Cutting table storage mechanism

In a storage cabinet having a folding cutting table of the type having hingedly connected table top panels, said panels, being selectively positionable into extended relation for providing a substantially flat and continuous table surface, or into folded relation wherein said panels are substantially parallel and form a stacked assembly, support means including support leg means for sustaining said table top panels when in said extended relation and transport means comprising:

• a. a roller rotatably attached to one of said panels,
• b. a track for guiding movement of and selectively positioning said roller in one of two locations, the first of said locations being at a level suitable for the position of said panels when in said extended relation and the second of said locations arranged at a distance vertically beneath the level of said first of said locations and being suitable for the position of said panels when folded into said stacked assembly and disposed in a substantially vertical compact arrangement,
• c. a second roller rotatably attached to said storage cabinet for partially supporting the weight of said panels when folded in said stacked assembly, and
• d. counterbalance means for partially counterbalancing the weight of said stacked assembly comprising:
• 1. a lift cradle for engaging said panels when folded into said stacked assembly,
• 2. means for constraining movement of said lift cradle to a vertical plane, and
• 3. balance means having a frame attached to said storage cabinet and a pulling element attached to said lift cradle for exerting a lifting force thereto,
• e. said panels being disengaged from said cradle when said panels are positioned into said extended relation.