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US 5,636,578 AGranted
Folding table leg construction
AssigneeSteelcase Inc.
InventorJohn J. Rizzi
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A table includes a tabletop and a pair of opposing folding leg assemblies. Each folding leg assembly includes a base plate secured to the tabletop. A folding leg is pivotally connected to the base plate by a linkage arrangement that includes a first link pivotally connecting the folding leg to the base to define first and second axes of rotation and a second link pivotally connecting the folding leg to the base to define third and fourth axes of rotation. The second link includes a transverse section, and a latch is secured to the base plate for releasably engaging the transverse section when the folding leg is in the extended position. The first link also includes a transverse section or recess for engaging the latch to hold the folding leg in the folded position.
Claims22
A table comprising:
- a tabletop;
- a folding leg including a post and a polymeric molded body secured to an end of the post, said molded body including a depression for mateably receiving the end of the post;
- a four bar linkage arrangement movably connecting said folding leg to said tabletop for movement between an extended position for supporting said tabletop and a folded position for storage, said four bar linkage arrangement including a plurality of interconnected links, said molded body forming one of said links;
- and
- a releasable latch positioned to releasably engage said one link to stabilize the table when said folding leg is in said extended position, and to releasably engage one of said links to stabilize the leg against the table when said folding leg is in said folded position.
2 more elements
A table comprising:
- a tabletop;
- a folding leg;
- a four bar linkage arrangement movably connecting said folding leg to said tabletop for movement between an extended position for supporting said tabletop and a folded position for storage, said four bar linkage arrangement including a plurality of interconnected links;
- a releasable latch positioned to releasably engage one of said links to stabilize the table when said folding leg is in said extended position, and to releasably engage one of said links to stabilize the leg against the table when said folding leg is in said folded position;
- and
- said latch being secured to an underside surface of said tabletop, said latch including a latching member slidably moveable generally parallel said underside surface.
3 more elements
A table comprising:
- a tabletop;
- a base plate attached to said tabletop, said base plate defining first and second pivots defining spaced apart axes of rotation;
- a folding leg having an end section defining third and fourth pivots defining spaced apart axes of rotation, said folding leg being movable between an extended position and a folded position, said folding leg including an elongated member and said end section comprising a configured body secured to said elongated member, said configured body being a polymeric molding having a recess therein for receiving an end of the elongated member;
- a first link having a first end pivotally connected to said first pivot and a second end pivotally connected to said third pivot;
- a second link having a third end pivotally connected to said second pivot and a fourth end pivotally connected to said fourth pivot;
- and
- a latch attached to said base plate, said latch including a latching member positioned to engage one of said first link and said end section of said folding leg when said folding leg is in said extended position, and to engage one of said second link and said folding leg when in said folded position.
4 more elements
A table comprising:
- a tabletop;
- a base plate attached to said tabletop, said base plate defining first and second pivots defining spaced apart axes of rotation;
- a folding leg having an end section defining third and fourth pivots defining spaced apart axes of rotation, said folding leg being movable between an extended position and a folded position;
- a first link having a first end pivotally connected to said first pivot and a second end pivotally connected to said third pivot;
- a second link having a third and pivotally connected to said second pivot and a fourth end pivotally connected to said fourth pivot;
- a latch attached to said base plate, said latch including a latching member positioned to engage one of said first link and said end section of said folding leg when said folding leg is in said extended position, and to engage one of said second link and said folding leg when in said folded position;
- and
- said folding leg including an elongated member and said end section comprising a configured body secured to said elongated member.
5 more elements
A table leg construction comprising:
- a base plate configured for attachment to a tabletop;
- a latch attached to said base plate;
- a folding leg including a configured end section of molded material, an extrusion mateably engaging a recess in said end section, and a tie rod holding said extrusion against said end section;
- and
- a linkage arrangement operably connecting said folding leg to said base plate for movement between an extended position and a folded position, said end section forming a link in said linkage arrangement and being engaged by said latch when in one of said extended position and said storage position.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.