Foldable table

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application claims priority to China Application Nos. 201120278190.5 and 201120227703.X, and corresponding PCT Application Nos. PCT/CN2011/076654 and PCT/CN2011/076686, respectively, all filed on Jun. 30, 2011, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0002The present invention relates generally to furniture, and in particular to foldable tables and foldable benches, and the manufacturing thereof.

0003Foldable tables and benches are furniture items for folding or collapsing when not in use to facilitate storage, and unfolding or extending for use. Foldable tables in the prior art generally comprise a table top, a leg portion and a support portion, with upper ends of the leg portion forming a connection with the table top. Some examples of folding tables are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,042,476 issued to Stanford on Oct. 25, 2011 (“Stanford”) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,184 issued to Winter et al. on Jan. 21, 2003 (“Winter”).

0004In Stanford, the support portion or folding mechanism of the table comprises a first pivotal-connection portion <b>100</b> for pivotally connecting with the leg portion <b>80</b>, a second pivotal-connection portion <b>122</b> for pivotally connecting with the table top <b>12</b> and a ring or a sleeve <b>108</b>. To expand the support portion of the table, the first and second pivotal-connection portions <b>100</b>, <b>122</b> are extended and secured in the extended position by the ring <b>108</b> such that pivotal movement between the first pivotal-connection portion <b>100</b> and the second pivotal-connection portion <b>122</b> is restricted. To fold the support portion, the ring <b>108</b> is disengaged, and the first and second pivotal-connection portions <b>100</b>, <b>122</b> are collapsed toward each other. Each component of the support portion or folding mechanism is constructed of metal and is completely exposed. Thus, a user must make direct contact with those components and often times a force must be exerted on the exposed metal components to fold and unfold the table.

0005The table in Winter includes a mounting assembly having a support strut <b>36</b>, and a slotted member <b>52</b> both pivotally attached to an L-bracket <b>39</b> underneath the table. The slot <b>58</b> in the slotted member <b>52</b> engages a sliding member, i.e., a fastener such as a knob or wingnut (not shown) disposed on the leg <b>18</b>. In the alternative, the slot <b>58</b> includes an end portion with a larger opening so that a similarly sized sliding member could lock into the larger opening. In either configuration, the components of the mounting assembly are metal plates and direct hand manipulation is required to lock and unlock the leg <b>18</b>.

0006There are several disadvantages to the aforementioned foldable tables. For instance, locking and unlocking the legs is work-intensive and requires sufficient hand strength due to the frictional engagements of the ring and the fastener. Due to the force required to lock and unlock the legs and the various metal components of the locking mechanism, there is a risk of injury as well. Furthermore, the table height is not adjustable and therefore the tables cannot be used for multiple purposes.

0007A need exists, therefore, for a foldable table that is capable of being safely and easily expanded and folded, without requiring excessive force to lock and unlock the legs. A foldable table with the capability to adjust the height is also needed. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other advantages and benefits that will be apparent from the following disclosure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0008The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

0009Briefly stated, to achieve the objectives stated above, the present invention includes a foldable table comprising a table top having a top surface and a bottom surface. A frame assembly is disposed on a bottom surface of the table top and at least two leg assemblies are pivotally coupled to the frame assembly. Each of the at least two leg assemblies are movable between an extended position whereby each leg assembly is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the table top and a folded position whereby each leg assembly is substantially parallel and adjacent to the bottom surface of the table top. The foldable table also includes at least two support members. Each support member is pivotally coupled to the frame assembly and to the at least two leg assemblies. Furthermore, at least one locking assembly is coupled to the at least two support members. Each of the at least one locking assembly comprises a ramp portion integrally formed with a locking portion. A channel is formed under the ramp portion for guiding and receiving a locking pin. The locking portion has an opening for receiving a pushbutton and the locking pin.

0010In another aspect of the present invention, a foldable table comprises: a table top having a top surface and a bottom surface; a frame assembly having a pair of spaced apart side rails, each side rail fixedly coupled to the bottom surface of the table top; a pair of leg assemblies, each leg assembly having a pair of spaced apart legs pivotally coupled to the frame assembly, each leg having a spring-biased locking pin extending from an outer surface of the leg and a corresponding jacket member slidably coupled to the leg; and a plurality of support members each having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of each of the plurality of support members fixedly pivotally connected to a corresponding side rail and the distal end of each of the plurality of support members pivotally coupled to a corresponding jacket member. Each leg assembly is movable between an extended position whereby each leg assembly is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the table top when the locking pin and jacket member are fixedly engaged, and a folded position whereby each leg assembly is substantially parallel and adjacent to the bottom surface of the table top when the locking pin and jacket member are disengaged.

0011In yet another aspect of the present invention, a foldable table comprises: a table top having a top surface and a bottom surface; a frame assembly having a pair of spaced apart side rails, each side rail fixedly coupled to the bottom surface of the table top, each side rail having a spring-biased locking pin extending from an outer surface of the side rail and a corresponding jacket member slidably coupled to the side rail; a pair of leg assemblies, each leg assembly having a pair of spaced apart legs pivotally coupled to the frame assembly; and a plurality of support members each having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of each of the plurality of support members fixedly pivotally connected to a corresponding jacket member and the distal end of each of the plurality of support members fixedly pivotally coupled to a corresponding leg. Each leg assembly is movable between an extended position whereby each leg assembly is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the table top when the locking pin and jacket member are fixedly engaged, and a folded position whereby each leg assembly is substantially parallel and adjacent to the bottom surface of the table top when the locking pin and jacket member are disengaged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0012To better understand the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to the appended drawings.

0013<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a bottom perspective view of a first embodiment of a foldable table of the present invention illustrated in a fully unfolded position;

0014<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a bottom perspective view of the foldable table of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in a fully folded position;

0015<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a bottom perspective view of the foldable table of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in a partially folded position;

0016<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a partial perspective view of a portion of a leg assembly of the foldable table of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, denoted “<b>4</b>” in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>;

0017<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4A</figref> is a sectional view of the leg assembly in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> taken along line “<b>4</b>A-<b>4</b>A”;

0018<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a bottom perspective view of a second embodiment of a foldable table of the present invention illustrated in a fully unfolded position;

0019<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a bottom perspective view of the foldable table of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> in a fully folded position;

0020<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a bottom perspective view of the foldable table of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> in a partially folded position;

0021<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a partial perspective view of a side rail of the foldable table of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>; and

0022<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref> is a sectional view of the side rail in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> taken along line “<b>8</b>A-<b>8</b>A.”

0023To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical reference numerals and component descriptions have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale, but are shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0024The present invention relates to a novel table or bench apparatus, and a method of manufacturing the apparatus. In particular, the present invention is directed to a table capable of easily extending and folding, while providing a safety feature for a user's hands. The principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to tables with such features. Specifically, the following description is presented to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of particular applications and their requirements. Thus, the following description of embodiments consistent with the present invention provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles set forth below may be applied to other embodiments and applications, including in other types of furniture and structures. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described and shown herein.

0025Also, certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The article “a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Additionally, to assist in the description of the table, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left are used to describe the accompanying figures. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

First Embodiment

0026Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4A</figref>, a foldable table of the first embodiment <b>100</b> generally comprises a table top <b>101</b>; a pair of side rails <b>111</b> fixedly connected to the table top <b>101</b>; a pair of leg assemblies <b>120</b>, each leg assembly <b>120</b> having a pair of legs <b>121</b> and pivotally attached to the pair of side rails <b>111</b>; and four support members <b>131</b>, each slidably pivotally attached to a leg <b>121</b> on one end and fixedly pivotally attached to a side rail <b>111</b> on another end.

0027As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the table top <b>101</b> includes a generally planar top working surface (not shown) and an opposing bottom surface <b>105</b> having a periphery bordered by opposing first and second ends <b>106</b>, <b>107</b> and opposing first and second sides <b>108</b>, <b>109</b>. Desirably, the table top <b>101</b> is sufficiently sized to accommodate multiple users and may have a length of between five to eight feet in length and a width of between two to three feet. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the table top <b>101</b> could be larger or smaller. In the present embodiment, the table top <b>101</b> is generally rectangular but it could have other suitable shapes and configurations such as square, circular, oval and the like, depending on the intended use of the table <b>100</b>, e.g., utility tables, card tables, personal-sized tables and the like. In addition, the corners and edges of the table top <b>101</b> could be rounded to improve the aesthetic appearance and/or for the safety of the user. It is preferred that the table top <b>101</b> is constructed of blow-molded plastic but other materials could be used such as wood or other types of plastics without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the blow-molded table top <b>101</b> is vacuum-molded such that a top plate is fixedly adhered to a bottom plate having a plurality of depressions. Each plate could be single or multiple layers with each layer having a thickness between 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm and each plate could consist of plastic material such as ABS, PP, PS or the like. The surfaces of each plate could also be treated with print, film or spray to show a variety of colors and/or texture such as wood grains or marble, or for weather-treatment. The edges of the vacuum molded plastic top and bottom plates are connected to each other by welding or gluing, and the edges could be further reinforced by a variety of conventional methods known in the art such as use of a lining and/or welding.

0028Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the bottom surface of the table top <b>105</b> includes a pair of spaced apart side rails <b>111</b> fixedly attached thereto to form a frame assembly. The side rails <b>111</b> are preferably constructed of a metal having a substantially rectangular cross-section, but the side rails <b>111</b> could be constructed of other materials and take on other shapes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the side rails could be metal flanges. Each side rail <b>111</b> is disposed proximate the first and second sides <b>108</b>, <b>109</b>, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, the side rails <b>111</b> are fixedly attached to grooves (not shown) integrally formed on the bottom surface <b>105</b> of the blow-molded table top <b>101</b> and further affixed by fasteners (not shown) such as screws but other types of attachment means such as adhesives could be used. The grooves of the bottom surface <b>105</b> could also be constructed so that the side rails <b>111</b> could be form-fit such that additional attachment means are not necessary. Alternatively, the bottom surface <b>105</b> could be molded with extended grooves such that separate side rails are not required and instead various components, such as leg assemblies, could be attached directly to the grooves with fasteners.

0029Referring again to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, each leg assembly <b>120</b> includes a pair of spaced apart legs <b>121</b> having lower and upper ends <b>124</b>, <b>125</b>. In the preferred embodiment, the legs <b>121</b> are constructed of a hollow tubular metal but other shapes and materials could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The opposing legs <b>121</b> of each leg assembly <b>120</b> are fixedly coupled at the upper end <b>125</b> with a leg support <b>122</b>, preferably by welding. Each leg support <b>122</b> extends across the width of the table top <b>101</b> proximate the first and second ends <b>106</b>, <b>107</b>, respectively, and is pivotally coupled to opposing side rails <b>111</b>. The leg support <b>122</b> provides uniform pivotal movement of each opposing leg <b>121</b>. The opposing legs <b>121</b> of each leg assembly <b>120</b> are further fixedly coupled, preferably by welding, with a cross bar <b>123</b> intermediate the lower and upper ends <b>124</b>, <b>125</b> to provide additional support for a lower portion of each leg assembly <b>121</b>. It will be appreciated that each leg <b>121</b> could be directly pivotally attached to the side rail <b>111</b> without the leg support <b>122</b>. The cross bars <b>123</b> of the leg assemblies <b>120</b> could also be eliminated such that each leg <b>121</b> could pivot independently. The length of each leg assembly <b>120</b> is of equal length to provide a level table top <b>101</b> and the length of each leg assembly <b>120</b> could vary depending on the application of the table <b>100</b>, e.g., for use as a dining table, meeting table, bed-side table, coffee table, living room side table, etc. The legs <b>121</b> could also be retractable, as described in more detail below, such that the height of the table <b>100</b> could be easily adjusted to different levels.

0030Referring again to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the foldable table <b>100</b> further includes a plurality of support members <b>131</b>, each having a proximal end <b>133</b> (upper portion) and a distal end <b>135</b> (lower portion). The proximal end <b>133</b> is fixedly pivotally connected to the side rail <b>111</b> while the distal end <b>135</b> of the support member <b>131</b> is pivotally connected a sliding jacket member <b>141</b> located on each leg <b>121</b>.

0031Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 4A</figref>, the jacket member <b>141</b> is a unitary component constructed of a hard injection-molded plastic and is substantially tubular such that it is slidably connected to each substantially tubular leg <b>121</b>. However, the jacket member <b>141</b> could take on other shapes depending on the shape of the leg <b>121</b>. The jacket member <b>141</b> includes a ramp portion <b>143</b> having a guide channel <b>147</b> extending along a bottom surface. An intermediate portion <b>145</b> bridges the ramp portion <b>143</b> and a track lock portion <b>149</b> such that they are integrally formed together. The lock portion <b>149</b> is hollow and cylindrical, and includes an opening <b>151</b> for housing an actuator or push-button <b>161</b>. In the preferred embodiment, the actuator <b>161</b> includes a solid cylinder <b>163</b> extending outward from the track lock portion <b>149</b> and an integrally formed base <b>165</b> having substantially similar dimensions as the opening <b>151</b> such that the transverse cross-sectional area of the opening <b>151</b> is substantially covered by the base <b>165</b> as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4A</figref>. A first biasing member <b>167</b> such as a tension spring is disposed around the cylinder <b>163</b> and above the base <b>165</b> such that the actuator <b>161</b> is normally depressed and the base <b>165</b> contacts the outer surface of the leg <b>121</b>.

0032Referring again to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 4A</figref>, a spring-loaded pin <b>153</b> integrally connected to a second biasing member <b>155</b>, such as a spring, is disposed within each leg <b>121</b>, and the pin <b>153</b> extends outward from an aperture formed on the leg <b>121</b>. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the spring-loaded pin <b>153</b> may be disposed in the supporting legs <b>121</b> through other elastic mechanisms. The second biasing member <b>155</b> is constructed such that the upward force of the pin <b>153</b> is greater than the downward force of the actuator <b>161</b> generated by the first biasing member <b>167</b>. Also, the height of the pin <b>153</b> is less than the clearance between the ramp portion <b>143</b> and the leg surface <b>121</b>. The outer surface of the leg <b>121</b> defines a path or track for the jacket member <b>141</b> such that the pin <b>153</b> is substantially aligned with the ramp portion <b>143</b> and lock portion <b>149</b> of the jacket member <b>141</b>. The jacket member <b>141</b> is slidable toward the pin <b>153</b> until the pin <b>153</b> is received within the opening <b>151</b> of the lock portion <b>149</b>. It is preferred that the pin <b>153</b> is rounded at an upper end to provide smooth engagement with the guide channel <b>147</b> and to minimize friction. The plastic construction of the components of the locking mechanism or jacket member <b>141</b> reduces the risk of injury for the user compared with components of the prior art having metal edges. Risk of injury when locking and unlocking the leg assemblies <b>120</b> is further reduced because the engaging portion of the locking mechanism <b>141</b>, i.e., the pin <b>153</b> and the actuator base <b>165</b>, are not exposed.

0033In operation, to set up the table <b>100</b> for use, the leg assemblies <b>120</b> are pivoted away from the table top <b>101</b> from the folded position as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. Each jacket member <b>141</b> slides along each leg <b>121</b> such that the spring-loaded pin <b>153</b> is received by the jacket member <b>141</b> ramp portion <b>143</b> until the pin <b>153</b> is biased downward beneath the outer surface of the leg <b>121</b>. The declined guide channel <b>147</b> allows the pin <b>153</b> to smoothly transition from an extended state to a depressed state. The jacket member <b>141</b> slides further toward the leg upper end <b>125</b> as the pin <b>153</b> is received by the opening <b>151</b>. The pin <b>153</b> then extends beyond the outer surface of the leg <b>121</b> and is engaged with the actuator <b>161</b> such that the actuator <b>161</b> is moved upward. Thus, the spring-loaded pin <b>153</b> and the jacket member <b>141</b> are restricted from movement and are engaged in a locked position. In the locked position, the legs <b>121</b> are substantially perpendicular to the table top <b>101</b> as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. To fold the table <b>100</b>, the pair of actuators <b>161</b> on each leg assembly <b>120</b> is simultaneously depressed such that each pin <b>153</b> is depressed below the inner surface of each leg <b>121</b>. The leg assemblies <b>120</b> are pivoted toward the table top <b>101</b> as each jacket member <b>141</b> slides toward the leg lower ends <b>124</b> and the pin <b>153</b> is disengaged from the base <b>165</b> and remaining components of the jacket member <b>141</b>.

Second Embodiment

0034Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-8A</figref>, a foldable table of the second embodiment <b>200</b> generally comprises a table top <b>201</b>; a pair of side rails <b>211</b> fixedly connected to the table top <b>201</b>; a pair of leg assemblies <b>220</b>, each leg assembly <b>220</b> having a pair of legs <b>221</b> and pivotally attached to the pair of side rails <b>211</b>; and four support members <b>231</b>, each fixedly pivotally attached to a leg <b>221</b> on one end and slidably pivotally attached to a side rail <b>211</b> on another end.

0035As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the table top <b>201</b> includes a generally planar top working surface (not shown) and an opposing bottom surface <b>205</b> having a periphery bordered by opposing first and second ends <b>206</b>, <b>207</b> and opposing first and second sides <b>208</b>, <b>209</b>. Desirably, the table top <b>201</b> is sufficiently sized to accommodate multiple users and may have a length of between five to eight feet in length and a width of between two to three feet. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the table top <b>201</b> could be larger or smaller. In the present embodiment, the table top <b>201</b> is generally rectangular but it could have other suitable shapes and configurations such as square, circular, oval and the like, depending on the intended use of the table <b>200</b>, e.g., utility tables, card tables, personal-sized tables and the like. In addition, the corners and edges of the table top <b>201</b> could be rounded to improve the aesthetic appearance and/or for the safety of the user. It is preferred that the table top <b>201</b> is constructed of blow-molded plastic but other materials could be used such as wood or other types of plastics without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the blow-molded table top <b>201</b> is vacuum-molded such that a top plate is fixedly adhered to a bottom plate having a plurality of depressions. Each plate could be single or multiple layers with each layer having a thickness between 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm and each plate could consist of plastic material such as ABS, PP, PS or the like. The surfaces of each plate could also be treated with print, film or spray to show a variety of colors and/or texture such as wood grains or marble, or for weather-treatment. The edges of the vacuum molded plastic top and bottom plates are connected to each other by welding or gluing, and the edges could be further reinforced by a variety of conventional methods known in the art such as use of a lining and/or welding.

0036Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the bottom surface of the table top <b>205</b> includes a pair of spaced apart side rails <b>211</b> fixedly attached thereto to form a frame assembly. The side rails <b>211</b> are preferably constructed of a hollow metal having a substantially rectangular cross-section as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, but the side rails <b>211</b> could be constructed of other materials and take on other shapes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each side rail <b>211</b> is disposed proximate the first and second sides <b>208</b>, <b>209</b>, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, the side rails <b>211</b> are fixedly attached to grooves (not shown) integrally formed on the bottom surface <b>205</b> of the blow-molded table top <b>201</b> and further affixed by fasteners such as screws but other types of attachment means such as adhesives could be used. The grooves of the bottom surface <b>205</b> could also be constructed so that the side rails <b>211</b> could be form-fit such that additional attachment means are not necessary. Alternatively, the bottom surface <b>205</b> could be molded with extended grooves such that separate side rails are not required and instead various components, such as leg assemblies, could be attached directly to the grooves with fasteners.

0037Referring again to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, each leg assembly <b>220</b> includes a pair of spaced apart legs <b>221</b> having lower and upper ends <b>224</b>, <b>225</b>. In the preferred embodiment, the legs <b>221</b> are constructed of a hollow tubular metal but other shapes and materials could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The opposing legs <b>221</b> of each leg assembly <b>220</b> are fixedly coupled at the upper end <b>225</b> with a leg support <b>222</b>, preferably by welding. Each leg support <b>222</b> extends across the width of the table top <b>201</b> proximate the first and second ends <b>206</b>, <b>207</b>, respectively, and is pivotally coupled to opposing side rails <b>211</b>. The leg support <b>222</b> provides uniform pivotal movement of each opposing leg <b>221</b>. The opposing legs <b>221</b> of each leg assembly <b>220</b> are further fixedly coupled, preferably by welding, with a cross bar <b>223</b> intermediate the lower and upper ends <b>224</b>, <b>225</b> to provide additional support for a lower portion of each leg assembly <b>221</b>. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that each leg <b>221</b> could be directly pivotally attached to the side rails <b>211</b> without the leg support <b>222</b>. The cross bars <b>223</b> of the leg assemblies <b>220</b> could also be eliminated such that each leg <b>221</b> could pivot independently. The length of each leg assembly <b>220</b> is of equal length to provide a level table top <b>201</b> and the length of each leg assembly <b>220</b> could vary depending on the application of the table <b>200</b>, e.g., for use as a dining table, meeting table, bed-side table, coffee table, living room side table, etc. In the preferred embodiment, each leg <b>221</b> includes a lower section <b>284</b> telescopically extendable and retractable from an upper section <b>285</b> such that the height of the table <b>200</b> could be easily adjusted to different levels. That is, the inner cross-sectional dimension of the upper section <b>285</b> is substantially similar to the outer cross-sectional dimension of the lower section <b>284</b> such that the lower section <b>284</b> is slidable within the upper section <b>285</b>. The upper section <b>285</b> is provided with an aperture (not shown) for receiving a spring-biased button (not shown) disposed within the lower section <b>284</b> when the leg assemblies <b>220</b> are extended. One of ordinary skill with recognize that the upper section <b>285</b> could be provided with a plurality of apertures to provide multiple levels of height adjustment. The leg assemblies <b>220</b> are retracted as the button is depressed and disengaged with the aperture. A grommet <b>275</b> is fixedly attached to an end of each upper section <b>285</b> to support and reinforce the movement of the lower section <b>284</b>.

0038Referring again to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the foldable table <b>200</b> further includes a plurality of support members <b>231</b>, each having a proximal end <b>233</b> (upper portion) and a distal end <b>235</b> (lower portion). The proximal end <b>233</b> is slidably pivotally connected to a sliding jacket member <b>241</b> located on the side rail <b>211</b> while the distal end <b>235</b> of the support member <b>231</b> is fixedly pivotally connected to each leg <b>221</b>.

0039Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 8A</figref>, the jacket member <b>241</b> is a unitary component constructed of a hard injection-molded plastic and is substantially hollow with a substantially square cross-section such that it is slidably connected to each substantially hollow, square beam <b>211</b>. However, the jacket member <b>241</b> could take on other shapes depending on the shape of the side rail <b>211</b>. The jacket member <b>241</b> includes a ramp portion <b>243</b> having a guide channel <b>247</b> extending along a bottom surface. An intermediate portion <b>245</b> bridges the ramp portion <b>243</b> and a lock portion <b>249</b> such that they are integrally formed together. The lock portion <b>249</b> is hollow and cylindrical, and includes an opening <b>251</b> for housing an actuator or push-button <b>261</b>. In the preferred embodiment, the actuator <b>261</b> includes a solid cylinder <b>263</b> extending outward from the track lock portion <b>249</b> and an integrally formed base <b>265</b> having substantially similar dimensions as the opening <b>251</b> such that the transverse cross-sectional area of the opening <b>251</b> is substantially covered by the base <b>265</b> as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>. A first biasing member <b>267</b> such as a tension spring is disposed around the cylinder <b>263</b> and above the base <b>265</b> such that the actuator <b>261</b> is normally depressed and the base <b>265</b> contacts the outer surface of the side rail <b>211</b>.

0040Referring again to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 8A</figref>, a spring-loaded pin <b>253</b> integrally connected to a second biasing member <b>255</b>, such as a spring, is disposed within each side rail <b>211</b>, and the pin <b>253</b> extends outward from an aperture formed on the side rail <b>211</b>. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the spring-loaded pin <b>253</b> may be disposed in the side rail <b>211</b> through other elastic mechanisms. The second biasing member <b>255</b> is constructed such that the upward force of the pin <b>253</b> is greater than the downward force of the actuator <b>261</b> generated by the first biasing member <b>267</b>. Also, the height of the pin <b>253</b> is less than the clearance between the ramp portion <b>243</b> and the side rail surface <b>211</b>. The side rail <b>211</b> defines a path or track for the slidable jacket member <b>241</b> such that the pin <b>253</b> is substantially aligned with the ramp portion <b>243</b> and lock portion <b>249</b> of the jacket member <b>241</b>. The jacket member <b>241</b> is slidable toward the pin <b>253</b> until the pin <b>253</b> is received within the opening <b>251</b> of the lock portion <b>249</b>. It is preferred that the pin <b>253</b> is rounded at an upper end to provide smooth engagement with the guide channel <b>247</b> and to minimize friction. The plastic construction of the components of the locking mechanism or jacket member <b>241</b> reduces the risk of injury for the user compared with components of the prior art having metal edges. Risk of injury when locking and unlocking the leg assemblies <b>220</b> is further reduced because the engaging portion of the locking mechanism <b>241</b>, i.e., the pin <b>253</b> and the actuator base <b>265</b>, are not exposed.

0041In operation, to set up the table <b>200</b> for use, the leg assemblies <b>220</b> are pivoted away from the table top <b>201</b> from the folded position as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. Each jacket member <b>241</b> slides along each side rail <b>211</b> such that the spring-loaded pin <b>253</b> is received by the jacket member <b>241</b> ramp portion <b>243</b> until the pin <b>253</b> is biased downward beneath the outer surface of the side rail <b>211</b>. The declined guide channel <b>247</b> allows the pin <b>253</b> to smoothly transition from an extended state to a depressed state. Each respective jacket member <b>241</b> slides further toward the first and second ends <b>206</b>, <b>207</b> as the pin <b>253</b> is received by the opening <b>251</b>. The pin <b>253</b> extends beyond the outer surface of the side rail <b>211</b> and is engaged with the actuator <b>261</b> such that the actuator <b>261</b> is moved upward. Thus, the spring-loaded pin <b>253</b> and the jacket member <b>241</b> are restricted from movement and are engaged in a locked position. In the locked position, the legs <b>221</b> are substantially perpendicular to the table top <b>201</b> as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. To fold the table <b>200</b>, the actuators <b>261</b> of each leg assembly <b>220</b> are simultaneously depressed such that each pin <b>253</b> is depressed below the inner surface of each side rail <b>211</b>. The leg assemblies <b>220</b> are pivoted toward the table top <b>201</b> as each jacket member <b>241</b> slides toward the mid-portions of the beams <b>211</b> and the pin <b>253</b> is disengaged from the base <b>265</b> and remaining components of the jacket member <b>241</b>.

0042While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention can be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.