Table with self-storing leaf

#The present invention generally relates to extendable tables and, more particularly, relates to an extendable table having a self-storing leaf that can be rotated about two axis and stowed along the underside of the table surface.

#As is well known, tables are often provided in a multipiece configuration having two separate, normally coplanar, abutting panels supported by a plurality of legs. These tables frequently have center segments or leaves they can be added or removed when it is desired to increase or decrease the overall size of the tabletop. To this end, a guide mechanism is provided that enables panels to slide apart to form a gap therebetween, which can be filled by one or more table leaves. The table leaf is typically supported between the two panels via support surfaces and associated dowel pins. When it is desired to decrease the size of the tabletop, the two end panels are pulled apart and one or more table leaves are removed. The end panels that form the tabletop are then pushed together to form a smaller tabletop. When it is desired to increase the size of the tabletop, the two end panels are pulled apart again, one or more table leaves are placed between the end panels, and the end panels are pushed back together to form a larger tabletop.

#Such prior art extendable tables often suffer from a number of disadvantages. For example, it is typically necessary to store the removed table leaves when not in use. However, this may prove to be difficult in buildings having limited storage space. Moreover, these leaves are often heavy, thereby requiring two people for insertion into or removal from the table. Still further, the handling of the leaves may cause the leaves to be dinged or otherwise marred.

#The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a side view of an expandable table assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention having a pivotable leaf assembly in a stowed position;

#FIG. 2 is a side view of the expandable table assembly of FIG. 1 with the pivotable leaf assembly in an intermediate position;

#The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

#Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, an expandable table assembly, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, is provided in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Expandable table assembly 10 generally includes a first tabletop panel section 12, a second tabletop panel section 14, a pivotable leaf assembly 16, and a guide mechanism 18.

#First tabletop panel section 12 includes a first table panel 20 defining a generally planar tabletop surface, which is mounted to at least one of a plurality of table legs 22 in a conventional manner. It should be appreciated that the specific table illustrated in the attached figures is only exemplary in nature and, thus, should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention. By way of non-limiting example, expandable table assembly 10 may be a pedestal table. First tabletop panel section 12 further includes a decorative skirt 24 coupled along an underside 26 of first table panel 20 generally orthogonal to first table panel 20. Decorative skirt 24 is preferably disposed along the three outboard sides of first tabletop panel section 12.