US2471782A - Extension leaf table - Google Patents

Description

May 31, 1949. c. H. scHNoRR EXTENSION LEAF TABLE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 29, 1947 Zhen tar j'zarles HSahn grr May 31, 1949. c. H. scHNoRR EXTENSION LEAF TABLE 5 Sheets- Sheet 3 Filed Jan. 29, 1947 /m W j Ch arles H. Schnorr M ay 31, 1949. c. H. scHNoRR EXTENSION LEAF TABLE 5 sheets-smak 4 Filed Jan. 29, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 C. H. SCHNORR EXTENSION LEAF TABLE M4/M www4 Inventor Ch 6016511 S dmorf @M BNN# HQ n LW QNNHWM.

May 31, 1949.

Filed Jan. 29,` 1947 Patented May 31, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE l EXTENSION LEAF TABLE Charles H. Schnur, Springdale, Pa.

Application January 29, `19457, Serial No. 724,942

11 Claims. l

My invention relates to tables, particularly to tables having one or more leaves that are eXtensible to increase the effective areas of the table tops.

Tables provided with extensible `leaves `have been known tothe art for years; but it is -to be understood that Hmyinvention comprises certain new and useful improvements in table construction, whereby a table, having the `att-ra'ctiveappearan-ce of a solid-top table, may include one or more leaves that can be moved from a pesition of absolute concealment into a position of alignment with the table top. My table structure is particularly, though not exclusively, de signed for metal tables; and the invention embraces improvements in the mechanism whereby a table leaf may be readily moved from position of concealment into position of service.

The invention will be understood upon reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a table-embodya `construction of the -inven-tiony/the` View 'showing `a table `having two leaves that lare in retracted and concealed position;

i Fig. 2 is Va view similar `to Fig 1,showingthe leaves of the table extended into service position;

Fig.` 3 isla-largerview of the table, as seen in plan from above,` with the two leaves extended;

Fig. 4 `isla fragmentary sectionalviewon still larger scale than Fig. 3, showing certain rdetails of construction of the table-top-operating mechanism on the vertical plane of section illustrated l -at IV-IV in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view, show-ing ythe table-top-operating mechanism on =-the `plane V--V of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Figu, Whereas Fig. 5 shows the operating mechanism ofthe table top in `normal position, Fig. 6 vshows the mechanism in an intermediate position,\ in the course of raising Athe table top into .the .position wherein one or both of `the leaves of the table top `may be extended;

`beneath the main panel of the table top;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to'Fig. '7. showing the leaf drawn into extended position from beneath `the raised main` panel of the table top;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8, showing'the main panel lowered into common plane with the extended leaf; and

Fig. 1U is a fragmentary view comparable with Fig, illustrating a modification in the structure of the table-top-operating mechanism.

The table of the invention is in this case constructed of metal, comprising a frame formed of a peripherally extending skirt 2, to which four i table legs 3 are secured, as by means of screws Il having heads 5 of the ornamental design shown on lthe outer face of the skirt, and provided with wing-nuts il engaging leg-securing angle clamps l ,as `indicated in Fig. 3. The skirt 2 is formed of an extruded or rolled section of metal, typically aluminum, and is deleted on one side to receive a drawer 3, carried on slide members 9, 9 that traverse the skirt from side to side and reinforce the structure, as well as support the drawer. Other than in the drawer opening the body of the skirt 2 is of uninterrupted continuity. The body or section of the metal of which the skirt is formed includes a vertical web portion (to which the reference numeral 2 is applied) having at its lower edge an inwardly directed flange 2a. At an interval above the flange `2a an inwardly directed flange 2lb is integrally formed with the web portion, and this flange 2b is also spaced at an interval below the upper edge of the vertical web portion, as shown in Figs. 4 and '7. These flanges 2a and 2b, extending peripherally of the skirt, make for sturdiness and strength of 4table construction, it being noted that the legs 3 `may be kerfed to fit over the lower flange 12a, as shown at 2c in Fig. 9. Alternately, the flange 2a may be cut away from the web2 at the four corners of the table, snugly to receive the table legs without the provision of kerfs.

The top of the table comprises a main panel l0 and two leaves Il and l2. The panel and leaves are each formed of wood t3 (Fig. ll), carrying on its top and side edges a facing l5 of 4sheet aluminum, stainless steel, Monel metal, or

plain steel coated with porcelain enamel, and be tween such facing and the wooden body an intervening layer M of felt,'asbestos paper or other `insulating material is interposed.

`absolutely screening the leaves `Il and l2 and `providing an extension table that in normal position of leaf adjustmenthas'the Vattractive aspects of a solid-top table.

In accordance with my invention means are provided for raising the main top panel lli and the leaves I I and I2 from nested position within the upper edge of the skirt 2, to bring the leaves from concealment and into position where either or both leaves may be drawn from beneath the panel Ii) and extended outward over the upper edge of the skirt 2, whereupon the panel may be shifted vertically relatively to the extended leaves and the leaves and panel arranged in common plane. as shown in Fig. 2. The inven tion further consists in a particularly effective mechanism for the purpose of so manipulating the table parts.

The main panel I of the table top is secured to the table frame by means of two telescopic supporting devices, each comprising two members I and Il, arranged with one member secured to the skirt 2 of the table frame and the other member secured to the nether face of the panel I0, and with the two members arranged in vertically sliding assembly one within the other, whereby the table top, otherwise rigidly secured to the table frame, may be vertically adjusted, as will presently appear. More particularly,themem bers I5 and ll are formed of plate metal; the outer member I5 of the telescopic assembly is of Vertical tubular form, rectangular in horizontal section, and having tangs It extending laterally from its body, and riveted, as at ita, to the anges 2a and 2b of the skirt 2 of the table frame. The member Il, slidably engaged in the bore of tubular member l5, is provided with a horizontal ange portion, by means of which it is rigidly attached, as by screws it, to the panel it. With the panel It thus secured at its opposite ends or sides to the table frame, the mechanism for vertically shifting the panel may readily function.

Such mechanism includes an arm it pivoted at 2t to the outer member I5 of each telescopic panel-securing device, and an arm 2l pivoted at 22 to the inner member Il of each of said devices. The two arms are articulated by means of a pin 23, and the two arms are arranged to extend at an acute angle to one another when the panel l0 is in its lower or normal position, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5. If then, the two sets of arms l and 2l are manipulated simultaneously (one set of arms being provided with each of the two telescopic panel-securing devices I5, Il) to increase the angularity of the arms, the two members I'I will be forced upward in the two members I5, thereby raising the panel I. In order to effect such movement of the two sets of arms i9 and 2i simultaneously, the means for pivotally attaching the arms 2l to the members I? of the two panel securing devices comprise a shaft 2t that extends from one end of the table to the other, and is journaled at its two ends in the bodies of the members Il, as well as in two intermediate bearings 25 on the panel I0, which will be later described. At each end the cylindrical body of the shaft is flattened, as at 24a, and the arms 2| are snugly mounted on the so formed ends of the shaft, with the consequence that the two arms 2| and the shaft .must rotate in unison. Since the `tv/o arms I 9 are pivoted to the arms 2|, the operation of the pair of arms I9, 2| at one end of the table is simultaneously effected in the arms |19, 2| at the opposite end of the table. In order to rotate the shaft, the arm 2| at one end of the table is continued outward from the pin 23 in a lever 26, equipped at its end with a handle 21.

The person desiring to raise or lower the table top may readily reach under the skirt 2 and grasp the handle 2l'. By pulling downward on the handle the lever 2 may be swung clockwise (compare Figs. 5 and 6) thereby rotating the shaft 2d and moving the arms I9 and 2| at each end of the table towards a position of Vertical alignment, which in turn effects the rise of the table top above the upper edge of the skirt 2. It will be seen, therefore, that by manipulating the lever 26, the table top may be raised, and, if raised, may be lowered. In the ensuing specification where reference is made to the raising or lowering of the table top or panel lil, it will be understood that the movment is effected by such manipulation of the lever 26. Suiice it at this point to note that the telescopic supporting devices i5, ll' at the two ends of the table accurately support the table panel or top for vertical movement between nested position within the upper edge of the skirt 2 and elevated position above such edge, in the latter of which positions the leaves ll and l2 may be adjusted. The upper edge of each supporting member l5 and the lower edge of each member II are notched, as indicated at 28 and 2Q in Fig. 6, 'to provide ciearance for the shaft 24 and the pin 2li, respectively, when the table panel is in its lower position, nested within the upper edge or the skirt 2, with the support members I'I fully telescoped within members it. It may also be noted that the flange portions lla of the outer supporting members li are windowed, as at 1lb, to provide clearance for the upper ends of the arms 2| that are secured on the shaft 2li,

ihe leaves ll and I2 are supported upon the under race or the top panel It, and the means for this purpose compnse a spaced pair of bars @Il and el for each leaf, siideably engaged by bear- Ang members 2e that are secured by screws 32 to the bottom of the panel lli. rihe engagement ol tne bars tu and in the bearing members lo 1s suon that the leaves may, when the panel nu is raised to lift the leaves above the upper edge or' the skirt be withdrawn horizontally rioni position beneath the panel id. Additionally, the structure of the slide-bar and bearing assembly 1s suon that vertical movement as well horizontal movement of the leaves relatively to the panel is permitted.

Considering the preferred structure herein illustrated, it will be noted that the bars 3d and are formed of plate metal, stamped or diepressed into the form shown, each bar including an outer portion 33 to which a leaf is secured by means oi screws 3ft. Inward from the portion each slide bar Sii and di is formed with a broader' body portion Sii that includes an elongate Vslot 35, through which extends a pair of pins 3l, 2l, carried by the associate bearing 2f. More particularly, each bearing 25 consists of a metal bracket, including a basal portion 25D, two hub portions 2te, and two depending support portions 25a. The screws 32 that secure each bearing 25 to the panel I extend through and engage the basal portion 25h to the panel; the shaft 2d of the panel-actuating mechanism extends through and is medially supported by the hub portions 25o; and the support portions 25a carry the' pins 3l, 3l that secure the leaf-supporting bars 32 and 3| to the bearing. The support portions 25a, of the two bearings 25 severally engage and supportthe bars 30 or 3| of the two leaves li and I2, as may be seen in Fig. 3.

The two pins lil, 3l that are carried by each support portion 25a for the support of a slidebar Siler iii are preferably provided in the form of` rollers or hanged wheels, as shown, thereby minimizing resistance to the sliding movement or `the bars relatively to their supporting elements 25a. Furthermore, the two pins or wheels that slideably engage each bar to its support portion are spaced apart longitudinally of the slot 36 in the bar. Thus, it will be understood that, when the table top (comprising the panel Iii and theleaves Il and l2) is raised from nested position within the upper edge of the skirt 2 of the table frame, either or both of the leaves Il and |21 may be drawn from beneath the panel it outward over the upper edge of the skirt.

Fig. 7 illustrates the table top moved into raised position, and it will be perceived that not only are the panel and the leaves raised above the upper edge of the skirt 2, but the portions 33 of the` leaf-supporting bars til and 3l are also positioned to clear the edge of the skirt. Fig. '7 illustrates they table structure fragmentarily, and shows only one of the two leaves-the leaf ll, but the description of the manipulation of this leaf `will serve for both. While the table top is being raised, the leaf li remains snug against the bottom of the panel ld, or against the gasket of felt 3B secured Ito the bottom of the panel i0 contiguous to its peripheral edge. When the top reaches the fully raised position shown in Fig. 7, the leaf Il may be readily withdrawn to the position inwhich it is shown in Fig. 8, wherein the inner` edge l la of the leaf is vertically aligned with the peripheral edge ida of the panel lll. When the leaf has been thus positioned, the topoperating mechanism is operated to lower the table top. However, the portions 33 of the leafsupporting bars te and 3l, then bearing as shown in Fig.` 8 upon the upper edge of the skirt 2, support the leaf and prevent its downward movement, and it is at this stage in the operation that means. come into play, to permit the panel Iito descend relatively to the leaf, until both the leaf and the panel extend in a common horizontal plane, las shown in Fig. 9, in which position` of the par-ts the table is serviceable with the one or both of the leaves extended, as shown in Fig. 2.` The means providing for such relative `verticalmovernent between the panel Il! and `the extended leaves il and l2 are afforded by a feature of construction in the bearing devices 2.5,;,that is, the openings `that retain the roller pins 3l, 31 in each support portion 25a consist invertical slots 35i. By virtue of these slots, the bearing devices 25 (and with them the panel l0) maybe lowered from the position indicated in Fig. 8 to that indicated in Fig. 9. It will be understood that when the table top is raised the `roller pins 3l, 31 bear against the bottoms of the slots and carry the roller pins, bars 30, 3| and leaves l l and l2 upward with the panel, but,

`when the leaves are extended and bear upon the P Qtioll, (Fig. 1) the top-actuating` mechanism is manipulated to raise the panel v and the bearing devices 25 from the position shown in Fig. 9 to that shown in Fig. 8, relieving the pressure of the bar portions 33 on the edgeof the skirt 2 of the table frame, or preferably lifting such bar portions free from engagement with the edge of the skirt. Thereupon, the leaves may be slid inward to retracted position beneath the panel it (cf. Fig. 7), and 'the entire top structure of the table then lowered to nested position within `the upper edge of the skirt 2, in which position `the leaves and all actuating mechanism are absolutely screened from view and from accumulations of dust and dirt.

As exemplary of the many variations .in details of construction that may be utilized without departing from the spirit of my invention, show in Fig. 10 a modification in the mechanism for raising and lowering the table top. Instead of journaling the shaft 2li in the vertically moving members il or the telescopic topsupporting devices, the shaft may be journaled at each end in the stationary outer members I5 at each end of the table. On each member I1 a cam roller iii is mounted, to ride the edge of a disk cam el ixed on the shaft adjacent each telescopic supporting device l5, il, and to one of the cams il a radial arm 42 is welded. The arm may be equipped with a handle (not shown) in the same way that the lever 26 is equipped, and thus the arm` may be swung to rotate the shaft and the two cams thereon. When the shaft is rotated counterclockwise, as viewed in Fig. 10, the cam edges bearing upward against the rollers It@ effect the rise of the support member l1 and the table top, and, alternately, when the shaft is rotated clockwise, the table top is lowered. The bodies of the support members Il of the two supporting devices include vertical slots Mi, whereby interference of the shaft 2li with the desired vertical movement of the members il is avoided. Conveniently, a notch E is formed in the edge of each cam, adjacent vto the point of maximum throw, so that when the table top is raised by the rotating cams into fully elevation position, the rollers do will enter the notches e3 and temporarily retain the top in elevated position, that is, until the leaves are drawn into extended position, whereupon the cams may be rotated to disengage the notches from the rollers and lower the table top or the panel l() thereof.

I claim:

1. A table having a frame supporting a table top, said frame comprising a main panel and a leaf normally positioned beneath the panel, supporting bars for said leaf, a plurality of spaced bearing means secured to the under side of said panel engaging said supporting bars for horizontal and vertical movement of the supporting bars relatively to said panel, and means including a shaft extending between and journaled in said bearing means for vertically shifting said panel and bearing means, whereby the leaf may be drawn horizontally from beneath the panel and the panel positioned in the plane thereof.

A table having a frame provided with a skirt having a peripherally extending upper edge, a table top comprising a main panel and a leaf normally positioned beneath the panel. and beneath said upper edge of the skirt, supporting means for said leaf, a plurality of spaced bearing means beneath the panel engaging said leafsupporting means for horizontal and vertical movement of the supporting means relatively to the panel, and means including ashaft extend- V7 ing between and journaled in said bearing means for vertically shifting the panel and leaf to move the leaf into position above said upper edge of the skirt, whereby the leaf may be drawn horizontally from beneath the panel and the panel vpositioned in the plane thereof.

3. A table having a frame provided with a skirt having a peripherally extending upper edge, a table top comprising a main panel and a leaf normally positioned beneath the panel and beneath said upper edge of the skirt, supporting means for said leaf, a plurality of spaced bearing means secured to the bottom of the panel engaging said leaf-supporting means for horizontal and vertical movement of the supporting means relatively to the panel, and mechanism including a crank mounted on said frame and a shaft extending between and journaled in said bearing means for vertically shifting the panel and leaf to move the leaf into position above the upper edge of the skirt, whereby the leaf may be drawn horizontally from beneath the panel and positioned in the plane thereof.

4. A table having a frame supporting a table top, said table top comprising a main panel and a leaf normally positioned beneath the panel, means including at least one slide bar for supporting said leaf, said slide bar including a longitudinal slot, a bearing secured to the under side of said panel, a plurality of pins in said bearing extending through said slot at points spaced longitudinally thereof and engaging said slide bar to the bearing and providing for horizontal movement of the leaf relatively to said panel, said bearing including vertical. slots providing for a vertical movement of said pins and the slide bar engaged thereby relatively to said panel, whereby said panel when said leaf is drawn horizontally from therebeneath may be positioned in the plane of the leaf, and means for vertically shifting said panel and bearing.

5. A table having a frame supporting a table top, said table top comprising a main panel and a leaf normally positioned beneath the panel, means including at least one slide bar for supporting said leaf, said slidel bar including a longitudinal slot, a bearing secured to the under side of said panel, a plurality of pins in said bearing extending through said slot at points spaced longitudinally thereof and engaging said slide bar to the bearing and providing for horizontal movement of the leaf relatively to said panel, said bearing including vertical slots providing for a vertical movement of said pins and the slide bar engaged thereby relatively 'to said panel, whereby said panel when said leaf is drawn horizontally from therebeneath may be positioned in the plane of the leaf, and mechanism including a crank accessible beneath said panel for vertically shifting said panel and bearing into position to permit horizontal and vertical movements of said leaf relatively to the panel.l

6. A table having a frame provided with a skirt having a peripherally extending upper edge, a table top comprising a main panel and a` leaf normally positioned beneath the panel and beneath said upper edge of the skirt, means including at least one slide bar for supporting said leaf said slide bar including a longitudinal slot, a bearing secured to the under side of said panel, a plurality of pins in said bearing extending through said slot at points spaced longitudinally thereof and engaging said slide bar to the bearing and providing for horizontal movement of the leaf relatively to said panel, means in the assembled slide bar and bearing providing for the vertical movement of the bearing relatively to the slide bar whereby said panel when said leaf is drawn horizontally from therebeneath may be positioned in the plane thereof, and means for vertically shifting said panel, bearing and leaf into a position wherein the leaf lies above said upper edge ofthe spirt for horizontal movement outwardly thereof.

7. A table having a frame supporting a table top, said table top comprising a main panel and a leaf normally positioned beneath the panel, a plurality of slide bars for supporting said leaf, a bearing for each slide bar secured to the bottom of the panel, means in said bearings and slide bars for engaging the respective slide bars to said bearings while providing for longitudinal movement of the engaged bars, whereby said leaf may be extended horizontally from beneath said panel, means in the assembled slide bars and bearings providing for the vertical movement of the bearings relatively to the bars and of the panel into the plane of the extended leaf, and means for vertically shifting said panel and bearings.

S. A table having a frame supporting a table top, said table top comprising a, main panel and leaf normally positioned beneath the panel, a plurality of slide bars for supporting said leaf, a bearmg for each slide bar secured to the bottom of the panel, a longitudinal slot in each slide bar, a plurality of in each bearing extending through the slot in the associate slide bar at spaced longitudinally thereof and providing for horizontal extension of the leaf from beneath the panel, each bearing including vertical slots providing for vertical movement of the bearings relatively to the pins and the slide bar engaged thereby, whereby said panel when said leaf is drawn horizontally into extended position may be vertically shifted relatively to said leaf and into the plane thereof, and means for vertically shifting said panel and bearings.

9. A table having a frame provided with a skirt having a peripherally extending upper edge, a table top comprising a main panel and a'leaf normally positioned beneath the panel and beneath said upper edge of the skirt, a plurality of slide bars for supporting said leaf, a bearing for each slide bar secured to the bottom of the panel, means in said bearings and slide bars for engaging the respective slide bars to said bearings while providing for longitudinal movement of the engaged bars, whereby said leaf may be extended horizontally from beneath said panel, means in the assembled slide bars and bearings providing for the vertical movement of the bearings relatively to the bars and of the panel into the plane of the extended leaf, and means for Y vertically shifting said panel, bearing and leaf into a position wherein the leaf lies above said upper edge of the skirt for horizontal movement outwardly thereof.

10. A table having a frame provided with a skirt having a peripherally extending upper edge, a table top comprising a main panel and a leaf normally positioned beneath the panel and beneath said upper edge of the skirt, a plurality of slide bars for supporting said leaf, a bearing for each slide bar secured to the bottom of the panel, means in said bearings and slide bars for engaging the respective slide bars to said bearings while providing for longitudinal movement of the engaged bars, whereby said leaf may be extended horizontally from beneath said panel,

means in the assembled slide bars and bearings providing for the vertical movement of the bearings relatively to the bars and of the panel into the plane of the extended leaf, and means for vertically shifting said panel, bearing and leaf into a position wherein the leaf lies above said upper edge of the skirt for horizontal movement outwardly thereof, said last means being operable to lower the panel into the plane of the leaf in extended position. l

11. A table having a frame provided with a skirt having a peripherally extending upper edge, a table top comprising a main panel and a leaf normally positioned beneath the panel and beneath said upper edge of the skirt, a plurality of slide bars for supporting said leaf, a bearing for each slide bar secured to the bottom of the panel, means in said bearings and slide bars for engaging the respective slide bars to said bearings while providing for longitudinal movement of the engaged bars, whereby said leaf may be ex tended horizontally from beneath said panel, means in the assembled slide bars and bearings REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,208,436 Zimmer Dec. 12, 1916 1,208,437 Zimmer Dec. 12, 1916 1,639,825 Wall Aug, 23, 1927 1,763,572 Walter June 10, 1930 2,061,622 Ferney Nov. 24, 1936 2,295,095 Teague l Sept. 8, 1942

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