secure the planar cross brace (39) to the bottom
surface of the first tabletop portion (12a).
7. The fold-in-half collapsible table (10) of any preceding claim wherein the tubular
cross brace (38) includes multiple apertures (58) through which fasteners pass to
secure the tubular cross brace (38) to the bottom surface of the second tabletop portion
(12b).
8. The fold-in-half collapsible table (10) of any preceding claim wherein the planar
cross brace (39) includes:
an elongate rectangular planar portion (60) having elongate opposing side edges and
narrow opposing end edges that are perpendicular to the side edges;
a pair of opposing tabs (54), the pair including a tab (54) extending from each of
the opposing end edges in a direction perpendicular to the rectangular planar portion
(60);
a pair of opposing ribs (56) disposed along the opposing side edges in a central region
of the rectangular planar portion (60), wherein the ribs (56) are parallel to the
opposing side edges and extend from the rectangular planar portion (60) in a direction
perpendicular to the rectangular planar portion (60), thereby forming a central channel
having a U-shaped cross section; and
multiple pairs of opposing arcuate cutouts (52) in the opposing ribs (56), the cutouts
(52) disposed adjacent a corresponding one of the tabs (54) at each of the opposing
end edges, the cutouts (52) for accommodating opposing legs (24a, 24b) of the first
leg assembly (16), thereby allowing the first leg assembly (16) to lay flat against
the bottom surface of the first tabletop portion (12a) when the first leg assembly
(16) is in the collapsed position.
9. The fold-in-half collapsible table (10) of any preceding claim wherein the first and
second tabletop portions (12a, 12b) are formed from blow-molded plastic.
10. The fold-in-half collapsible table (10) of any preceding claim wherein the first and
second inner edges (42a, 42b) of the first and second tabletop portions (12a, 12b)
are linear and parallel to the hinge axis (44).
11. The fold-in-half collapsible table (10) of any preceding claim wherein the first leg
assembly (16) is pivotally connected to the first side rails (30a-32a) and the second
leg assembly (14) is pivotally connected to the second side rails (30b-32b).