| Folding table and chair -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Folding table and chairFolding table and chair description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080042475, Folding table and chair. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60/832,136, filed on Jul. 21, 2006, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The invention is directed to a folding table and chair. In particular, the table can be easily folded to make it more compact and transported for storage or relocation; and the chair can be folded flat to facilitate storage. [0004] 2. Related Art [0005] Many folding tables that include a handle, or other carrying means, for transportation flat include a separate structure that is visible when the table is unfolded. [0006] An example of such a table is a typical "suitcase" style folding table. The suitcase table includes a handle mounted to an outer edge of a table leaf. A hinge, or other folding mechanism, is disposed at the center of the table and connects the opposing leafs. The suitcase table's legs have a sliding leg-lock arrangement that is widely used in folding tables. The legs can be folded within the thickness of the skirt surrounding the edge of each leaf. The table can be folded in half such that the skirt of each leaf contacts one another to form an outer planar surface that forms the "suitcase" with the legs folded inside. The skirt may include a latching mechanism so that the leafs can be secured together. The secured, folded table can be transported by means of the separate handle that is not located on the same side of the outer planar surface of the suitcase as the hinge. [0007] Many of the mechanisms that permit the suitcase table to fold and be transported are visible when the table is in use. Accordingly, these visible mechanisms are unsightly and make the typical folding table undesirable for everyday home use. [0008] In smaller domiciles, furniture that is easily moved and storable is desired so that occupants can take full advantage of limited living space, which especially important in urban environments. [0009] Accordingly, there is a need for a foldable table and chair that hides the folding and carrying mechanisms so that the table is sufficiently stylish and decorative for everyday use. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] The invention meets the foregoing need and by providing a folding mechanism and carrying mechanism, respectively, that is not readily visible when unfolded, which results in a table and chair having appearances more similar to non-folding tables and chairs that are decorative and suitable for everyday use, as well as other advantages apparent from the discussion herein. [0011] Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention a folding table is provided that includes a table top comprising two opposing leafs connected by a folding mechanism, pivotable legs coupled to one of the opposing legs, a latching mechanism disposed within the table top securing at least one leg in an extended position generally perpendicular to the table top. In the table's folded position, the folding mechanism is configured to serve as a handle for transporting the folding table. [0012] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention and the various ways in which it may be practiced. In the drawings: [0014] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position; [0015] FIG. 1A shows a side elevational view of a folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position; [0016] FIG. 1B shows an enlarged perspective view of a push button release used in a folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention; [0017] FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of the table of FIG. 1 in a folded position; [0018] FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the table of FIG. 1 in a folded position; [0019] FIG. 2A shows an enlarged view of the folding mechanism of the table of FIG. 2; [0020] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a locking mechanism constructed according to the principles of the invention; Continue reading about Folding table and chair... Full patent description for Folding table and chair Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Folding table and chair patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Folding table and chair or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Transformer seat Next Patent Application: Modular child restraint system Industry Class: Chairs and seats ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Folding table and chair patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.22122 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Daimler Chrysler , DirecTV , Exxonmobil Chemical Company , Goodyear , Intel , Kyocera Wireless , 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
