Latch mechanism for folding table

In a folding table assembly including first and second table sections, each of which defines an inner end and an outer end, wherein the table sections are pivotably interconnected at their inner ends for movement of the table assembly between a folded, storage position and an unfolded, operative position, wherein each table section includes a table top and a frame including a pair of spaced apart structural apron members mounted to the table top and a leg arrangement for supporting the table top above a supporting surface, the improvement comprising a torsion bar arrangement interconnected with the frame for assisting in movement of the table assembly from the unfolded, operative position to the folded, storage position, wherein the torsion bar arrangement includes a torsion bar defining a pair of spaced ends, and a pair of hub members mounted one to each structural apron member of at least one of the table sections, wherein each hub member is fixed to one of the apron members and wherein the leg arrangement is pivotably mounted to and between the hub members, wherein the torsion bar is fixed against rotation to one of the hub members and at a location spaced therefrom is fixed against rotation to the leg arrangement, wherein torque is imparted to the torsion bar as the table assembly is moved from the folded, inoperative position toward the unfolded, operative position.

In a folding table assembly including first and second table sections, each of which defines an inner end and an outer end, wherein the table sections are pivotably interconnected at their inner ends for movement of the table assembly between a folded, storage position and an unfolded, operative position, wherein each table section includes a table top and a frame for supporting the table top above a supporting surface, the improvement comprising at least one pair of pivoting hinge members, each hinge member of the pair of hinge members being mounted to one of the table sections, and an extendible and retractable cylinder assembly defining a first end interconnected with the pair of pivoting hinge members and a second end interconnected with a leg arrangement forming a part of the frame, wherein the leg arrangement is pivotable relative to the table top upon movement of the table assembly between its unfolded, operative position and its folded, storage position, wherein pivoting movement of the leg arrangement relative to the table top functions to move the cylinder assembly between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the cylinder assembly is operable to cushion movement of the table assembly as the table assembly approaches its unfolded, operative position from its folded, storage position.

A latch arrangement for a folding table assembly including first and second table sections, each of which defines an inner end and an outer end, wherein the table sections are pivotably interconnected at their inner ends for movement of the table assembly between a folded, storage position and an unfolded, operative position, wherein each table section includes a table top and a frame including a leg arrangement for supporting the table top above a supporting surface, comprising:

• a movable latch member mounted to the first table section;
• and
• a stationary catch member mounted to the second table section, wherein the movable latch member is engageable with the stationary catch member as the table assembly is moved to its folded, storage position from its unfolded, operative position, wherein engagement of the latch member with the catch member functions to maintain the table assembly in its folded, storage position.

In a folding table assembly including first and second table sections, each of which defines an inner end and an outer end, wherein the table sections are pivotably interconnected at their inner ends for movement of the table assembly between a folded, storage position and an unfolded, operative position, wherein each table section includes a table top defining a pair of spaced sides, and a frame for supporting the table top above a supporting surface, the improvement comprising:

• a catch member mounted to one of the table sections;
• and
• a latch member mounted to the other of the table sections, wherein the latch member is movable between an engaged position in which the latch member engages the catch member for maintaining the table assembly in its folded, storage position, and a disengaged position in which the latch member is disengaged from the catch member for allowing the table assembly to be moved from its folded, storage position toward its unfolded, operative position, wherein the latch member is movable between its engaged and disengaged positions by operation of an actuator member including first and second actuator areas, each of which is located adjacent one of the sides of the table top for enabling a user to move the latch member from its engaged position toward its disengaged position from either side of the table top.