EP1177747A1

EP1177747A1 - Extensible table having a table top formed by intercoupled strips

Info

Publication number: EP1177747A1
Application number: EP01118423A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Luigi Mascheroni
Original assignee: MWH Metallwerk Helmstadt GmbH
Current assignee: MWH Metallwerk Helmstadt GmbH
Priority date: 2000-08-01
Filing date: 2001-07-31
Publication date: 2002-02-06
Anticipated expiration: 2021-07-31
Also published as: EP1177747B1; IT1318309B1; ITMI20001793A0; DE60101185T2; DE60101185D1; ATE253854T1; ITMI20001793A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an extensible table including a table top formed by intercoupled strips, comprising a first and second end stands, opposite to one another, therefrom extend supporting and guiding cross-members which are mutually slidable and support S-shape arms mutually articulated and provided with supporting pins for supporting the strips or staves. The latter can be arranged in a mutually adjoining relationship for defining sad table top.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an extensible table having a table top formed by mutually intercoupled strips.
As is known, several extensible table types are commercially available which, as a common feature, allow the table top to be extended by discrete lengths, which can be obtained by using one or more elements having a preset length.
Thus, it is not possible to provide a continuously extensible table; in other words, the table cannot be extended in a continuous manner, since the table length can be changed exclusively by discrete portions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the aim of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned problem, by providing an extensible table having a table top formed by mutually intercoupled strips, allowing to adjust at will and in a continuous manner the table length, starting from a minimum length value, which is that corresponding to a fully withdrawn condition of the table top, to a maximum length value, which is that corresponding to the maximum extension condition of the table top.
Within the scope of the above mentioned aim, a main object of the present invention is to provide such an extensible table which allows to modify its useful length in a very quick and easy manner, without the need of using separated tools or elements.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such an extensible table which, owing to its specifically designed construction, is very reliable and safe in operation.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such an extensible table which can be easily made starting from easily commercially available elements and materials and which, moreover, is very competitive from a mere economic standpoint.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the above mentioned aim and object, as well as yet other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by an extensible table having a table top made of mutually intercoupled strips, characterized in that said table comprises a first and second end stands, opposite to one another, therefrom supporting and guiding cross members extend, said supporting and guiding cross members being mutually slidable with respect to one another and supporting S-shape arms, said S-shape arms being articulated to one another and provided with pins for supporting strips or staves arranged in a mutually adjoining relationship, for defining said table top.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent hereinafter from the following detailed disclosure of a preferred, though not exclusive, embodiment of an extensible table provided with a table top including a plurality of mutually intercoupled strips, and being illustrated, by way of an indicative, but not limitative, example, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, where:
Figure 1 is a schematic elevation view illustrating the table according to the invention in a minimum length condition thereof;
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the table according to the present invention, also shown in a shortened condition;
Figure 3 schematically illustrates the table according to the present invention in a shortened position, and clearly shows the positions of the supporting and guiding cross members and the S-shaped arms;
Figure 4 is a side elevation view illustrating the subject table in an extended condition thereof;
Figure 5 is a top plan view illustrating the subject table in an extended condition thereof;
Figure 6 is a top plan view illustrating the subject table in an extended condition thereof, and clearly showing the supporting and guiding cross members and S-shape arms; and
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the S-shape arms and locking means for locking the table at a set position or condition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the number references of the above mentioned figures, the extensible table, including a table top formed by a plurality of mutually intercoupled strips, according to the present invention, which is generally indicated by the reference number 1, comprises a first and second stands, respectively indicated by the reference numbers 2 and 3, which have U-shape and are constituted by section members having a substantially triangular cross-section.
The end stands 2 and 3, more specifically, are opposite to one another and therefrom extend supporting and guiding cross-members which comprise inner cross-members 10, extending, for example, from the first stand 2, and outer supporting and guiding cross-members 11, extending from the second stand 3.
Said cross-members are designed for sliding with respect to one another and, at a withdrawn or short length condition of the table, as shown in figure 3, they are mutually facing and opposite.
The cross members 10 and 11 support moreover S-shape arms, indicated by the reference number 20, which are mutually articulated.
More specifically, and as clearly shown in figures 3, 6 and 7, the arms 20 are articulated, at their end portions, with further arms 20, opposite to one another and, at an intermediate position, they are articulated by a central peg 21, extending into a pin 22, engaged in a strip or stave 23 which, adjoining further strips, provides the table-top construction.
In particular, the mentioned arms 20, at their end portions, are articulated with side pins 25, so arranged as to practically provide a Nuremberg scissors coupling.
To the central pin or peg 21, is coupled a sliding shoe 30, which can be displaced in a sliding guide 31 defined by the opposite cross-members 10 and 11.
Moreover, coupling rollers 40 engaging in sliding tracks 41, defined on said cross members, are provided.
As shown, the table comprises furthermore a locking handle 50, adapted to be engaged through a fixed bushing 51 provided in a guide track 41, and being coupled to a locking shoe 52, provided in the opposite cross-member which, as the handle is operated, can be slidably driven to provide a locking action.
More specifically, the locking means, formed in said handle 50, allow to lock the table upon having achieved a desired or set length thereof.
As shown, under one of the stands, for example under the first stand 2 are provided small rollers 60, whereas under the other stand bearing fixed foot elements 61 are arranged.
For extending the table, it is sufficient to apply a pulling force on one of the stands, for example on the stand 2, which can be freely slide, thereby causing the articulated arms to be mutually displaced, with a consequent gradual spacing of the strips or staves forming the table top.
The scissors connection of said S-shape articulated arms causes the table top to be evenly extended through all the strips, thereby providing all the desired lengths for the table top.
Upon achieving the desired table top length, it would be sufficient to operate the handle 50 to lock at the achieved position the table top while preventing the cross members 10 and 11 from mutually sliding.
From the above disclosure it should be apparent that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects.
In particular, the fact is to be pointed out that an extensible table having a table top formed by mutually intercoupled strips has been provided, allowing to achieve a continuous changing of the table top.
The invention, as disclosed, is susceptible to several modifications and variations, all of which will come within the scope of the invention.
Moreover, all the constructional details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.
In practicing the invention, the used materials, as well as the contingent size and shapes can be any, according to requirements.

Claims

An extensible table having a table top made of mutually intercoupled strips, characterized in that said table comprises a first and second end stands, opposite to one another, therefrom supporting and guiding cross members extend, said supporting and guiding cross members being mutually slidable with respect to one another and supporting S-shape arms, said S-shape arms being articulated to one another and provided with pins for supporting strips or staves arranged in a mutually adjoining relationship, for defining said table top.
An extensible table, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said stands have a U shape.
An extensible table, according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that one of said stands comprises ground bearing rollers, the other stand comprising fixed foot elements.
An extensible table, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said mutually slidable supporting and guiding cross members comprise inner and outer cross members respectively extending from either one and the other of said stands.
An extensible table, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said inner and outer cross-members are coupled to one another by sliding rollers, which can slidably driven in sliding tracks defined by said cross members.
An extensible table, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said arms are arranged in a hinged crossed relationship, by a central pin on an extension of which is arranged a supporting pin.
An extensible table, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that sliding shoes are provided on the cross members rigid with said supporting pin.
An extensible table, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said articulated arms are coupled to one another at their end portions by side pins.
An extensible table, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said table comprises moreover locking means for locking said cross members at a set sliding position thereof.
An extensible table, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking means comprises a handle element coupled to a threaded stem passing through a bushing provided on a guiding track of a cross member and engageable with a shoe movable in a guide track of the other cross member.
An extensible table, having a mutually intercoupled strip table top, characterized in that said extensible table comprises one or more of the disclosed and/or illustrated features.