Pivotal handle for a food service table

#The present invention is directed toward a handle and particularly, toward a handle for a wheeled food service table where the handle is pivotable between an operative and an inoperative position.

#It is common practice in hotels, on cruise ships, and in other types of lodging where food is consumed by guests in a room separate from a dining room to serve food on a portable, wheeled table. The table serves not only as a mode of transportation for the food, but as a table upon which the food may be served and consumed.

#Typically, these wheeled tables are equipped with at least one handle which is used by the server to push or pull the table. The handle, however, is often located at the same or close to the level of the top of the table. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,372 to Dinverno discloses a service cart where the handle is nearly level with the top of the cart. As a result, the server is forced to bend over in order to maneuver the table. This causes strain on the person's back and arms.

#For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the accompanying drawings one form which is presently preferred; it being understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

#FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of food service tables being stored where each table has a handle of the present invention attached thereto;

#FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the handle of the present invention attached to a food service table;

#Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like reference numerals have been used throughout the various figures to designate like elements, there is shown in FIG. 2 a pivotal handle constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated generally as 10.

#The handle of the present invention includes two generally parallel elongated, curved right and left bar members 12 and 14, respectively. Each member 12 and 14 has an arm 16 and 18, respectively, which curves outwardly from the top of the bar member at a generally ninety degree angle. Arm 16 of right bar member 12 extends outwardly to the right and arm 18 of left bar member 14 extends outwardly to the left. Each member 12 and 14 also has a leg 20 and 22, respectively, which curves outwardly from the bottom of the bar member at a generally ninety degree angle. Leg 20 of right bar member 12 extends outwardly to the right and leg 22 of left bar member 14 extends outwardly to the left. The bar members 12 and 14 are connected or secured to each other via horizontal extensions 24a and 24b. Each of the arms 16 and 18 has a respective gripping portion 26 and 28 which a person using the handle grips in order to steer the table 30. The gripping portions may be made from foam, rubber, or similar material which allows a person to grasp the arms without losing his or her grip.

#Each leg 20 and 22 has means for pivotably attaching the handle to the underside 32 of the table 30. Each of the attaching means is secured to the table adjacent an edge thereof (See FIG. 2.) The attaching means may include cylindrical sockets 34 and 36 though which legs 20 and 22, respectively, extend and plates 38 and 40 which are welded or otherwise permanently secured to their respective sockets 34 and 36. The plates 38 and 40 are secured to the underside 32 of the table 30 by bolting them, for example, to the underside 32 of the table 30 via bolts 42a-42h. Legs 20 and 22 fit securely within the sockets 34 and 36, respectively, yet may rotate therein as will be more 9 fully described below.