Convertable table with reversible leaves

#The present invention relates to a convertible table system having a fixed portion with adjustable leaves along at least two adjacent edges, and more particularly to a convertible table system with adjustable leaves that can be removed and replaced in a variety of orientations to customize the configuration and size of the work surface of the table.

#In general, convertible tables are well known in the art. Further, these prior art convertible tables can be roughly classified into four categories. The simple drop leaf style table is exemplary of the first type. In a drop leaf table, when the leaves are inactive they hang vertically along the sides of the table and are in the way of the legs of persons seated at the table making it virtually impossible to use the sides of the table when the leaves are stored.

#The second category of table is a variation of the simple drop leaf table that includes elaborate mechanisms for raising and lowering four table leaves at the same time. In this type of table, however, the raising and lowering mechanisms preclude the leaves being able to be rotated through 180° thus preventing them from resting flush against the bottom of the table. This results in the leaves protruding from the bottom of the table along the outer attachment edge, creating a potential conflict with the legs of a user. In addition, the elaborate mechanism is expensive to construct and would require significant maintenance, creating a serious disadvantage if the tables were to be used in an environment that where they were frequently operated.

#In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

#FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the convertible table of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view thereof with the leaves in the small work surface configuration;

#Referring now to the drawings, the convertible table of the present invention is illustrated and generally indicated at 10 in FIGS. 1-8. As will hereinafter be more fully described, the instant invention utilizes a novel configuration of work surfaces to create a convertible table that has a customizable work surface and provides for self-storage of the inactive leaves.

#Turning to FIG. 1, the convertible table comprises a central support section generally indicated at 12, at least one “L” shaped leaf component generally indicated at 14, a mounting pin component 16 and a mounting receiver component 18. The leaves 14 are generally “L” shaped and can be used singularly or in multiples under the disclosure of the present invention.

#In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the central support section 12 is provided as a table support. The table support 12 has a top work surface 20 that is generally rectangular with two parallel edges 22. The top work surface 20 is supported on two vertical leg elements 24 that extend downwardly therefrom. The legs 24 are of sufficient length to support the top work surface 20 a the optimum distance from the floor to allow the table 10 of the present invention to be used as a table for dining or other activities where the user would typically be seated. The height of the legs 24 however can be tailored however to accommodate the anticipated end use of the table 10, for example if the user would typically use the table 10 while standing, the legs 24 would be made longer. The vertical legs 24 are further provided with protruding arms 26 at their bottom. These arms 26 extend outwardly from the bottom end of the vertical leg elements 24 and provide increased contact with the support surface upon which the table 10 is placed to increase the overall stability of the table 10 and prevent it from overturning or from becoming generally unstable during use. Further, horizontal support members 28 extend between the vertical leg elements 24 to maintain the relative spacing between the vertical leg elements 24 adding additional rigidity to the overall central support element 12. At least one horizontal support member 28 is provided at the top of the leg elements 24 adjacent to the bottom of the top work surface 20. Additional horizontal members 28 may be added further down the length of the vertical leg elements 24 if indicated by the structural requirements of the table 10 or to produce a certain look or feel to the table 10.